Transmigrating Into a novel as a Rich Second-Generation.-Chapter 36: Improved Relationship

Inside the infirmary, Nurse Williams had Sebastian sit on one of the medical beds while she retrieved proper cleaning supplies and bandages.

Amelia stood nearby, her arms crossed, her expression a mixture of concern and barely-contained anger.

"I’m calling the principal," she said firmly. "This kind of violence is completely unacceptable. Those students need to be found and expelled."

"Please, Miss Sloane," Sebastian said weakly, wincing as the nurse dabbed antiseptic on his cut. "I don’t want to make a big deal out of this..."

"A big deal?" Amelia looked at him incredulously. "Sebastian, you were assaulted by three people. This is a big deal."

"I know, but..." Sebastian hesitated, as if wrestling with something difficult. "I just... I don’t want people thinking I’m weak, you know? That I couldn’t defend myself."

His voice carried just the right amount of vulnerability—pride wounded, but not wanting to appear overly victimized.

Amelia’s expression softened immediately. "Sebastian, being attacked by three people doesn’t make you weak. It makes them cowards."

"I appreciate that," Sebastian said quietly. "But still... maybe we could keep this between us for now? At least until we know who did it?"

Nurse Williams finished cleaning the cut and applied a small butterfly bandage. "You’re lucky. It looks worse than it is. No stitches needed, but you’ll have a nice bruise for a few days."

"Thank you, Nurse Williams," Sebastian said.

The nurse gathered her supplies. "I’ll give you two some privacy. Sebastian, rest here for at least twenty minutes before you try to leave, understood?"

"Yes, ma’am."

The nurse left, closing the door behind her.

Now it was just Sebastian and Amelia alone in the quiet infirmary.

Amelia pulled up a chair and sat down beside the medical bed, her expression serious but kind.

"Sebastian, I need you to be completely honest with me. Do you have any idea why someone would do this to you?"

Sebastian looked down at his hands, seemingly considering his words carefully.

"I... I have my suspicions," he admitted quietly.

Amelia leaned forward. "Tell me."

"There’s been some... tension lately. With other students." Sebastian’s voice was reluctant, as if he didn’t want to tell tales. "I’ve been spending time with a girl—Isabelle Tian. And another student, Ethan Cole, he’s... he’s had feelings for her."

Recognition flickered in Amelia’s eyes. "Ethan Cole?!"

"Yes." Sebastian nodded. "I don’t think Ethan would do this himself, maybe he’s not that kind of person. But he has friends. People who might think they’re helping him by... by intimidating me."

It was a masterful balance—not directly accusing Ethan, which would seem petty, but planting the seed of connection without being explicit.

Amelia’s jaw tightened. "If that’s true, then Ethan needs to know his ’friends’ are taking things way too far."

"Please don’t confront him about it," Sebastian said quickly, reaching out to touch her arm—a brief, earnest gesture. "I don’t have proof. And I don’t want to make things worse. I just... I just want to move on."

Amelia looked at him for a long moment, clearly impressed by his maturity.

"You’re very level headed about this," she observed. "Most students in your position would be demanding immediate retaliation."

Sebastian gave a small, tired smile. "My father always taught me that revenge just perpetuates cycles of conflict. Better to be the bigger person."

"That’s... remarkably wise for someone your age."

There was a brief silence, comfortable but charged with the intimacy of shared confidence.

Sebastian seized the moment.

"Miss Sloane, can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Why did you come running when you heard I was in trouble?" Sebastian asked, his tone genuinely curious. "You don’t even know me. I’m not in any of your classes."

Amelia smiled gently. "I don’t need to know a student personally to care about their safety, Sebastian. Every student in this school matters. And when I heard someone was being attacked, I didn’t think—I just acted."

"That’s... that’s really admirable," Sebastian said softly. "Not many people would do that."

"Then not many people are doing their jobs properly," Amelia replied simply.

Sebastian looked at her, his expression one of genuine respect and growing admiration.

"I wish I’d had you as a teacher," he said. "You actually care."

Amelia’s cheeks coloured slightly at the compliment. "Well, it’s not too late. If you ever need help with anything, academic or otherwise, my door is always open."

"Actually," Sebastian said, as if the thought had just occurred to him, "I’ve been thinking about improving my literature analysis skills. I’m strong in sciences and math, but I feel like I’m lacking in the humanities. Would you... would you be willing to tutor me? After school, maybe?"

Amelia hesitated, clearly considering the request.

"I know you’re busy," Sebastian added quickly, "and I’d completely understand if you don’t have time. I could pay you for your time, of course—"

"Sebastian, no," Amelia interrupted, shaking her head. "I don’t accept payment for helping students. That’s not why I became a teacher."

She paused, then smiled. "But yes, I’d be happy to help you with literature. How about we start next week? Say, Tuesday and Thursday after school?" 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

Sebastian’s face lit up with what appeared to be genuine gratitude. "Really? That would be amazing. Thank you so much, Miss Sloane."

"It’s my pleasure," Amelia said warmly. "And please, when we’re working one-on-one, you can call me Amelia."

"Are you sure? Isn’t that a bit informal?"

"I prefer my students feel comfortable with me," Amelia explained. "Formality can create unnecessary barriers."

"Then... thank you, Amelia." Sebastian tested the name, and she smiled at hearing it.

[Ding! Relationship Established!]

[Amelia Sloane - Status: Teacher/Mentor]

[Affection: 55/100 - Status: Neutral First Impression]

[You have successfully created a regular, private meeting schedule with the heroine.]

[Reward: -10 Protagonist Halo, +10 Villain Halo]

Sebastian allowed himself a small, satisfied smile.

Amelia stood up. "Rest here for a bit longer. I’m going to speak with security about reviewing the footage from this afternoon. We’ll find out who did this."

"Thank you," Sebastian said. "For everything."

Amelia placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "That’s what I’m here for."

She left the infirmary, closing the door softly behind her.

Sebastian waited until he heard her footsteps fade down the hallway.

Then he stood up, walked to the mirror, and examined the bandage on his face.

A small price to pay for what he’d gained.

Regular after-school sessions with Amelia Sloane. Private, one-on-one time. The perfect foundation for building a relationship.

And Ethan? Ethan had been pushed even further to the side-lines.

Sebastian pulled out his phone and texted Derek.

Sebastian: Perfect execution. I will send you five hundred bucks later, distribute it amongst yourselves. You’ve earned it.

Derek: Thanks, boss! Glad we could help!