Chapter 406: Strata Magic School (3-17)
"Come to think of it, Lady Karin... I heard the ducal family is already preparing to marry her off."
"Really? To where?"
"Uh... to the Count Pots family, they say."
The other nobles wore shocked expressions and began glancing around.
I was the only one near them, still pretending ignorance as I nibbled away at my food.
They glanced at me briefly, then quickly dismissed me and resumed their whispers.
"Jeff? You don't mean that wastrel, do you?"
"It's just rumors... but considering how much the Count Pots family has supported the Brandtrup Ducal House, it's probably true."
"Good lord..."
They all sighed in unison, launching into gossip.
"Do those two even match? Isn't he the guy who drowns in booze and women every day? They say he treats the brothel like his own home."
"And he's underage, but word is he tried to rape a maid not long ago."
"Underage? Who saved her? Inside this castle?"
"You know how Jeff's such a weakling he gets overpowered by women... Looks like the maid struggled and barely escaped."
"Even so... what kind of man...?"
The nobles who had been praising and admiring Karin had completely shifted, now pouring all their energy into badmouthing this Jeff guy.
Alcoholism, womanizing, prostitutes, extravagance, attempted rape...
This wasn't mere jealousy-fueled slander. They were honestly sharing what they knew of Jeff's behavior.
'Damn... I wanna see the face of this psycho so bad.'
[If it's Count Pots's son, high chance he's here.]
'Just wanna see his face. Where is he?'
I scanned the room, checking every floating disposition window.
But from the nobles' talk, I instantly knew he wasn't here.
"That wastrel Jeff... not at the ball? The guy sniffs out booze like a bloodhound."
"Obvious, isn't it? He went looking for Lady Karin from the delegation."
"Sigh... If only I had magic talent or wealth, I'd court Lady Karin myself. What a shame."
"The Pots family may not produce mages, but their wealth is unmatched in Levin. Still, poor Lady Karin. She can't want to marry that fool..."
They nodded in agreement, continuing their gossip about Jeff and lamenting Karin's fate.
I'd gathered a rough profile on this Karin.
'Got a sense of what kind of woman she is.'
[Will you go to her? He's conveniently absent, and the castle's key figures are all at the ball—perfect for a secret meeting.]
I could use her sudden visit earlier as an excuse to request a meeting.
But I shot it down immediately.
'No, absolutely don't approach first.'
[Why not?]
'Based on what we've learned about Karin so far...'
It's clear.
'That behavior she showed me earlier... high chance it was bait to hook me.'
She reads people well.
Which means she probably picked up on my lecherous thoughts to some degree.
A woman who says she's interested, exchanges a few greetings, then leaves abruptly.
'She's dealt with guys like me countless times. Meaning she's skilled at handling men.'
[Then what will you do?]
A woman skilled at handling men starts dangling bait at me too? That means she's interested, at least.
'She'll come back for sure. Just hold out until then.'
From Luna and the others' talk, Karin Brandtrup wasn't some vixen playing the field with multiple men.
But her disposition suggests plenty of experience seducing men to achieve her goals.
With looks like hers, men flock regardless.
Yet she showed interest in me?
'She'll come back.'
[What if she doesn't?]
Possible, sure.
If there's little gain for her with me, she'd brush it off without hassle.
But even so...
'She'll come.'
She'd thoroughly investigated my background beforehand.
She wants something from me—that's why the approach.
As I settled on my strategy for Karin Brandtrup, the ball began to heat up.
Glasses clinked more freely, conversations grew louder, and the music shifted to livelier tunes.
I was enjoying the ball solo when—
'Hm?'
A woman in a black dress approached me.
The nobles chatting beside me erupted in excitement.
"What? Isn't that Miss Luna?"
"Coming our way? No way, to us...?"
Luna glided over black dress trailing on white marble, captivating them all with eager anticipation.
Just as she neared gracefully, some nobleman suddenly blocked her path.
One of the guys leading the gossip I'd overheard.
"Miss Luna Staatfeld. Long time no see."
He was notably tall and burly amid the crowd.
Luna gave a wry smile at the man barring her way.
"Baron Rainer, head of the knights... right?"
"Yes, that's me. I'm honored you remember me after a year..."
Rainer's greeting was cut short by Luna's polite rebuff.
"Sorry. I have business with someone right now..."
"R-right. My apologies."
At Luna's blunt words, Baron Rainer flushed crimson and stepped aside.
The gossiping nobles, sensing opportunity, straightened their clothes and eyed her hungrily.
But Luna...
"What are you doing alone over here?"
"Huh? Just leisurely watching the ball... w-wait a sec...!"
Luna grabbed my wrist and dragged me off.
"Why are you in the corner by yourself?"
"Hold on... people are watching."
As I said, her actions drew eyes.
Luna was used to attention, but I was invisible until now.
Being pulled by her suddenly put me in the spotlight.
"Hmph... if you were that embarrassed, you shouldn't have left me alone."
"Aigoo..."
Her slightly flushed cheeks suggested liquor-fueled boldness in an unlikely spot.
Luna pulled me into a lively group.
High-ranking nobles, by the looks.
And among them, a familiar face.
'Why's that guy's face all crumpled like wet paper...?'
Louis's expression was twisted like soggy newsprint.
The spot Luna dragged me to was the center of her earlier group.
She positioned me there, then addressed the crowd with poised elegance.
"This is Seong Su-ho, the one I mentioned. He took first place at the academy."
..
..
Overhearing gossip had been entertaining amid the boredom, but now the excessive attention was just annoying.
"Oh ho... Strata's top student."
"Impressive!"
"Haha... thank you."
Luna hyping me up beside me kept me enduring.
Plus, I had to apply the etiquette she'd taught me.
I fielded endless praise with nonstop gracious thanks.
'Ugh, exhausting... Even nonstop sex all day wouldn't tire me this much.'
Strangers swarming for greetings was worst; unfamiliar etiquette second.
Every gesture, word...
'At this rate, I'd collapse even if Luna were naked...'
[No bedtime with Luna Staatfeld tonight anyway. You can focus more on the conversations.]
'...'
Armonia slipping through gaps even resembled me.
Enjoying my plight like a sadist...
Standing by Luna, basking in praise, a hefty noble approached.
"Ahem... A student from Strata?"
"Yes."
His demeanor clashed sharply with the others.
Belly puffed out, the name above him...
Sven Pots
[Mercantilism], [Arrogance], [Vanity]…
The lord of this castle where we stood—himself.
While most hid negative dispositions humbly, Count Pots wore his openly.
"I'm Count Pots. You must be the top student Miss Luna mentioned. Congrats on first place."
"Thank you."
"But..."
"…?"
"Where are you from?"
Surrounding nobles fell silent, eyes on me.
In that hush: Luna's troubled look, Louis's smug grin.
I stayed composed.
"From a city in a distant land. Probably unfamiliar."
"Hmm... No wonder if it's some backwater. Your rank?"
His intent was clear now.
Provocation.
But Luna bristled more than me.
She'd caught his game, shooting him a displeased glance.
I replied calmly.
"No particular rank."
"Haha... I see."
He smirked at me, then turned to Louis, raising his voice.
"Speaking of, Sir Louis Brandtrup! Heard you aced Strata too. Impressive!"
"Ahem... thank you."
Eyes shifted to Louis; praise rained anew.
Suddenly center stage, Louis bloomed, dominating the chatter.
I sighed in relief.
'Phew... breather at last.'
[You okay?]
'Huh? With what?'
[Not offended?]
Armonia knew me well, yet worried over that.
But I wasn't upset at all.
'We'll nail that bastard later with his weakness.'
[Hehe... Got it. Sorry for the needless worry.]
'...?'
Hallucination? Did Armonia just laugh?
Then, someone tugged my sleeve.
A dejected voice followed.
"Sorry... I didn't think it'd turn out like this..."
Luna looked up guiltily. I smiled at her.
"Don't worry about it."
"But..."
Even as she gazed up, Count Pots kept praising Louis nonstop.
"The Brandtrup name shines even at Strata! Levin's future looks bright. You're the idol of our nobles, Sir Louis! Haha!"
"Haha, thank you. You're the pillar of this nation yourself, Count Pots."
"Kahaha! Thanks."
I thought watching them:
'Idiots...'
Praise ping-pong looked foolish to me, but not to the others.
They fawned over Louis and Count Pots relentlessly.
Heroes from their circles elevated them all; currying favor was key.
Mid-praise relay, Count Pots boomed at me, laughing.
"You seem capable. After graduation, don't go back to the sticks—come to Levin. I'll take good care of you! Haha!"
"…."
This guy's crossing lines.
Openly favoring Louis, demoting me, boosting himself off my drop.
Classic corrupt lord.
'Before the mission ends? Nah... ideally before summer semester, hit him hard.'
No need to fear some non-Zodiac scrub.
Mulling how to cook him silently—
"Excuse me..."
"Yes?"
A maid approached softly, careful not to offend nobles.
"Someone's looking for you. Shall I escort you...?"
Then—
Count Pots bellowed at her.
"Can't you see I'm talking!?"
"S-sorry. But they urgently asked me to bring you..."
"What!? Who!? Who dares interrupt me to drag you off!"
"W-well..."
Louis looked displeased at the flustered maid too.
She'd cut off his ego boost.
Fidgeting, she bowed deeply, voice trembling.
"Th-the Dean... said to bring student Seong Su-ho urgently. Very important—come quickly..."