Chapter: 52
The banquet, which marked the end of the fair’s schedule, concluded without any incidents.
“Mar, I’m really sorry. I didn’t mean to…”
“It’s fine. Sir Carl did me a favor, didn’t he?”
Except for the tragically stepped-on foot incident of Marghetta, that is. Despite my carefulness, I ended up stepping on her numerous times. I really struggled to shift my weight backward, trying not to step too hard.
If I had stepped on her foot properly even once, it would have been a disaster. Marghetta’s foot would have broken, and news of the Executive Manager assaulting the Duke’s daughter would have taken society by storm. Following that, I would have faced the furious Iron-blooded Duke and put myself through a ring of hell called prison.
“I’ll be more careful next time.”
“Oh? Are you applying already for another partner?”
“Only if Mar is okay with it.”
Seeing the smile on Marghetta’s face, I felt relief wash over me. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like she was too angry. After all, it was all my fault, so I should’ve humbly accepted any anger thrown my way.
Out of guilt, I wanted to escort her to her dormitory, but oddly enough, she firmly rejected the offer. This wasn’t just a casual refusal; she was truly determined to walk alone, which took me by surprise.
“I want to go back comfortably at my own pace.”
With that said, what could I do? I felt sorry enough to offer a ride, but dragging someone along who didn’t want to go would just be more awkward.
“I really apologize for today.”
“I had fun. I hope you had a good time too, Carl.”
“I enjoyed it as well.”
As I watched Marghetta turn away with a slight nod, suddenly Louise, who had been standing behind me, dashed toward Marghetta.
‘No running, I said!’
While she wasn’t precisely running, what was the difference? Still, she seemed to have gotten the hang of it, as she managed to reach Marghetta without incident and whispered something to her. I couldn’t see their faces from behind, so I was left in the dark about their conversation.
They seemed to have a brief exchange, both bowing their heads slightly while parting—definitely not a bad chat to have. Louise returned with a face that didn’t look gloomy at all.
“What was that about?”
“There was something I needed to tell Senior.”
Judging by her giggle, it seemed she didn’t intend to share the details with me. Since Marghetta didn’t seem upset either, it likely wasn’t a troublesome topic. I guess Louise could differentiate between the two.
“Let’s head back. Everyone did great.”
Once Marghetta was out of sight, I addressed the members gathered behind me. With the considerable fair event finally over, clarity returned to my thoughts.
Although exam season loomed ahead, that didn’t concern me at all. After all, I wasn’t the one being tortured by studying.
*
I managed to walk as inconspicuously as possible until Carl was out of sight.
“Oww… sniffle…”
After confirming that no one was around, my legs finally gave way. Up to that point, I had done my utmost to hold back the pain. I felt so disappointed when I had to decline Carl’s offer to escort me, but I knew I wouldn’t be able to hold it together until the dormitory.
When I kicked off my high heels, I was greeted by the sight of my swollen, red foot. The pain surged like a wave, making me feel like I’d burst into tears, but, surprisingly, memories from the banquet forced a laugh out of me instead.
When Carl first stepped on my foot, I thought it was entertaining—hey, even he makes mistakes! But after once or twice, it lost its charm. I recalled those words I had accidentally overheard once.
If a noble dislikes their dance partner, they sometimes step on their feet as if by mistake. Initially, I had thought no noble would be so beneath themselves. Plus, if Carl could be so careless, it would mean I was a pitiful partner.
But experiencing that dreadful embarrassment? I never thought I would be the butt of what was supposed to be a joke! Just dancing with Carl made me so happy. I had waited for this moment, bracing myself for so long. Yet, apparently, I was the only one who felt joy. slump Does Carl actually hate me?
With swirling thoughts threatening to lead me to tears, I found myself laughing instead when I saw Carl’s expression. He looked just as flustered, his eyes wandering in confusion—it was almost cute! He seemed to look for ways to make it less painful for me.
‘He just can’t dance.’
Clearly, it was simply a rookie mistake on his part. It wasn’t that Carl disliked me; I was so elated because it seemed like it was his first dance.
‘I was Carl’s first.’
His very first partner! I, Marghetta Valenti, was the first lady to dance with him.
Hehehe…
“Oops! giggle Ah.”
In a moment of lapse, I let a rather undignified laugh escape. Luckily, no one was around to witness it, but I cleared my throat awkwardly and glanced at the little vial in my hand.
“If you apply this to the sore area, you should feel better.”
That was the medicine Louise had given me earlier. It appeared the medical team stationed in one corner of the banquet hall had supplied it, just in case things went awry.
“Actually, it was oppa who asked for it, but he felt bashful giving it to you himself, so he asked me to do it instead.”
‘What a fib.’
I had kept track of where Carl was and where he was heading. He had no time to get the medicine. Still, I kept quiet and accepted it gracefully, touched by the thoughtfulness of my junior.
Perhaps, she was worried I might be upset about being stepped on by Carl, or she was genuinely afraid I was in pain. I was surprised by her kindness in coming over without causing a fuss, ensuring no one else noticed her handing it over. It also warmed my heart that she didn’t take the credit for herself.
As the lady Carl was looking after, it was only the proper thing to do.
‘Well then, Lady Louise, I can forgive you for today’s stumble.’
I felt it was alright to forgive her for being close to Carl. After all, I would be in Carl’s arms for life. This much tolerance I could manage!
…But first, I should apply the medicine. Today was lovely, but the pain was excruciating. Still, it was worth it.
*
Just when I was about to forget about it, the regular report returned.
“—If a blade gets stuck in your neck while strolling, just accept it as fate.”
“…”
Somehow, I ended up mentioning the disaster at the banquet, and I found myself at a loss for words to respond to the Minister’s reaction. Truthfully, I was thinking the same thing.
“—You coldly rejected your dearly raised youngest daughter, and now you step on her? Does the Duke’s daughter walk by herself after that? Even if the Iron-blooded Duke kills you, the Ministry of Justice will acquit him.”
“Yes, but I was careful…”
“—If that’s the case, you shouldn’t have stepped on her at all. Are you truly insane?”
It was hard to refute, as everything he said was valid. If Marghetta had shed even a single tear at the event, the Iron-blooded Duke’s Knights might have shown up at the Academy out of fury. How terrifying!
“—So, what went down today?”
The Minister shifted the topic. He was probably referring to that earlier incident.
“We acted according to the Emperor’s decree and eliminated the rebels.”
“—Do you think I don’t know that? I’m asking why you stuck to some ridiculous custom you suddenly insisted on following, and why now you’re doing it by the book.”
“That was what His Majesty wanted. He mentioned the ‘Imperial Decree,’ the Mandate of Heaven, and other such things, so what choice did I have?”
“—Oh, come off it!”
The Minister reacted as if I was talking nonsense. Yet again, I found myself unable to argue back.
“—I told you before. The Prosecutor’s Office must adhere strictly to the principles, or there will be fallout. If you create strange customs out of mercy, you’ll be the one ultimately exhausted.”
Why create a custom that wouldn’t last even two years?
The Minister’s next words pierced through my heart like a dagger.
“—Just to clarify, I’m not blaming you for acting by the rules. The Prosecutor’s Office should do that. What I’m remarking on is why you created customs that could just be ignored and dismissed.”
“I apologize.”
“—You’re only quick to apologize in circumstances like this.”
The Minister sighed in annoyance and glared at me.
“—His Majesty the Emperor is quite content with how you handled things. There were members in the Prosecutor’s Office baffled by your sudden adherence to traditions, but there’s been hardly any backlash.”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
“—If you genuinely returned to principles after deep thought, that would indeed be so. However, judging by the officers’ reactions, it seems otherwise.”
At that moment, I quietly lowered my head. The Minister already knew everything.
“—If you are operating under the pretense of considering those fellows, think about what they would say when they see you and act accordingly.”
“I’ll keep that in mind…”
“—You fool.”
And just like that, the regular report concluded.
Before long, I received a message from the Minister of the Household. This time, he was delivering the Emperor’s words.
It wasn’t exactly memorable. They could succinctly be summed up as, “You’ve been up to odd things for a while, but it seems you’ve finally come back to your senses, which pleases me.”
Yes, it seemed he was quite pleased. Perhaps the sword that had grown dull was finally fulfilling its duty again.
“—A sword that can be used for a long time is a true masterpiece. Thankfully, the Executive Manager of the Prosecutor’s Office seems to understand that.”
Right before the conversation ended, the Minister’s last statement was straightforward and brief. It meant, “It’s a relief that you’ve returned to your position.”
As I lay on my bed, my mind was entangled in chaos. I thought that was all I could do. It was a custom I created, so I thought ignoring it would pose no issue. I figured my thorough approach had made me relieved.
“—If you’re acting under the pretense of caring for those fellows, think about what they might say when they see you and act accordingly.”
It seemed that was far from the case.
I could still hear the Minister’s words echoing in my ears, which made it clear I was mistaken.
“Damn it.”
It appeared I was still a kid after all.
“Is it so hard to call me Noona? Seeing how shy you are, you still seem quite young!”
“Stop jabbering nonsense and go. The Manager was looking for you.”
Was this why I rejected Hecate’s request to call her “Noona” until the very end?
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