‘Young ones are so impressionable... it’s easy to dye them in any color—like a blank canvas.’
Not only had I improved Anabelle’s opinion of me, but even the whole class now had a better image of my person. I had truly killed two birds with one stone, no?
Opinions breed image. Image breeds reputation. Reputation breeds identity. Identity breeds position. Position breeds capacity... and that capacity defines an existence.
All I had just done was to shift something so minute, seemingly inconsequential. But, the rewards would be enormous.
That was a guarantee!
**************************
[Three Days Later]
Classes ended for me, and it was already late in the afternoon. Others began leaving the class to attend their Electives courses, but such things didn’t concern me.
I had something more important to do...
“J-Jared Leonard... here...” A soft voice called out to me.
I had been expecting her all day, but she really held on to the book until the last minute—Anabelle, that is.
I glanced in her direction and flashed my usual calm smile.
“Oh, you’re done already. That’s good.”
Well, I wasn’t that bad-looking, but my facial features couldn’t exactly be said to be top-tier. In fact, compared to how I looked now, my past self may have as well been trash.
‘Must be due to my current noble bloodline...’
In any case, I took the book from Anabelle’s hand, though her tight grip on it before she finally released what was mine, clearly showed how unwilling she was to part with it.
I could have extended her time with it, but that would only bring suspicion upon me. Why would I borrow a book for two weeks and lend it to another person, when I could be using it?
I had to act natural.
Plus, something told me that no time I gave Anabelle would be enough to satiate her uses for the book. It would just be best if she borrowed it from the Library after I was done.
“It’s Friday, already... last day of our first week.”
I had to wrap things up with the pair of both Anabelle and Edward before more time elapsed.
“It’s nice to see that someone feels the same as I do. I also share your opinion, Anabelle. Lewis Griffith... I intend to surpass him.”
My sudden statement, devoid of any lies, struck a chord within Anabelle the moment they were uttered.
Her eyes widened in surprise as I gave her a fierce look to show I was serious. Sparkles showed in her clear blue eyes and I could see more of her excitement build up.
“Kyiiiiii!!!” She suddenly let out a squeal that caught me off guard.
“So, you feel the same way? I knew it! I mean, I’m always watching how you read during your spare time, and how you look at the flowers in the garden, plucking quite a few. I assume those are for experiments, right? You also brilliantly answer the questions in class and give your ideal opinion. You mix in your assertion, argument, and possible proof when offering an answer! Do you know the significant similarities in those things?”
Anabelle was rambling now, she couldn’t be stopped. My statement had opened a chatterbox that exceeded my control.
“I-I guess it’s—”
“—That’s right! It’s what Lewis Griffith used to do back in his school days!” Anabelle refused to let me complete my excuse of a response and just continued speaking.
Perhaps I didn’t have everything under control as I had initially thought.