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
Aurora Steinfeld, daughter of the Duke of Bloomfield
Adeline, Margravine of Vanderwall, Percival’s mother
Sandrion Timberlake, daughter of Earl Timberlake, Theodore’s fiancée
Cristella, Curtis’ fiancée
Jacob, butler of the Belisario household
Matteo, Percival’s horse
I somehow managed to avoid the supplementary exam, but the art teacher stopped me in the corridor after bumping into me and asked if I would at least be interested in art a little more. He1there’s no pronoun used for the teacher, I’m just gonna go with he. pleaded. There was too much of a gap between art and the other subjects, and as a teacher, he wondered why? However, no matter how much he asked, art and I are incompatible with each other.
“I’m sorry about that. I will do my best.”
The teacher, who still wanted to say something, was left behind as I quickly fled the scene. That atmosphere felt like I was going to have an illustration book I couldn’t understand forced on me.
Come to think of it, His Excellency the Duke looked very disappointed with my art results. Aurora said to me something like, “Sapphiras-sama is the first person to make father look like that.” People have their own likes and dislikes, so it can’t be helped. The artistic path will never cross with mine. As long as there is an examination in art, His Excellency the Duke will probably make a disappointed face.
And!
Finally, the long-awaited long holiday!
“Please have a good Yor, Sapphiras-sama. Have a good day.”
“Yes, good day.”
“Sapphiras! See you next year!”
“Ou! See you next year!”
My classmates who are returning to their hometowns come one after another to say their greetings. Friends who are far from home leave the academy as soon as the last class before the holidays is over. Some of them have come from quite a distance.
Percival and I will head to Vanderwall tomorrow after buying some things in the royal capital. This time, instead of taking the Matteo like we did on our summer holiday, we’re going to make a quick transfer. It might snow on the way this time of year, so we decided to take it easy. With the transfer, we can even buy the snacks that are popular in the royal capital that don’t last long. Aurora made a list of recommended souvenirs, so we didn’t miss a point on that front either.
And this time, instead of the old clothes I brought from the Earl’s family, I’m packing the clothes Madam Adeline took the trouble to prepare for me. The one who once solved all clothing situations with a single robe is not me.
The next day, Percival and I went shopping in the royal capital. With New Year’s Eve and New Year approaching, the royal capital is even busier than usual. All the shops were festively decorated with Yor decorations. The trendy sweets we lined up for were also decorated in the style of the Yor Festival. The royal city of Laetus seems to be gradually getting ready to welcome the New Year.
After shopping here and there while looking around the city, we went to pick up Matteo, and it was almost evening when we headed to Vanderwall.
We loaded Matteo up with some luggage and souvenirs and transferred in front of the castle’s main entrance, where we were immediately greeted by Jacob-san, who showed us into the castle. In the hall, we were greeted by Madam Adeline, Sandrion-san and even Cristella-san.
“Welcome back, you two. First, let’s all have a cup of tea together.”
We were shown into the salon, where refreshments had been prepared, as we had some time before dinner.
“Hey, Percival. Madam Adeline knew exactly when we would arrive.”
When I quietly talked to Percival, Cristella-san told me quietly with a chuckle.
“Adeline-sama has been waiting impatiently for you two to arrive since morning. She had her servants keep an eye so that she would know as soon as you arrived.”
What, is that how it is? If I had known, I would have done my shopping in the royal capital in moderation and came here right away.
Since it was a good opportunity, we all ate the famous confectionery of the royal capital that we had lined up to get. Sandrion-san and Cristella-san were particularly pleased with the sweets decorated with Yor ornaments.
“Next week, the Yor festivities will begin in earnest. The Yor here will have a different flavour to that of the royal capital. You can ask Percy to show you around. In the meantime, you can relax, Sapphiras-san.
“Yes, thank you.”
Over tea and snacks, Madam Adeline tells us about her plans for the holiday.
I hear that this Margrave’s family, like the other nobles, is having a party during this holiday, which is the Yor Festival. The party lasts for a few days until the New Year, she says. The first day is a gathering of the nobility, but from the following day onwards, the parties are mainly for close friends, and by the time the New Year arrives, it’s not uncommon for the parties to have become a rude affair. I eat a small sandwich and listen to what Madam. I hear that steaks will be served tonight, so I’d better not fill my stomach here. I try not to eat too much sweet food, as they build up in the stomach.
“Unlike the other day’s tea party, the first day’s party is not a tea party for family only, but guests from families related to my family will also come. I don’t want to force you to attend, but it would be great if you could join us too.”
The Vanderwall Margrave’s family must have a very wide range of relationships, and of course the high-ranking nobility will also be attending. But I’m a commoner and I don’t know much about mannter. I’d probably be better off sleeping quietly in my room. If I want to participate, I can start on the second day.
“Umm, I……”
……I’d rather be in my room, sleeping quitely……
……In my room, quitely……
Madam Adeline’s got amazing eye power. This is hard to say refuse. No, but if I really were there, I would be out of place.
“Mother, please don’t force him. That was the deal, wasn’t it?”
“Yes, that’s right……”
Madam Adeline looked disappointed. If anything, she seems to have deflated a little. Percival came to the rescue, but when she was so disappointed, I began to think that she had taken care of me during the holidays and at the least, I could attend the party. After all, I’m just one in the crowd at the venue, and if I just eat the food by the wall and try to keep it as inconspicuous as possible, no one will complain about my manners.
“Well, I don’t have any manners at all. If you still have no problem with that, I’d be happy to participate…….”
“Yes! Yes! No problem at all! It’s fine! You don’t have to worry about your manners, because you have class yourself, Sapphiras. Don’t worry about your manners. Great! In fact, I’ve already prepared your outfit!”
Madam Adeline, who had looked so small earlier, suddenly changed her mood. If anything, she even seemed to light up.
Ehhh? She was so depressed just now?
Is that withered look just an act? She’s an actress……an actress is here. And what do you mean she’s already got an outfit ready?
“This time, it’s not just about the atmosphere, I’ve had it tailored to pair with Percy. I thought I’d finish it off when Sapphiras arrived, and the seamstress is due to come tomorrow afternoon. I’m glad you didn’t turn me down. Ufufu, I’m looking forward to tomorrow!”
Madam Adeline smiled cheerfully, and I thought to myself, I’m never going to be able to compete with her.
“……Sorry, Sapphiras.”
Percival lowers his eyebrows in sincere apology. From the conversation just now, I guess he had kindly declined the party up until today.
“No, it’s fine. I’m indebted to you, and I’ll at least attend the party.”
But an outfit paired with Percival?
How can you keep such obviously eye-catching clothes inconspicuous against the wall?
melon: I love Madam Adeline so much
