Chapter 146
Ainter and Tannian were absent; Rutis and Lather were in attendance. Louise and Erich were the types that wouldn’t cause too much trouble even if left alone.
This was a very familiar situation—just like their positions during the first semester’s practical exam. The stability of the scenario brought an illusion of peace that was almost comforting.
“So it really is those two causing the issues?”
Today, the outrageous presence of Red and Blue caught my attention even more than usual. If only these two were absent, maybe about 70% of the chaos in the club would vanish!
But what could be done? It felt like the prideful bickering between Armein, the second most powerful nation, and Yuben, the third. Their rivalry in swords and magic was practically woven into the fabric of human history. There were way more reasons for Rutis and Lather to squabble than to get along—especially with their opposing personalities.
In a way, their bickering that resembled kids fighting in the neighborhood was almost endearing. At least they weren’t genuinely trying to kill each other.
“I wish they would fight somewhere else.”
“Why create a ruckus in the academy?”
With my patience boiling over, I quietly shifted my gaze away. Perhaps Apels, the founder of this academy, was the true root of all evil—this nation was doomed!
Upon turning my eyes, I noticed Louise staring blankly into space, lost in thought.
“What’s wrong?”
Just then, it seemed Erich had also spotted Louise and approached her first. Perfect timing! I was curious too, especially since Louise had been freaking out the moment I tried to talk to her lately.
“Just wondering which class will win.”
“This year’s competition seems fierce indeed.”
With that, Erich’s gaze wandered once to the two idiots practicing swordplay, then to Ainter, who was quietly observing.
One of their classes might emerge victorious. As for Tannian, it seemed he’d care less about the outcome.
“We can just take it easy.”
Following Erich’s gaze towards the strong contenders, Louise said with a cheerful smile.
Regardless of the outcome, a typical freshman like her could enjoy it like a school sports day. There was no need to fight for victory like in a fair, nor was it something that would influence her grades like the practical exams.
“Exactly. Winning doesn’t get you anything anyway.”
I heard Erich’s remark, which sounded as if romance was dead! Quite the capitalist mindset—only interested in profit.
“You’ve grown up.”
Honestly, I felt the same way. In the nobility, staying put unless there was something to gain was quite the norm.
“The final four-person event will be perfect!”
“What a coincidence. I was thinking the same!”
After some muttering, the two idiots managed to finally reach an agreement.
“A four-person event, huh?”
As Villar had hoped, I discovered what event those two would participate in. Yes, a four-person event was the most straightforward.
In this four-person event, each class would send out a squad made up of the class teacher, one swordsman student, one magician student, and one faculty member with no assigned class.
I wasn’t quite sure why the last member was included, but it wrapped up the inter-class competition nicely. Perfect for the show-offs!
“At least that’s a relief.”
It would be easier to protect them if they were in the same event rather than different ones.
“A four-person event.”
My gaze unintentionally drifted towards Erich. Just hearing about the four-person event made me automatically think of him.
One swordsman and one magician student from each class.
“This event was meant for you!”
My heart twinged. Erich was the only member of the pastry club in the same class as Louise.
Plus, Erich was a swordsman, while Louise was a magician.
This event should have been a chance for Erich and Louise to connect, an opportunity for them to grow closer!
“Just hold on a little longer.”
Unfortunately, they fell apart before this event could happen. Would things have turned out differently had they participated in the four-person event?
Now that I think about it, nothing happened when Louise and Erich shared a carriage to the Boyar Duchy. Not much would change, it seems.
A fresh wave of heartache washed over me—but for a different reason now.
*
I informed both Villar and Marghetta about Rutis and Lather participating in the four-person event.
The academy had a duty to care for its students. Besides the principal’s rounds at the arena, the student council had to be prepared as well.
“That’s a relief. If something does happen in the four-person event, we can respond quickly!”
I nodded while watching Marghetta visibly relax.
The four-person event, the grand finale of the inter-class competition, was always the most spectacular of all events.
Thanks to that, many magicians and clerics would be present, making for quick recovery in case someone got hurt.
Of course, the best-case scenario would be for nothing to happen, but the comfort of having a safety net was hard to discount. Peace of mind definitely made everything easier.
“It’d be great if the winning class among those two can become the champions.”
“I totally agree!”
It would paint a lovely picture if the class winning the final event became the champions. Just like giving bonus points at the end of a school trip—who doesn’t love that?
This meant Ainters class wouldn’t have a shot at winning this year, but there would be two more inter-class competitions. Let’s give this year to the foreign students!
Then Marghetta, who smiled slightly at my agreement, spoke again.
“By the way, Carl, everything’s alright lately?”
“Huh?”
That question came out of the blue. What did she mean by “everything’s alright?”
“The pastry club is always so vibrant! I meant, did any of the members cause a stir or… something like that?”
I quickly reviewed the status of the members in my mind, but nothing stood out as new!
Aside from the inter-class competition, things had been pretty quiet. I had even informed Marghetta about any incidents related to the inter-class competition, so there was really nothing out of the ordinary!
“Yeah, thankfully there’s been nothing unusual.”
“Is that so?”
Marghetta’s puzzled head tilt made me uneasy. If she was probing like that, she must be aware of something. She wouldn’t bring it up without reason.
“An issue within the club that I’m unaware of?”
What a terrifying thought. Did something happen without my watchful eye catching it?
“Damn, I should know first in order to deal with it! If it slipped past my notice, I’ll have no measures ready!”
However, the way Marghetta reacted suggested it was still in its infancy stages. If something big had occurred, she wouldn’t be so calm. Plus, I would have gotten a contact from the principal or Villar by now!
“Mar, is something going on?”
At my question, Marghetta seemed to plunge into thought.
“Why, though?”
*
An unexpected turn of events!
“Yeah, thankfully there’s been nothing unusual.”
My head tilted at Carl’s answer.
“That’s strange. How could nothing be wrong?”
It was the kind of response that made me almost doubt Carl. He wouldn’t lie to me, but it was an unexpectedly weird answer.
When I looked into Carl’s eyes, I found nothing but bright, innocent pupils.
“Yeah, Carl seems innocent.”
“Why?”
Confirming Carl’s innocence only deepened my confusion.
I thought something would have happened by now. I had given her the green light, and it seemed she understood what I meant!
“Lady Louise… What’s she doing right now?”
A mix of puzzlement and an unexplainable sense of helplessness enveloped me. Why was this happening?
If Lady Louise were indecisive or slow to act, I could understand. But she wasn’t the type to just sit idle while cleverly managing all her club members. You wouldn’t make that happen with an ordinary sense of resolve or driving force.
“Mar, is something going on?”
Carl’s words made me glance down for a moment.
Something was indeed up! But I wasn’t sure if it was the kind of thing I could share with Carl.
I had given permission for Lady Louise to be the second, so I had no intention of getting in her way. When the opportunity arose, I’d gladly speak well of Louise to Carl.
Yet the situation felt a bit ambiguous. What if Lady Louise had her own reasons for remaining quiet? It’d be meddling on my part if I interfered!
“I recently noticed that Lady Louise seemed troubled.”
After some soul-searching, I decided to speak up. With this, Carl would surely pay more attention to Louise.
It was a worthy display of quick thinking and care on my part. Not everyone got offered this opportunity, but since we were set to share the same husband, I paid special attention.
“Did you notice that too, Mar?”
“Wait, what?”
“Did I notice it too?”
Then it meant that Carl also felt something was off with Lady Louise!
“She’s been looking at me oddly lately.”
“Ah, yes.”
Considering someone she liked was right in front of her, she’d definitely be more conscious!
Following that, Carl mentioned various topics, and with each word, my mind only felt more clouded. Maybe it was because I had some inkling about Lady Louise’s behavior.
“Whenever I talk to her, she tends to avoid me or divert the conversation.”
“I see.”
“That’s right! My assumptions were accurate.”
“How bashful!”
I barely managed to suppress a sigh. Lady Louise, what are you doing, I offered you this golden opportunity!
I understood the feeling. Being the first to fall for someone usually put you at a disadvantage and made you feel small and shaky in front of Carl. But she needed to overcome that trembling!
“I totally get it, but why’s it so tough?”
Holy moly! Just one glance can change hearts!
After all, I hadn’t approached Carl without any hint of shyness. In fact, I needed extra courage since I had been rejected once! Deep down, I believed Carl and I were fated by the heavens to be together, but that didn’t make my awkwardness any less real.
“And that’s what worries me. It seems like she’s burdened with concerns, but can’t share them.”
“Seriously.”
I was concerned for a different reason, however.
But something felt off. Lady Louise, who couldn’t muster up her last bit of courage, was one thing. Yet I couldn’t fathom how Carl could be so oblivious!
If he were truly clueless, there was no way he would have made it this far in life! Plus, he had pushed me away before, which indicated he knew my feelings.
Then why was he blind to Lady Louise’s feelings?
I could see it—so how couldn’t he? Sure, I was more expressive, yet Lady Louise was trying to communicate with her entire being without uttering a word! Just recently, she’d turned down five guys and now, in front of Carl, she was acting all timid and observant. How could he not notice?!
This was bizarre. Unless he viewed Lady Louise as something other than a romantic interest—there’s no way he could overlook her feelings!
“I wish there were other girls in the club. Such a pity!”
It seems like Lady Louise has a bit of a rough road ahead of her.
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