Chapter 75
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 75
Chapter Title: Dance with Me. (2)
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Late afternoon, as dusk began to settle over the world. The Academy students were walking in one direction, as if by prior agreement.
What lay at the end of that direction was obvious without needing to ask. With the party about to start soon, there was only one place they could be heading.
The banquet hall tucked away in one corner of the Academy. The venue for the festival party.
Elena, walking amid the procession, suddenly turned her head.
"Luke, do I look okay today?"
"You're always beautiful, but especially so today."
It wasn't empty flattery; it was sincere.
From the moment I'd seen her in the original novel's illustrations up until now, I'd never once thought Elena wasn't pretty. And today, she was even wearing a dress unlike her usual attire—no need to elaborate.
Elena stared at me intently, then let out a short sigh and grabbed my tie.
"Your tie's crooked. Honestly, so sloppy."
That's because you told me to come running in ten seconds.
The words rose to the tip of my tongue, but I swallowed them back and forced a smile.
"Sorry, Duchess. I'll be more careful."
"It's fine. Taking care of my secret friend is no big deal."
With that, Elena straightened my tie. Then she brushed off my collar with a few pats.
"There, all good. Let's get going again."
"Yes, right away."
I resumed walking alongside Elena, our footsteps that had paused for a moment now moving forward once more.
Not long after, we arrived at the banquet hall entrance, where familiar faces greeted us.
"Duchess, you're beautiful."
"Your stunning looks never fail to impress."
"Everyone in the hall might have eyes only for you, Miss Elena."
Yubel Lutwalt, Cain Seleas, Evan Kaiser—in that order.
The original novel's protagonists really stood out. Just dressing up and grooming themselves had transformed them into entirely different people. They were no longer worthy of being called the good-for-nothing trio.
Well, their looks had always been top-notch from the start. I just hadn't expected this level.
After greeting Elena, they all turned their gazes to me in unison.
"Luke, looking sharp today!"
"Seeing you like this, Sir Luke certainly..."
"Yes, as expected of the man who's made so many female students weep."
Made female students cry? Me? Why?
As the person in question, I had no idea, leaving me utterly bewildered.
The women I even interacted with were just the three from the gardening club and my professor-mentor Shavel—four in total. They weren't the type I could make cry.
If anything, they'd be the ones making me cry. I'd been through so many injustices.
Unfortunately, Elena seemed completely unaware of my inner turmoil. Her icy expression made my body freeze solid for a moment.
That was when it happened.
"Oh, everyone's gathered here?"
"Seeing you like this gives a whole new impression."
Erze and Ibi arrived fashionably late.
Erze wore a striking red dress embroidered with gold thread. The flashy gown contrasted sharply with her calmly downcast eyes, creating an intriguingly mysterious aura.
Ibi, on the other hand, exuded a much more subdued vibe. Her deep navy dress paired with long, straight hair was enough to give her a completely different feel from usual.
To sum it up in one word, without all the details:
"Both of you look perfect."
Perhaps pleased by the response, faint smiles spread across Erze and Ibi's faces.
We exchanged light pleasantries as we ascended the stairs and soon entered the banquet hall.
'So this is the Academy's banquet hall...'
The hall spanned three floors, with an open central atrium allowing even those on the first floor to see the ceiling.
And on that ceiling hung an enormous chandelier. No way to suspend something that massive without magic.
Beyond that, ornate decorations everywhere, tables laden with fine wines and lavish dishes.
I'd thought the Frozenheart family parties were impressive, but this was on another level. Overwhelming, even.
The empire's premier educational institution, beloved by the founding emperor. I was feeling its significance right now—though as a noble, I couldn't show it outwardly.
As I took in the hall, someone stepped onto the stage.
Tuxedo-clad with a dignified presence. Everyone halted their conversations and focused on him.
It was only natural. The man on stage was none other than the dean.
Soon, amid the silence, he began to speak.
"Students of the Academy, summer has yet to arrive in the wider world, yet our halls burn hot with your scholarly passion. As dean, witnessing such dedication fills me with..."
His calm voice filled the entire hall—an impossible feat without magic.
To sum up his address:
You worked hard this semester. Have fun today, and let's do our best next term too.
Amusing that such a short message could stretch so long, but typical for nobles. They had a habit of embellishing even simple words.
"...With that, I hope you all enjoy the festivities."
The dean's speech concluded, and the party officially began.
"Doesn't that look delicious?"
"Oh, it does."
"Then let's go grab some."
My good-for-nothing trio immediately set off to indulge their taste buds.
Unbelievable how they hadn't changed since age nine. "Pine tree people" must refer to them—too predictable to even surprise me anymore.
I wanted to squeeze in and try the various foods this time too, but...
Unfortunately, no dice. Even as an Academy student, I was Elena's attendant first. I couldn't leave her side.
Just as regret started to set in:
"Princess Erze, as radiant as ever."
Students swarmed Erze with greetings.
"Duchess Elena, it's an honor. I've heard of your exceptional magical prowess."
Students swarmed Elena too.
It made sense for those two. Elena was this world's protagonist, and Erze was an imperial princess.
Parties were social arenas, after all. Building connections with them was key—networks were power in noble society.
But why was Ibi so popular?
"Swordsmanship Department, really? I admire your resolve to tread a path tough even for men. I support you."
Women stepping into male domains often faced scorn and hardship, yet some guys were drawn to exactly that.
Unexpected, but not incomprehensible.
It just didn't feel great having a massive crowd around my area.
A moment to truly appreciate the gardening club members' prowess.
'But what about my food...?'
While Elena handled the greetings, didn't I have to stay by her side too?
Memories of eating cold food at age nine, due to greeting duties, bubbled up.
That was when:
"Sir Luke, long time no see."
I turned at the familiar voice to find someone I knew standing there.
Walter Douglas, Ibi's older brother. He held a wine glass in one hand.
"Sir Walter, likewise. I hope you've been well."
"Can't say I have. Had to sort things out with our parents on Ibi's behalf."
"She'll be thrilled to hear that."
"Don't tell her. It's just what I should've done all along."
Walter gave an abashed smile. Lighter than when we'd last met.
"Anyway, your situation's obvious even without asking."
"My lady's too popular."
"Happens every year. Everyone desperate to network."
"And you? No interest?"
"That's why I'm here. Duty calls, tiresome or not."
He let out a hearty laugh and shoved his way into the crowd.
'Then why bring it up...?'
Absurd. I chuckled dryly as I watched him go.
He was pretty committed too. Shoving in shoulder-first like a pro.
How much time passed after that?
It was right after Elena had greeted Walter.
"I need some fresh air. Excuse me."
Elena said that and poked my side with her elbow.
The meaning was clear, so I promptly bowed my head.
"As you wish, Duchess."
Our countryside-born duchess seemed worn out by the throng.