Chapter 76
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 76
Chapter Title: Dance with Me. (3)
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I led the weary Elena through the crowd toward the terrace.
Those we hadn't greeted yet wore expressions of clear disappointment, but I couldn't accommodate everyone individually.
They might be on their own, but Elena had dozens vying for her attention. Greeting them one by one would never end.
Besides, all the food I wanted to eat would go cold. I absolutely couldn't allow a repeat of the tragedy at age nine.
'Those guys who never put in any effort otherwise always swarm like this...'
Muttering complaints under my breath, I quickened my pace and soon reached the terrace.
The world, which had been dim when we entered the banquet hall, was now shrouded in darkness, illuminated only by the moon hanging in the sky.
"I can finally breathe..."
Elena let out a long sigh as she leaned against the terrace railing. A breeze blew through, gently tousling her hair.
"If it's too much, I can block anyone who approaches..."
"Please do. I want to enjoy the banquet a little too."
"Understood."
"And I want to have some wine..."
Elena trailed off with an awkward smile.
The emotion in that expression was none other than guilt—she felt bad that I wasn't able to enjoy the banquet.
'No need to worry about me that much...'
Of course, I did feel some regret. I wanted to eat delicious food and chat with like-minded people too.
But was that more important than Elena? Not at all. No matter where I was or what I did, I was her exclusive attendant.
With that in mind, I smiled at her.
"Please wait a moment. I'll fetch some wine."
"Yes, go ahead."
I promptly left the terrace. Before heading for the wine, I shot a glare at the crowd that had overwhelmed Elena earlier.
The ones sneaking glances at the terrace averted their eyes one by one upon meeting mine.
People who wanted greetings should have more backbone than that. They made the Three Stooges look like saints by comparison—at least those idiots weren't intimidated by their surroundings.
Though their sheer stupidity was the problem...
'Whatever, that's their issue to handle.'
With that thought, I moved on.
I successfully retrieved the wine and handed it to Elena, but her response was unexpected.
"Why just one glass...?"
"If it's not enough, I'll get more."
As far as I knew, Elena wasn't much of a drinker. She only had enough to feel good and always showed restraint.
So it was odd that she was asking for a second glass before finishing the first.
Who could've guessed.
"No, not me. What about you? Aren't you drinking?"
"Me?"
"Yes, you, Luke Nineheart."
Elena offering me wine? It was so touching I felt like crying on the spot. Well, I felt like it, but I wouldn't actually.
Anyway, the fact that she was looking out for me was just gratifying.
"How could an attendant drink wine? Even if everyone else gets drunk, I'll stay sober at your side, milady."
"You're an Academy student too. It's unfair if you can't enjoy the banquet..."
Elena furrowed her brow as she continued.
Suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind.
"Exactly. It's unfair for an Academy student not to enjoy the banquet."
I knew who it was without looking—the voice was laced with mischief.
Erze approached with wine glasses in both hands and offered one to me.
"Elena, whom you serve, says it's fine. You wouldn't refuse, would you?"
"...Understood."
With both Elena and Erze insisting, how could I refuse? Even if it were poison, I'd have taken it.
Not that I disliked wine. I just thought it improper as an attendant.
'How did she get rid of that huge crowd to come here...?'
Glancing at the hall, the gathered throng had vanished completely, as if by magic.
As if reading my mind, Erze smirked.
"They were crowding too much, so I gave them a glare, and they scattered right away."
"I see. Got it."
Well, the imperial princess's authority was practically magic. Maybe even more.
'Where'd Evie go then...?'
With Elena and Erze here, Evie must be alone in the hall.
Looking back at that moment, I locked eyes with Evie peering through the window. She blinked a few times, then grabbed a wine glass and headed to the terrace.
"Luke, there you are."
"Yeah, just stepped out for some air. Honestly, there were too many people."
"As bad as this sounds, it was super annoying. Strangers cheering me on or acting like they understand my feelings... it was a bit much."
Evie was already passive by nature, so that situation must've been extra uncomfortable. Unrelatedly, her grumbling was so cute I nearly burst out laughing.
Man, this wine must be expensive... tastes incredible.
After that, I chatted lightly with the three of them while sipping wine.
"So, Your Highness didn't receive any guests?"
"Oh, I met three on the second day."
"What about the third?!"
"Who knows~?"
Erze teased blatantly, making Elena's eyes widen. Evie fidgeted watching them.
A bit later, when our glasses were empty, we returned to the hall together.
"Milady, don't those desserts over there look amazing?"
"...I'm not eating. Think about what you said to me."
Elena pouted, sticking out her lower lip. My words must've stuck with her.
Judging by how far it protruded, it was time to declare Emergency Level 2.
If I couldn't defuse Level 2, the worst case would be...
'Three days of silence.'
Lacking the confidence to endure her icy treatment for three days, I backed down immediately. Quick admission and apology were always best.
"Milady, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it that way, but if it caused a misunderstanding..."
"I'm kidding. Let's go together."
Amused by my reaction, Elena let out a chuckle.
She was starting to resemble Erze, which was oddly unsettling, but I decided not to dwell. Her mood had improved, after all.
Elena stepped forward, and the three of us—including me—followed.
We were enjoying tea and treats when, a short distance away, I savored the luxurious food.
'This tastes incredible...'
Suddenly, a chilling presence made my skin crawl.
It was killing intent. And potent at that.
Instinctively, I turned toward the source.
"You're Luke Nineheart, the first-year top student."
The man who instantly identified me had a sturdy build. Physically alone, he could rival Chrome, the 1st Knight Order Captain who trained me at the ducal house.
But it wasn't just his physique. The aura he exuded was no ordinary thing.
"Yes, I'm Luke Nineheart. May I have your name?"
"Peka Lavinia. Third-year top student."
"An honor to meet you."
I bowed politely. I hadn't heard of the Lavinia family, but it was at least baron-level or higher.
Why would a third-year top student approach me?
The answer came quickly.
'It's about the inter-year exchange match next semester.'
Top and runner-up students from each year were listed, right? It made sense for a fellow participant to check me out.
Not that I appreciated the initial killing intent.
"Excuse me for a moment."
I excused myself first, then unleashed my own blatant killing intent. No reason to hide if he wanted to test me.
Peka took it full-on, then smirked on one side.
"That's enough. Just wanted to say hello."
This was a hello? Did the Lavinia family greet by clashing killing intent?
As I pondered, Peka turned and left.
I could only stare blankly at his back. It was too absurd for words.
"Luke, everything okay?"
Turning at the voice, I saw Evie. Her face was full of bewilderment—she must've sensed the killing intent between Peka and me.
"Nah, nothing much."
I tried to brush it off casually.
That's when music began playing from the stage.
It was the same piece I'd danced to with Evie on the first day.