Chapter 51

Chapter 50

The Deputy was satisfied with you - 2

Margareta, taken aback by the sudden words, showed no signs of calming down even as time passed. While her face had calmed, her ears still blushed. I didn’t expect her to be so pleased by such a short compliment. I feel a bit guilty for not being generous with praise in the past.

I’m considering showering her with praise from now on, but I hesitate, fearing it might give her false hope. It’s a complicated and awkward problem, how to treat Margareta.

"Then, shall we go now?"

Margareta said, cautiously extending her hand. I had been waiting for her to speak first, thinking she might fluster again, but fortunately, it seems she has composed herself.

"Yes, let’s go."

I smiled and took Margareta’s hand. While it’s enough for partners to hold hands only when entering the ballroom, it would be too much to refuse such a small gesture. Ignoring a lady who extends her hand first would be considered extremely rude.

"Compared to the beautiful lady, the partner seems too dull. I’m worried Marg might be laughed at."

Comparing Margareta’s attire with mine, I naturally felt worried. My dark color stands in stark contrast to her vibrant red. I only have the inspection department uniform suitable for formal occasions, unfortunately.

"I doubt anyone would dare mock us."

"Who knows what they think."

"It doesn’t matter. No matter what others think, in my eyes, Karl Youngshik is the most handsome."

Margareta, speaking confidently but with her cheeks blushing again, made me smile. Seeing her bow her head, embarrassed by my laughter, I bit my lip to keep from laughing louder, fearing she might run away.

'If you’re going to react like this, why did you say it so confidently?'

Despite being easily embarrassed, she spoke so confidently. Margareta has drive but lacks endurance.

In any case, to comfort the flustered Margareta, I spoke up. If she feels embarrassed by what she said, it might be okay for me to say something embarrassing too.

"I also think the current Marg is the most beautiful, so we’re even."

"Ugh!"

I held her hand tighter to prevent her from running away. On the way to the ballroom, Margareta looked at the ground and said nothing.

Margareta Varenti... Good at offense but weak in defense... Note.

Actually, thinking about it, she’s not that good at offense either. It’s a pity.

The ballroom wasn’t just a room in a building; it was a separate building constructed specifically for balls. Given that it was built during the peak of luxury in the Apels era, it’s understandable. The main building is larger, but only slightly, perhaps a final touch of reason.

As we approached the large ballroom building, students began to appear. Some walked alone, some in pairs, and some in groups, heading to the ballroom. Seeing them dressed up rather than in their school uniforms, it felt like walking through the city rather than the academy.

Ah, thinking about it, the city is also unfamiliar to me. I can’t leave the inspection department, so I have few opportunities to see the city.

"Karl Youngshik is the best, after all."

Margareta whispered quietly, looking around with a mixed feeling. She squeezed the hand she had taken first, as if not to let go.

"I agree with you."

Margareta nodded without trying to run away, perhaps because there were many people watching. She seemed determined to act confidently.

Seeing her, I felt a sudden sense of relief. The inspection department had successfully completed its mission, and I had managed to ease the knot in my heart. That’s why I could react to Margareta’s actions this way.

If the ball had been even a day earlier, I wouldn’t have been able to respond properly to Margareta’s bold actions. Of course, Margareta would still maintain a smile, but I wouldn’t know what expression she would make in private.

"It’s a perfect day for a ball."

"Huh, is it?"

Margareta responded with a laugh to my sudden muttering. Yes, it really is a perfect day. A satisfying day.

From a distance, Louise’s pink hair was being blown by the wind, like cherry blossoms embroidered in the sky. It seemed as if she knew my heart had eased from yesterday and was coming to congratulate and comfort me.

...Pink hair?

"Louis?"

Why are you here alone?

'Where are the others?'

I thought you would come with the club members.

"Big brother!"

Louise, spotting me, grabbed the hem of her dress with both hands and ran over. No, how can you run in that? And those aren’t the shoes you usually wear.

I could see a future headline from the Academy News Club: "Naiad Noble Louise, Tripping and Falling at the Ballroom Entrance..."

"Marg, I’ll be right back."

Letting go of Margareta’s hand, I ran to Louise. As expected, Louise, running over, stumbled and leaned forward. She couldn’t let go of the hem of her dress, looking flustered. If she fell like that, she would be badly hurt.

"Trying to stay in the infirmary while others enjoy the ball?"

"That, that..."

Fortunately, I caught Louise before she fell. If I hadn’t been there, she might have been hurt. Actually, if I hadn’t been there, Louise wouldn’t have run in the first place.

Louise, looking startled, giggled and straightened up, her face as red as when I saw Margareta at the dormitory entrance.

Embarrassed by almost falling in front of others, or embarrassed by being held in someone’s arms, even if it was to prevent her from falling? It could be both. Both would be embarrassing for a noble lady.

"Thank you, big brother."

"Running in high heels?"

"I’m sorry..."

Despite her gratitude, I frowned slightly. Seeing her bow her head, I almost let it go, but thinking about how she could have been seriously hurt, I decided to scold her properly. It’s unimaginable for the deputy to be hurt when I’m nearby.

"But thanks to you, I’m fine, so it’s okay, right?"

"Do you want to get scolded before entering the ballroom?"

"I’m sorryyyyy..."

Considering scolding her like I did with the 1st section chief, I held back. It’s too harsh to scold her for her first mistake.

In the end, I told her to be more careful in the future and let it go. Still, she usually doesn’t make such mistakes. I thought she was just excited from winning the fair.

"By the way, why are you here alone? I didn’t expect you to come without the club members."

"I thought everyone would wait too long if we came together, so I told them to go ahead."

Indeed, women take longer to prepare than men. Louise must have had a hard time putting on that dress.

"You look beautiful. Pink really suits you."

I nodded, looking at Louise’s pink dress, which is almost her symbol. I’ve never seen anyone who looks good in pink before.

"Karl Youngshik?"

While Louise smiled happily at my compliment, I heard Margareta’s voice from behind.

'Oh no.'

I had left my partner alone for too long. Turning around quickly, I saw Margareta looking at me and Louise with narrowed eyes.

***

Seeing the noble Louise in Karl’s arms, I almost ran away.

'I’ve never been held like that...!'

But I held back with great effort. The Varenti family is strict about retribution. They clearly distinguish between merits and faults.

The merit of the baking club winning and inviting Karl to the ball, and the fault of being held in Karl’s arms. The scales were balanced, but considering Karl’s position as the club leader, the merit tipped the scales. Yes, Karl’s actions were for the club, not for me. It was an unavoidable situation due to his kindness.

After much deliberation, I concluded that Louise’s merit was greater, allowing me to calm down. However, I felt a bit disappointed that Karl continued talking to Louise, ignoring me.

"Karl Youngshik?"

Calling Karl with a resentful tone, he turned to me with an embarrassed expression.

'You know it’s wrong.'

If he admits his mistake, I can forgive him. It’s clear that Karl is acting for the club, not prioritizing me.

"Louise, it’s been a while. I heard the news. Congratulations on winning."

"Thank you, senpai."

After bowing, I turned my gaze to Karl. Seeing him awkwardly smile, I felt satisfied. He’s watching me.

I subtly extended my hand, and Karl came over and held it again. I felt very satisfied.

"Louise, did you come alone?"

"Yes, I thought it would take me a long time to prepare, so I told them to go ahead."

"I see."

I subtly checked Karl’s expression, and he was looking at Louise with concern. He’s worried about the club leader he’s in charge of, especially since she almost fell just now.

"Then, shall we go in together?"

"Huh?"

"Marg?"

My unexpected words drew a surprised response. Indeed, it was unexpected.

'Long-term vision is important.'

Karl is already in my hands, so there’s no need to rush. Karl and I are connected through the academy. It’s a predetermined future, almost like fate.

On the contrary, rash actions, excessive vigilance, and jealousy could make Karl dislike me. I can’t let that happen. I can’t let a minor action ruin my relationship with Karl, with whom I will spend my life.

'I need to show tolerance.'

Karl is in a situation where he’s concerned about Louise but feels guilty towards me. If I extend my hand to Louise first? Yes, this will impress Karl. He will definitely be moved.

Showing tolerance by not blaming him for a momentary lapse, and even taking the initiative to do something uncomfortable, all while seeming unaffected.

'Perfect!'

I thought of the best course of action without being consumed by anger in a short time. I’m proud and satisfied with myself.

"Marg, is it okay?"

"Of course. Even if she’s fine now, Louise might be hurt."

"Senpai..."

I also expressed concern for my younger junior, a move that Karl must have admired. Louise’s eyes sparkled, as if she was moved.

"Hehe, if you feel guilty... Would you like to dance with me during the ball?"

"Sure, if that’s okay."

And I naturally secured a reason to dance with Karl.

'Hehehe...'

It’s really perfect.

Author's Note

When you believe you are the predetermined winner, you exude confidence and tolerance.

Thank you for reading this chapter!