༺ Last Class Standing (2) ༻
Ainter and Tannian were absent, and Rutis and Lather were participating. Meanwhile, Louise and Erich were the types that didn’t cause much trouble even if left alone.
It was a very familiar situation, just like their positions during the first semester’s practical exams.
The situation was so stable that it even brought about a comforting illusion of peace.
‘Is it really those two causing the problems?’
Today, the presence of red and blue stood out even more wildly and caught my attention. Perhaps 70% of the club’s chaos would disappear without these two.
But what could be done? It was like the prideful clash between the second and third most powerful countries, Armein and Yuben. Their rivalry in swordsmanship and magic felt like something that was a part of human history. There were even more reasons for Rutis and Lather to bicker than to get along, given their opposing personalities.
In a way, their petty squabbles which were not much different from those of neighborhood kids were almost appreciated. After all, they weren’t fighting with real malice.
‘I wish they would fight somewhere else.’
Why cause trouble at the academy?
As I continued to watch them, I felt my patience burn up and I quietly shifted my gaze. Perhaps Apels, the founder of this academy, was the root of all evil. If so, it was a nation deserving ruin.
As I turned away, I noticed Louise staring blankly into space, lost in thought.
“What’s wrong?”
Just then, Erich spotted Louise and approached her first. Good timing. I was curious, too. She’s been freaking out whenever I tried to talk to her, so I’ve been unable to talk to her lately.
“I was just wondering which class will win.”
“This year’s competition does seem fierce.”
With that, Erich’s gaze briefly shifted to the two idiots practicing their swordplay, then to Ainter, who was quietly observing.
One of their classes would likely emerge as the winner. Tannian was excluded since he seemed indifferent to the outcome.
“We can just take it easy.”
Following Erich’s gaze to the likely winners, Louise spoke cheerfully.
The outcome seemed pretty much set, so a regular freshman like Louise could just enjoy it like a school sports day. There was no need to aim for victory like during the fair, nor did it count towards grades like during the practical exams.
“Exactly. It’s not like winning gets you anything.”
Erich’s comment was tinged with a lack of romance. He had become a capitalist who only moved when there was profit to be gained.
‘You’ve grown up.’
Honestly, I felt the same. The noble thing to do was to stay put unless there was something to gain.
“The final four-person event would be perfect.”
“What a coincidence. I was thinking the same.”
And the two idiots, after some muttering, finally managed to come to an agreement.
‘The four-person event, huh.’
As Sir Villar had hoped, I discovered which event those two would participate in. Yes, a four-person event was the most manageable.
In the four-person event, each class would send a team comprising the teacher in charge, a swordsman student, a magician student, and a faculty member without an assigned class.
I don’t quite understand why the last member was included, but it was the final event that concluded the inter-class competition. It was the perfect match for the show-offs.
‘It’s a relief.’
It would be easier to escort them if they were in the same event rather than different ones.
‘A four-person event.’
My gaze inadvertently shifted to Erich, who automatically came to mind after I heard about the four-person event.
One swordsman and one magician student from each class.
‘This event was meant for you.’
My heart ached. Erich was the only one from the pastry club who was in the same class as Louise.
Moreover, Erich was a swordsman, and Louise was a magician.
It should have been an event for Erich and Louise to come together, and an opportunity for them to grow closer.
‘Just hold on a little longer.’
Unfortunately, they fell out before this event could happen. Would things have been different if they had participated in the four-person event?
…Now that I think about it, nothing happened even when Louise and Erich shared a carriage to the Boyar Duchy. Things wouldn’t have changed much.
My heart ached for a different reason now.
***
I informed both Villar and Marghetta that Rutis and Lather would be participating in the four-person event.
The academy was equally responsible for the well-being of its students. Apart from the principal’s rounds at the arena, the student council must also be prepared.
“It’s a relief. We can respond quickly even if something happens if it’s the four-person event.”
I nodded while watching Marghetta’s relieved expression.
The four-person event, the grand finale of the inter-class competition, was the most spectacularly held event.
Thanks to this, many magicians and priests capable of healing magic would be present, ensuring quick recovery in case of injuries.
Of course, it would be best if no incidents occurred, but the peace of mind coming from knowing that there would be a safety net was invaluable. It was easier to work when there was peace of mind.
“It would be nice if the class of the winning team among those two becomes the champion.”
“I agree.”
It would indeed paint a good picture if the class that won the final event became the champion. It would be like giving out bonus points at the end of a school trip recreation.
This would mean that Ainter’s class wouldn’t stand a chance at winning this year, but there would be two more inter-class competitions. Let’s concede this year to the foreign students.
Marghetta smiled slightly at my agreement and then spoke again.
“But, Carl, is everything alright these days?”
“Sorry?”
The question was so sudden. What did she mean by ‘is everything alright’?
“The pastry club is always so lively. I mean, I was asking if any of the members did something, or anything like that.”
I quickly ran through the status of the members in my mind, but nothing new came up.
Apart from the inter-class competition, there hadn’t been anything noteworthy lately. And I also informed Marghettea about the incidents related to the inter-class competition, so there was really nothing out of the ordinary.
“Well. Fortunately, there hasn’t been anything unusual.”
“Is that so?”
The way Marghetta tilted her head in confusion made me feel a little uneasy. There had to be something if she was probing like this. After all, she wouldn’t be doing this without a reason.
‘An issue within the club that I’m unaware of?’
The thought was troubling. Did something happen without my knowledge despite my careful watch?
Damn, I should be the first to know and handle it. If it was something that escaped my attention, then I would have no countermeasure ready.
However, Marghetta’s reaction suggested that it was still in its early stages. She wouldn’t be this calm if something significant had happened, and I would have heard from the principal or Villar by now.
“Mar, is there something going on?”
My question seemed to plunge Marghetta into thought.
Why, though?
***
An unexpected development occurred.
“Well. Fortunately, there hasn’t been anything unusual.”
My head tilted at Carl’s answer.
That’s strange. How could there be nothing?
It was an answer that made me almost doubt Carl. He wouldn’t lie to me, but his answer was surprisingly unexpected.
Looking into Carl’s eyes, I saw nothing but clear, unashamed pupils.
Yes, Carl seems innocent.
‘Why?’
Confirming Carl’s innocence only deepened my questions.
I thought something would have happened by now. I had given her my permission, and it seemed she had understood what I said.
‘Lady Louise…’
What are you doing now?
My puzzlement was followed by an inexplicable sense of helplessness. Why did this happen?
If Lady Louise were indecisive or slow to act, I would understand. But, wasn’t she the kind of person who would decisively manage all her club members? It wasn’t something one could do with ordinary resolve and action.
“Mar, is there something going on?”
Carl’s words made me lower my gaze slightly.
There was indeed something. But I wasn’t sure whether it was appropriate to tell Carl.
I permitted Lady Louise to be the second, so I had no intention of interfering with her. I’m always ready to speak well of Louise if Carl shows more interest in her.
But this situation was tricky. What if Lady Louise had her reasons for staying quiet? Wouldn’t I be overstepping if I interfered?
“Recently, I noticed that Lady Louise seemed troubled.”
After much deliberation, I finally spoke up. This way, Carl might pay more attention to Louise.
I thought it was a good display of quick thinking and consideration. It’s not something I’d do for just anyone, but since we were going to share the same husband, I paid extra attention─
“Did you notice that too, Mar?”
Wait, what…?
‘Did I notice it too?’
That would mean that Carl also thought something was wrong with Lady Louise.
“Lately, she’s been looking at me strangely.”
“Ah, yes.”
Of course, she would be. Especially when the person she liked was right there.
Following that, Carl brought up various topics. The more I listened, the more my mind felt foggy. Maybe it was because I had some inkling about Lady Louise’s behavior.
“She avoids or diverts the conversation whenever I speak to her.”
“I see.”
That’s right. My suspicions were correct.
‘She must be feeling shy.’
I barely held back a sigh. Lady Louise, how can you act like this when I gave you the opportunity?
I understood, though. The one who fell in love first would be at a disadvantage and would feel small and trembling before Carl. However, she needed to overcome that nervousness.
Did she think I approached Carl without any shyness?
On the contrary, I needed more courage because I had been dumped once. I always believed that Carl and I were fated by the heavens and were destined to be together, but that didn’t make my shyness any less real.
“That’s why I’m so worried. It seems like she has concerns, but she won’t open up.”
“That’s concerning indeed.”
My worry was for a different reason, though.
But something didn’t add up. Lady Louise, who was unable to gather the last bit of her courage, was one thing. However, Carl wasn’t usually this oblivious.
If he were, then he wouldn’t have risen to his current position. Besides, he even pushed me away before, which meant that he was aware of my feelings.
‘Then why doesn’t he see Lady Louise’s?’
Even I knew, so why didn’t he notice her feelings for him?
Sure. I was more expressive, but Lady Louise was expressing herself with her whole being even without saying anything. A woman who recently turned down five men became hesitant and conscious only in front of him. How could he not see it?
This is strange. Unless he saw Lady Louise as something other than a romantic interest, it’s hard to believe that he wouldn’t notice.
“I wish there were other girls in the club. What a shame.”
It seems like Lady Louise has a bit of a rough road ahead of her.
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