Chapter 52

Chapter 51

The Chief was satisfied with you - 3

I caught Louise before she fell, but since she was wearing high heels and stumbled, I can't help but worry about her ankle. Who runs in high heels, anyway? It's not like she intended to get hurt.

She seems fine for now, but the pain might come later. If there were other club members nearby, they would take care of Louise, but they're not here when needed. What a bunch of useless guys.

Still, I can't just stick with Louise when I have Margareta as my partner. It would be a major faux pas to be with someone else when you have a partner. It could even create an awkward situation more so than when you reject a partnership offer.

"I'm sorry. I need to be faithful to my partner role."

"It's okay. I also feel bad leaving my junior behind."

I was moved by her response, as if it were nothing. She had come to advise Louise before, and it seems Margareta genuinely cares for her. Or maybe she just takes care of her juniors. Either way, it's a warm-hearted gesture for a noble lady.

"Lady Louise, be more careful in the future. You would have been seriously hurt if Karl hadn't caught you."

"Yes, senior. Thank you so much!"

Louise nodded repeatedly, her eyes sparkling, clearly moved by Margareta's kindness. It seems she has overcome her initial fear of Margareta, who had scolded her and made her cry in the club room not long ago. Though we rarely meet, it's fortunate that she no longer has a bad impression of me.

With Margareta on my left and Louise on my right, we entered the ballroom. As the group of two became a group of three, curious gazes from the surroundings followed, but they soon turned away. The blue-blooded virtue is to lose interest in matters that offer no benefit.

"Wow."

"Whoa, it's beautiful."

The moment we entered the ballroom, we were momentarily blinded by its opulence and grandeur. The entire building is a ballroom, and the interior is as if it were made of stacked gold coins. Margareta, the only one among us who didn't react, had seen it last year.

"Brother, look at that."

"Uh-huh. I'm looking."

Following Louise's whispered words, my gaze also turned to the ceiling.

'Really, are they crazy?'

The enormous chandeliers hanging everywhere made me fear the budget they must have spent. They are made of gold and adorned with various jewels.

"We could have put out a fire by stripping all the chandeliers from the academy."

"Did you have a drink at noon? Asking for a budget is nonsense."

"Someone who only had private tutoring can't believe it either."

"Shut up, suddenly attacking with education."

Two years ago, when the treasury's surplus funds were running out, the minister muttered something. At the time, I thought he was just a madman spouting nonsense. Even if it was just enough to put out a fire, the amount affecting a giant department like the treasury would be enormous.

But to get that by stripping a few chandeliers from the academy? I thought it was a casual remark from someone who had never been to the academy, like teasing a person from the countryside about taking off their shoes to ride the subway.

'Turns out it was true.'

The minister's words were true. The Appels, these crazy people, are a country full of urban legends. To spend so much money on just a ballroom? It's no wonder other countries turned their backs on Appels during the invasion. They must have judged Kepelopen to be less of a jerk than Appels.

While feeling the justifiable reasons for Kepelopen's rise, the club members Louise sent ahead spotted us and gathered.

"Have fun with the other members."

I patted Louise's back and said. It's not good for a 17-year-old to be among 21-year-olds. Besides, it's comforting to see Villar, who subtly took a corner. If Villar is there, I don't need to stick around.

"Brother, have a good time. Senior, too."

"Sure, Lady Louise. I hope you have a good time as well."

Louise's gaze, which seemed to want to say something, turned to Margareta and then let me go. She probably couldn't hold me back since I came as Margareta's partner. Until now, there were no members to take care of Louise, so we were together, but now that five of them have gathered, it's fine.

Holding Margareta's hand, I moved to the back. Now, I just need to find a spot and pass the time until the dance.

"Brother, shall we toast to the victory? Of course, with your partner as well."

Being caught by Tannian was unexpected.

"You did all the hard work, so you should enjoy it. I don't need to be involved."

"Shouldn't the advisor share in the club's joy?"

Why does he only speak normally at times like this? It would be easier if he consistently acted like an idiot, but it's always a surprise.

"That's true. Let's do it, Karl."

"Margareta?"

Without time to think about how to refuse, Margareta stepped forward and accepted Tannian's offer.

"It's difficult for the advisor to leave the members. I'll be satisfied just dancing."

"It feels awkward to receive so much consideration."

"But I won't give up the dance. Remember that."

"Of course."

It's not human to not grant the only request of someone who keeps giving in. Dancing isn't a difficult task...

'It will be difficult.'

I've never had to dance. I rarely attend social events, and when I do, I mostly mingle with older gentlemen.

Thinking about it, I cautiously looked down at Margareta's feet. Small feet neatly fitted into red high heels. The thought of possibly stepping on these delicate-looking feet made me feel dizzy.

'They might break if I step on them wrong.'

Margareta, who noticed my gaze, tilted her head in confusion, and a slight unease crept in.

***

Brother and the noble lady walked to the center, holding hands. Other students made way for them, but it looked natural and not strange.

"None of us can dance."

"Why, are you bored? If it's okay for men to dance together, I can join."

"Ha-ha. I'll pass."

"Good. I was nervous thinking you might really do it."

Listening to Ainter and Ruitis joking, I watched the two of them. Maybe I could have been dancing with one of the members beside me. Brother might find it boring to dance alone, so he suggested someone dance with him.

But dancing is done in pairs, and I'm the only girl in the baking club, so I had to choose one out of five. All five are good friends, and choosing one would make the other four feel left out. Relationships can deepen or break over small things.

"Dancing? Louise should be careful with her sprained ankle. I won't stop you if you want to dance among yourselves."

Brother supported me, sensing my hesitation. It's fine; I can dance carefully.

But seeing Brother step forward for me and slightly nod his head, I couldn't say it was fine. The members also showed concern rather than disappointment when they heard about my ankle.

'Sorry.'

I felt guilty and couldn't even apologize. I could dance with all five with joy, but I couldn't choose just one.

Looking down, my eyes naturally fell on my legs and the high heels that made me fall so spectacularly in front of Brother.

'Embarrassing...'

Thinking about what just happened, I closed my eyes tightly. I'm so embarrassed. If I could turn back time, I would stop myself from running.

The unexpected trophy made me feel light-headed. I ran to Brother as usual, but only noticed the difference in my shoes when my body leaned forward.

'Oh no...!'

Thinking about being caught in Brother's arms makes me want to cover my face and sit down. But if I did that, the members would worry, so I just bit my lip. What a fool, why did I do that...!

Even worse, Lady was there behind Brother. She must have attended as Brother's partner, and I showed her such a disgraceful scene. I thought she would be angry, considering her emphasis on the dignity of a noble lady when we first met. But I did something completely undignified.

"Shall we go in?"

"Lady Louise might be hurt."

But Lady, contrary to my expectations, didn't get angry. Instead, she showed warm consideration, even worrying about my near fall.

I was so moved that I felt ashamed of my previous fear of her. Yes, Brother said she didn't do it out of malice. Brother was right. Lady forgave my embarrassing moment.

And from the way she acted, it seemed Brother and Lady were indeed close.

'He looks happy.'

Brother looked happier with Lady than he did yesterday. It seemed more effective than the comfort I asked the members to give him.

'I guess I'm not much help...'

I was glad Brother was feeling better, but it hurt to realize my role was minimal. But it can't be helped. Brother and Lady have a much deeper relationship than I do.

'It's a relief.'

It's a relief that Brother has someone close enough to cheer him up. I can't play that role. Yes, they are dancing beautifully right now─ Wait?

Watching Brother and Lady, I blinked several times. Something seemed off.

'Brother?'

How many times are you stepping on Lady's feet?

'Lady?'

Are you okay? It seems a bit hard this time.

Staring blankly, I realized they had finished dancing and were returning to where we were.

Brother's expression was stiff, his gaze on the floor, while Lady had a bright smile despite her slightly flushed face.

'Lady...'

And there was a faint moisture in Lady's eyes. I saw it clearly but pretended not to. Lady seemed happy.

Author's Note

He looked happier than yesterday. = The Chief is satisfied with you.

Since midnight the previous day, the word "Finals Ended" has been added to the contest announcement. It feels different from the preliminaries. I can sense that the 50-day journey is coming to an end.

Saying it's the end makes it feel like it will disappear with the contest's conclusion. Of course, I will continue to visit readers even after the award announcement, so there's no need to worry!

Thank you for reading this chapter!