Chapter: 304
The Pastry Club managed to snag first place at the fair again this year, just like last year. Honestly, it wasn’t surprising at all. Given that this year we had cookies made by Duke Marcilio himself included in our club’s performance, if we didn’t come in first, we’d definitely have to suspect foul play.
However, now it was time to consider something more important than the modest honor of being number one.
“Here, this is Erich’s share.”
“…Thanks.”
As the heavy pouch landed on my hand, a bitter smile escaped me. After selling the cookies made by the Duke, half of the earnings were to go to the Pastry Club. No matter how I thought about it, we didn’t deserve that money, but if the Duke said he didn’t want it, what could we do? And handing it over to the Academy felt odd too, especially since they had gritted their teeth and taken half for themselves, almost as if it was forced.
So, just like that, the club found itself holding a fortune overnight—Louise, who unexpectedly became a rich girl, was now in a state of panic, unsure of what to do.
The other club members, including myself, could only pat her on the back and tell her to spend freely. Actually, we treated it like we were just watching a train wreck happening across the river—it didn’t concern us directly.
“Let’s all share!”
And that was the outcome. With her trembling hands counting the gold coins, Louise committed the monumental crime of splitting all the profits by the number of club members. Completely unable to bear it alone, she pulled us all into her devilish plan.
‘What should we do?’
It was indeed a terrible strategy—but effective. I could now feel the burden that Louise had been holding.
Of course, Ainter, Rutis, Lather, and Tannian were unfazed. There was no way royal or princely folk would be shocked by money. They were just surprised that we made such a sum from selling cookies, not the amount itself. So they simply smiled at Louise, who was insisting we take the money, and didn’t display any other reactions.
But I’m just an ordinary nobleman. Okay, maybe calling the Krasius family ordinary is a bit of a stretch, but compared to royals and princes, it’s true.
And I’m just the second son, not even the heir. So, I was in no position to treat this kind of amount nonchalantly.
“This is Sara’s share!”
As I kept distributing the coins, I could feel Louise’s voice brightening oddly. By the time it reached the last unwilling victim, Sara, it almost turned into a hum.
“I-I really don’t need it. I didn’t do anything!”
“There’s no one here who did nothing. We all worked hard, so you should accept it.”
Louise forcibly shoved the pouch into Sara’s hands while she shook her head in disbelief.
It’s strange; the conversation was warm, yet it looked like an evil deed. The glimmer in Sara’s eyes seemed more like fear than gratitude.
‘I can understand that.’
Still, I couldn’t help but chuckle because I could empathize with Sara’s feelings. If I, a Count, felt burdened by it, how would a mere Baron’s daughter like Sara feel? Especially since she had been living in a mansion, far removed from luxury, so gold coins must be completely foreign to her.
And now, here she is, with a handful of them. Multiple ones, at that.
“Please take it. I think it’ll ease your mind.”
At Louise’s heartfelt words, Sara looked at me with trembling eyes. It was as if she was silently pleading for me to intervene.
‘Sorry.’
I subtly shook my head. I’m sorry, but that’s impossible. If I could’ve stopped it, I wouldn’t have accepted it in the first place. If anything, maybe my brother could’ve talked sense into her, but he happens to be absent right now.
“If it’s too burdensome to hold onto, how about sending it to your nanny? If you tell her it’s your first money earned by yourself, she’ll be delighted.”
“Do you think so…?”
Even though I thought just shaking my head wouldn’t cut it since Sara might feel betrayed, I offered her a fitting answer. Thankfully, it seemed to work as Sara nodded along.
Honestly, it’s a pretty good idea once you say it out loud. I should probably do the same and send some to my mother. That way, whether she uses it for our family or the territory, she can do what she sees fit. Even if it ends up being her personal funds, it’s more likely to be used wisely than the way I would.
That evening, after the fair’s award ceremony, a banquet was held. The fair was merely an Academy event, so the banquet served as a way to shake off all those emotions—though in reality, it was just a chance to enjoy the finale of the festival.
Guests visiting the Academy tend to leave before the awards ceremony, so the banquet was mainly for students of the Academy. It was a comfortable and welcome occasion for students who had to bow down to their upperclassmen.
“Erich.”
“Oh, Sister?”
I certainly didn’t expect Sister Zenobia to still be around.
Of course, guests leave early because they have their own busy schedules, not because the Academy shoves them out the door, but I assumed that as a Countess, she’d be far busier than most and had left ages ago.
“Congrats on first place. You worked hard.”
With a bright smile, Sister Zenobia handed me a handkerchief. It was such an unexpected gift that I couldn’t help but smile back.
“I was thinking of giving you a bouquet, but I figured a handkerchief would be better. Are you still wearing them out quickly these days?”
“Of course. If it lasts three months, it’s considered long-lasting.”
Rolling around during training has a tendency to wear down handkerchiefs too. It’s been this way since I was little, and it’s too late to change now. So I’ve been buying new ones regularly.
Funny enough, I was just thinking of needing to buy one soon, and now I received this?
“Thanks! I’ll make good use of it.”
“Sure. Just be careful when using it this time.”
With that, Sister Zenobia turned her attention to Sara and spoke first.
“Sara, how are you? It’s getting late, and you have to attend the banquet too. Are you feeling alright?”
A gentle smile spread on my face at her concerned words for the somewhat frail Sara. They must have only met for the first time at the fair, yet she was already worried about her, which suggests their relationship was going quite well.
“I’m fine! If I couldn’t handle this much, I wouldn’t have even gotten into the Academy. I’m just touched that Countess has stayed until now even with your busy schedule.”
It seemed Sara was happy with Sister Zenobia’s words too, flashing a slight smile in response.
Honestly, I felt touched too. Even if she had left after just one day, I would have understood. But she stayed until the last day of booth operations and supported us as we celebrated. Saying I wouldn’t be grateful would be a lie.
“It was actually my suggestion to help you, so it’s embarrassing that you’re thanking me.”
As I teased her lightly, Sister Zenobia’s eyes widened in surprise.
She probably didn’t expect me to bring up something from our childhood. I’d feel embarrassed saying it, but after being teased by Sara about wanting to be a knight, I’ve grown to not care so much. What does it matter if I have a few cringey memories from my past?
“Remember that?”
“Really?”
Surprised, Sister Zenobia mumbled as she nodded. I may not be great at many things, but I have a decent enough memory.
“Even if I forget what others say, I remember what I say.”
Of course, it’s best if both parties remember. If my memory is limited, at least I should remember my own words.
That way, maintaining human relationships is smoother.
*
Unlike last year, this time, we decided to make our own way to the banquet hall. Louise would enter with her mentor, and I figured it wouldn’t do to move as a club since I should spend some quality time with Sara instead.
There’s no way a group of four guys would march into the banquet hall alone. The knights of Ainter escort ladies to the banquet, not other men.
So, I figured I’d rest at my lodgings for a bit before heading to the banquet hall—
‘Damn it.’
I spotted Erich, Sara, and Count Horfelt gathered near the banquet hall. I seriously didn’t expect external guests would still be around at the Academy.
At that moment, I couldn’t help but feel impressed. Here was someone who challenged common sense, fighting for their goals. With that kind of stubborn spirit, you’d hardly find it even in Ainter. I didn’t expect to witness it played out in a romantic showdown, but there you have it.
‘At least they’re outsiders, so that’s a relief.’
Thank goodness Count Horfelt was an outsider, not someone affiliated with the Academy. The banquet, being part of the fair’s schedule, made it plausible for him to stay on, but he wouldn’t have a valid reason to remain in the future. I wouldn’t have to witness the clash between Sara and Count Horfelt at least.
But still, this time it was astounding for a different reason.
‘Wait… why isn’t he aware?’
Watching Erich sandwiched between Sara and Count Horfelt made that thought spring to mind.
I could tell the moment I saw Sara that she had feelings for Erich. And as for Count Horfelt? The same applied to him. Why is the guy standing there cluelessly when even a dullard like me can see this without issue? If Erich had zero interest in romance, I’d understand, but considering he had a crush on Louise, that can’t be the case!
Even when Louise had a crush on her mentor, he noticed right away. He isn’t really that dense when it comes to love—so why now?
‘Is he playing dumb on purpose?’
I couldn’t help but entertain that thought. Maybe he’s feigning ignorance, unable to decide what to do.
But that expression seemed genuine. He looked completely naïve, not a trace of acting in sight. It’s almost preferable that it were all just an act, but…
“Rutis?”
Amid my jumbled thoughts of jealousy, I heard Ainter’s voice from behind.
“What are you doing hiding—”
As he turned his head to follow my gaze, Ainter quickly shut his mouth and, like me, hid behind a tree.
“…Should we just turn back?”
“Yeah, I think that’s for the best.”
Nodding at his wise suggestion, I felt no courage to step into that mix.
‘They’ll handle it, right?’
Just as I was about to turn my back, I glanced at Erich, who still wore a calm smile.
Yeah, he’ll handle it. He might be completely oblivious to being in love, looking as clueless as they come, but he knows how to take care of himself. At the very least, he won’t accidentally hurt either of the two.
‘Just like the way the mentor handled things.’
I suddenly recalled last semester’s mentor. While we were busy swooning over Louise and getting caught up in shenanigans, he had been alongside us, only to remain completely oblivious to all those signs and now was feeling the same confusion himself. It’s almost miraculous how Erich is mirroring that situation perfectly.
I never realized they were siblings; they sure are showing it off now.
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