Facade

“What are you thinking about, Hera? I’ve called you several times, but you didn’t respond,” someone suddenly tapped her shoulder and asked. All content © N/.ôvel/Dr/ama.Org.

Hera snapped out of her thoughts and saw Kerry standing there. 

“Ms. Lane, what’s up?” she asked 

With a canvas bag hanging on her shoulder and hands on her baby bump, Kerry seemed to have approached her on purpose. 

“I finally found you! Here. These are a few speech drafts I selected for you. Take a look and see which one you prefer,” Kerry said, taking out a stack of papers from her bag. 

The drafts were in both Jadonish and Terranish with many annotations on them. Kerry’s meticulous preparation was evident in every detail 

Her pushed her lunchbox aside and glanced at the papers in confusion. 

“The top ten Belles will be revealed tonight. You’re currently one of the top contenders in Class K. You’re definitely securing a spot in the top ten,” Kerry cheered enthusiastically. 

“Now, let’s gear up for the final speech contest and memorize your speech beforehand. Aim for that Belle Lille, and let’s showcase the best of Class Kat the academy’s anniversary celebration!” 

Hera wanted to clarity that she hadn’t signed up. But when she checked the school forum, she saw her photo and name listed as the first among the nominated girls. 

“Thank you, Kerry, Hera reluctantly accepted the speech drafts, 

“You’re welcome. Take them back and have a look. Drop by my office after school. I’ll teach you Terranish recitation. I can also give you extra tutoring over the weekend. Let’s polish your speaking skills before next week’s speech contest!” Kerry said confidently 

“No need. Actully, 1—” 

“Hey, are you Gino’s sister?” 

Justas Hera was about to decline, she was interrupted by a young boy. 

The boy looked to be about seven or eight years old. He was wearing the Cavenridge Elementary School uniform. He was sweating profusely, out of breath from running. 

“What’s the matter, my dear? Don’t be in a hurry. Take your time.” 

Kerry hurriedly took out a tissue to wipe his sweat and helped him catch his breath. 

“Thank you, Ms. Lane.” 

After thanking Kerry, the boy tamed to Hera and said urgently, “I’m Gino’s classmate. Dino got into a fight with a third–grader and was sent to the school clinic. The teacher has called the parents, but no one has arrived yet. Please come and check on him.” 

Hera frowned. She remembered that Gine was only in the first grade. She wondered how he could possibly get into a tight with a third–grader. 

“Is it serious? Hera, go and check on him quickly,” Kerryurged. 

“Okay” 

Hera nodded slightly. 

“Thank you for the information. You don’t need to worry about tutoring me. Take care of yourself and your baby, I’ll get going now.” 

Kerry wanted to persuade her to reconsider tutoring, but Hera had already hired around and followed the boy to the clinic 

“Kerry, I think you should take an early maternity leave and go home. These students are hopeless. They’re just trying to graduate from a prestigious school by any means necessary. It’s not worth putting in so much effort for them,” Esme Jeanne, who had witnessed the scene earlier, walked over and said. 

She was the homeroom teacher for Class B in the second year and also taught Terranish from classes A to E 

she had also heard about the Belle election. 

Kerry might try to make Hera shine, but Esme doubted that Hera could win the final speech contest with her poor Terranish proficiency Esame thought it all seemed futile. 

not true. Every student has their strengths and shining moments. Anyone can shine with a little effort,” Kerry argued. Eumechuckled, “A rotten wood can’t becarved. Be careful not to get too worked up and let it affect your pregnancy.”