Chapter 74
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 74
Chapter Title: Dance With Me (1)
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The Academy held its own banquets just twice a year.
One was the so-called "Winter Banquet," held in the depths of winter to celebrate students on the cusp of graduation and to cheer on the achievements of those still enrolled.
The other was the upcoming "Festival Banquet," taking place on the final evening of the festival after all the outsiders had left—a celebration of the Academy's founding and the end of the first semester.
Personally speaking, I suspected the reasons were just excuses slapped together. They wanted to throw a party but couldn't do it without some justification.
Surprisingly, nobles were quite image-conscious; they almost never held banquets just for the sake of lounging around and feasting. In other words, it was all for show, as you'd expect.
'Well, I'll just stay quiet like a mouse today, same as always.'
With that thought, I glanced at the mirror. Standing there was a man in a tuxedo—hair neatly styled, a far cry from my usual look.
The hairstyle had seemed weird at first, but now it felt natural. Not bad, all things considered.
And the clothes? Top-notch. Surprisingly comfortable despite the fancy look. Well, they were custom-made by the Frozenheart Ducal Family, so that was to be expected.
Someone might wonder why a mere servant like me got a bespoke tuxedo from a ducal house...
But was I just any servant? I'd mended the rift between the duke and duchess, paving the way for Elena's little brother Allen to be born.
Plus, having served as Elena's exclusive attendant since I was nine made me practically her childhood friend. A gift like this was only fitting.
Still too much?
I don't even get paid—this is the least they could do...
I've been an unpaid slave my whole life...
'Anyway, I wonder if Elena's okay.'
Ladies' dresses were notoriously tricky to put on alone, especially the elaborate ones nobles wore.
Usually, a servant helped. Elena had always relied on others besides me for that back home.
But servants weren't allowed at the Academy, so friends had to pitch in. Did Elena even have anyone like that? I worried.
'If she needed help, she'd have sent a telepathic message by now.'
I shrugged it off and headed for the window when—
Was there truth to the saying that speaking of the devil summons them? A voice echoed in my mind.
—Luke, to the front of the Magic Department girls' dorm. You have 10 seconds.
My ominous hunches never failed me.
'Ten seconds is too tight. I just got ready—it's all gonna get messed up...'
Grumbling inwardly, I bolted at full speed. It was my duty as a servant to fulfill my lady's wishes, no matter what.
I arrived at the Magic Department girls' dorm exactly nine seconds later. It was quite a hike from the Swordsmanship Department dorms, but aura made it manageable.
Though using aura for this was ridiculous to begin with.
'Let's see...'
Scanning around, I spotted Elena emerging from the dorm.
If that was the case, she could've given me twenty seconds.
Swallowing the thought, I approached her.
"My lady, you called for me?"
"Yes. We're heading to the clubroom now."
"The clubroom? And you're still in uniform—aren't you changing into your dress?"
The banquet was starting soon, but Elena was still in her school uniform. Her dress floated in the air via magic, orbiting her.
'Does she really have no friends...?'
Even during joint classes with the Magic Department, she'd had plenty of followers—guys and girls alike.
My confusion must have shown. Elena let out a long sigh.
"Plenty of people offered to help. I turned them all down."
"I see. Understood."
"And I'll change into the dress on the way there."
"Thank you for explaining so ki—"
My reflexive reply cut off mid-sentence.
Putting it together: She planned to change in the clubroom. And I'd be the one helping.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go."
"Ah, yes. Right away, my lady."
My mind was still blank, but Elena gave me no time to recover.
I fell in step beside her and soon reached the clubroom.
"I'll get the door."
Good thing I'd tidied up last and had the key.
I pulled it from my pocket and unlocked the door.
"Luke, come in."
"Yes, my lady."
Elena brushed past me into the room, and I followed.
The clubroom, packed just hours ago, now stood empty save for the late afternoon's ruddy sunlight.
Then Elena raised her index finger and flicked it through the air. The door and windows locked, curtains dropping in unison.
The message was clear: She was changing now.
"My lady, may I speak?"
"Yes, go ahead."
"Why turn down those who offered? Even so, a woman would be bett—"
"Luke."
Her interruption—calling my name mid-sentence—meant she was done listening. I shut my mouth.
Silence hung for a moment before Elena turned to me. In the dim room, curtains drawn, only her eyes gleamed brightly.
"You're my exclusive attendant. It'd be absurd to have anyone else when I have you."
She had a point. If I were a woman.
Even if nobles treated servants like objects, no lady showed her changing body to a man.
"Even if you are a man, we're secret friends. I figured I could ask you for something like this."
"My apologies. I spoke out of turn."
I backed down immediately. After all, I'd been the one to establish our "secret friend" bond as kids.
It felt a bit different from what I'd imagined, but I couldn't shatter it now.
What could I do? My lady needed help.
"I'll only call you when I need assistance. Until then, face the wall."
"Understood."
I turned around without hesitation.
Staring blankly at the wall, I soon heard rustling from behind. Elena undressing.
Swish—
Her coat slipping off, draped over the table.
Pop... pop...
Unbuttoning her shirt from the top.
Having served her for ten years, I knew her habits even with her clothes on.
She called my name a short while later.
"Luke, help me now."
I turned to face her.
Elena stood with a soft sky-blue dress pulled up to her chest, back to me.
It laced up the back to fit the body, so untied, it hung loose, exposing her pristine white back.
Perhaps fearing it might slip, her arms gripped the fabric tightly, muscles taut.
'She could've asked Ibina Erje...'
Sighing inwardly, I stepped toward her.
Up close, her flawless, smooth skin was breathtaking. I half-expected it to bruise at a touch.
Beneath lay the elegant curves of her wingbones and spine, radiating feminine allure.
And I'd shaped that balanced figure. A surge of pride welled up.
I'd trained her hard and managed her diet.
"My lady, here we go."
I reached out slowly, grasping the laces on either side, and pulled upward firmly.
"Hng... hnnngh...!"
"My lady, have you put on w—"
"One more word, and I'll seal your mouth."
"Sorry."
The dress wouldn't cinch properly—for obvious, unspeakable reasons.
She'd devoured everything in sight during the festival. Time for stricter meal plans.
A couple more tugs, and mercifully, it fit.
"Ugh... it's a bit tight."
"Can't really blame anyone bu—"
"I didn't gain weight! My measurements are the same!"
Then why doesn't it fit...?
The question burned, but I bit it back. One more word, and she'd really silence me.
It's a banquet—gotta enjoy the food. Letting it slide feels unfair otherwise.