Chapter: 51
I caught Louise before she fell, but since she was wobbling in those high heels, I couldn’t help but worry about her ankle. Who even runs around in high heels? It’s not like she’s trying to get hurt on purpose!
She seems fine for now, but the pain might sneak up on her later. If the other club members were nearby, they would definitely take care of Louise, but naturally, they’re nowhere to be found when needed. What a bunch of useless fools.
That said, I can’t just cling to Louise because I’ve got my partner, Marghetta, with me. It would be quite rude to hang out with someone else when I already have a partner. In fact, it would be more awkward than turning down her offer in the first place!
“I’m sorry. I should be doing a better job as a partner.”
“It’s fine. I wouldn’t feel good leaving my junior alone like this anyway.”
Her response touched me. The way Marghetta gave advice to Louise in the past shows she genuinely cares about her. Or maybe she just has a nurturing side for her juniors. Either way, for a noble lady, that’s a surprisingly warm-hearted gesture.
“Lady Louise, please be careful from now on. You were lucky Carl caught you; you could’ve really hurt yourself.”
“Yes, Senior. I’m so grateful!”
Louise also seemed just as touched by Marghetta’s kindness, her eyes sparkling as she nodded vigorously. It feels like just yesterday she was getting scolded by Marghetta and sniffling in the club room. Now it seems she has conquered her initial terrifying impression. Although they don’t meet often, at least they managed to shed off any bad vibes.
With Marghetta on my left and Louise on my right, we entered the banquet hall. As our trio formed, several curious gazes fell upon us, but soon enough, everyone looked away. It’s a good virtue of the blue-blooded folks to avoid getting involved in matters that seem fruitless.
“Wow.”
“Beautiful.”
As soon as we stepped into the banquet hall, the extravagant sight nearly blinded us. It’s ridiculous that an entire building serves as a banquet hall, and inside, gold and jewels seemed to be piled up in every corner.
The only one unmoved was Marghetta, who had already seen it last year.
“Oppa, look at that.”
“Uh, I’m seeing it too.”
At Louise’s quiet whisper while pointing at the ceiling, I directed my gaze upwards.
Are these people out of their minds?
Massive chandeliers hung everywhere. I can’t even fathom how much the budget was blown on this spectacle. They were adorned with gold and all sorts of gems, screaming excess.
“If we just sold off the chandeliers in the Academy, we could quench a serious financial fire.”
“Are you drunk or something? I asked for budget help, not this nonsense.”
“Someone whose highest education was private tutoring probably won’t take me seriously.”
“Why the sudden attack on my education?”
These were the words muttered by the Minister two years ago during the unprecedented crisis when the ministry’s spare funds were running low. At that time, I thought he was just rambling like a lunatic. Even the tiniest amount of money required to put out a financial fire would be ridiculous.
But sell the Academy’s chandeliers? I’d assumed he was joking. It was like telling someone from the countryside that they had to take off their shoes before getting on the subway.
“Turns out, it was true.”
What the Minister said was real! These nutcases from Apels— the more I learn, the more it feels like I’m caught in some sort of madness. Spending this kind of cash on a banquet hall? I can see now why other nations turned a blind eye to Apels during the invasion. They probably figured Kefellofen would be a less dreadful option!
As I unexpectedly understood why Kefellofen had the upper hand over Apels, the club members whom Louise had sent ahead found us.
“Go have fun, you guys.”
I said, giving Louise a gentle pat on the back. It doesn’t quite feel right having a 21-year-old hanging around with a bunch of 17-year-olds. To be honest, I found some comfort in catching a glimpse of Villar, who was discreetly claiming his corner. With him here, I wouldn’t have to worry about sticking close.
“Oppa, you too! Have a great time! And you too, Senior.”
“Thanks, Louise. I hope you enjoy yourself too.”
Louise was about to say something when her gaze shifted to Marghetta, and she let me go without hesitation. It seems she didn’t want to hold me back since I came as Marghetta’s partner. Until now, there hadn’t been anyone to look after Louise, but now that five of them had gathered, I felt at ease.
I held Marghetta’s hand and stepped back. All we had to do was find a spot and pass the time until it was time to dance.
“Hey, brother, glad you’re here too! Want to toast to our victory together? Of course, your partner is included as well.”
I was taken off guard by Tannian stepping up to me.
“You guys worked hard, so you should enjoy yourselves. Don’t worry about me.”
“Shouldn’t the advisor also share in the joy of the club’s accomplishments?”
Why is he always normal at times like these? It would be easier if he stuck to being ridiculous. Every encounter feels so strange!
“That’s true. Let’s go ahead, Sir Carl.”
“Mar?”
Before I had the chance to think of a way to decline, Marghetta stepped up and accepted Tannian’s suggestion.
“It’s not good for the advisor to leave the club members behind, right? Just dancing is enough for me, so you don’t need to worry.”
“It’s kind of embarrassing to keep being pampered like this.”
“Just know, I can’t give up on dancing, okay? Keep that in mind.”
“Of course.”
If you can’t grant a simple request from someone who keeps extending their kindness, then you might as well stop pretending to be human. Dancing isn’t rocket science either…
‘Wait a second, it might be harder than it seems!’
When would I have ever cracked my rusty dance shoes? Honestly, I rarely attend social events, and when I do, I mostly associate with elderly folks.
I cautiously glanced down at Marghetta’s feet. Those delicate little feet nestled quite demurely in her red high heels. Just thinking about possibly stepping on those fragile-looking feet while dancing made my head spin!
“If I step wrong, oh boy, they might snap!”
Marghetta looked at me quizzically, tilting her head, and my anxiety spiked.
—
*
Oppa and the noble lady walked clasping hands toward the center. Other students stepped aside to give them space, but the scene was so natural that it didn’t even look odd.
“It appears that none of us will be dancing, huh?”
“What, are you bored? If it’s okay to dance with a guy, I could join you.”
“Haha, I’ll pass.”
“Good thing! I was nervous you might actually propose that.”
I watched them while listening to Ainter and Rutis’s lighthearted banter. Maybe I should’ve danced next to them too. After all, oppa would surely feel bored dancing alone.
But dancing is supposed to be done in pairs. There’s only one girl in the pastry club, which means I’d have to choose from amongst the five. All five are my good friends! Choosing one among them would surely upset the others. Relationships can bloom or fall apart over the tiniest things, you know?
“Dance? Louise’s got to be careful since she might’ve sprained her ankle! I won’t stop you, but…”
It seemed like my hesitation was caught by oppa, who then supported me. It would be fine; I could manage to dance as long as I was cautious.
But with oppa making an effort for my sake and lightly nodding at me, I felt uncomfortable saying it was okay. Even the club members were showing concern instead of disappointment at the idea of my sprained ankle.
‘I’m sorry…’
My guilt only allowed me to mumble. I can’t even bring myself to say it. Sure, if all five of us could dance together, I’d be thrilled! But just choosing one? That’s simply impossible!
With my eyes cast down, the sight of my feet in those high heels struck me. The same pair that had caused me to fall spectacularly in front of oppa just moments ago.
‘How embarrassing…’
As the memory resurfaced, I squeezed my eyes shut. It’s so embarrassing! If only I could turn back time and stop my enthusiastic sprint towards him!
I guess winning that unexpected trophy had me flying high for too long, and that’s why I barreled toward oppa as soon as I spotted him. It was only when my body tilted forward that I realized my shoes were different than usual.
“Ugh…!”
Just thinking about being wrapped in his arms afterward makes me want to bury myself in shame. But if I did that here, the club members would clearly worry, so I can only gnaw my lip in frustration. What an idiot, why did I do that…?!
To top it all off, the noble lady was right behind him. She’d clearly come as his partner, yet I went and made a fool of myself in front of her. I was certain she’d be furious. After all, she had told me before that a noble lady must maintain her dignity, and I sure trashed that principle!
“Should we all head in together?”
“What if Lady Louise was hurt?”
But contrary to my expectations, she didn’t boil over. Instead, she expressed warm concern for me and appeared genuinely worried I was about to hit the ground!
I was so moved it made me embarrassed for having feared her all this time. Yes, oppa had said she meant no harm back then, and he was right!
The noble lady brushed aside my disgraceful little blunder.
Considering the rapport oppa seemed to have with her, it was clear they shared a close bond.
‘He seems to be in good spirits.’
Oppa appeared more cheerful than yesterday. Being with the noble lady seemed to uplift him more than my lame attempts at comforting him with the club members.
‘I guess I’m really not much help…’
I felt happy oppa was gaining some cheer, but it weighed heavily on my heart that my role in it was so tiny. But what could I do? Surely, Lady Marghetta’s relationship with oppa runs deeper than mine.
‘But I’m glad.’
At least he has someone close to help ease his heart, something I’m unable to do. That’s right, even now, those two are dancing beautifully together— oh?
I blinked several times, watching oppa and the noble lady. Is something off here?
‘Oppa?’
How many times are you planning to step on her feet, huh?
‘Lady Marghetta?’
I swear you just stepped on her foot pretty hard. Are you all right?
I stared blankly as I saw them returning to where we stood after finishing their dance.
Oppa wore a stiff expression with his gaze fixed firmly on the floor, while the noble lady’s cheeks were slightly flushed yet lit up by her bright smile.
‘Lady Marghetta…’
And there was a faint sparkle in her eyes. I saw it perfectly, but I chose to pretend I hadn’t. After all, it seemed like she was genuinely happy.
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