Chapter 44

Chapter 43

Our Exhibition is Open for Business - 2

Brother, who said he would take a break, looked back several times and smiled awkwardly.

"Feeling a bit uneasy about leaving. Are you really okay without me?"

"We're fine. In fact, we have more than enough manpower."

Initially, the booth operation was to be done by the club members alone without the advisor, and there are also representatives from the three countries here at Brother's request, so we are not short of hands. With this in mind, I waved and saw Brother off, and he eventually headed towards the area with other booths.

Still, since he kept looking back, I stood there until he was out of sight. The way Brother sped up as if running away was a bit cute. He might get angry if I say this to him, though.

'In the end, he didn't give me an answer.'

Thinking of Brother's impenetrable demeanor, a bittersweet smile spread across my face.

I told Brother several times that I wanted to help and that he should talk to me if he had any worries. Each time, Brother gave a different response but never said he understood.

I wondered if he thought I wouldn't be much help or that I was pitiful. Even though it was a bit disappointing, I didn't let it bother me too much. Brother is much more capable and impressive than I am. When I first met him, I didn't know he was a high-ranking official, and I was quite surprised when I found out later.

So, even if Brother doesn't say anything, I've been waiting. Pushing him might seem like I'm ignoring him. But after seeing Brother yesterday, I couldn't just wait anymore.

"Brother..."

Worried, I called out to Brother, even though he was no longer in sight. Yesterday, Brother looked as if he was about to burst, as if he would collapse if someone touched him.

On the surface, it wasn't noticeable. Brother always appeared calm. Because he didn't express it outwardly, no one could tell if he was falling apart inside. If I hadn't seen someone like Brother before, I might not have noticed.

The cookies I made for Brother yesterday were designed to maximize sweetness, without any fancy touches, to show my appreciation for his hard work. Brother always eats whatever I give him, but I still wanted to give him something good.

However, not properly checking the ingredients I always use led to a problem. I only realized this morning that the sugar and salt had been switched while I was busy yesterday. It was a boring mistake that happened to be yesterday.

No matter how well Brother eats, giving him a lump of salt and saying it's sweet is a different matter. I expected him to get angry or laugh and say it was too salty.

"Oh, it was delicious."

Brother's reaction was nothing. When I subtly asked this morning, he replied without any fuss. It couldn't be. This, it absolutely couldn't be...

"Brother has always been a good eater. The mansion's chef even said it was easiest to prepare meals for him."

Something I heard from Erich before. But this is more than just being a good eater. I wanted to ask more, but I didn't want to give Erich, who is just starting to get along with Brother, any more worries.

'Brother.'

Are you really okay?

I was afraid that Brother might not be able to hold on and would collapse, or disappear without anyone knowing.

***

I came out to avoid making Louise cry, but now that I'm out, I have nothing to do.

'What should I do?'

You need to know what to enjoy to actually enjoy it. I lived comfortably in this world for about a year right after the possession, but it's been chaos since then. Even if I take a break, I don't know what to do.

I thought about asking the 1st Section Chief to be my guide, but immediately dismissed the idea. I don't know where the 1st Section Chief is in the academy, and even if I could, I wouldn't want to bother a superior while I'm just playing around.

I know how it feels to be in that position. The first time I got a holiday as the head of the Inspection Department, I was just walking around the city to get some fresh air when I ran into the Minister. We ended up walking together because we had nothing else to do. It's a memory I'd rather forget. I don't want to pass this terrible chain to the 1st Section Chief.

If I have nothing to do, I might as well find the 4th Section Chief sooner. As I was wandering around, I saw a familiar red head in the distance.

'Margaret?'

Margaret was covering her mouth with her red fan and checking the booths. I remembered that one of the student council's duties is to ensure the exhibition runs smoothly.

Since I had no clear destination and would be receiving attention while wandering around, it might be better to go with Margaret. It would look like we're on official business for the student council and the inspection department.

"Marg."

As I approached from behind, Margaret, who was heading to the next booth, turned to look at me.

"Oh, Karl Youngshik. I didn't expect to see you here."

A smile spread across Margaret's usually cold face. She probably didn't expect to see me in such a place. She knows I'm supposed to be a fixture at the club booth.

Moreover, Margaret made a promise not to go to Louise and didn't visit our booth. I thought I wouldn't see her until the exhibition ended, but something happened.

"Are you very busy?"

"Not really. I'm familiar with the tasks from last year."

"Still, it must be tiring to do it alone. Do you need an extra hand?"

Margaret tilted her head and replied with a smile.

"I don't walk around with just anyone. But it might be okay with Karl Youngshik."

"Good. If Margaret is okay with it, I'd like to go with you."

"Really?"

Margaret's face turned red, and the fan that was covering her mouth rose to just below her eyes. But because the fan covered the lower part of her face, her eyes, which were moving restlessly, were even more noticeable.

Sometimes I think she's too soft and delicate for the Iron Blood Duke's bloodline. Or maybe I just don't know the other bloodline members well.

***

Last year, I also had the task of checking the exhibition's progress. The student council has fewer members compared to the number of booths in the academy, so it's inevitable to walk around alone.

'Boring.'

I joined the student council to meet Karl and become a bureaucrat, so I didn't take my duties seriously. This year, with Karl at the academy, I have even less motivation. Still, as a member of the honorable Valenti family, I can't neglect my duties, so I move around.

"Marg."

While suppressing my annoyance, I heard a familiar voice from behind.

"Oh, Karl Youngshik. I didn't expect to see you here."

It's Karl, Karl's voice.

I quickly turned around, and sure enough, Karl was there. I'm glad I covered my mouth with the fan. I almost showed a silly grin.

I didn't expect to meet Karl during the exhibition. As the advisor of a club with unique members, Karl can't leave the booth, and I don't plan to go to Louise's place. So, I thought the exhibition would be boring, but I met Karl here.

'Of course, we are destined.'

No matter how impossible it seems, we always end up meeting. How romantic.

I felt naturally happy. Since I met Karl, I wanted to have a longer conversation, but I shouldn't hold him back too much since he has work to do. I'll be content with this fate today.

Yes, I was content with that.

"Would you like to go together if Margaret is okay with it?"

"Really?"

Karl's sudden words made my mind freeze.

'With me, together?'

With me? Karl? Together? Isn't he busy with other things? Has Karl ever suggested this before?

Feeling my face heat up, I quickly raised the fan to cover it. No, I can't show this face.

'Date... Date...! A date with Karl!'

It's the first time. Karl has never suggested going together before. It's also my first date. A year ago, we only had conversations over tea because Karl was so busy. I never even dreamed of going out.

'Destiny!'

Of course, it's destiny. Karl is practically mine now. The usually taciturn Karl suggested a date, so he's practically mine!

"Marg?"

'Oops.'

In my excitement, I forgot to respond to Karl's date invitation. No, I shouldn't rush. I decided to tease Karl a bit. It would be too easy to accept right away.

"Yes, I'd like that. Let's go together."

...But maybe it's okay to accept today. Karl must have mustered a lot of courage to ask me out. If I reject him, he'll be hurt.

Yes, that's why I accepted. Really.

***

Fortunately, Margaret agreed to go with me. I was worried that I wouldn't have a reason to help with a simple task like checking the situation, but I'm glad she accepted.

Actually, going together wasn't much different. Margaret kept checking the booths, and I just followed along. But it was a bit sad to see the club presidents trembling and welcoming us at each booth.

'I was short-sighted.'

Even as a noble lady, Margaret's presence is intimidating. Adding an inspector makes it almost a mental attack. I feel embarrassed that I didn't think of this obvious point. No matter how busy I am, it's too much to make the students suffer.

"Thanks to Karl Youngshik, I finished early. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

At least I had something to do with my time. It was a small comfort.

"Marg, can we go together tomorrow as well?"

I don't think Louise will let me stay at the booth. She'll probably try to kick me out again tomorrow, so I need to have a place to go.

Margaret nodded lightly but couldn't hide her red ears.

"Thank you, Marg."

And I'm sorry.

I silently apologized to Margaret, knowing she wouldn't hear it. Getting involved with someone like me will only cause her more stress.

I feel bad for causing trouble for an innocent person because I lack the mental space. I've been pushing people away and pretending not to notice.

It's really a sorry state.

Author's Note

While writing this chapter, I accidentally saw the tag 'daily life.' The 'daily life' tag whispered to me, telling me this is a novel tagged with 'daily life.'

Of course, my friend. I could never forget daily life.

Thank you for reading this chapter!