I’m feeling like a popular star these days. Everywhere I go, I’m wrapped in flashy attention.
Not long ago, I wasn’t receiving any of this heated gaze. I used to dodge people as much as possible, and even when I bumped into someone, they made sure to avoid me like the plague. Running into the Executive Manager was like encountering a kangaroo on my daily stroll – completely unexpected!
“Why on earth is it here?” and “Better not poke it, it might be dangerous,” were the constant thoughts in my head. That was my life not too long ago.
“So the Duke chose that person?”
“My father definitely said so.”
Now, I’ve gone from being the “kangaroo you should avoid” to “a safari beast that’s worth the risk of getting a closer look.”
“Damn it…”
It’s humiliating. Those people think they’re whispering from afar, but I can hear everything. You can sense the stares and whispers directed at you like some bizarre sixth sense.
But if I show any unpleasant reaction here, I’d be gifting those students a lifelong trauma. Gotta keep my cool.
So, I tried to straighten my face and move on.
“Ugh, I’m gonna lose it…”
Of course, it was tough. Keeping a safe distance while noticing those sneaky glances. It’s not just that they’re bumping into me; it feels like they’re deliberately seeking me out.
If I had been the spectacle since my very first day at the Academy, it would have been one thing. But this sudden influx of attention is driving me insane. I wish they would realize that too much attention stresses out animals!
Finally, I managed to shake off the frenzied gazes once I got close to the club room.
“Are royals actually terrifying?”
Stepping into the club room, a chuckle escaped me. Those creatures that were clinging to me couldn’t dare take a step into this royal sanctuary.
Of course, I understand. Had this not been my workplace, I wouldn’t have come near it either.
And I totally get why they’d be hesitant to peek in here.
“The Duke’s potential partner…”
Just hearing that phrase ignites curiosity like a wild fire. For over a hundred years, a Duke of elven blood living alone has taken an interest in a man!
Nobles, being as social as they are, can’t help but react when they hear such a cheat-sheet phrase, and if I hear that the Duke has picked a partner, I’d be sprinting over like a dog to gawk at the spectacle.
With that thought, I turned my gaze towards the mirror.
“There I am.”
In the reflection, I was chuckling to myself. Was there any need to sprint like a dog? It’s so easy to just watch from here.
Wow, I’m really happy about this!
I’ve never felt so relaxed during club time ever!
In this Academy, where imperial citizens dominate, about half of the club members are from foreign countries. Sure, it’s interesting news for outsiders too, but it doesn’t hit them as hard as it does for the Empire’s folks.
Thanks to that, I could chill during club time. After spending a year together as a refuge—
“Hyung, can you tell me about the party?”
Not quite!
My cookie-grabbing hand stopped at Erich’s unexpected, sudden inquiry.
“That little rascal…”
Of all people, my younger brother came at me with that at the most unexpected moment. I never thought Erich would stab me with a metaphorical dagger like this.
I thought I had shortchanged him or something… but really, isn’t this timing just cruel? Even the nearby club members looked surprised, their eyes darting to Erich.
As I glanced at him with a loaded look, Erich awkwardly averted his gaze.
“Our mother’s been bombarding me with questions…”
“Oh.”
With that, my resentment faded. I’d been so scattered that I forgot about the family’s perspective.
For sure, the Krasius family would be the next biggest victims after me and Marghetta from this whole situation. Just waking up one day to find they’ve gained the Duke as a daughter-in-law!
“Insanity.”
Even I think it’s dizzying. Saying that I’m the in-law of the Duke is already extraordinary, but the Duke being a daughter-in-law? Not a mother-in-law, but a daughter-in-law?
I can picture my mother shaking, tears uncontrollably rolling down her face. A mother who isn’t even forty just gained a daughter-in-law above a hundred!
It’s astounding. The laws of the Empire are both complex and bizarre.
“I’ll tell Mother.”
“Okay.”
Erich nodded rapidly, like he’d been waiting for that. Then he took a sip of tea with the calmest face possible.
“Sorry, man.”
For a moment, thinking of the pressure Erich must’ve endured over these past few days made me uneasy.
To have the family on his case, hounding him with questions while he was left clueless; it’s like a disaster scenario!
Seeing him now, he’d even developed dark circles under his eyes. This was far from the sprightly guy he used to be.
“So… do you need some pocket money?”
“Huh?”
Erich blinked at my sudden question.
I know it sounds out of the blue. I’m hardly the type to give away money, let alone tiny gifts. What would two dull guys do with those sentimental things anyway?
But this time, I want to give him something!
A flicker of brotherly affection, revived thanks to the Duke…
*
I didn’t hesitate to accept Erich’s offer of pocket money; given what I’ve been through, I feel I totally deserve it!
Usually, the start of a new week after a weekend is tiring business. After all, isn’t the first day of the week referred to as the Trial of Enen to ward off the laziness of the creature?
But this trial felt a little, no, way too harsh.
“Erich, can I ask you something?”
“Sure?”
As soon as I stepped into the classroom, a question flew my way. This was from a friend I’d only exchanged casual greetings with, so for him to strike up a conversation means it must be something important.
So, I told him to go for it. Just say it if he knows; if he doesn’t, then that’s fine too.
“I heard the Duke proposed to the Executive Manager.”
…?
That’s when I finally understood what it means for my brain to freeze.
After that, I was genuinely at a loss. That little rascal, no, that friend was the start of a whole crowd of nobles coming to swarm me.
Our class, the neighboring class, second years, third years, even occasional staff members.
“Honestly, I’m not sure.”
I wasn’t kidding. My brother got proposed to by the Duke? This is the first time I’m hearing this!
So, I tried to dodge as much as I could. I claimed I didn’t know any details and suggested not to think too deeply about it.
Sure, there’s probably some misunderstanding. If it were a big incident like that, there’s no way I wouldn’t know as family, right?
– “Erich, didn’t you hear anything from Karl?”
“…”
Then, during lunch, when I got a call from my mother, it dawned on me that this was no mere rumor; it was real.
I had no words to express the shock. Really? My brother got proposed to by the Duke?
‘What about the Lady?’
That thought hit me instinctively.
If the Duke is eyeing my brother, what happens to the Lady? I can’t imagine the Duke becoming the second wife, nor can I see how she’d be pushed aside for the first.
‘What about Louise?’
If the Duke ends up being his first wife, it’d leave Louise in a bind. Thank goodness she’s friends with the Lady, but she has no connections with the Duke!
At least the Lady, even if she plays second fiddle, might still get a chance to be a wife considering her status as a part of the ducal family. But what about Louise? Would the Duke accept a baron’s daughter with no familiar ties?
My head felt like it was going to explode. My mother’s pleas to find out what was going on, the nobles’ pressures to spill the beans, and the future of Louise…
…Honestly, it seemed foolish to worry about the marriage of someone who’s snubbed me, but still, he’s my friend. This “I can’t have him, so I’ll ruin him!” mentality is the stuff of cliché villains in ancient novels.
“Frustrating.”
Packing the pocket money from Erich while sneaking a glance at Louise made me sigh. She seemed restless, like she had caught wind of the news.
Well, she was trying to act casually, but anyone could see she was agitated.
“Well, at least that’s good.”
Her eyes were burning with intensity, so I felt a bit relieved.
Though she’s been frustrating to watch lately, it seems she’s finally keen on taking action now that her feet are to the fire.
If that’s the case, it’s a good sign. No matter what, it’ll be my brother’s decision regarding the marriage in the end.
And that was the sentiment echoed among everyone gathered here.
“Now?”
“Now.”
Exchanging glances with Rutis, our eyes quickly communicated a silent agreement.
“Oh, I just remembered I left something in the classroom. I’ll be right back.”
After a quick exchange of glances, I launched a signal.
*
Are those little rascals losing their youthful brains?
“Oh, I just remembered I left something in the classroom. I’ll be right back.”
When Erich first spoke up, I thought, “Okay, whatever.”
“Are you coming too? Let’s go together.”
When Rutis got up, I thought it was reasonable.
But when Ainter, Lather, and Tannian followed in tow, I couldn’t even think about stopping them anymore.
“What’s wrong with the future of the continent?”
These bright youths already showing signs of forgetfulness?
Seeing Louise’s expression turn blank, she seemed bewildered by the situation but quickly broke into a giggle.
“Looks like everyone rushed over in a hurry.”
“Yeah, they must’ve.”
I nodded along to Louise’s words. Let’s just pretend they’re not going through forgetfulness for the sake of the noble title.
Then came the silence. It’s not like we were awkward with each other, but suddenly having five people rush out created a gap in our conversation.
“Hey, Oppa.”
“Yeah, go ahead.”
The ever-vocal Louise didn’t let that brief silence go to waste.
“Duke, what do you think of him?”
No need to fill the silence like that!
Just as I dodged one metaphorical stab, another flew my way, giving me an awkward grin. Louise, that bright and cheerful girl, was still a noble at heart.
Her interest in such matters was a clear giveaway.
“Well, he does give an excessively generous impression.”
It was a carefully considered reply after some thought.
I don’t dislike the Duke. After all, how could one dislike someone being overly generous? The only issue is the unexpected nature of that generosity, which is baffling.
“Is that so?”
At those words, Louise lowered her gaze briefly before continuing.
“Still, I think it’s amazing. He’s showing his feelings openly.”
“That’s true…”
I found myself unconsciously agreeing. It’s certainly impressive. The scale of his intentions is surprisingly grand.
“I was afraid to show my feelings to just one person…”
Louise mumbled this to herself as she fiddled with her hands. Scared to show her feelings, huh…
‘Is she referring to her sister?’
Certainly, the old Louise would have tightly guarded her trauma, but now, she’s openly discussing it. It’s not right for her to live with feelings of inadequacy over something that happened in the past.
“You only need to be confident now.”
“You’re right?”
“Absolutely.”
With my words of encouragement, Louise flashed me a smile again, as if she’d heard just what she needed to hear.
“Then can I say I like you, Oppa?”
“Wha…?”
Hold on there!
I almost answered without thinking. What did she just say?
‘You mean in a mentor kind of way, right?’
My mind clicked back into gear. I was a bit too sensitive since it was right after the shock from the Duke’s proposal.
‘…That’s what it is, right?’
But looking at Louise’s expression, I found my mouth couldn’t even utter a word.
Her flushed face, eyes trembling yet fixed on me, anxious hands.
I’m not an idiot; I might lack common sense but I’m not clueless.
Yet today, I just wanted to indulge in some blissful ignorance.
‘Should I just pretend I didn’t hear that?’
Of course, that’d be a weak excuse.
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