Chapter 102

‘Today is the day. You know that, right? Evan always said it first… but today, I’ll be the one…!’

While lost in those thoughts, our eyes met. As soon as Evan saw me, his eyes crinkled into a soft, lovely crescent. I felt my cheeks flush for no reason. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to forget that smile, shining even more brilliantly than usual under the chandelier today.

Dancing with him at the ball… I don’t necessarily believe in legends, but I was going to make this one come true! Back at Evan’s graduation ball, he hadn’t fully recovered yet, so let alone dancing, we hadn’t even been able to enjoy the festival properly.

“Lep… you are truly beautiful.”

Is that something a person even more beautiful than me should be saying?

I let out a soft chuckle and carefully descended the stairs, resting my hand lightly on the banister. As I approached him, Evan took my hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.

“I feel like kidnapping you right now and getting married.”

“…What a joke.”

I felt the corners of Evan’s mouth, still pressed against my hand, curl upward. I was startled. He couldn’t possibly know what I’d resolved to do today, could he? No! This time, I’m definitely saying it first! I gave him a light push, telling him not to make my heart flutter so much.

“May I have the honor of holding your hand?”

“You’re already holding it, aren’t you?”

“I am asking for permission, even if it’s belated. I wouldn’t want to be hated by you.”

“It’s a privilege granted only to you. You may hold it whenever you like.”

I gave a mischievous grin back at the playfully smiling Evan. At that, his earlobes turned bright red, and he beamed like someone who had just received a confession. Evan was the same as ever—his whole body radiated how much he loved being with me.

“But it’s a bit of a shame.”

“What is?”

“I wore this white suit because Lep likes them, but maybe I should have worn a plain black suit like everyone else. Then the atmosphere would have been even more intense, wouldn’t it? Just like a wedding.”

I raised one arm to hide my reddening face.

‘What? Did he really read my mind?’

I grew even more flustered at his unreadable expression. Evan gave a refreshing smile and pulled my hand, saying we should hurry along.

“Evan, the reason I’m wearing a white dress is…”

“Yes, I know. I just wanted to say it once.”

“What’s that supposed to mean…”

I trailed off weakly, feeling inexplicably nervous. There was no way he could know my resolve unless he could read my thoughts…

However, my mood soon lifted. If he said he wanted to say it, didn’t that mean he wanted it to happen?

‘I’ll find a good moment later and say it properly!’ I resolved once more.

The carriage jolted along toward the academy, which was in full festival swing. The swaying of the carriage felt like it was grabbing my heart and shaking it. The academy was bustling with nobles. Everyone was in high spirits for the once-a-year festival. Even the children of aristocrats tend to get excited during festivals.

However, the atmosphere was certainly different from a common festival. Since it was an academy for noble children and families visited to see their growth, it was quite grandly decorated. There were stalls, a large hall for musicals, and places for academic discussions. To top it off, there were even arenas for swordsmanship and magic sparring. This was my fifth time seeing this festival, but I loved it because there was so much to see every year.

‘But this is the first time I’m properly participating in the festival with Evan.’

I felt a bit giddy at the thought that we could enjoy it to our hearts’ content now that Evan was fully recovered. We had visited a festival in the capital recently, but we hadn’t enjoyed it much then; I’d been stubborn, and we ended up rushing through it at the very last minute.

“Evan, let’s stay together from start to finish today!”

“Yes, let’s definitely do that.”

Evan and I wandered around freely. If there was a place we wanted to go, we went; if there was something we wanted to eat, we ate; if there was something we wanted to see, we saw it. It was a textbook-perfect date.

Of course, in the midst of it all, I frequently saw young ladies eyeing Evan. They would bump into his shoulder or drop a handkerchief—classic methods to try and catch even a glimpse of his attention. I ground my teeth and sent them warning glares to stay away.

Yet, these vixens kept making passes at him. Every time we tried to talk, some strange woman would cut in, and I was getting increasingly annoyed. I could see Evan was flustered, but I couldn’t help feeling upset. As I pouted gloomily, Evan seemed quite concerned. Usually, I’d just grumble or be understanding, so my gloominess seemed to catch him off guard.

“Phew… well, he is such a perfect person… He’s cool, he’s talented, and his status is high.”

The reason the eyes of those young ladies changed was likely because they had learned of his abilities. Being a Duke’s heir was attractive enough, but a Sword Master and an Elementalist? Thinking about it, the original game’s balance was seriously broken. Was that why everyone liked Evan?

“Even if you don’t act so fierce, there’s only Lep for me.”

Evan said, placing a finger on my pouting lips. When did they stick out like that? I tucked my lips back in.

“I know that…”

“But it seems other people don’t know, right?”

Exactly, that’s the problem.

“Shall we kiss?”

“…Huh?”

I stared at Evan blankly. What? Did I hear that right? …Here? Evan was smiling as if asking what the problem was. E-excuse me, Evan?

“What… did you say?”

“You said you were unhappy because other people don’t seem to know.”

“Uh… I did?”

“Then we can just drive a nail into it to make it clear. There are plenty of people here. Right?”

I looked around. Strangely, all I could see were couples. Couples here, couples there! They were being affectionate as a baseline and didn’t shy away from physical contact. There were even couples kissing in the shadows.

“N-not in a place like this!”

“I can’t?”

I nodded my head frantically. It would be an effective deterrent, but I’d be too embarrassed!

“And didn’t you say you’d do it after you became an adult?”

I remembered exactly what Evan had said before.

“I think I can be forgiven for being just a few hours early.”

“T-that’s…!”

I insisted it was out of the question and pulled him toward the hall instead. It would be better there… People who hadn’t found a partner usually didn’t attend because it was embarrassing. That was why my brother, who nonchalantly enjoyed the “solo ball,” seemed so impressive—even if his purpose was to monitor Evan and me.

The hall was already crowded with couples.

“You came, too?”

Piote popped out from behind. Beside him, Elena stood gracefully, wearing the dress I had picked out for her. She really did look good in it!

“What brings you here instead of looking after Physician Elena?”

“Even if I’ve joined hands with you, I have to say what needs to be said. You—don’t try anything foolish just because it’s the day Lepina becomes an adult.”

“I don’t want to hear that from you.”

Evan shrugged his shoulders, and Piote clicked his tongue as he tended to Elena. Is it really true that a man’s gaze changes when he looks at his woman? Piote, who usually had a playful and somewhat cold look in his eyes, was looking at Elena with such tenderness. He was even acting a bit clumsy to boot. Is it strange to compare Evan and Elena? When I thought about how Piote looked at other young ladies…

‘It was on the level of liking a passing dog more.’

Elena gave a slight bow and followed Piote. Seeing them holding hands made me feel warm inside. By the way, the hostility toward Evan has definitely decreased. Normally, Piote would have stubbornly insisted we stay apart. …But they’re holding hands?

“What did he mean? About joining hands?”

“Oh, it’s nothing much. I just arranged a place where he could be alone with Physician Elena, and it seems he considers that a debt.”

Well, since Elena was a physician hired by House Weiss, she might have needed Evan’s help.

“But that’s not all, is it? It felt a bit like you were helping him out?”

“The more people on my side, the better. Especially for the sake of marriage… I have to eliminate every fear Lepina worries about.”

“…!”

He was acting with all of that in mind.

“They look good together, don’t they?”

“Yeah. They suit each other.”

I answered softly, watching Evan as he looked at Piote and Elena. It was clear that the two of them were in love. Both of them were showing smiles and behaviors I’d never seen from them before.

“You said Lep’s only partner is me, and my only partner is Lep, right?”

“I know. I’m certain of it, too.”

When I admitted it so casually, Evan looked somewhat surprised.

‘Should I say it here…?’

There were many people passing by, but it wasn’t a bad place. In fact, just as Evan had boldly confessed to me at a banquet, this was a good chance for me to announce to the whole world that we were getting married. Evan would never refuse. O-of course, there was a tiny chance he could…!

“E-Evan. I have something to say.”

Besides, the noisy atmosphere actually helped ease my tension. When we were alone, my heart raced so much that I felt like I wouldn’t be able to get the words out. Even now, I was worried my heart might leap right out of my mouth. Could Evan hear it, too? I took several deep breaths and looked straight into Evan’s eyes. He looked puzzled, not knowing what was happening.

“Evan, I’m going to tell you my resolution.”

As if space itself had been cut off, the noisy laughter and music vanished all at once.

“I… I want to marry Evan. I’m still a little afraid, but… Evan, you’ll never betray me, will you? No matter what kind of person I am. Right?”

“…”

Why was there no answer? I had gathered quite a bit of courage to say that, but Evan remained silent.

‘R-rejection? No, surely not!’

Determined to check the truth, I snapped my head up. There, I saw Evan with a face as red as a ripe tomato. He was even covering his face with both hands. He was simply stunned by my sudden declaration.