[Just Before the Party]
The Ehrenbergs’ mansion was bustling like never before.
I recalled attending this same party last year… well, as the original Barrett.
The biggest difference from then was this time most attendees were from the academy.
Only some really close friends had been invited last year.
The reason being, I—or rather, the original Barrett had set a limit on the number of guests.
But of course, there was no such restriction this year.
Hence, there was a significant raise in the number of attendees compared to last year. Upon a closer look, I found teachers such as Miss Teixeira and Mr. Walter.
…That was Tayte for you. She made friends with not only the students but also the teachers.
“Hello there, Lord Barrett!”
As soon as I got off the carriage, Raul came to greet me.
Maybe because it was a special occasion? He was dressed up for a change.
“Hey, Raul. Looking sharp in that new suit, huh?”
“Thank you! My master bought it for me, but he had made me choose… but it seems I made the right choice, given your praise. It made me happy!”
Raul’s master—the Holy Knight Klaus, huh.
From what I’d heard from the person himself, Raul’s training seemed to be going well. Plus, he still got to enjoy his school life. I was happy for him.
After a while, Jarvis, Andrei, Madeline, and our other classmates arrived one after another, and we chatted until the party started.
…Unfortunately, there was a problem. Andrei.
If Jarvis’s unwavering, radiant expression was anything to go by, she had already made up her mind about the adoption offer from the Fontana House.
…Andrei must strike as soon as possible.
With that in mind, I took advantage while Jarvis and the others were chatting and slid right next to Andrei.
“Andrei… you ready?”
I asked in a low voice and Andrei replied in a surprisingly calm tone.
“Yeah… I’ve steeled my resolve.”
That said, when I gave his face a side glance, I saw it was as stiff as a statue’s.
He was nervous….
“When you’ve calmed down a little, invite her to dance, then make your move. Don’t let this opportunity go to waste.”
“Y-yeah… don’t you worry, I’ve got this!”
Flames burned in Andrei’s eyes.
It looked like he was going to be okay.
Right then…
“Lord Barrett.”
Eureka, in a maid outfit, called out to me.
“What’s up, Eureka?”
“Young Mistress Tayte is inviting you to see her. This way, if you would.”
“She is?”
Tayte, today’s main character, wanted to see me… I was so happy to hear that. I mean, I’d been looking forward to meeting her, too.
“Well, Andrei, I’ve gotta go… I wish you luck.”
“Yeah… I’m gonna do it, or die trying!”
Nope, don’t die, please… but well, such a spirit might just be the push he needed.
Carrying faint traces of worries, I headed to the room where Tayte was waiting under Eureka’s guidance.
