Chapter 72
Chapter 72
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 72
Chapter Title: Academy Festival (7)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
I took Diana and Aria out with me.
I rummaged through my pocket and handed over a few gold coins and a bundle of silver coins.
“Use this to buy whatever you want to eat.”
“Aren’t you coming with us, Young Master?”
The opening ceremony was over, and I had already brought the two of them to the Academy.
“I should head back to my father’s mansion for a bit.”
A banquet is being held there.
As the eldest son of the Tilberg family, it would be a grave discourtesy not to show my face.
After all, it is a banquet I am hosting.
As for the festival, Victor and Edward are there.
There are also staff members in charge of management, so it should be fine to be away for a little while.
I happened to run into Theo as she was coming out of the theater.
It seemed she had watched the opening ceremony from the back seats as well.
“When did you get here?”
“I arrived a little late. There were so many people. I could only listen to the last few pieces from the back.”
She said it took a long time just to get the carriage turned around and come back.
Azubella’s performance was the real deal right in front of her.
It’s a shame she missed it.
Anyway.
“I’m entrusting these two to you.”
I handed Diana and Aria over to her.
Since the three of them are together, there’s no need to worry about them getting lost.
Theo is incredibly savvy about the ways of the world, so she would be a great help to those two, who aren’t used to such chaotic atmospheres.
“Head Servant. If it’s not too much trouble, could you guide us to a restaurant?”
Aria ran up to Theo and asked, clasping her hands together respectfully.
She spoke clearly and slowly, very politely.
‘Was that for real?’
I heard she was very polite in front of Theo or Mrs. Doris, but for some reason, I feel like I’m the only one getting the short end of the stick.
“Then we will be going.”
I suppose it’s fortunate that at least Diana treats me with respect.
“If you want to rest, find Edward. He will guide you to your room.”
“Understood.”
With the three of them bowing to me and turning away, I left the event grounds.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
The mansion was already in full swing with banquet preparations.
No, in fact, the preparations had been finished long ago.
Guests were arriving one by one, starting to enjoy themselves.
My father and Count Harborland greeted me at the entrance.
When did these people return?
They are fast, as always.
“Anton, there is someone you must meet.”
“I have already prepared myself mentally.”
I had sent out invitations to countless people from all over, so it would likely take two hours just to go around and greet them all.
I was prepared for it.
Every one of these small actions is my reputation, and my family’s reputation.
There’s no chance of a rumor spreading that they were invited but received poor hospitality.
On the contrary, it is entirely possible for a rumor to spread that the hospitality was excellent.
An improved image is an absolute gain.
Especially at a time like this, when I’ve been causing trouble left and right recently.
‘I need to make as many allies as possible.’
Just as I was about to walk toward the banquet hall.
“Her Highness the Crown Princess is waiting in the reception room.”
“Understo... eh? Yes? Why?”
“...Why?”
“No, it’s just...”
Wasn’t she supposed to come tomorrow?
She was scheduled to visit on the second day of the festival.
That was the schedule I had heard.
On top of that.
I had even prepared a separate reception plan for her, thinking it would be inappropriate to tell her to enjoy the banquet with ordinary nobles.
“Go quickly, Anton.”
“Ah, yes.”
For now, I’ll just have to think later.
I’ll get some kind of answer once I meet her.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Elise was sitting on a sofa.
Behind her were several knights of her guard.
A maid who had followed to attend to her personally was also by her side.
Had it been the Imperial Palace, she could have insisted on a private audience, but since this was an official outing, it seemed she couldn’t dismiss her attendants.
She hadn’t come in disguise, secretly.
‘So then.’
It means I can’t treat her casually as I usually do.
I had to greet her formally and sat down awkwardly on the sofa opposite her.
“You must have been surprised that I came so suddenly.”
Elise asked me directly, using informal speech.
Well, we are back to normal now.
She had been considerate of my convenience until now.
With so many eyes on us now, she can’t just ignore the authority of the Imperial Household as she pleases.
Regardless.
It is true that I was surprised by her sudden visit.
But I didn’t show it.
“I am simply honored.”
“Pfft... *chuckles*...”
“?”
“Ah, pardon me.”
She suddenly waved her hand exaggeratedly, then gave me a playful smile.
“Your tone sounds so unfamiliar.”
My tone? Or your tone?
Whatever the case, Elise seemed to find this situation amusing.
She looked around the mansion with eyes full of curiosity, like a young child.
“It is a shame we could not attend the opening ceremony together. I just happened to have important work today.”
“It is my fault for not checking the schedule properly. The concerts will continue tomorrow and the day after.”
“Will you be attending as well?”
“As a performer?”
I will definitely be attending.
On the last day.
When I said that, Elise clapped her hands in delight.
“Actually, in that sense, I have a favor to ask of you.”
“Please, go ahead.”
“I would like to perform.”
I flinched for a moment, wondering if I had heard her correctly.
I wanted to check her expression, so I met her eyes.
They were clear and sharp.
She was completely serious.
‘She wants to perform.’
So, does she mean she wants to get on stage herself and play the piano?
When I asked again, she nodded.
“I have perfectly mastered all the sheet music you sent me.”
Elise said this while looking at the maid.
Her expression seemed to demand an affirmative answer.
‘Just say yes quickly.’
It was that kind of feeling.
If she stares at you so openly like that, you can’t exactly say no.
“Your Highness’s skill level is such that even I, a layman in music, can’t help but be amazed.”
There’s a contradiction in that statement, isn’t there?
And for some reason, it sounded completely soulless.
But Elise seemed pleased, raising the corner of her mouth and fixing her gaze on me.
“It... is not such a difficult request. If Her Highness the Crown Princess were to show us a performance, the prestige of the festival would surely rise another level.”
“You really know how to talk.”
I finally realized.
I thought I had heard that phrasing somewhere before.
She must have learned it from her younger brother, Ruhan.
“If you say so as well, then I simply must perform. Hehe.”
Elise seized the opportunity, as if she had me prostrated and accepting a bow.
Adjusting the schedule wouldn’t be difficult.
I already knew her skill wasn’t bad.
If she has been practicing steadily, she should be able to give a performance surpassing that of the Academy students by now.
“I shall take my leave for today. I will visit again formally tomorrow with His Majesty the Emperor.”
After saying that, Elise led her guards and left.
The nobles gathered nearby looked at her with startled eyes, trying to say something, but her steps were too quick, and no one succeeded.
After that whirlwind of a meeting ended.
I returned to the banquet hall to meet the guests who were waiting.
While I was in the middle of greeting everyone.
“Anton.”
My father called me.
When I turned around, a familiar figure was standing there.
“It has been a while.”
Duke Edelo Dresel and his daughter, Leah Dresel.
I wasn’t particularly surprised.
Elise was an unexpected guest, but these two were not.
If anything, they were the ones eagerly waiting for this.
Leah peeked at me from behind the Duke, then lowered her head deeply.
‘Well.’
Does she have no intention of apologizing to me?
Probably not.
This is, in other words.
‘Politics, a battle of wits, a check.’
In a gathering with so many nobles present, if the young lady of a ducal house lowers herself to me, that becomes an official apology.
I understand.
Society is so exhausting.
Regardless, I have no intention of forcing her.
At that moment.
Leah slowly approached me.
And silently handed me a small box.
When I opened it, there was a ring.
It was made of pure gold.
“I requested it from a jeweler I know well. It is a token of my sincerity, so I hope it is to your liking. Thank you for inviting me today.”
In the center was a ruby of a very clear color; when it caught the light, small sparks seemed to awaken and spread from within.
It was an admirable quality.
I quickly caught on to the meaning of her action.
This was a private, subtle expression of ‘regret.’
Since she couldn’t say it openly, she was conveying it secretly.
It’s a common practice.
It was sudden, but it showed she had put a lot of effort into it.
I should accept this.
Refusing would not be easy.
After putting the box away, I welcomed her into the banquet hall.
The Duke seemed to want to exchange a few more words with my father.
“Where is Erdi?”
“He is probably looking around the festival.”
“Could you arrange a place for us to meet?”
“Of course.”
Leah leaned in at my indifferent answer.
“Can I see him today...?”
She really is impatient.
“That is impossible right now.”
“I understand.”
She backed down surprisingly easily.
And then whispered softly.
“I apologize for making such a demanding request.”
Has she really changed?
On top of that, she has been keeping a subtle distance from me since earlier, so it seems she has reflected on her actions.
A hint of shame can also be seen on her face.
Or perhaps she received prior instruction from the Duke.
Regardless.
I guided her to her seat.
“It is true, then.”
My father, who had finished his conversation, approached and said.
“For the Duke of Dresel to come himself.”
“An ill-fated relationship is still a relationship.”
“Hmm.”
He had a displeased expression.
Normally, my father doesn’t show his opinion on such matters.
However.
“...Be careful.”
“What do you mean?”
It was an inscrutable remark.
I unconsciously asked back.
I honestly don’t know what he means.
As I stared at my father, he let out a sigh and shook his head.
“I wonder if the young lady is using you to make a comeback into high society. The Duke seemed concerned about that as well.”
“...That is an excessive suspicion.”
“I hope so.”
Truthfully.
I answered vaguely, but it did seem like a reasonable inference.
‘It’s not entirely impossible.’
Leah is currently out of her family’s favor.
She must miss the convenience and power she used to enjoy.
To regain that, she must first clean up her mistake.
Her relationship with Erdi is her weakness.
If she starts her activities in earnest without resolving this issue, there will surely be talk behind her back.
Her father, Duke Edelo, wouldn’t allow it either.
‘Is it real?’
Is she really using me and Erdi to make a comeback into high society?
If she just shows a gesture of apology, this side has nothing more to nitpick about.
But it’s too early to be certain.
I don’t mean I’m not entirely convinced.
It’s a fifty-fifty chance.
If I believe my father completely, Leah’s expression was clearly sincere.
And she even prepared an expensive gift.
If I immediately dismiss my doubts, the timing is too coincidental.
That’s the problem.
Why now?
She could have delivered an apology anytime.
Why of all times, during this period.
Erdi, who had a bad history with her, has become an Academy professor.
And news spread that a festival would be held at that very Academy.
And Anton Tilberg happens to be holding a banquet for the nobles?
If things go well, this could be a golden opportunity for Leah to solve her tangled problems at once and restore her status.
Even if she had no such intention until now, a ripe fruit is always tempting.
It could be groundless suspicion.
Because of past precedents, I keep jumping to negative conclusions.
Moreover, even her own father, Duke Dresel, doesn’t seem to trust her in this situation.
‘This is difficult.’
For now.
I should think positively.
Could a person really be that unscrupulous?
Even if my father’s words are true, what can I do about it from my position?
It’s better not to judge too negatively.
There is something called the presumption of innocence, or whatever.
I’ll know if I wait and see.