CH 61

Characters in this chapter:

Sapphiras Perfectio, 2nd son of the Earl of Aldridge

Percival Belisario, 3rd son of Margrave of Vanderwall on the Eastern Frontier

Adeline, Margravine of Vanderwall, Percival’s mother

Sandrion Timberlake, daughter of Earl Timberlake, Theodore’s fiancée

Cristella, Curtis’ fiancée

Anna, servant in the Belisario household

Clarabelle, servant in the Belisario household

After participating in training with Kingsleigh-san’s unit, going shopping in town with Percival and relaxing in the stable all day watching the horses, the day of the tea party arrived. Madam Adeline and Sandrion-san have been busy all morning.

I was asked to participate casually, so I didn’t have to worry about anything in particular, and as I did so, Anna-san and Clarabelle-san came to the room with the outfit that had been made the other day. For some reason, both of them had the air of knights heading for the battlefield, and the atmosphere in the room, which had been tranquil for a long time, changed completely.

“Now then, Sapphiras-sama, let’s get ready in high spirits!”

“……Eh? But I heard that today’s tea party can be attended with ease?”

“Of course, please feel free to attend the tea ceremony. However, the preparations are different. The Madam has given special instructions that Sapphiras-sama be dressed perfectly.”

What is that?　

While I was confused, she naturally led me to a chair and immediately started with my hair. My damaged hair has become so shiny and silky since I came here that I don’t think I need any more maintenance, but the head massage felt so good that I surrendered myself to the two and dozed off. Half asleep, I stood and sat as I was told, and before I knew it, I was ready to go.

With the help of Anna-san and Clarabelle-san, who are like magicians of beauty, I think I look pretty good, if I do say so myself. As I stood in front of the mirror scrutinising my appearance, Percival came to pick me up.

My outfit was somewhat similar to Percival’s, and depending on how you look at it, they might even look like a pair.

“Sapphiras, it looks good on you.”

Percival complimented me on my outfit, but of course Percival looked much better than me. I’m ashamed of myself who thought I was cool until just a moment ago.

“……Ah, no, is that so?”

“Ah.”

He smiled at me as if he were looking at his younger brother, and I was convinced it was okay. No matter how hard I try, there’s no way I, who looks like a bean sprout, can become cooler than the Knight of the Sun.

When Percival and I entered the venue, the guests had already entered. The guests were enjoying tea and snacks in their own way.

“Well, well! You look as good as I thought you would!”

When Madam Adeline noticed me, she held my hands and praised me exaggeratedly.

It was Madam Adeline who decided on the outfit design. I think she deliberately designed it to resemble Percival’s outfit.

I couldn’t help but stare at Percival.

“What’s wrong?”

Percival notices my gaze and tilts his head.

“I thought Percival was cool.”

“It’s an honour to have Sapphiras say that.”

“Ufufu, you two really get on well together, don’t you?”

It was Cristella-san, Curtis-san’s fiancée, who said that.

She is a beautiful young lady with reddish blonde hair and slightly slanted eyes. When she is silent, she looks a little harsh and difficult to approach, but when you actually talk to her, she is a very friendly, cheerful and lovely person.

“Make yourself comfortable today, Sapphiras-san, only relatives are invited today so there’s nothing to worry about. Eat as many pastries and snacks as you like. However, there is one guest who is a bit of a problem, so please be careful.”

“Problem?”

Madam Adeline sighs, looking a little melancholic.

“Well, my younger sister’s daughter but……the eldest daughter is a good girl, but the youngest one is a little bit of a problem. She seems to pine for Percy but,”

“Thank you for inviting me today, sister1onee-sama.”

Although we were in the middle of our conversation, a lady who looked somewhat like Madam Adeline and two daughters came to say hello. Since she is her older sister, this person must be Madam Adeline’s younger sister.

“Evelyn, thank you for coming.”

“Aunt Adeline, it’s been a while.”

The young lady, who seems to be a few years older than me, gently picks up her dress and gives a ladylike greeting.

“Yes, Julus. I’m glad to see you’re looking well.”

“Aunt2To emphasise how rude this girl is, the author used kanji when Julus addresses Adeline as 伯母様 (oba-sama) whereas, hiragana is used for this girl おばさま (also oba-sama), who on earth is that next to Percy?”

While we were still exchanging greetings, one of the ladies accompanying Evelyn-san suddenly pointed at me, and I inadvertently opened my mouth. Without even a greeting, she suddenly points at me? Moreover, I’m being pointed at with full vigour. When I was a Fortis, I used to get this attitude from the kids I dealt with in the towns and villages.

Perhaps the problematic guest is this young lady?

“……Flavia, can’t you even say hello properly?”

Madam Adeline says with a smile, but her eyes are not smiling at all……I’m scared.

“Good day to you, Aunt. So, who on earth is that person?’

The young lady called Flavia glares at me as if I were an enemy of her parent’s. She seems to be dressed cutely, but unfortunately it’s ruined. She seems to have a crush on Percival, so maybe I’m being misunderstood because I’m wearing matching clothes with Percival.

“……Evelyn, what has happened to Flavia?”

The look Madam Adeline gives Evelyn-san is cold. Miss Flavia’s attitude of not reading the atmosphere of the place is surely not something that happened yesterday or today. Since it’s Madam Adeline, she must have been warned frequently.

“Fl-Flavia, you must greet properly.”

In her haste, Evelyn-san urges Miss Flavia to make a proper greeting.

“Didn’t I greet! Ne, who and where are you from? Why are you standing next to Percy like it’s only natural?”

“Sapphiras-san is an important guest of the Vanderwall Margrave’s family. It’s not polite to point a finger at him out of the blue, is it?”

Madam Adeline unfolded her fan and covered her mouth.

“Percy, please guide Sapphiras-san over there. Dylan seems to want to talk to you.”

Madam Adeline’s gaze fell on a large young man, who raised his hand lightly towards Percival.

“Let’s go, Sapphiras. Let me introduce him to you.”

Percival simply bowed lightly and left the place easily. He did not even look at Miss Flavia.

“Ah! Percy, wait!”

Flavia still seemed to be complaining about something in a loud voice, but since I wasn’t in a position to say anything, I obediently followed Percival.

“……Is that ok?”

“Oh, Flavia has always been a bit presumptuous. Maybe it’s because Aunt only cares about Julus.”

Percival was also annoyed by her selfishness for a long time. If she likes you, the one who is liked may have suffered the most. I’ve never been in love, not as Fortis and not now, but even I know that you can’t just keep pushing.

“Dylan.”

“It’s been a long time, Percy! Even though we go to the same academy, we’re in different grades.”

“Ah, that’s right. I’m glad to see you’re doing well, Dylan.”

Judging from the friendly atmosphere between the two, they must be on good terms.

“By the way, are you going to introduce me to that beautiful person over there?”

That beautiful person over there? I turned around to see if there’s a lady behind me.

“……He’s talking about Sapphiras.”

“Eh?”

Percival smiled wryly.

“He’s my childhood friend Dylan. He’s in his fourth year at the academy and is set to be knighted after graduation.”

“Ah, ahh, you mean me, sorry. Nice to meet you, my name is Sapphiras. I’m in the first year, same as Percival.”

“Hahaha! You’re quite funny, Sapphiras-kun! You can call me Dee. If you see me at the academy, feel free to call out to me.”

I wonder if I can talk to him, the highest year student in the school, so casually.

“Dylan is a person of integrity, a bit glib, but don’t worry.”

“A bit glib, well, you’re right.”

Dylan-san laughed briskly. 

It means that since the first year, he has been defeating the fourth year students of the academy. That’s strong.

“In the upcoming tournament in my final year, I want to beat Percy and leave behind an undefeated legend at the academy.”

“Can I watch that tournament too?”

“Yes, of course. Students and family can watch the tournament. I would like you to cheer for me, not Percy. With someone as beautiful as you cheering for me, I don’t think I’ll lose.”

“Dylan, I haven’t said I will participate in the tournament yet.”

“What? Percival’s not going to take part?”

Naturally, I thought Percival would be in the tournament too.

Well, just because you’re good at swordsmanship doesn’t mean you’re interested in competing for rank. Considering Percival’s personality, it is certain that rather than competing with someone else, it would be more suitable for him to devote himself to mastering the way of the sword in an ascetic manner.

“……Sapphiras, do you think he should compete?”

“No. If Percival doesn’t think it’s necessary, then he doesn’t have to compete. Everyone has their own way of honing their skills, don’t they?”

“……I see. Percy, you’ve got some pretty good friends. I’m envious.”

Dylan-san and Percival squared their shoulders. Oh, it’s a passionate bond between two sword-wielders.

Now that I’ve been shown the good stuff, it’s time for me to get to the pastries and food that are lined up on the table and tempting me.

“Percival, I’m going to get some pastries.”

“Then I’ll go with you.”

“It’s ok. It’s just around the corner and I’ll be back here. Percival, go and have a chat with Dylan-san.”

I left the place and enthusiastically headed for the colourful pastries.

melon: sigh, the annoying spoilt brat finally makes her appearance.