Chapter 30: The Gathering(5)
Chapter 30: The Gathering(5)
There’s something about wearing a suit that makes a person look several times more attractive. Even in my past life, though I rarely had the occasion to wear one, I always felt I looked a bit more dashing whenever I did.
But what if you add a handsome face and a fit body that fills out the clothes perfectly?
It goes beyond mere satisfaction; you feel a surge of confidence as if you could accomplish anything. Just as a certain actor from my previous life once said, "Being handsome is the best!" the importance of appearance truly goes without saying.
"Not bad."
I stood before the full-length mirror, observing my reflection in my formal attire—or ye-bok, as they called it here. In the mirror, a handsome young man with crimson hair smiled back, adjusting the fit of his scarlet suit.
The suit was plain—exceedingly so. It lacked the ornate decorations or common patterns other nobles used to flaunt their wealth and status. Another noble might have scoffed at its simplicity, but considering the extortionate prices of formal wear here, buying something more expensive was out of the question. Besides, it looked similar to the suits I wore in my past life, which made me quite content.
It wasn't entirely devoid of flair, though. A white scarf was tied around my neck, embroidered in pure gold with the eagle crest—the symbol of the Minerva Empire.
Modest, yet a perfect expression of individuality. It was a style that complemented my already eye-catching red hair perfectly.
Style-wise... let's stick with this. There's nothing else to touch up.
It wasn't like I knew how to apply makeup, and trying to fuss with it would likely only make things worse. I was already handsome enough as it was; there was no need to overcomplicate things.
Instead, I had visited a salon earlier to get my hair neatly trimmed. The place had been packed with students going all out for today’s gathering, and I’d spotted a few familiar faces among them.
Lina, Cecile, and finally, Mari. Unlike the other customers, these three were surrounded by four or five staff members each, being worked on with the intensity of a surgical team.
An Imperial Princess, a Duke’s daughter, and a Succubus Princess. I suppose they’d be busy.
Since I only needed a simple trim, I was finished quite quickly. Originally, all the staff had been focused on those three, but Lina, noticing my presence, had been kind enough to let me get handled first.
It only took one person to trim my hair, so it was no trouble. As I left the salon, I found myself looking forward to seeing how the three of them would turn out.
The gathering starts at 5:30, so...
I looked away from the mirror to check the time. It was exactly 5:00 PM.
It was about time to head to the Grand Hall. The walk from the dormitory took less than ten minutes, so I could afford to take my time.
After stepping into my dress shoes—the final, essential touch for any formal outfit—I headed outside. The sun was beginning to set, and the sky was growing dim.
I’m a little nervous.
I’d attended freshman orientations in my past life, but this "freshman gathering" felt both similar and different. While some might spend the evening laughing and chatting, others would be working tirelessly to build connections.
Fortunately, I fell into the former category, but unfortunately, the world rarely goes exactly as planned. The biggest wildcard was Jackson.
I had no idea what he might try to do to humiliate me, so it was best to stay on guard.
Lina and Mari will be there, so he probably won't be able to insult me openly...
I looked around as I walked toward the Grand Hall. It was natural for there to be many people out on a weekend, but today, I saw many students dressed in sharp suits and beautiful dresses.
As I’ve mentioned before, the gathering wasn't just for Literature students; Martial Studies students attended as well. Seniors representing their majors and teaching assistants would also be there, so the crowd was bound to be large.
Wow... that guy looks incredible.
Occasionally, I saw people so striking they made me marvel. Judging by their height, long limbs, and sturdy builds, they were undoubtedly Martial Studies students.
I couldn't see their faces clearly due to my poor eyesight, but even from a distance, they radiated an aura of coolness. Since no one in Martial Studies lacked a good physique, they probably looked good in whatever they wore.
I wish I were taller.
I’d grown about a centimeter since coming to the Academy. It was sad that I still hadn't hit 173cm, though.
My only consolation was that I was still in my growing phase. I was 175cm in my past life, so I’d be more than grateful if I could at least reach that height again.
"Isaac?"
"Hmm?"
Just as I was about to reach the Grand Hall, a familiar voice called out to me. I turned my head and couldn't help but flinch at the face I saw.
Leort, the Crown Prince of the Minerva Empire with his fierce, tiger-like features, was looking at me with curiosity. What caught my eye was that he, too, was dressed in formal attire.
Unlike me, Leort wore a lavish suit befitting his title as Crown Prince. It was a harmonious blend of white and gold, looking far more magnificent than the suit I’d seen Jackson buy last week.
I quickly scanned his appearance before speaking in a puzzled tone.
"Prince Leort?"
"It is you, Isaac. I saw a flash of red from a distance and followed it, wondering if it might be you."
"What brings you here?"
I asked, but I already had a good idea. He was likely on his way to the freshman gathering as well. Leort was, after all, one of the representative students of the Political Science department.
As expected, Leort gave the answer I anticipated.
"Surely you can guess by my attire? I am here for the gathering, of course. And it seems you are also heading to the hall for the same reason?"
"Yes."
"Hmm..."
At my brief reply, Leort stroked his chin and looked me up and down. Compared to his suit, which was so ornate it almost looked like a uniform, mine was beyond modest—it was practically plain.
However, Leort smiled slightly and complimented my appearance in a pleasant voice.
"It suits you very well. It is rare to find someone who carries the color red so naturally."
"You flatter me. Compared to you, Your Highness, I look quite humble."
"No. To my eyes, you look far more dashing than those nobles who wear unnecessarily expensive clothes just to flaunt their wealth."
"Well... thank you."
It was more embarrassing because he sounded sincere rather than just polite. Leort chuckled softly as I scratched my cheek.
"Since we are both headed the same way, let us go together."
"Would that be alright?"
"Who would dare say otherwise? If anyone tries to intimidate you, I shall personally step in."
"I... I understand."
Refusing any further might have offended him. As I reluctantly accepted, Leort began to walk.
I followed behind him, glancing around. Walking side-by-side might have been seen as an affront to his authority—a bit of etiquette I’d learned back home.
"Isaac. By the way, have you read the recently published Volume 8 of the Xenon Biography?"
Leort asked, looking back at me. Honestly, I’d been wondering when this question would come up.
Since I had anticipated it, I was able to answer without hesitation.
"No. I haven't read it yet, but I saw the newspapers. I heard it contains criticisms of the nobility and introduces a mode of transport called a 'steam locomotive.'"
"Indeed. The criticism of the nobility aside, even I was astonished by the steam locomotive. If such a means of transport were truly invented, the world would change drastically."
"Do you really think it could be built, Your Highness?"
The steam locomotive was one of the inventions that defined the Industrial Revolution in my past life. Furthermore, the Industrial Revolution didn't just appear out of thin air; it was the result of centuries of accumulated technology finally reaching a tipping point.
This meant that a certain level of technological foundation was required for an industrial revolution to occur, but in this world, there was a delicate imbalance between science and magic.
Simple principles, like those of a refrigerator, could be replaced by magic, but complex machinery like a steam locomotive could not. Moreover, even those replacements were magical, not engineering-based.
Leort seemed aware of this, as he offered a somewhat negative opinion.
"Well... unfortunately, I suppose fiction should remain fiction. Although the novel explains the general principles, that alone is far from enough. To move such a massive hunk of iron by its own power without magic would require far more complex theories. Besides, if we had the technology to build a steam locomotive, we could use that same technology to create countless other inventions."
"So you're saying it would be difficult."
"Precisely. But the idea itself is magnificent. I cannot even fathom what kind of person, with what depth of knowledge and experience, could imagine such a thing. I haven't the slightest clue."
It wasn't that I had vast knowledge and experience; it was just that I had lived in another world. Since I possessed knowledge entirely different from the people of this world, many likely thought like Leort.
Still, it was a bit disappointing to hear that building a steam locomotive would be difficult. Most newspaper reviews also suggested that it would be better to focus on magical research rather than pursuing such "foolish" endeavors.
"I would love to take a look inside his head just once. Sometimes I wonder if he truly is from another world. Both the Xenon Biography and this steam locomotive idea..."
"..."
Though he said it in passing, it was a truly dangerous statement for me. Thank goodness Leort was looking ahead; if he had seen my face just then, I would have been in trouble.
I did my best to regain my composure and bring the color back to my face. Even without a mirror, I knew I must have turned pale, if not blue, with shock.
I didn't expect that at all...
As I brooded over that anxious thought, the entrance to the Grand Hall came into view. Leort turned to me.
"I suppose we should part ways here. I have other matters to attend to."
"I understand."
"Then, I hope you have an enjoyable time at the gathering. Ah, by the way, is Nicole attending?"
"No. My sister detests these kinds of gatherings, so she won't be coming."
"Hmm... I see she still holds that incident to heart..."
Leort muttered in a low voice after hearing my answer. It was barely a whisper, but I heard it clearly.
It seemed there was a specific reason Nicole didn't attend these gatherings. If Leort, who had enrolled after Nicole, knew about it, it must have been a famous incident within the Academy.
"Anyway, I see. I shall see you later, then."
"I hope you have a pleasant time as well, Your Highness."
I bowed according to the etiquette I’d learned at home, and Leort waved as he walked away. I watched his retreating figure for a moment before turning my gaze toward the Grand Hall.
It wasn't as large as the training grounds, but it was still quite massive. I hadn't been here since the entrance ceremony, and seeing it again felt strange.
I wonder how they’ve decorated the inside?
The interior was vast, like two gymnasiums joined together. I walked toward the entrance with a sense of anticipation.
The official event wasn't until 5:30, but since there was no rule against arriving early, the entrance was empty. As I passed through the doors and entered the hall...
"...Incredible."
I couldn't help but marvel at the sight of the interior.
Chandeliers, which I hadn't noticed before, hung from the ceiling, bathing the room in bright light. Below them were long tables laden with delicious-looking food.
The center of the hall was left empty, presumably for dancing, much like a ballroom. It felt less like a student gathering and more like a party hosted by high-ranking nobility.
There are... quite a lot of people.
Perhaps because it was a joint gathering for both Literature and Martial Studies students, the place was bustling. I knew attendance was optional, but a huge number of students had shown up. Among them were likely not just freshmen, but also seniors and TAs representing their departments.
I swallowed hard, feeling the immense pressure of the crowd, and began to walk.
"Hohoho! Really? That's such a funny story."
"Thank you. You look truly beautiful when you laugh, my lady."
"Oh, really?"
As I walked toward the dais, snippets of conversation reached my ears, but nothing caught my interest. My priority was finding a familiar face.
Of course, I had no intention of just blindly approaching someone I knew. People like them were bound to be surrounded by crowds.
It was better to stand awkwardly on my own than to cause a scene by trying to act familiar.
Should I just get some food? I am getting hungry...
Just as I was about to slip toward the tables...
"Isaac!"
"..."
"Isaac! Over here! Over here!"
Damn this red hair.
I groaned inwardly the moment I heard that familiar voice. Judging by how distant it sounded, she was clearly far away, yet she had managed to spot me instantly.
Then again, with my red hair and my red suit, it was impossible to miss me. I just hadn't expected her to call out so loudly.
Resigned, I turned toward the voice. I saw someone approaching.
With hair as black as the night sky and the horns that symbolized her race, it was Cecile. It seemed she had finished her "surgery" at the salon...
"...Huh?"
But my thoughts came to a screeching halt. As Cecile drew closer, her striking outfit came into focus.
For a moment, I had to rub my eyes, thinking I was seeing things. But Cecile’s dress didn't change. I stood there with my mouth slightly agape, taking in her stunning appearance.
While my hair was a bright scarlet, her dress was a deep, dark cherry—a color that suited her perfectly. But the color wasn't the issue; it was the dress itself.
Usually, "revealing" dresses only went as far as showing the back, shoulders, or a hint of cleavage. Cecile’s dress went much further.
The fabric split into a deep V-shape from the waist, partially covering her chest. I say "partially," but given the overwhelming presence of her bust, it was barely covering anything at all.
That wasn't all. Every time she stepped toward me, her chest swayed slightly, stirring base desires I didn't know I had.
"You're later than I thought. Didn't you leave before us?"
"..."
"Come to think of it, Isaac, you're wearing red just like me! It looks good on you."
Cecile, having reached me, spoke with her usual friendliness. But I couldn't easily snap out of it, despite her warm greeting.
It wasn't just the outfit. A scent of roses—perhaps perfume—assailed my nose, and the subtle allure she radiated threatened to pull my buried, dark desires to the surface.
Is this what it feels like to face a succubus? I didn't know where to look.
"How do I look? Does it suit me? Everyone else said it does, but what about you, Isaac?"
Unaware of my inner turmoil, Cecile held up the edges of her dress and asked. Her voice was filled with anticipation and her characteristic playfulness.
I squeezed my eyes shut for a moment before looking her straight in the eye. And then...
Gulp—
Instead of a verbal answer, I swallowed hard. Apparently, that was answer enough.
"Pfft."
"..."
Cecile covered her mouth with one hand and laughed seductively. Then, she teased me.
"Isaac, your face is so red."
"..."
If there was a man who wouldn't turn red after seeing her like this, he was either a eunuch or definitely gay.
