Chapter 50

Chapter 49

The Deputy Minister was Satisfied with You - 1

The assistant manager's report came up quickly.

- All the traitors were punished without exception. His Majesty the Emperor was also very pleased.

The report to the Emperor was completed in just a few hours. Indeed, that's what an assistant manager is for. Even if I left the Inspection Department empty, I was only worried about the sudden actions of the trio of section chiefs, not the department itself. The section chiefs handled their tasks well when they were assigned, which made me even more confident.

"You did well. As expected, you never disappoint."

You completed the task I assigned at noon before the sun set. If there were a superior who wasn't satisfied with such work, that person would be a fool. Since I'm not a fool, I nodded and praised the assistant manager, who bowed and briefly thanked me.

"Please convey my appreciation to the section chiefs."

- They will be pleased to hear the deputy minister's praise.

I hope so.

I smiled slightly and ended the communication. That was it. The third glory, as well as the traitors who had contact with the rebels, were all eliminated. Not a single one was left.

'Fortunately.'

I dealt with those who dared to insult you and the traitors who spoke carelessly about you to that scum. Although I didn't do it with my own hands, my subordinates moved, so I have a share in it.

I couldn't deny that I advanced in my career due to your sacrifice. You didn't return, and I rose to this position simply because I survived. I could endure the insults directed at me.

But that brat didn't hesitate to insult you. He dared to say that I advanced because of your blood. Your lives were not so cheap. Your sacrifice was not a trivial matter that ended with just my advancement.

'How despicable.'

Feeling a wave of self-loathing, I sat on the bed. Even I can't understand what I'm thinking. I can't deny that I advanced due to your sacrifice, yet the idea that your deaths resulted in just my advancement made me lose my mind. Like a child who doesn't want to admit the truth when it's shoved in their face.

But what can I do? Out of the seven, only I survived. As long as I live, I can't erase that stigma. The only thing I can do is eliminate the bastard who forced that stigma on me.

Now that the only thing I could do is over, I feel a bit relieved. There's a banquet soon, but I can attend with a lighter heart.

-Knock knock

'Who is it?'

I thought I might get some sleep before the banquet, but as soon as I lay down, someone knocked on the door. No one had ever come to my dormitory, not even the club room.

"Karl Youngshik. It's me."

"Margot?"

I was even more surprised by who came. I didn't expect Margot to come, though it made sense if it were the principal or Villar. Instantly, I wondered how she knew where my dormitory was, but then I remembered that it was a place where the regularly visiting inspectors stayed. As a student council member, Margot would have known.

"I'll be right out."

In any case, I got up and walked to the door. It seemed to be an urgent matter since she came all the way here.

"Margot. What are you doing─"

I was momentarily speechless when I opened the door. Margot's appearance was unexpected.

"Karl Youngshik. If it's okay, would you like to go to the banquet with me?"

In front of me stood Margot, not in her usual school uniform but in a beautiful red dress, smiling gently.

***

In the evening of the day the exhibition awards are presented, a banquet is held. Since the exhibition period was a time to build camaraderie with the visiting nobles, the banquet is meant to foster friendship among the students who competed.

Actually, the reason doesn't matter much. For nobles, banquets and social gatherings are part of daily life. If there's a good enough reason, they'll hold one. That's what noble banquets are.

Last year, I attended the closing banquet for the exhibition but only showed my face briefly before leaving. Even though I volunteered for the student council to meet Karl, the exhibition-related work was exhausting. I didn't feel the merit of enjoying the banquet while fighting off that fatigue.

'Not this year.'

This year, Karl is here. As the advisor to the winning club, he definitely won't miss it. I'm grateful to Lady Louise for ensuring Karl's attendance. If Karl is at the banquet, I must attend, even if my legs are broken.

Karl rarely appears in social settings except for the New Year's ceremony and the Imperial Duke family's gatherings. This is a truly fateful opportunity given by heaven.

"This is problematic..."

But it was an unexpected opportunity, so I didn't prepare properly. Last year, I only planned to show my face, so I prepared a decent dress and then immediately put it away in the closet.

I only just remembered it. The result is the plain dress in front of me. I can't face Karl in this. I can't show him anything less than my best.

"Nanny!"

- Miss? What's the matter at this hour?

I felt bad for the nanny but called her immediately. Fortunately, it was still morning. I didn't need to attend the award ceremony, so I had time until the banquet.

"Me, I need that dress! I need that dress!"

That dress. After meeting Karl for the first time last year, I bought it to attend a banquet with him, but he was busy, so I never wore it. I kept it carefully to wear at our engagement ceremony, but I cried over it many times after Karl rejected the proposal.

...It's not a dress with the best memories, but since I planned to wear it for a crucial moment, it's the best dress I have.

- That dress? Oh, why now...

"I can attend the banquet with Karl!

At that moment, the nanny's eyes changed.

The nanny and the maids from the mansion quickly arrived at my dormitory with the dress and various accessories. The nanny said that my father, despite his frown, sent a teleportation mage.

'Thank you, Father.'

I'll definitely tell Father I love him tonight.

"Miss, let's start with the dress."

While silently thanking and expressing my love to Father, the nanny grabbed me with a fierce look. Ah, it hurts, Nanny...

"Miss, can you stretch your arms out to the sides?"

"Sure."

But I can't throw a tantrum to the nanny who came all the way to the academy. I quietly let her dress me. It's always amazing how quickly the dress is put on. It's not an easy dress to wear, but somehow the nanny makes it work.

"Thank you, Nanny!"

How embarrassing it would have been to wear last year's dress. It would be embarrassing to show Karl that, and it might make him embarrassed too. It would be terrible if the lady next to him looked disheveled. Even if Karl is indifferent, he wouldn't like that. Yes, he definitely wouldn't.

That's why I sincerely thanked the nanny, who smiled and sat me in front of the vanity.

"I still have a lot to do, so I'll take your thanks later."

"Ah."

Oh... Oh...

Seeing the nanny and maids' hands moving quickly, I closed my eyes quietly.

Right, the makeup time was the hardest. I thought I looked fine, but the nanny was never satisfied, so it was an endless loop. I had forgotten about it while focusing on the dress.

But I'll endure. I need to look my best. I can trust the nanny's skills and taste. If I endure, the result will be even better.

"You look truly beautiful, Miss!"

"The best! Karl Youngshik will be speechless when he sees you!"

After the long ordeal, the nanny's hands stopped, and the maids' enthusiastic praise echoed from the side. I opened my eyes cautiously and saw the nanny nodding in satisfaction.

"See for yourself. Do you like it?"

The nanny stepped back to let me see the mirror. Though she asked if I liked it, her expression was full of confidence that I would.

"Yes, I like it."

The nanny's confidence was well-founded. The face in the mirror was truly beautiful. It's embarrassing to say, but it's true. It shows how great the nanny is.

"Nanny, really thank─"

"Now we just need to choose the accessories."

"Ah."

The preparations were finally completed just before the banquet. The result was clear. After such effort, it was only natural.

"Thank you all..."

The effort left me drained even before entering the banquet hall. Still, I'm proud of myself for making it to Karl's dormitory.

No matter how perfect the preparations, they will inevitably become disheveled over time. The best time to show your best appearance is right after you're done. To show my best appearance to the person I most want to see it, I found the energy.

So, with the encouragement of the nanny and maids, I headed to Karl's dormitory─

"Margot. What are you doing─"

Seeing Karl's surprised and wide-eyed expression was truly satisfying.

I'll tell Father I love him twice tonight. And the nanny too.

***

How would you feel if an unexpected person appeared in an unexpected place in an unexpected way? I didn't really want to know, but now I do.

"Karl Youngshik?"

Since I didn't say anything, Margot tilted her head and spoke again. Ah, right.

"Ah, sorry. I was just thinking about something else."

"It's okay. It's my fault for coming suddenly."

I smiled awkwardly at Margot's still-smiling face. It was a look I hadn't seen from Margot recently, and even when I recalled her from a year ago, it was unfamiliar.

Honestly, even I, who have no interest in makeup or accessories, could tell she had put in a lot of effort. The balance was so perfect that it didn't feel overdone. Even to my untrained eye, it was impressive.

"Y-You said you wanted to go to the banquet together?"

"Yes. Is that okay?"

"Of course."

Her delighted and wide smile was striking. The only thing the Iron Blood Duke's genes didn't pass down was her hair color. I've never met Margot's mother, but I can imagine her genes were very active.

"You look especially beautiful today. I was really surprised."

"R-Really?"

I blurted it out while looking at Margot, and she stammered, clearly taken aback. Her face quickly turned red.

She hurriedly covered her face with her trademark fan and cleared her throat, but it was too late. Still, if it comforts her, that's fine.

I smiled slightly. I knew exactly why Margot had dressed up like this, and I wasn't so insensitive as to not praise her after seeing such a surprising appearance.

Anyone who doesn't say Margot looks beautiful now must have no heart. At least I'm not that kind of person.

Author's Note

It's already the last day of the main event. I'm glad I can decorate the end of the main event with a daily life scene. Daily life... it means I'm alive...

Starting tomorrow, the main event judging will last for 7 days. No one knows the result, but no matter what happens, I will come to you, dear readers, every day!

Thank you for reading this chapter!

Thank you, DNKE, for your support!