Chapter 71

"Excuse me..."

"Hey, what are you doing!?" "Don't push!"

I managed to push through the crowd of young nobles and finally reach Lady Dorothy.

Phew, I'm definitely not coming here again next year!

"Your Highness Dorothy, Christoph von Brütsels greets you."

Lady Dorothy seems surprised by my sudden appearance.

Well, let's say a few more words and then retreat, shall we?

"Today, you are even more beautiful than usual, and the moon that illuminates the night sky would surely hide in shame at your beauty."

I know it sounds cliché, but I lack any sense of style.

Well, I've never said anything like this to a woman, even when I was in Japan.

I can't help but feel sad that I can't get along with women in this world of Hecate, where I can only say such things.

I don't have anyone to date or propose to right now, but I guess I can't flirt either.

...I should hurry back.

"Lord Christoph, you look different from usual, which surprised me."

Lord Christoph?

...Come to think of it, this is the first time Lady Dorothy has called me by my name, right?

Never mind.

The reason I look different is because I'm dressed like a noble, as they say, "Even a stable boy looks good in fine clothes."

Alright, I've talked to Lady Dorothy, so you guys can come over now!

...They're not here!

Where did those young nobles I just pushed through go?

I can't just leave Lady Dorothy here... This is bad.

If I don't do something, I'll end up dancing with Lady Dorothy.

...In the end, we did dance.

And I missed the chance to stop, so we ended up dancing three songs.

Lady Dorothy's face is red, so I guess we danced too much.

"My throat is dry. I'll go get some drinks."

"Sure."

Alright, let's take a break and then leave.

Father won't complain since I not only greeted Lady Dorothy but also danced with her.

"I'll go to the courtyard to cool off."

I handed the drink to Lady Dorothy and tried to leave, but... why is Lady Dorothy following me?

This is a problem... I ended up taking the main character, Lady Dorothy, out of the venue...

What should I talk about?

It's troublesome to say something that might upset her, as we are always rivals in school due to our grades.

"Um...""W-What is it?"

"Um...""Yes?"

"That dress... it's beautiful."

Hey, me!

Can't you say something more considerate?

"Thank you. My mother chose it for me."

"Is that so, the Queen...?"

Come to think of it, Lady Dorothy and I are cousins.

The Queen, Lady Dorothy's mother, is my mother's eldest sister.

So, could it be that...

"Excuse me, but may I ask a personal question?"

"What is it?"

"Have we met before the entrance exam for the Royal Magic Academy?"

"..."

Lady Dorothy's face, which had been in a good mood until now, suddenly clouded over.

"You don't remember, do you..."

This answer means we have met before?

"I'm sorry..."

"No, it's not your fault, Lord Christoph. We only met three times... You were always reading books in bed... I'm glad you've recovered."

Reading books in bed is probably what you do when you're sick.

I feel bad for not remembering.

"Lord Christoph, could you teach me some studies next time?"

"Eh?"

"I want to see how you study to catch up with you."

"Sure, no problem."

"Thank you very much!"

Hmm, the usual Lady Dorothy would be more challenging, so this throws me off.

Which one is the real Lady Dorothy?

But I think I prefer this side of her.

Her smile is so cute.

Maybe Lady Dorothy is just trying to assert herself among the nobles at school?

"I enjoyed talking with you today, Lady Dorothy. If it's not too much trouble, I'd be happy to hear more about the past."

"Sure, I don't mind. How about tomorrow?"

Mm!

Tomorrow is no good... I have to produce supplies for the Belzas fortress...

"I'm sorry, but I have other plans tomorrow..."

"I see... No, I'm always available. Please feel free to ask."

Watching Lady Dorothy fidget is so soothing.

The usual Lady Dorothy seems strong, but she's so cute in this setting.

"Thank you."

At that moment, the fireworks show began.

Three teams from the Royal Magic Academy, including my sister Krishnas, are participating, and it's a major event with fireworks from court magicians and those employed by nobles.

Everyone is putting in a lot of effort because getting praise from His Majesty would be a great honor.

It's a bit carefree, considering we're at war.

"They're beautiful."

I can't really talk, being carefree myself.

"Yes, everyone has worked hard for this day, and I hope they can show their best and entertain us and the people."

I'm disqualified, but everyone must be striving to do their best for such events...

"If you had participated, Lord Christoph, you would have been chosen as an excellent work without a doubt. It's a shame."

"That's not true."

"You're being too modest, which can be annoying. Hehehe."

Phew, talking to Lady Dorothy like this makes her seem easy to talk to.

In the future, I'll try to greet her when I see her.

I seem to have a habit of unconsciously keeping people at a distance, so maybe I can improve a bit.

My goal of leaving the ball early was unexpectedly thwarted, but I had a good time with Lady Dorothy, so I'll take it as a win.

I returned to the mansion late at night, but Mother and Filia were waiting up for me.

Of course, most of the household was awake, but Father had a strange look on his face the whole time in the carriage.

I think I deserve a passing grade for not only greeting Lady Dorothy but also dancing with her.

"Christoph, what do you think of Lady Dorothy?"

That's a completely unexpected question.

"...What do you mean?"

"Um... do you like her?"

Ha ha ha, what are you talking about?

Do I like Lady Dorothy?

I admit she's beautiful and her smile is cute.

But Lady Dorothy only sees me as a rival...

...Do I... like her?

"...I don't know."

"I see..."