The following evening, the middle school auditorium buzzed with the “post-festival” celebrations. As the energy of the students peaked among dance competitions and short plays, Bertia’s voice resonated throughout the hall.
“The announcement of the first Halm Academy Middle School Cultural Festival’s esteemed Best Couple Award is here!” This announcement was the grand finale of the event.
Unbeknownst to Bertia, I had Zeno investigate quietly, and it turned out the Grand Prize for Best Couple had been awarded to Bertia and me. Oblivious to everything, Bertia was on stage receiving a piece of paper from one of the students—likely the tally of votes for the Best Couple Award.
Bertia glanced around teasingly, while her friends, including Joanna, watched her with amusement.
“Maybe it’s time to move closer?” I mused quietly from a discreet spot where I had been leaning against the wall, observing the situation. I started to shift into a position where I could easily approach Bertia.
As the Crown Prince, I naturally drew some attention even from a discreet location. I approached with a calm smile, keeping my gaze fixed on Bertia. Why would I want to miss such an interesting scene?
Zeno, discreetly shadowing me, appeared somewhat exasperated—a feeling I sensed even without seeing him. However, I’ve grown accustomed to Zeno’s demeanor and didn’t pay it any mind.
As I navigated through the crowd, the announcements began. They started with fifth place. Fourth place went to Bard and Cynthia. Third place was awarded to Nert and Silica; second place went to Shaun and Joanna. Familiar names of couples were called out, and they too ascended the stage.
Finally, the moment arrived.
“And the Grand Prize goes to… His Highness Cecil Glo Alphasta and Lady Bertia Ibil Noches!!… huh? What?”
With the impact of a dramatic sound effect, Bertia announced my name and hers. After a brief pause, she recognized she was referring to us and let out a flustered exclamation.
“Cecil and I? What? What? Whaaat?! How is this happening?!”
Meanwhile, the gathered students in the auditorium, unfazed by Bertia’s confusion, erupted into cheers and applause.
“Wait, please wait! Lord Cecil and I? How can this be happening?!” Her face turned as red as an apple, and she flailed her arms in disbelief. Next to her, Silica stepped in, as if taking over as the host, and took the paper from Bertia, casting her eyes down to read the results.
“Here are some reasons for your votes: ‘Prince Cecil watching over the adorable Lady Bertia is so charming!’ and ‘The way Prince Cecil wiped food from Lady Bertia’s mouth with his finger during the festival, creating such a sweet atmosphere, was simply the best! Thank you for the treat!!’”
Bertia stuttered in disbelief, “Wha-wha-wha, sweet? No way…”
… Bertia, you’re not making much sense, are you?
Her face grew even redder, and she appeared more unsteady on her feet. Standing beside her, I gently wrapped my hand around her waist for support.
“Prince Cecil makes his entrance!!… Lady Bertia, please, pull yourself together!!” Silica admonished Bertia, who was practically melting in confusion.
“But, but…” Overwhelmed to the core, Bertia could only flutter about, unable to respond properly.
It felt like it was up to me to manage the situation. With a broad smile, I could almost hear Zeno calling from the wings, “Keep it together!!” But surely, that was just my imagination.
Since the incident with Miss Eirin, Bertia has occasionally seemed a bit distant. Also, she has been busy with festival preparations lately, which has limited our opportunities to meet.
Due to this, I felt somewhat deprived of entertainment. A bit of mischief should definitely be excusable.
With my arm around Bertia, I scanned the audience and lifted my hand slightly. The cheering students went quiet.
Breathing in slowly with a smile, I projected my voice across the hall. “I am delighted to be celebrated as the Best Couple by everyone here. We promise to continue respecting and maintaining a good relationship with each other, striving to be the couple everyone admires!!”
I glanced at Bertia, who was still beet-red and looking at me as if dazed.
Yes, it seems improbable that we’ll receive any coherent comments from her under these circumstances.
Having quickly given up on getting her to participate properly, I simply pulled her into a sideways embrace, and then…
I pressed a kiss to her cheek.
“?!” Bertia’s eyes widened as she covered her mouth in a flustered panic, likely stifling a scream. Her face—and indeed her entire body—blushed a deep red; she was amusingly adorable. I was quite pleased with her reaction.
As I turned my gaze back to the students, a wave of applause and cheers erupted from the crowd. It was a peak moment. I did a great job.
“The rest is up to you, Shaun,” I said.
“Yes, big brother!” Shaun, who had been standing beside Joanna on the stage, blushed with excitement and took over the responsibility.
Bertia, overwhelmed, slumped limply in my arms. Right, I need to take her somewhere she can rest, don’t I?
Under the watchful eyes of the students, Bertia and I gradually descended from the stage. Acknowledging everyone’s cheers, I lifted her in my arms and waved as we exited the venue.
I took her to the infirmary to wait for her to regain her composure. Eventually, Bertia returned to her senses, held her head in her hands, and began to scream.
“I was planning to make good memories with my friends while I can, since a ‘big disaster’ awaits me next year! But now, the impression from earlier is too strong, and it’s turned into a ‘painful event’ whenever I remember Lord Cecil! This is terrible!!”
… But, what can you do, right? I believe that lifting the spirits at such an event is also a part of royal duties.
While Bertia appeared upset, there was also a trace of happiness in her demeanor. However, I noticed that beneath her expression, shadows of sorrow and anxiety still lingered.
Honestly, I had hoped that showing our closeness in front of everyone would ease her worries a little, so it was somewhat disappointing—but, well, I think it created a good memory for me.