Chapter 77
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Translator: MadScientist
Chapter: 77
Chapter Title: Dance with Me. (4)
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Naomi and most of the banquet hall turned their heads in unison, as if they'd made a promise to do so.
All those gazes were directed at the stage. More precisely, at the orchestra playing on it.
"Nice..."
It wasn't something I'd said consciously—it had slipped out unconsciously.
It was a terribly curt way to appreciate music, but unfortunately, it was the best I could manage.
What could I do? I had zero expertise in this area. Music was something for nobles with leisure time in the first place. Servants like me barely had enough hours in the day for work, let alone time to listen to tunes.
That said, hearing it up close really was something else. It felt a touch more moving than the stuff I'd overheard from the clubroom kitchen.
As I was lost in the music, Evie spoke up out of the blue.
"Luke, look over there."
"Where...?"
Following her gaze, I spotted a pair—a man and a woman—at the end of it.
The man extended his hand to invite her to dance, and the woman, blushing shyly, took it.
But they weren't the only ones. Next to them, another man was asking a woman to dance; beside them, on the second and third floors too—it was happening everywhere, regardless of location.
Men asking women to dance wasn't all that rare, but seeing it happen all at once like this? Not an everyday sight.
Probably only possible because this was the Academy, where all students were equals. Normally, a man wouldn't ask a woman from a higher-ranking house than his own. It was a patriarchal thing, preserving the man's authority.
'So where does that leave Elena...'
I turned to look at Elena and Erze, standing a short distance away. They were drawing plenty of stares from men, but no one was stepping up to ask them.
I wanted to call the guys spineless, but this time, I got it. You could only ask someone to dance if your rank was somewhat compatible.
For instance, I—a baron's son—could leverage the Academy's equality to ask Evie from an earldom. But a grand duchess like Elena or an imperial princess like Erze? No way.
Of course, there were always exceptions...
Someone out there must have wanted to make dancing with Erze the pride of his life.
A man in a burgundy tailcoat extended his hand to her with refined poise. From his demeanor, he seemed to hail from a fairly high-ranking house.
Not that the outcome needed confirming.
Erze shook her head slowly, offering a smile tinged with apology.
As if he'd seen it coming, the man turned away without losing his smile, even after the rejection.
Watching that unfold, I turned to Evie.
"Evie, let's join them over there."
"Yeah, let's."
I stepped forward with Evie, soon reaching Elena and Erze.
Elena eyed my face for a moment, then tilted her head.
"Didn't you say you were going to try other foods?"
"The situation's got me worried, so..."
"I see..."
Elena let out a soft hum through her nose, fiddling with a lock of innocent hair.
I couldn't read her thoughts, but she didn't seem upset. If anything, it felt positive.
"By the way, who was that guy you were talking to earlier?"
"The big burly one? He introduced himself as Peka Ravina, top of the third-year swordsmanship students."
"I was watching because the vibe seemed off. Makes sense now."
Understanding someone who greeted her with killing intent instead of words—our lady had a generous heart. She might even consider that level of attention beneath her.
As I chatted with Elena, couples began dancing in the hall's center, one by one. Their smooth movements synced perfectly with the music.
Well, dance was basic education for nobles, so it figured.
'Not that it has anything to do with me.'
A servant's role was to support from below the stage, not star on it. This spot was plenty good enough.
The real stars appeared right after.
"Lady Elena, may I have this dance?"
Red hair, handsome features, exuding an air like he owned the world. It was none other than Yubel Lutwalt, extending a hand to Elena.
'There we go.'
In the original story, Elena danced with no one. She holed up in her room, staring blankly at the moon outside. But now, things were different. She'd come to the banquet and didn't seem averse to dancing.
Which meant a different outcome was possible.
'What'll Elena choose?'
I watched her intently, wondering.
Soon, a smile spread across her face—one full of regret.
"I did a lot of work this afternoon. I'm afraid dancing won't be possible."
"If I'd known, I'd have helped... Anyway, I understand."
Yubel bowed lightly in farewell and turned away, a bitter smile on his lips.
'Serves you right for not being nicer usually...'
Such thoughts aside, I felt a pang of sympathy. Rejection stung.
But I wasn't worried. The original Yubel wouldn't buckle under something like this. He'd bounce back and pursue Elena's heart again.
Assuming she kept turning down everyone else, that is.
'That leaves Evan and Cain...'
How much time passed before husband candidate number two arrived?
"Elena, would you dance with me?"
It was Cain Seleas from the Magic Department like Elena. His face was stoic, but his ear tips were flushed red.
He was shy by nature, so mustering the courage for that must've been tough.
Too bad Elena's expression matched before.
"I did a lot of work this afternoon. I'm afraid dancing won't be possible."
"R-right. I understand."
Stammering his reply, Cain turned and shuffled off, shoulders slumped in defeat.
Evan tried next, but...
"I'm afraid dancing won't be possible."
Elena's response was unwavering. Just an apologetic look and a polite no.
'Is she really just tired...?'
In the original, it took time for her to open up to them because of her dark past.
Without that past now, she had no reason to refuse.
Besides, the idiot trio might be a bit—okay, a lot—foolish, but they weren't bad guys. Great families made them prime marriage material.
They were hot commodities on the marriage market, like it or not.
Not that I cared who Elena ended up with...
But if she truly was tired, that changed things.
Gazing at Evan's retreating back, I shifted my eyes to Elena.
"Milady, if you're tired, perhaps step away for a rest."
"You're right. A short walk in the garden might be good."
"I'll escort you."
I bowed lightly and started walking; Elena followed slowly behind.
Leaving the banquet hall, we were greeted by a world cloaked in darkness. The hall's brightness had made me forget, but it was already late evening.
Was it heralding summer's approach? Even after sunset, the air held onto its heat.
Or maybe it was the alcohol making my face burn.
I shoved those thoughts aside and stopped. A wooden bench sat beside me.
"Milady, if you're unwell, rest here first..."
"No. Let's go to our usual spot."
"But that's quite far from the banquet hall..."
"Hey— are you arguing with me?"
"...No, ma'am."
I had plenty to say, but kept my mouth shut.
The alcohol had made her even more mischievous. Better not let Elena drink anymore. If she got any tipsier, I wouldn't be able to handle it.
To the faint strains of music, we walked until we reached the quiet garden Elena and I frequented.
No one around, naturally. It was secluded to begin with, and the banquet was in full swing.
"We've arrived, milady."
I stopped and turned to her.
She seemed lost in thought for a moment, then smiled and extended a hand.
"Luke, I've suddenly got the urge to dance. Shame there's no partner around?"
Her hand palm-up, as if begging to be taken. I sighed inwardly and cupped it from below.
Isn't it usually the other way around...?