Chapter 34
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: What is Romance? (2)
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The club room was utterly silent, save for the faint bubbling of water in the kettle, the only sound piercing the stillness.
Perhaps sensing the awkwardness of the moment, Elena, who had been spacing out, suddenly widened her eyes and snapped back to reality.
"Th-that was a slip of the tongue..."
"It's natural to mutter to yourself when deep in thought. I'll erase it from my memory, so don't worry about it."
Cain Seleas spoke in a comforting tone.
I had no idea how Elena took it, but I could tell for sure. His words were just surface-level politeness.
The woman he admired showing interest in romance, and he'd wipe it from his memory? Yeah, right.
A brief silence followed, making it seem like the matter was settled...
"I'm curious too. Just what is romance, anyway?"
Yubel Lutwalt. The future Sword Saint had no tact and kept the conversation going.
Elena had called it a slip—if he was curious, holding back would score points, but what was he thinking?
As her friend and exclusive attendant, I wanted to smack him upside the head.
If I could just land one good hit...
Of course, I couldn't act on that impulse, so I sighed inwardly and approached the table.
"Excuse me for a moment."
Princess Erje and Prince Evan first, then Elena. The remaining three, and finally me—including myself, seven teacups went onto the table. I didn't forget to arrange them by rank, of course.
Evan took a sip of tea and quietly set his cup down.
"Romance is about getting to know each other, isn't it? Learning what they like, what they dislike, things you didn't know before. I think the bond built in that process is what we call love."
"So, does that mean love can't bloom between people who already know each other well?"
Countering Evan was none other than Yubel. He seemed lost in thought, stroking his chin with his hand.
As if he'd anticipated the rebuttal, Evan replied with a gentle smile.
"Not at all. Even with those you know well, there's always something new to discover. In that process, someone familiar might start feeling unfamiliar, don't you think?"
"That's true. But still, it might be better with someone distant rather than close. Like someone from the Magic Department and someone from the Swordsmanship Department..."
Yubel trailed off, shifting his gaze to Cain.
Cain was in the Magic Department, just like Elena. Yubel seemed eager to boast about his advantage.
They all probably knew. That they each had their eyes on Elena.
Not that it mattered to me—I was just leisurely sipping my tea.
Love, romance— that's for guys with time on their hands. For someone like me, who's spent his life running around, this was a rare chance to relax.
As long as they didn't cause trouble for Elena, I honestly didn't care what they said.
That said, who brewed this tea? The taste is...
I was savoring it with my eyes gently closed when I felt a gaze on me. Opening them, I saw Erje watching me with her characteristic half-lidded eyes.
I didn't hate her sleepy look or anything, but that stare felt ominous. Like I was about to get dragged into something annoying.
And sure enough.
"Luke, what about you? No thoughts on romance?"
Erje hit me with a tricky question.
It wasn't strange, given the ongoing topic.
But it was hard to take positively. No matter what I said, I'd end up joining their conversation.
Still, when the princess asks, you answer.
"I think all of your opinions are correct."
It didn't side with anyone— the perfect response.
I didn't know when one of these guys might end up as my lady's partner, so I couldn't pick sides.
The problem was that it didn't sit well with Erje.
"I'm asking for your opinion."
Erje slightly raised one eyelid.
It was just a fleeting moment, but I caught a glimpse of her brilliant golden eyes. Our first real eye contact.
Her action caught me off guard and surprised me...
'But still...'
It wasn't something I could answer easily. I'd never thought deeply about romance. I'd always treated it as someone else's business.
That said, if I had to answer...
"I think romance is when a man and woman who like each other meet up."
I wished I could phrase it as elegantly as Evan, but alas, that wasn't my talent. This felt closer to my real thoughts than some forced, overthought response.
Erje stared at me blankly for a moment, then burst out laughing—pfft.
"That's a good answer."
"Is it...?"
"In other words, don't overthink it. Human emotions can't be defined, right?"
Is that so...?
Dreams are clearer in hindsight, they say. Erje's elaboration made my words sound profound.
That's when Elena, who had been listening while sipping her tea, quietly set her cup down.
"You're right. Maybe I was overthinking it. They just meet because they like each other, break up if they don't. That's all there is to it."
"Exactly. No one knows what'll happen along the way. Everyone feels and learns differently."
"Thinking of it that way, romance doesn't seem so bad. You could learn and grow from it."
I had no idea how the conversation turned between Elena and Erje, but if it helped Elena, that was all that mattered.
A bit more time passed into the late afternoon, as dusk began settling over the world.
After the other club members left, I headed to the gardening club's plot with Elena.
Not by my choice, of course. Just following her orders.
She wasn't going to make me dig this late, was she...?
As I worried, Elena gently touched a carrot sprout and spoke.
"Luke, do you plan on dating...?"
"As I said before, no."
"Why not?"
"Right now, I want to focus on my studies. The Frozenheart Ducal Family has shown me great consideration, so I must repay that kindness."
"What if I said I wanted to date? Would you try to stop me?"
"How could I question Your Ladyship's choices..."
"I'm asking as your secret friend."
Why does she only pull out the "secret friend" card for questions I want to dodge?
I scratched my head awkwardly and answered.
"I wouldn't stop you. If that's truly what you want."
All I wanted was for Elena to be happy. If she was unhappy, trouble would likely spill over to me. Same as her secret friend.
Elena hummed thoughtfully while crouched, then stood up.
"Just testing. I don't plan on dating either. I still don't really get what liking someone means."
"I figured as much."
"But if I ever do date someday..."
...it'd probably be someone I feel comfortable with, like a friend.
Elena said that and strolled off leisurely.
I mulled over her words before following belatedly.
No matter how I thought about it, none of the three husband candidates felt like "friend" material...
I wouldn't worry about it. It was their problem to figure out anyway.
A few days later.
"Gavi, you're meeting Yurshilla?"
"Well, we're still in the 'getting to know each other' phase..."
"After fighting like that in joint class? What wind blew this way?"
"Knights bond over clashing swords too. It's kinda like that."
Maybe because I'd heard so much about romance lately, but these dating-related snippets stuck out.
Who'd have thought Baldy would meet up with Breadhead.
Was all that bickering in front of the magic beast just their usual shtick...?
Did that make me the third wheel...?
As I grappled with confusion, Shavel entered the classroom, holding a sheet of yellowish paper like during joint class.
"Attention, everyone. There's a practical exam next week. It'll cover physical fitness and swordsmanship. Details are written here—check them carefully."
Practical exam.
In the Swordsmanship Department, where written tests mattered less, practicals were basically your grade.
I'd probably just do as usual. I'd been working hard enough.
"Also, top scores will select players for the friendly match against Cherban Kingdom's Academy in the second semester. Two per year—give it your all."
...Should I just coast?
A friendly against another kingdom's academy? Sounds like it'd draw unwanted attention.