The graduation party venue was buzzing with all the students from Halm Academy’s high school section, along with the graduates’ parents. I could also spot notable guests like my father and the Marquis Noches among the attendees.
As a student council member, I took the stage with my fellow peers to manage the event. Following the opening remarks, my father, the king, delivered a congratulatory speech, and I, representing the graduates, also offered a greeting.
From the corner of my eye, I kept a close watch on Bertia and Baroness Heronia. Bertia was well-protected by her circle of friends and seemed to be in no particular trouble.
My possible aides were also at the venue, and along the walls, discreetly stood Zeno and Kuro among the servants from other houses.
Baroness Heronia, in her yellow gown, was once again surrounded by infatuated male students. To ensure these young men didn’t become overly enamored, I instructed Kuro, via Bertia, to address the most intense symptoms of their infatuation. For those exhibiting milder symptoms, I tasked Zeno with their management.
Nevertheless, several male students near Baroness Heronia displayed hedonistic inclinations. Regardless of how much we alleviated their addiction symptoms, they appeared to be irresistibly attracted to the joy her spirit offered. Some were drawn to her regardless of her spirit’s effectiveness.
I had Zeno issue multiple warnings to Baroness Heronia’s spirit, Little Pi, advising her to restrain her powers. Yet, it appeared she remained unwilling to curtail her abilities, likely realizing that without them, Baroness Heronia would face isolation.
In support of this, Little Pi usually exerts less power on individuals who genuinely approach Baroness Heronia of their own accord. Regardless of the morality of these actions, it is evident that she aimed to protect someone dear to her.
As the graduation party reached its midpoint, the only remaining event was the ceremony for the transition of the student council officers.
After the student council officers’ ceremony concluded, I, as the outgoing president, had the responsibility to kick off the first dance. This event would allow everyone to relax and mingle for the rest of the evening. If Baroness Heronia planned to act, this would probably be her opportunity.
Therefore, I intended to share my intentions with everyone ahead of time. If that encouraged her to rethink her actions, then that’s great—I’d just think, “That’s lucky.” And if it didn’t, it wouldn’t bother us at all.
While it was true that Baroness Heronia may make some offensive remarks toward Bertia, Bertia had prepared herself to face such challenges from the beginning. It was better for her to witness everything and see it resolved rather than me simply telling her, “It’s okay,” without her knowing the full context… even if it might hurt her.
As I looked toward my father and Marquis Noches, I noticed my father wearing a wry smile laced with exasperation, while the Marquis displayed a grim expression of displeasure. I had recently discussed Baroness Heronia’s past actions and my future plans with them. Naturally, I hadn’t shared everything.
I needed their approval for what I was about to do. I also asked them to remain quiet about it because I wanted it to be a surprise for Miss Bertia. Although the Marquis was clearly unhappy, I managed to persuade him.
My father didn’t complain. He simply nodded at me with a resigned expression in his eyes, accepting the inevitable.
The ceremony went smoothly, and I received a bouquet from Kulgan, the new president for the upcoming academic year. Then, loud enough for all the students to hear, I declared, “With this, I officially transfer the authority of the student council for the new academic year!”
Although I mentioned this, the actual transition took place much earlier, and the new student council officers already managed all the administrative tasks related to the graduation party.
The declaration served as a formality to signify a definitive conclusion. As my voice resonated in the venue, applause erupted. I smiled, taking a moment to appreciate my surroundings before finally locking eyes with Bertia. She was already gazing at me, our eyes connected.
Her lips were tightly pressed together, possibly to keep from crying, and her eyes, slightly narrowed, appeared to be filled with determination. I nearly chuckled at her expression.
Maintaining my usual smile, I held her gaze steadily as the applause slowly faded. One by one, the clapping dwindled until deep silence enveloped the hall.
After noticing Bertia’s strained look, I redirected my focus to the audience as a whole.
“I have one more announcement to make,” I declared, making sure my voice projected across the room with deliberate strength.
The unexpected remark piqued curiosity, tension thickening the atmosphere due to this unforeseen turn of events. Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Baroness Heronia’s response. Her lips twisted into a sly smirk, her eyes sparkling with eagerness. Yet, I decided to overlook her artfully manipulative nature.
“Miss Bertia Ibil Noches, would you kindly step forward?”
As I turned my gaze back to Bertia, she swallowed hard.
The students nearby moved aside, clearing a way for her. Bertia pressed a hand to her chest, inhaled deeply, and, wearing a determined look, straightened her back before approaching me. But then…
Ah, it was typical of Bertia to almost trip over the hem of her dress in a classic comedic moment.
I fought to suppress my laughter, placing my hand over my mouth to keep a serious expression.
“Lo-Lord Cecil, Bertia Ibil Noches is here,” Bertia nervously stammered her introduction, clearly overwhelmed by her anxiety.
Bertia, you’re too tense. Even if you muster the courage to act like a top-tier villainess and execute a perfect lady’s curtsy, stuttering and stumbling over your words undermines the whole point.
Her struggle significantly lightened the atmosphere in the room. With her cheeks flushed a deep red and tears welling in her eyes, yet maintaining a determined demeanor, she probably charmed many audience members. Although some disapproved of the unforeseen turn of events, the majority observed with sympathetic and warm expressions.
“Lord Cecil?” Bertia softly called, drawing my focus as I watched her and the crowd’s response.
Her serious expression seemed to convey a message of impatience: “Isn’t it time yet? Isn’t it time?! If you’re going to do it, do it with a bang! Come on, let’s see it!” Her upward gaze, trembling like a small, frightened animal, was incredibly endearing.
I never imagined I’d take pleasure in frightening someone, yet here I am, potentially uncovering a new quirk about myself.
Just then, I felt a piercing gaze from the edge of the room.
… I know, Zeno, you’re giving me that judging look, aren’t you?
I conveyed my thoughts to Zeno through a silent glance.
It’s fine. It won’t reach that point—what? “Are you just now discovering your own quirks?”
It appears you still don’t completely understand your master, do you?
I suppose I’ll need to carve out some time later for a long ‘chat.’ Get ready… and look forward to it.
“Lord Cecil~”
As I shared glances with Zeno, Bertia’s voice rang out, thin and frail.
I’m sorry, I’m sorry. I wasn’t ignoring you on purpose, okay?
Please, don’t make that about-to-cry face.
… Alright, enough jokes for now. It’s time to get serious and face you properly.
This is, after all, one of the pivotal moments in our lives.
I felt an unusual flutter of nerves as I began to speak slowly. “Miss Bertia Ibil Noches, you have committed a serious sin—”
“What do you mean? I haven’t sinned at all!” Bertia exclaimed.