Chloe's Partner
Chloe's boast about bringing Kyle as her partner to Vermouth's banquet was clearly a provocation meant to stir up my jealousy.
Although it was a banquet held at the academy without regard for social status, Vermouth's event was a private gathering hosted by the prince.
As an imperial prince, he was someone who could ascend to the highest position in the Vyrant Empire. A banquet hosted under his name, and nobles from prestigious families were involved in its preparation.
So, it was no surprise that the attendees were mostly nobles.
Moreover, being a partner meant escorting young ladies and dancing with them at the event, a responsibility that required familiarity with noble etiquette.
But what about Vermouth's true intentions? It seemed he had invited Chloe as an alternative since he couldn't invite Ciara. He had been inviting promising freshmen to his club, so he likely wanted Chloe as his partner this time too.
Given these reasons, I didn't believe Chloe when she said she was bringing a commoner named Kyle as her partner.
However,
Just before the banquet began, when I checked the list of attendees, I was stunned.
Kyle's name was clearly listed there as Chloe's partner.
I had misjudged Vermouth's intentions. He hadn't intended to claim the partner spot for himself. So, the only thing I could do was infiltrate the banquet hall and investigate what he was up to.
With so many eyes to watch, but using Space Transfer Magic, it was possible.
I immediately cast Space Transfer Magic to the banquet hall where Vermouth was located on the academy grounds.
Last year's banquet hosted by Vermouth had invited only a minimal number of people, but today's event was different.
Young ladies dressed in elegant gowns entered the hall orderly, escorted by their male partners.
From their attire and posture, it was clear they were highborn young ladies who had received excellent education. The male students escorting them also carried themselves with noble grace.
Except for one: Kyle. Despite having a somewhat handsome face, his appearance lacked the refinement of nobility. His tuxedo looked somewhat shabby, as if it had been worn once too often.
Noble students would have immediately noticed that Kyle wasn't from a prominent family.
But the young lady he was escorting was different. With platinum blonde hair and striking red eyes, she exuded noble bloodline.
That young lady was none other than my lover, Chloe Argentwood. Despite her elegant appearance, her behavior was unpredictable. Bringing a commoner like Kyle as her partner at the prince's banquet perfectly represented her antics.
If one judged Chloe solely by her looks, they would see her as a beautiful young lady, but among the academy students, she was already known as someone whose actions couldn't be predicted.
In the end, Chloe the young lady and Kyle the commoner were the most standout pair at this banquet. Their mere appearance would have left a deep impression on everyone.
Now, my Netorase with Chloe had become irreversible. It was as if the academy had publicly announced that Kyle was more than just a friend to Chloe. Of course, a young lady wouldn't consider her partner as a romantic interest.
But this was an academy filled with energetic young men and women. A place where students at the peak of their hormonal interest gathered.
So, it was natural for a third party to assume that the female student had romantic interest in the male student she brought as her partner.
A feeling of excitement mixed with anxiety as Netorase began in earnest. But first, I needed to focus on the situation in the banquet hall.
I hid my presence in a corner of the hall and observed the students. My nerves were on edge, and sweat formed on my forehead.
Currently, Chloe was smiling at Kyle, the one escorting her. He probably thought I was hiding here watching him.
The reason I couldn't tell how sincere that smile toward Kyle was.
Soon, Kyle took Chloe's hand politely and led her into the hall. He seemed to have learned etiquette from his attributes.
Once all invited students entered, the banquet began with the prince's announcement. Students chatted while holding various desserts and wine glasses, their expressions lively.
The only one who remained calm was the host, Prince Vermouth. Although most invited students had brought their partners, Vermouth sat alone, sipping wine without a partner.
Seeing that he didn't approach Chloe either, it seemed he was still obsessed with Ciara. As someone who inherited imperial blood, he was unpredictable.
I set aside thoughts of the prince and focused on Chloe and Kyle.
Chloe, chatting with a bright smile at the male students who approached her. It felt like she was the heroine from a high school drama. Indeed, she suited such party settings.
On the other hand, Kyle stood behind Chloe like a scarecrow. It was as if even a drop of ink had spilled on the luxurious scenery.
I was wary of Kyle, but seeing his appearance now, I felt a bit sorry for him.
After all, I had started as a commoner in this world, so I might empathize with him. Recalling the absurdities I faced as a commoner back then still sent shivers down my spine.
But I shouldn't get too immersed. Kyle was the one entangled in Netorase with me now, and he might be the true protagonist of this world.
If I let my guard down even a little... I might end up in a Netorare situation where Chloe is taken away.
I gathered my mana to enhance my hearing, to eavesdrop on Chloe's conversations with other men.
Many male students greeted the most noticeable Chloe at the banquet. But nothing special had happened yet.
As befitted a noble banquet, the greetings were formal, with nothing more than eye contact. Or perhaps the students here wanted to maintain some distance from Chloe.
After all, her reputation as someone whose actions couldn't be predicted had spread.
From the perspective of noble students, getting too close to Chloe carried risks.
At first, Chloe had been excited about attending the banquet, but as only formal conversations occurred, she began to show signs of boredom.
When Chloe got bored, Kyle approached her. Was he trying to talk to her?
At that moment, someone blocked Kyle's path and spoke to Chloe.
It seemed intentional. The student who spoke to Chloe while seeming to restrain Kyle was...
Second-year student Tobias Hartmann.
Yes, Tobias Hartmann.
The same guy who had invited her to join his Rare Demonic Beast Research Society before her academy admission was decided.
Since he had been eyeing Chloe from the start, he approached her while restraining Kyle. I listened to his words closely.
"Chloe Argentwood. It's my first time meeting you in such a setting. Congratulations on entering as the runner-up."
"T-thank you! Is it...?"
"Ah! My introduction was late. I'm Tobias Hartmann, a second-year student who handed you a letter during the entrance exam period."
"Ah- Hello! Senpai! I remember! Please use casual language! Hehe~"
Chloe replied with a bright, puppy-like smile, and Tobias's lips curved up.
"Thank you for saying that, but until today, I'll use formal language."
"Yes! Senpai."
"By the way, the chaotic period is over now. Have you thought about joining our club?"
"Hehe~ Not yet~"
"It would be a great help to your academy life. I'll be waiting for good news..."
"Yes~"
Chloe was responding without thinking, showing no interest in areas that didn't concern her, like a clueless person.
Did Tobias notice the light weight in Chloe's answer? His expression darkened slightly. Soon, his narrowed gaze flicked to Kyle behind Chloe.
"Chloe. It's not with bad intentions, but it seems selecting a partner for the young lady of the Argentwood family has been a bit difficult?"
"What do you mean?"
"Although it's a banquet held at the academy, this is a gathering hosted by His Highness the Prince. Bringing a partner of appropriate status is appropriate, but... moreover, I heard Kyle is the lowest-ranked student?"
"Hehe! Senpai, thank you for your concern. But I'll choose my own partner."
Chloe brushed it off casually while asserting herself. Tobias's expression turned stunned, as if hit by her bold display, as if proving her reputation.
Yes. Approaching Chloe based only on her appearance could lead to a bad end. Kyle, with his innocent side unlike scheming nobles like Tobias, might actually be a good match for Chloe.
Unconsciously, I was even thinking about the compatibility between Chloe and Kyle. It was a sudden thought, but upon realizing their personalities complemented each other well, I felt a chill.
At critical moments, Netorare and Netorase differ by just a sheet of paper. This situation was clearly dangerous.
Stay calm.
Even if Kyle was a scarecrow, I had to prevent him from becoming Chloe's partner in the future, at least.
Focus.
I listened again to Chloe and Tobias's conversation.
Tobias, who had been hit by Chloe, laughed hollowly.
"Haha! Good. It was a story I told for Chloe's sake, so please consider that..."
"Yes~"
Just as the exchange with Tobias seemed to end... someone tapped Kyle's shoulder who had been standing there.
"Hey! Bring me another glass of Vyrant tears!"
Kyle was mistaken for a servant in the banquet hall. No... this wasn't a mistake; he was deliberately provoking him.
The one who provoked Kyle was second-year Wolfgang Engel. A student known for his size in the academy. Kyle, intimidated by Wolfgang's build, stuttered.
"S-senpai... I, I am..."
At that moment, Chloe stepped in to help Kyle.
"Senpai. This friend is Kyle, who attended the banquet with the qualification of my partner?"
Tobias flinched at Chloe's bold attitude. But it was momentary; Wolfgang continued with a lively demeanor.
"Ah- I must have mistaken you because of your outfit! Nice to meet you, Kyle! I'm Wolfgang from the Engel family! Where are you from?"
Wolfgang continued the provocation by mentioning status. Chloe, unable to watch, tried to speak for Kyle, but Kyle himself opened his mouth first.
"I'm from a commoner background. Senpai."
After discarding his foolish attitude from before, Kyle spoke in a calm voice. An unspoken manly aura emanated from him.
Wolfgang, subtly suppressed by that momentum, clicked his tongue and replied.
"Ah! I see! Yeah yeah! Since it's the academy!"
In the end, Wolfgang patted Kyle's shoulder and left. At that time, Chloe's gaze changed slightly from before.
Chloe looked at Kyle, who was starting to exude a sturdy atmosphere, with sparkling eyes. Seeing that gaze, an unpleasant feeling began to rise.
Yes. That gaze of Chloe was the one she had when viewing a man as a romantic interest. At first, it had been foolish, but she quickly found appeal in the refined Kyle.
A chill ran down my spine. Should I stop Chloe from Netorase even now...?
Just as I was about to fall into thought.
Music began to emanate from a corner of the banquet hall.
The one that didn't miss from noble banquets.
The dance time had arrived.
Female students gathered in the center of the hall, holding hands with their partners one by one.
Chloe too...
She was preparing to dance with Kyle, holding his hand. The small, cute hand of Chloe that usually held mine tightly in bed was now holding Kyle's.
Should I secretly disrupt the party and ruin the banquet even now... A feeling like boiling blood surged up.