Chapter 73
Chapter 73
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 73
Chapter Title: Academy Festival (8)
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I chewed my food half-heartedly and finished my meal.
It was because my father's words kept weighing on my mind the whole time.
Amidst the chaos, the banquet continued on.
Thinking it might be time to leave, I stepped outside the mansion.
Many of the guests had already left long ago, saying they wanted to see more of the festival.
That must be more fun than a banquet that's always there.
During the festival period, the Academy is opened to the public in its entirety.
Of course, we can't have another incident like last time where property was destroyed, so I gave the staff a heads-up.
No entry for drunkards.
Immediate disciplinary action for anyone causing a disturbance.
Well, as long as they follow those rules...
Simply touring the buildings should be entertaining enough.
The Academy is a place that embodies the pinnacle of the capital's architectural technology.
"Leave the rest to me and go on ahead."
As it happened, my father had come out to see me off.
"I'm counting on you."
"You're the busiest one, aren't you?"
He's right.
First, I need to relay Leah Dresel's request to Erdi.
Tomorrow, I also have to watch Aria and Diana's performance rehearsal.
And lastly.
'I need to prepare to welcome the Imperial Family.'
In some ways, that's the most important thing.
As I was gazing at the darkening sky, a carriage arrived.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
I immediately headed back to the Academy.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
My first order of business was finding Edward to relay the news.
"Her Highness the Crown Princess is gracing the stage?"
"It's come to that. Let's start planning from now."
He let out a sigh as if troubled, but what can you do.
Opportunities, by nature, arrive suddenly.
Only the prepared can seize such an opportunity.
I'm not sure what kind of opportunity this is for us, though.
'Maybe it's not an opportunity, but a trial.'
Anyway.
First, we decided to seat the Emperor and the rest of the Imperial Family in the box seats.
We judged that this would be better for everyone.
They are, after all, guests of a different caliber.
Moreover, it's not exactly a common occurrence for Crown Princess Elise to be on stage.
Taking into account the expected interest and attention, it's best to be prepared for any possible situation.
Especially regarding safety.
"Has Her Highness made any special requests?"
"None."
"Pardon?"
I don't even know what piece she plans to perform.
I haven't heard a thing.
"I'll have to ask her again."
For now, I decided to tackle the tasks at hand.
We changed the stage setup and decorated it more lavishly.
We also rearranged the furniture and interior of the box seats.
We had the staff bring in potted plants and set up flags symbolizing the Imperial Family in the corners.
"This should be quite nice, don't you think?"
At my question, Edward nodded.
"It looks good."
While adding various things by imagining what the VIP seats in a typical theater look like, the work ended up taking longer than expected.
It's a good thing I had a preconceived plan.
Finally, I took a look around the theater.
"It's a bit messy."
Especially the audience seats.
At my words, Edward flinched.
"We haven't cleaned yet."
Since we only focused on the stage and the box seats, this area was a complete mess.
But.
I can't really blame anyone.
Everyone had their hands full.
"Let's gather again early in the morning tomorrow and clean up."
"That would be best."
I suppose I'm a little intimidated by the thought of starting right now.
After exchanging greetings with him, I went outside.
Now, what should I do?
I need to meet Erdi.
It wasn't hard to find him.
He was guiding guests at the entrance along with Victor.
Despite saying he was going to have fun.
He's a diligent one.
"What about Lady Viviant?"
"I sent her on ahead. It was getting late."
"That's a relief. It seems she didn't cause any trouble."
"Pardon?"
There was a reason I asked.
"The Lady wishes to see you."
I got straight to the point.
As soon as her name came up, Erdi's expression darkened.
They do have a long history, after all.
Their relationship is quite deep.
Not in a good way, of course.
His feelings seem complicated.
"I barely managed to talk her out of meeting you today."
"I'm fine with it. Where is she?"
Are you serious?
"She should be at the mansion. She hasn't said anything since."
"Let's go."
Everything feels so sudden today.
If I had known, I would have looked for Erdi first instead of Edward.
I returned to the mansion with him.
I wonder how many times I've made this round trip.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
Arriving at the mansion, I looked for the Duke.
As luck would have it, he was in the reception room with my father, but Leah was nowhere to be seen.
I don't know what the two of them were talking about.
The Duke, upon noticing Erdi and me, stood up abruptly and said:
"It's good to see you after so long."
The greeting wasn't for me.
"Have you been well?"
Erdi's face, asking after his well-being, was devoid of any expression.
If it were about his relationship with Leah, that's one thing, but he shouldn't hold any ill feelings toward the Duke.
However.
It's also true that he can't be as friendly as he used to be.
The Duke, watching this, nodded.
As if he could guess that Erdi still held a grudge.
"I apologize for my daughter's actions."
"It's fine. I've forgotten all about it."
"Even so, I wish you would have a chance to say it to her directly."
From the Duke's perspective, Erdi is a benefactor.
It was that carriage accident, wasn't it?
He said he received help once back then.
They had maintained a friendship since then.
It was a shame that their connection was ruined because of Leah.
Even if he keeps his distance, he probably wants to clear things up first.
Just then.
Leah happened to walk into the reception room.
The Duke left the room without a word.
Even in that brief moment, he couldn't seem to shake the distrust he had for his daughter, his face filled with worry.
It's not my place to interfere, but I couldn't help but think that this household must go through a lot.
◇◇◇◆◇◇◇
"I want to apologize."
Leah spoke up abruptly.
Erdi's and my gazes went to her.
She's quite direct.
A different feeling from when she was secretly handing over a gift.
Was it all just a baseless assumption?
I thought this was a ploy to reclaim her position using this opportunity.
It doesn't seem like an act.
Well, she said she was exiled for a year, so it wouldn't be strange for her to have a genuine change of heart.
"Should I get on my knees?"
Leah spoke again.
Should I make her?
That's something to consider.
It's not every day you get a legitimate chance to make a Duke's daughter kneel.
When else would such an opportunity arise?
But.
"It's fine."
Erdi stepped in to stop it.
Thanks to him, I was able to snap out of it.
Pretending as if nothing had happened, I tilted my head back and lent an ear to their conversation again.
Leah, recalling the time she had laid hands on Erdi long ago, offered a sincere apology.
And Erdi accepted it.
To be honest, until now...
I had only dealt with people who refused to admit their faults and acted arrogantly.
Thinking that the very Leah Dresel was showing this kind of side, my heart was filled with mixed feelings.
This time, she bowed her waist to me.
Along with words of apology for causing trouble to Lord Tilberg as well.
Accepting her apology wouldn't gain me anything.
But refusing wouldn't do me any harm either, so I just said I understood.
I had received a gift from her at the banquet, after all.
It's too late to back out now.
I was starting to feel sorry for having doubted her based only on my father's words.
Just as I was thinking that things were wrapping up more easily than expected...
Leah cautiously continued.
"If there is anything I can help with, I would be glad to. Anything at all."
I don't know exactly what she means, but her expression was serious.
It seems she thinks she owes me a debt.
If she wants to help, I won't stop her.
But I couldn't help but feel a question.
Erdi probably feels the same way, though he doesn't show it.
'What on earth does she mean?'
The problem is, there's nothing specific I need her to do.
If she had some special ability that only she possessed, that would be a different story, but I've never heard of such a thing.
If we had to go to war right now and needed the Duke's forces, that would be one thing, but that's not the case.
For now, it's better to leave it for a later date.
I answered that I would call her if I needed something in the future.
"Yes, then."
Wait.
I felt a sudden urge to just ask.
Something did come to mind.
"Erdi."
I whispered softly, just loud enough for him to hear.
"What is it?"
I wanted to gauge his reaction before asking Leah.
"Actually, I have something I want her to do."
I whispered.
"...That's a bit..."
He's really not on my side today.
"She said she'd do anything, didn't she?"
"...Even so."
"She's definitely more capable than Lady Viviant."
"...How can you compare them like that?"
"If you're okay with it, I'll just ask her myself?"
"...Are you serious?"
I figured I wouldn't get a proper answer if I asked further, so I just went ahead and said it.
"My Lady."
"Yes?"
"Would you mind helping clean the theater?"
"Pardon?"
Unlike Leah, who innocently asked again, Erdi was shaking his head beside me.
'Well.'
Cleaning is important.
To be honest, I was planning to meet up with Edward early in the morning tomorrow to take care of it.
But I don't know how long it will take.
The floors need to be wiped, the place needs to be ventilated, and all the trash scattered everywhere needs to be picked up.
To be honest, festivals are only fun to prepare; trying to clean up afterward just makes you annoyed first.
If Leah were to volunteer for free...
'That sounds a bit strange.'
Anyway, if she helps with the cleaning, the others can use that time to rest, so it's a win-win for everyone.
I feel a bit uncomfortable asking a guest to do such a thing, but didn't she say she'd do anything?
I watched for her reaction.
"Alright. I'll do it."