CH 181

[Barrett’s Determination]

Andrei and Jarvis — it seemed that there would be no noticeable developments in their relationship for the time being.

Andrei had panicked upon hearing his family was intending to adopt her, but now that he’d learned Jarvis’ worries, he told us he would wait as he didn’t want to put more burden on her.

I could tell he had grown mentally from this experience.

His face was now filled with emotions that had never been there before.

As night fell, the party finally reached its climax.

–That said, while most were excitedly enjoying it, some were filled with worries… huh? It was the same as during the day.

“It’s so lively, Lord Barrett!”

“Sure is…”

Raul’s eyes were shining, but beside him, my eyes were locked onto one spot, feeling lost.

Of course, I was looking at Tayte, but… she was chatting with her friends from the academy, as well as people from famous families with connections to the Ehrenberg House.

Just then…

“Raul~♪”

Having finished her work, Eureka ran over in our direction excitedly.

“Eureka!”

Raul’s face lit up upon finding her, but just as he was about to run to her, he stopped himself and turned toward me with puppy eyes.

“Go on, don’t mind me.”

“! T-thank you very much!”

Raul deeply bowed his head and expressed his gratitude.

…He didn’t need to, though. I didn’t do anything to be appreciated.

At that time, I suddenly sensed several gazes trained on me.

They were filled with hostility.

They likely came from those who had just arrived.

After all, during the day I had come up to and talked with many people along with Tayte, making them see me in a new light. However, nightfall brought with it new guests to the party.

In their eyes, I must still be the same tyrannical and debauched son of the Albers House as the original Barrett.

I-if I got married to Tayte in this state of affairs, chances were I would bring nothing but troubles for the Ehrenbergs.

“…I’ve got to change them.”

I had managed to completely change the opinion of the people with the academy of me.

Once the winter break was over, I must try to change the public’s.

However, it was definitely not going to be as easy.

In the first place, I’d have limited opportunities to interact with the outside world once I got back to the academy. I could get permission to go out, but not for long. There was no way I could raise my reputation in such a short period of time.

What to do~? I groaned when…

“Barrett.”

I heard a familiar girl’s voice.

“T-Tayte?!”

“Yes, it’s me♪” Tayte replied with a smile spread across her face. Maybe they were mindful of her? I could no longer feel gazes on me.

“…Hey, Tayte.”

“What is it?”

“Would you like to go outside for a minute?”

I invited Tayte for a night stroll in the garden.