The Paranormal Investigation Club's Day Off
“Teacher, why don't you come to the party with me?”
On the third day of the holiday, as I was about to leave the classroom, it was Rozaria who approached me first.
I'd already chatted with Elaine and Rone, so I'd been thinking it was about time to have a proper talk with Rozaria too. Unexpectedly, she beat me to it.
“What party?”
I asked, gazing at her bright, innocent face.
“It's not some grand affair—just a little gathering. Since we've finally got a break from club activities, I thought I'd show my face in high society for the first time in ages. I've been too busy with the club to pay it any mind lately. You fade from memory in high society if you don't make even the slightest appearance!”
Is she taking a jab at me for dragging her into club stuff every single day?
I flinched at Rozaria's words but tried not to show it.
“Sorry about that.”
“Pardon? Sorry for what, sir?”
But Rozaria just blinked back at me with a perfectly guileless expression. There wasn't a hint of malice in her round eyes. Maybe it really had been an innocent remark. I felt a bit foolish for getting flustered on my own.
“So why invite me to your party?”
I steered us back to the point.
Rozaria was already a fixture in high society, active from the start and famous enough to have her own nickname that only circulated there. I had no reason to crash her social gathering.
“To introduce you to everyone, of course!”
Rozaria beamed as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.
“Introduce me? I'm no student, let alone a noble.”
“It's fine! You've got such remarkable talents, sir. No one will dare look down on you!”
Will they, though? The nobles I'd dealt with sure hadn't acted that way.
In my past life, I'd grown utterly sick of the cutthroat intrigue among nobles. And here at the academy, I'd seen plenty of that type too. Honestly, I had zero interest in tangling with high society again.
But I'd wanted a calm chat with Rozaria today anyway. And as her teacher, how could I refuse a request from one of my precious students?
With a sigh, I managed a smile and nodded.
“Alright. Then I'll attend the evening party after academy lets out.”
“Yes! I'll be waiting, sir!”
Rozaria flashed a radiant smile and vanished. And just like that, I was committed to the evening party.
...
After leaving the academy, I stopped by the teachers' dormitory to prepare for the party.
I swapped my usual neat, professional attire for a flashy, high-end suit that screamed ostentation. Instead of the harmless, diligent hairstyle, I slicked my hair back sharply halfway.
Just as I'd dressed to win over students as their teacher, if I was inserting myself into a noble social event, I'd need the right look for it.
It reminded me of my days running the trading company, when I'd steel my gaze to stare down nobles in psychological warfare.
Once dressed for the occasion, I arrived at the party venue entrance, where Rozaria was waiting to greet me.
“Ah. Tea...!”
She started toward me with her usual sunny smile but froze at the sight of me.
Her round eyes widened, her face shifting to a mix of admiration and bewilderment.
I always kept myself tidy and presentable at the academy to maintain my reputation, but that was just enough to suit a diligent, caring teacher. This fully decked-out party version was a world apart.
A faint blush crept across Rozaria's cheeks. She stared at me speechless for a moment, then drew a breath and let out an honest gasp of awe.
“T-Teacher...! You're... you're so handsome!”
“Glad you think so. Makes the effort worthwhile.”
I nodded nonchalantly at her exaggerated praise.
Truth be told, I was a little thrown off by how stunning Rozaria looked too.
She already put effort into her appearance at the academy, so the gap wasn't as huge as mine, but in her party dress, she was breathtaking. The red gown with its abundant frills accentuated her lively yet elegant aura perfectly, and the small tiara perched atop her head blended seamlessly with her sparkling ruby-red locks. No wonder they called her the “Red Ruby” in high society—it all made perfect sense.
“You're beautiful too.”
“Thank you!”
Rozaria's dazzling smile in response packed a punch. I offered my arm casually, playing it cool.
“Shall we head in?”
She grabbed it with a brilliant grin, and we entered the party hall together.
Inside, a lavish scene filled my vision. Crystal chandeliers cascaded from the domed ceiling like waterfalls, their light reflecting off oil paintings and golden frames on the walls, bathing the room in a shimmering glow. Beyond the windows stretched the nightscape of Everlight Island like a painting—countless lights twinkling like embedded jewels, the academy's grand silhouette rising in the distance like a fortress piercing the night sky.
Rozaria had called it a small party, but this was plenty extravagant. How much money from ordinary commoner families—months' worth—had been poured into one night of this luxury?
I'd amassed wealth rivaling nobles now, surpassing some, but that cynical edge still bubbled up unconsciously now and then.
As I took one more step inside, countless gazes snapped to us. Or more precisely, to Rozaria at my side.
Her “Red Ruby” appearance sucked in every eye in the room. A beat later, the stares shifted to me, her escort.
The initially hostile glares from the students softened once they realized I was a teacher. But softened didn't mean gone—several noble students still eyed me warily, a stranger beside Rozaria.
Soon, students approached first, greeting her warmly.
“Lady Rozaria, it's been too long! I haven't seen you at parties lately, but you're gracing high society again. As beautiful as ever, even after all this time!”
“Lady Rozaria, I hope you're well? I was so disappointed you missed the last tea party.”
Male students angling for her favor. Female students laying on the flattery. Like bees swarming a flower, their desperation was almost pitiful.
Rozaria responded with flawless grace—a slight bow, a gentle smile, refined and poised speech. Every gesture screamed picture-perfect noble lady.
Watching from the side like it was none of my business, I was a bit surprised. Up until now, my image of her in the club had been less “elegant lady” and more “hot-headed villainess noble.” But dressed to the nines and exchanging noble pleasantries with such poise, she was the epitome of a standard villainess.
A perfect high-society mask, worlds apart from her usual self.
Meanwhile, the students started paying attention to me too.
“Lady Rozaria, might we have the honor of an introduction to your companion?”
Rozaria lit up as if she'd been waiting for this, introducing me with lively enthusiasm.
“Ah, this is Allen Jest, the advisor for our Paranormal Investigation Club! He's joined me for the party tonight! It's an honor to spend this special occasion with all of you.”
A few students shot surprised looks at her introduction, but I ignored them and gave a dignified, poised self-introduction.
“I'm Allen Jest, teacher at Everlight Academy and advisor for the Paranormal Investigation Club. I'm here escorting Lady Rozaria.”
I hated noble etiquette and never showed it, but I could nail it perfectly when I wanted.
That said, my greetings ended there. I hadn't come out of interest in the party, so after exchanging pleasantries with the gathered nobles, I slipped away from the center to a corner, sipping wine and observing from afar.
Rozaria remained at the heart of the student attendees, drawing endless attention.
Standing at the center of noble society, she reminded me of Rone—but the complete opposite. Rone was popular among commoners in minor predicaments or low nobles. Rozaria shone among high nobles like a jewel.
Rone earned admiration by helping everyone. Rozaria captivated hearts with her beauty alone, making others want to help her.
I found her beautiful, yet it underscored how nobles were nobles—instilling a subtle distance. I'd grown closer to Elaine and Rone after spending the day with each, but with Rozaria, the more time together, the more our differences stood out.
As I nursed my wine on the periphery, two young ladies approached, radiating prickly hostility.