Chapter: 50
Caught off guard by the sudden words, Marghetta showed no signs of calming down even after some time had passed. At least her face was composed, but her ears continued to flaunt a fiery red hue. I didn’t expect her to be this pleased with just a little compliment. I almost felt guilty for being so stingy with praise in the past.
I thought maybe I should start showering her with compliments, but I hesitated, fearing it may feel like I’m tormenting her with false hope. Figuring out how to treat Marghetta is indeed a complicated and sorry affair.
“W-Well. Shall we go now?”
Marghetta cautiously extended her hand and spoke. I waited as I thought she’d fluster again if I spoke first, but thankfully, it seemed she had gathered herself.
“Yes, let’s go.”
I grinned and took Marghetta’s hand. Holding hands as partners while entering the banquet hall is something we should be doing, but not treating even this simple action would be too cruel. Ignoring a lady when she has reached out first is generally considered madness.
“The partner looks rather dull compared to the beautiful lady. I’m going to embarrass myself in front of you.”
As I compared Marghetta’s outfit to mine, worries suddenly arose. I was far too dull against all that vibrant red of hers. After all, the only attire I had suitable for this formal setting was the Prosecutor’s uniform.
“Well, who would dare to make fun of us?”
“We don’t know what’s brewing in their minds.”
“Doesn’t matter at all. In my eyes, Sir Carl is cooler than anyone else.”
Her bold statement coupled with her crimson cheeks made me chuckle involuntarily. Seeing Marghetta bury her face in embarrassment made me bite my lip slightly, afraid that I might burst out laughing and send her running away.
Why on earth did she say it so confidently if she was going to be embarrassed by my reaction? It seems Marghetta is the type who has a good drive but lacks endurance.
Anyway, I decided to comfort the flustered Marghetta. If what she said made her blush, surely it’d help if I threw a little embarrassing line her way too.
“I think that Mar looks more beautiful than anyone else right now, so let’s call it even.”
“Ugh!”
She looked like she wanted to let go of my hand and hightail it out of there, but I held on tighter, refusing to let go. The rest of our trek to the banquet hall saw Marghetta staring down at the ground, not uttering a word.
Marghetta Valenti… strong in offense but weak in defense… noted.
Wait, come to think of it, she didn’t seem that good at offense either. What a shame.
The banquet hall was not merely a room within some building; a whole separate structure had been erected for banquets. It was only natural, given it was constructed during the peak of opulence in the Apel era. It was rather smaller than the main building, but the banquet hall was indeed a massive structure.
As we approached, students began visibly pouring in. Some students walked alone, some in pairs, and others in groups. Every one of them was dressed in gowns and suit, making it feel less like we were at an academy and more like we were strolling through the city streets.
Ah, come to think of it, the city was unfamiliar to me as well since I rarely leave the Prosecutor’s Office.
“Just as expected, Sir Carl is the best.”
Whispering quietly as she looked around, Marghetta squeezed my hand tighter like she wouldn’t let go.
“I feel the same way as before.”
In response to my words, Marghetta nodded without attempting to escape. This time it seemed she was determined to act confidently, aware that many eyes were on us.
Seeing her like that suddenly felt like a relief. Thankfully, our work at the Prosecutor’s Office got wrapped up successfully, and I was able to ease a little of the pressure in my heart. That’s how I managed to react so warmly to Marghetta’s actions.
What if the banquet had taken place a day sooner? I probably wouldn’t have been able to respond to Marghetta’s assertiveness as effectively as I was now. Sure, she would maintain her cheerful demeanor, but I could only wonder what kind of expression she’d have when I’m not looking.
“It’s a splendid day for a banquet.”
“Hehe, is that so?”
Marghetta giggled at my spontaneous mumbling. Yes, it truly was a wonderful day. A satisfying day too.
Over there in the distance, Louise’s pink hair danced in the wind, creating a scene that looked as if cherry blossoms were blooming in the sky. How did she manage to know that my anxious heart had calmed just a bit? It felt like she was personally offering me congratulations and comfort.
…Pink hair?
“Louise?”
Why on earth is she here all by herself?
’Where are the others?’
I figured she would be here with her fellow club members.
“Oppa!”
Surprisingly, Louise seemed to have spotted me and was coming towards me, galloping while holding the hem of her dress with both hands. No! Running like that in that dress? Those shoes of hers aren’t even the ones she usually wears!
For a fleeting moment, I visioned the newspaper club publishing a headline: ‘Louise Naird, the esteemed daughter of Baron, tumbles in front of the banquet hall while sprinting without grace…’
“Mar, I’ll be back in a sec.”
Dreading the sight of impending disaster, I momentarily let go of Marghetta’s hand and dashed towards Louise. Sure enough, she lurched and stumbled forward. In a panic state, she couldn’t even manage to let go of the hem of her dress! If she fell like that, it could seriously hurt her!
“Did you want to be all alone in the infirmary while everyone else enjoys the banquet?”
“That-uh, that…”
Thankfully, I managed to catch Louise just in time, preventing her from falling. What would have happened if I hadn’t been there? It’s a safe bet that had I not been around, she wouldn’t even be sprinting toward me in the first place!
With wide eyes looking around in shock, Louise broke into a grin and stepped back from my embrace, her face redder than Marghetta’s when we met in front of my quarters.
Whether she was embarrassed about almost tumbling in front of everyone or about being embraced to prevent her fall, I couldn’t say. Maybe it was both. For a lady of nobility, both situations would surely be mortifying.
“Thank you, Oppa.”
“Why would you run in those high heels?”
“I-I’m sorry…”
Her gratitude sparked a frown from me. As her head fell down in defeat, I considered letting it slide, but remembering how she almost hurt herself, it felt right to scold her a little. The thought of the club’s president getting hurt while I was around felt unbearable.
“Still, thanks to Oppa, I didn’t get hurt. So, isn’t it fine?”
“Do you want to get scolded more before we head into the banquet hall?”
“I’m sorryyyy…”
As she uttered those ridiculous words, I nearly reacted as I used to with the 1st Manager by pinching her lips but held back. It would have been too harsh for a first mistake.
Ultimately, I settled for the predictable advice of ‘be careful next time’ and moved on. After all, she’s not generally the type to make blunders. Let’s just assume today was filled with excitement after winning the club fair.
“By the way, why are you alone? I didn’t think you’d come without the others.”
“If I had come with them, everyone would have ended up waiting on me, so I sent them ahead.”
I mean, it’s true that girls tend to take longer to prepare than guys. Louise appeared to be wearing a dress that must’ve taken significant time and effort.
“You look lovely. Pink certainly suits you.”
I nodded at the sight of Louise’s iconic pink dress. I’d never really seen anyone before who matched pink so splendidly.
“Sir Carl?”
While I admired the delighted expression on Louise’s face in reaction to my compliment, Marghetta’s voice caught me by surprise from behind.
Darn it.
I’d come here as her partner, yet I’d been neglecting her for far too long. Turning around, I found Marghetta squinting at me and Louise while alternating her gaze between us.
*
I almost bolted from the scene after witnessing Louise nestled in Carl’s embrace.
I… I haven’t been hugged like that yet…!
Yet, I desperately refrained from making a scene.
The Valenti family has strict standards regarding propriety. We actively differentiate public actions from private ones.
The fact that the pastry club triumphed and I brought Carl to the banquet as my partner, alongside seeing Louise in his arms, weighed the scales. As the advisor, Carl is obligated to manage the club, tipping the balance in favor of that public propriety. Yes, Carl’s demeanor was ultimately for the sake of the club.
After mulling it over, I decided Louise’s contribution outweighed the drawbacks. Sure, she hugged Carl, but establishing that bond was essential for his participation in the banquet. Still, I was slightly upset that Carl continued chatting with Louise, neglecting me even though I was his partner.
“Sir Carl?”
With a hint of bitterness, I called out to Carl, who turned to me with a flustered expression.
So he knows he’s done something wrong.
Given that, I could do him a favor this time. It’s not challenging to extend some leniency to someone who sincerely acknowledges their error. As expected, Carl acted in favor of club duties, demonstrating he prioritizes me.
“Lady Louise, it’s been a while. Oh, I heard the news. Congratulations on your victory.”
“Thank you, Senior.”
I observed Louise as she politely bowed her head, then turned back to Carl. Seeing him awkwardly raise the corners of his mouth brought me strange satisfaction. Carl was clearly aware of my gaze.
Gently reaching out, Carl stepped closer and took my hand again. Ah, that felt gratifying.
“Lady Louise, did you come here by yourself?”
“Ah, yes. I sent everyone ahead since I thought I’d take longer to prepare.”
“I see.”
As I glanced at Carl’s expression beside me, I noticed he was looking at Lady Louise with a worried expression. He seemed anxious about leaving the club president, especially after she had almost tripped. Although she seemed perfectly fine now, she could have sprained her ankle!
“Then, shall we all go inside together?”
“What?”
“Mar?”
The shock registered in her tone, illustrating how unexpected my suggestion was.
‘Always keep your eyes on the bigger picture.’
Either way, Carl was already in my grasp, so it was unnecessary to push the issue. Carl would remain tied to me long after the Academy. That was nearly a guaranteed fate.
Consequently, excessive attempts to control the situation could generate resentment from Carl. That simply wouldn’t do. I cannot let myself face any negative responses from Carl over such trivial matters, especially when we intend to share our lives together.
‘I must show leniency!’
Carl was worried about Louise, yet was feeling guilty on my account. In that scenario, what would happen if I were to extend my hand towards Lady Louise first?
I bet it’ll tug at Carl’s heartstrings. Yes, it’ll surely touch him.
Demonstrating my understanding in letting him slide for being distracted, and taking on the burdensome task first, while maintaining a nonchalant demeanor—talk about being perfect!
‘What a flawless way to handle things!’
In a relatively short time, I managed to reign in my anger and think of the ideal approach. I felt so proud of myself.
“Mar, does that work for you?”
“Of course! I’m fine now, but who knows if Lady Louise might’ve been hurt?”
“S-Senior…”
I felt concern for my junior as well, which must’ve impressed Carl. Louise’s eyes sparkled, revealing just how touched she was.
“Hehe, if you feel bad, then… could we share a dance during the banquet?”
“If that’s fine with you, I’d be happy to!”
And there I managed to find a perfect opportunity to dance with Carl.
Hehehe…
Everything was falling right into place.
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