Chapter 53

Chapter 52

Was the Deputy Minister satisfied?

The banquet that concluded the exhibition schedule ended without any major issues.

"Mark, I'm really sorry. I didn't mean to do it on purpose..."

"It's okay. Karl Youngshik did me a favor, didn't he?"

Except for Margareta's badly trampled feet. Despite being so careful, I still managed to step on her a few times. I tried so hard not to step on her with force, shifting my weight backward to avoid it.

If I had stepped on her even once properly, it would have been a major disaster. Margareta's foot would have broken, and the news of the Deputy Minister assaulting a noble lady would have rocked the social circles. After that, there would have been a series of visits from the Ministry of Justice, with the Iron-Blooded Duke enraged and the Ministry of Justice trailing behind.

"I'll be more careful next time to avoid such incidents."

"Oh, are you already applying for a new partner?"

"If Mark is okay with me."

Margareta's smile, as if she was pleased, put me at ease. Fortunately, she didn't seem too angry. Even if I had been the one to make the mistake, I should have humbly accepted her anger.

Feeling guilty, I offered to take Margareta back to her residence, but she firmly refused. It wasn't a polite refusal; she genuinely didn't want to, which was quite surprising.

"I want to go back slowly on my own."

What could I do? I offered to take her because I felt bad, but I couldn't force someone who didn't want to go.

"I really caused a lot of trouble today."

"I had a good time. I hope Karl Youngshik enjoyed it too."

"I did too."

As I watched Margareta walk away with a slight bow, Louise suddenly walked quickly in her direction.

'No, don't run.'

She didn't exactly run, but what was the difference? Still, she seemed to have learned her lesson and managed to reach Margareta without incident, whispering something to her. I couldn't hear what they were saying, only seeing their backs.

They had a brief conversation, then bowed to each other and parted ways. It didn't seem like a bad conversation, and Louise's expression when she returned wasn't dark.

"Was there something?"

"I have something to tell you, senior."

Her "hehe" laugh suggested she wasn't going to tell me what it was. Margareta didn't seem upset, so it probably wasn't a problem. Louise could tell the difference.

"Let's head back. Everyone worked hard."

Once Margareta was out of sight, I addressed the club members who were gathered behind me. The major event of the exhibition was finally over, and my mind felt clearer.

The exam period is coming up soon, but that doesn't concern me. Since the advisor doesn't take exams, I can relax for a while.

***

I walked as naturally as possible until I was out of Karl's sight.

"Ouch..."

Once I confirmed no one was around, my legs gave out. I had been doing my best to hold it together until then. It was especially disappointing when Karl offered to see me off. I didn't think I could make it to my residence, so I declined with tears in my eyes.

Taking off my high heels, I saw my swollen, red feet. The pain from my feet made me want to cry, but thinking about the ball made me laugh.

At first, when Karl stepped on my foot, I found it amusing, thinking he had made a mistake. But as it happened again and again, it wasn't funny anymore. I remembered something I had overheard before.

Some Youngshiks would pretend to step on their partner's foot if they didn't like them. When I first heard this, I thought it was absurd and that such a noble wouldn't exist. And if a Youngshik did that, the lady must have been very lacking.

But when I experienced it, I was both shocked and heartbroken. I was so happy to dance with Karl, and I had been looking forward to this moment. It turned out I was the only one who was happy. Did Karl really dislike me that much?

As I was about to cry, I saw Karl's expression and couldn't help but laugh. He looked as flustered as I felt, his eyes darting around, unsure of what to do. I could see he was trying to be more careful.

'He just doesn't know how to dance.'

It was a mistake made by a beginner who had never danced before. Karl didn't dislike me; he was just a beginner, and I was so happy that he was dancing for the first time.

'I was Karl's first.'

His first partner. I was Karl's first dance partner, and no one else.

Hehehe...

"Hehehe... Ah."

I let out an undignified laugh, but with no one around, I just cleared my throat and looked at the small bottle in my hand.

"Apply it to the sore area, and it will help."

The medicine Louise had given me. There were medical personnel on standby at the ball in case of emergencies, and she must have gotten it from there.

"Actually, my brother got it, but he felt it was inappropriate to give it directly, so he asked me to pass it on."

'Lie.'

I had been watching where Karl was the whole time. He didn't have the time to get the medicine. But I accepted it without comment, impressed by Louise's thoughtfulness.

She must have been worried that I would be upset about being stepped on repeatedly, or simply concerned about my pain. It was surprising that she came to me without telling anyone else and handed me the medicine. I also appreciated that she gave credit to Karl.

Yes, that's what he should do. If Karl is a Youngshik who takes the time and effort to care for a lady, he should show that side.

'So, I can forgive today's incident, Louise.'

Being in Karl's arms was something I could forgive. After all, I plan to spend my life in his arms. I can be lenient to that extent.

...But I need to apply the medicine first. Today was enjoyable, but it was very painful. Still, it was worth it.

***

Regular report, as usual.

- If you get stabbed in the neck while walking, accept it as your fate.

"..."

Somehow, I ended up telling the Minister about the disaster at the ball, and I had no proper response to his reaction. I felt the same way.

- You treated my precious youngest daughter so badly, and now you're stepping on her feet? Does the princess even walk on her own? The Iron-Blooded Duke would get away with killing you, and the Ministry of Justice would declare you not guilty.

"I was careful not to step on her too hard..."

- If you were careful, you shouldn't have stepped on her at all. You've been walking around calling yourself a madman; are you really one?

His words were spot-on, and I couldn't argue. If Margareta had shed a single tear, the Iron-Blooded Duke's knights might have already stormed the academy. Terrifying.

- So, what happened today?

The Minister changed the subject, seeing my silence. He must have been referring to today's events.

"Following the imperial decree, I eliminated the traitors."

- Do you think I don't know that? You suddenly started following a strange custom, and now you're back to the principles. What's the reason?

"The Emperor wished it. The imperial decree clearly stated the eradication of the traitors. How could I resist?"

- Indeed.

The Minister's reaction was as if he had heard something unbelievable. But I couldn't argue.

- I clearly told you that the Inspection Department must strictly follow the principles to avoid trouble. If you create a strange custom out of pity, you'll only make yourself miserable.

If a custom you created in less than two years is going to be broken, why create it in the first place?

His words stabbed me in the heart.

- Just to be clear, I'm not blaming you for following the principles. The Inspection Department should do that. I'm blaming you for creating a custom and then ignoring it on a whim.

"I'm sorry."

- Damn, you only apologize when it's convenient.

The Minister, sighing irritably, glared at me.

- The Emperor was satisfied with the handling of the situation. There was some surprise within the Inspection Department about the sudden return to principles, but no significant opposition.

"That's fortunate."

- If you had thought it through and decided to return to the principles, that would be one thing. But from the reactions of the officers, it doesn't seem like that.

I bowed my head quietly. The Minister already knew everything.

- If you claim to act for their benefit, consider what they will say when they see you.

"...I will keep that in mind."

- Worthless.

The regular report ended there.

Soon after, I received a call from the Minister of the Imperial Palace, relaying the Emperor's words.

It wasn't a significant message. The Emperor's words could be summarized as, "Although you've been acting out of character, it seems you've regained your senses, and I'm satisfied." Yes, he must have been very satisfied. The dull sword had regained its edge.

- A sword that can be used for a long time is a true masterpiece. It's fortunate that the Deputy Minister of the Inspection Department understands this.

The Minister of the Imperial Palace's final words were blunt and simple: "It's good that you've returned to your role."

Lying in bed, my mind was a mess. I thought it was the only thing I could do. I believed that since I had created the custom, it wouldn't be a problem if I ignored it for a while. I thought I had thoroughly dealt with the situation and felt relieved.

- If you claim to act for their benefit, consider what they will say when they see you.

It seems I was wrong.

The Minister's words still echoed in my ears, confirming that I was wrong.

'Damn.'

I'm still a kid.

"Is it so hard to call me 'sister'? You seem so shy, you must still be young!"

"Stop making nonsense and get out. The section chief is looking for you."

Maybe I shouldn't have refused when Hecate called me 'sister' until the end.

Author's Note

Half of May has passed since Teacher's Day. Time really flies.

Thank you for reading this chapter!