Chapter 2: The School Festival — Various Vignettes

Chapter 2: The School Festival — Various Vignettes

As a member of the student council, I, Keith Claes, was assigned to a display venue showcasing the history and magical research of our kingdom for the duration of the school festival. I smiled at a seemingly endless stream of students and their guardians. Although Big Sister said she’d come by soon, I still couldn’t see her. And so I waited.

“I’ll go have a look at the stands and then come back with gifts!” she’d said before heading off. It had already been a few hours since then. Even Mary Hunt, a friend of mine and fellow student council member who’d been assigned to this space, looked worried.

Well, if I had to guess, Katarina probably got distracted by all the food at the stands, started eating, and lost track of time altogether... As a result, it wasn’t until later in the afternoon that the person I’d been waiting for showed up.

Upon seeing us, she broke into a wide smile, quickly approaching us with her two hands full of bags of various sizes. In the end, it was just as I’d predicted — Katarina had ended up buying and eating snacks endlessly, and hence was late to our meeting.

“...I’m sorry,” Katarina apologized almost immediately. Mary, however, simply responded with, “Think nothing of it, Lady Katarina. I am only glad that you are safe.”

However... if I spoiled her here, she’ll simply keep doing the same thing over and over again. After all, this was my Big Sister we were talking about. “Really, Big Sister. Are you not being a little too careless? You do have a penchant for getting into trouble. Please be aware of that... and be more careful,” I said, looking at her strictly.

Katarina’s expression of remorse was almost pitiful. She had always been like this — she would often get into some sort of trouble or another, being the natural charmer that she was, ever since our childhood. Last year, the incident she’d been involved in could have very well cost her her life.

Even so... my amazingly dense and carefree sister had all but forgotten about it. As of late, she had been especially relaxed and careless. Although I had warned her repeatedly about Prince Jeord, who sought to make her his, my advice was not heeded, entering through her right ear and predictably leaving from her left. She would go into Jeord’s quarters on her own without a second thought.

Katarina was already a grown woman. However, she seemed incapable of realizing that there were some people who saw her as an object of desire. She was completely unaware of this fact. This was why I always had to be on my guard, day after day. I had to be constantly vigilant... all for the sake of protecting her.

Although she had already had her fair share of food at the stands, Katarina decided to join us for a short tea snack. While I was worried about her eating a little too much, I was pleased that we could dine at the same table together. In truth, I’d wanted to join her on her rounds around the school festival, but I was bound by tasks at the council.

Why did I join the student council, of all things? On this day, and perhaps this day alone, this particular regret filled my mind.

“Wow... it does look delicious!” Katarina said happily as she gazed at the sandwiches laid out on the table. Her sparkling eyes and expression of anticipation was adorable.

Mary agreed with Katarina’s assessment. “Why yes, it does look most appetizing indeed. Thank you very much, Lady Katarina,” she said, smiling. She was visibly pleased.

However... no. Perhaps this was why I had to say what I did. “Big Sister... did you not already have quite a lot to eat? Please eat in moderation lest you get a stomach ache.”

“...Yes, I understand.” Katarina seemed a little deflated at my words. It was a saddening sight, yes, but I had to warn her lest she stuffs herself silly. This was all for Katarina’s sake.

After nibbling and chewing on her seemingly delicious sandwich for a while, her eyes started darting this way and that as if she were thinking of something. Ah... this was probably— and before I could finish my thought, I was interrupted, as expected.

“Hey, Keith... could I split the sandwiches with you? I’ll have half.” Katarina had blurted out the very words I had expected her to say.

“...Sure. I thought you might say that, Big Sister.”

“Hooray!” Katarina, after all, really loved to eat. She was particularly interested in rare or uncommon ingredients and dishes. If she laid eyes on something rare, she simply had to eat it.

It seemed that Katarina had a certain philosophy when it came to food — she was never one to leave her food unfinished. Other nobles, me included, often left a little bit of our meal behind. This contrasted starkly with Katarina’s behavior, and although I was used to her antics at this point, parts of her still seemed a little strange.

This was because the Claes family raised its children to cherish their food — they would be fed just enough, and were educated early in their lives on the importance of food. Personally, I was fond of Katarina’s strange eating habits, at least when it came to finishing food. I did feel a little sad seeing Katarina stuff herself attempting to finish everything she ate, though.

This was why I said what I did to her quite some years ago: “If you would like to try a bit of everything, Big Sister, how about you split half of it with me? I will finish the other half for you.”

Katarina was unexpectedly delighted at my suggestion, and ever since then, we would often split our meals or dishes if we could — barring meals at public locations and venues, of course. This splitting of food, in turn, was something of a family privilege. After all, I was the only one who Katarina shared her food with... and this pleased me greatly.

“Here you go, Keith! Try some.” Katarina, having sought my permission to split meals, was now delivering part of a potato salad sandwich into my mouth. It was near my lips. I hadn’t noticed this — and I froze at this development.

“Is something the matter, Keith?” Katarina said, gazing curiously at my rigid expression. She didn’t seem to understand the situation at hand.

Don’t ask me if something’s the matter, Katarina! Notice already! “A-Ah... well. Big Sister... Could we perhaps not do this in public, and in full view of others?” Perhaps if I just calmly remind her...

“Others? But this isn’t really a public venue? Didn’t you just say it was fine just moments ago?”

“Well... I didn’t mean it in this particular way... that...” My words were not getting through to Katarina! Almost immediately, I felt pierced by Mary’s gaze from across the table.

“Hmm? So the two of you always do this, as long as you are not in a public space...?” Mary, her gaze dripping hostility, still managed to sport a smile as she calmly delivered her lines.

“Ah, right. When I have something that I wish to taste, but cannot finish it all, I often split half of it, and give it to Keith.”

Yes, that’s right. But perhaps we could leave the explanation at that, Big Sister. It would be... dangerous, to go any further.

“Is that right? And so, Lady Katarina... do you mean to say that this half portion is always fed to Master Keith’s lips... with your hands?” As expected, Mary homed in on the very details I did not wish to share. I shot yet another glance at Katarina, hoping that she would understand and hold her tongue. Alas... she was oblivious to all my subtle communication.

“Of course. It wasn’t like that at first, but Keith requested that he be fed in this particular way when it came to splitting food a while ago, and so now I always do.”

Mercilessly exposed. I could feel the intensity of Mary’s gaze increase by several distinct degrees. There was no escaping it.

Originally, I had been satisfied just living together with her. However, due to Jeord’s increasingly intense interactions with Katarina over the years, even I had issues suppressing my desires.

To begin with... I lived in the same home as Katarina. More than anyone else, I was the one who was always by her side. Honestly... it would be all too simple for something to happen between us. It was possible, yes... but I did not have the courage to pursue such developments.

To make things worse, Katarina had slowly become more ladylike as the days passed — I could no longer touch her casually like I did in the past. With her sweet, fragrant scent... her soft skin and body — recently I found my heartbeat increasing exponentially... my body heating up, should I approach her. Before I knew it, I was already avoiding her. I had been beside myself with worry all these past years.

Jeord, however, would simply lay his hands on her casually all this time. I wanted to do the same! I had never been able to embrace her the way Jeord did. And that is why I thought of this plan: If I couldn’t touch her, then I could arrange so Katarina would be the one extending her hand to me! Splitting food was the perfect cover for this.

I did realize that it was pathetic at best — that I, being unable to make the appropriate advances, had to rely on the other person to do it for me. Even so, I felt a sweet sense of bliss as Katarina’s hand came so close to my lips.

Katarina, however, being as dense as she was, hardly noticed my feelings for her across all these years. It goes without saying that she had never understood the true meaning behind my requests either. Even so...! Being fed by Katarina in such a fashion filled me with a sense of superiority. To think that all this would be exposed in public, right here and now, in this way...!

“...Master Keith. Did you not agree that you would not abuse your position of a family member, and keep her all to yourself? You did, did you not?” Mary said, glancing upwards at me with slightly squinted eyes.

While it was true that Mary and I shared a common foe in the form of Jeord, and had formed a temporary alliance... Honestly, what I asked Katarina to do was a lot more forgivable than Jeord’s audacious acts! I promptly used that as an excuse.

“Please do not bring Prince Jeord into this conversation, or use him as a point of reference. He is abnormal! I had thought that you were far too awkward, not even trying to hold hands... a miscalculation on my part,” Mary said, with a cold, piercing stare. Her words were equally harsh.

Lady Mary Hunt... daughter of Marquess Hunt. When I first met her nine years ago, she was a withdrawn, timid young girl without the slightest hint of self-confidence. But now she had grown into a woman with such a strong will... Well, I suppose a certain someone’s influence was a significant factor.

“Lady Mary, you know I can hear you despite your muffled whispers. What a thing to say! The height of rudeness, this is! Do you not also abuse the fact that you are a woman? You engage in excessive bodily contact — hugging, touching... is that not true?”

Mary, being very fond of Katarina herself, often had her hands all over my sister — perhaps even more so than Jeord. The reason she could get away with this, of course, was that they were both women. Even so, I couldn’t help but think that Lady Mary’s frequency of contact was a little too extreme.

“Oh my. Abuse, Master Keith? How equally rude of you. It is most normal for girls to hug and touch each other, is it not? And then eventually... slowly... even share a bath together...”

“I must disagree, Lady Mary. What you just said cannot possibly be construed as normal.”

“Alas, Master Keith. Does that not say more about you and your perspective instead?”

We were both under the same temporary banner, primarily out of our love for the same person (though I was unable to discern if Mary’s love for Katarina was much like mine... or was it more of a friendly kind of love, perhaps? I didn’t know). Now that our grievances were on the table, however, we simply couldn’t stop arguing and snapping at each other.

To make things worse, I had been bound to all this student council work all day, and couldn’t go enjoy the festival with Katarina. My dissatisfaction was at its peak. Soon enough, the argument between Mary and I rapidly worsened. And then —

“Keith... Mary. Should the time ever come to pass, I will definitely side with you both, don’t you worry! Even if any mistakes are made... I will not allow this to become a romantic tragedy, like Romeo and the rest!”

Just like that, our argument was immediately dispelled by Katarina’s sudden statement. What exactly is she going on about? No... I think I know what conclusion she’s arrived at. The real question is... how did she even come to such an assumption?!

I answered Katarina’s passionate, almost blazing gaze with as calm of a tone as I could muster. “Big Sister... I don’t quite know what you are thinking in that head of yours — but I am very sure that whatever conclusion you have arrived at, it is most mistaken.”

“I would have to agree as well, Lady Katarina. I vehemently reject such a conclusion,” Mary said, equally firmly.

“...Um. Then... the love between Keith and Mary...?”

“You are most mistaken, Lady Katarina,” Mary and I said, at once, with uncannily harmonized statements.

It was as I had expected — some sort of strange, inexplicable, incomprehensible misunderstanding on Katarina’s part. How, exactly, does this adoptive sister of mine come to these ludicrous conclusions? After all, she hasn’t noticed any of my heartfelt feelings all this time. One day, I would very much like to look into her mind.

More importantly, however, was a certain question I just had to ask... “Big Sister, who exactly is this ‘Romeo’...?” I couldn’t possibly overlook the fact that the name of some unknown mystery man had just left Katarina’s lips.

I felt troubled by my own carelessness. If at all possible, I preferred that the number of rivals I had to contend with did not increase...

★★★★★★★★★

I, Nicol Ascart, had paid the Academy of Magic a visit on this day. On the surface, I was here to meet with my sister, Sophia. However, there was someone else I wanted to see even more than my sister.

Lady Katarina Claes, daughter of Duke Claes. The fiancée of my childhood friend, Jeord... and the secret object of my desires. I hardly had thoughts of snatching her from Jeord’s grasp and making her mine. Now that I had graduated from the academy, however, there were few, if any, chances to see her in person. Even if it was just for a short, fleeting moment... I wanted to see her smile. I wanted to see it... badly.

Having arrived at the stage and performance venue, I sought out my sister, and we stood near the entrance. The student performers, unhappy that I was drawing the gazes of the audience, asked us to go somewhere else. That is how I found myself in the backstage area.

In truth, Sophia and I were happy to sneak backstage. I had been aware of the stares of others ever since a young age. Even so... the intensity of these stares had become somewhat fearsome as of late. Their gazes stuck to me almost like a miasma. Even if I were to return their stares — they would almost immediately avert their eyes. It was not a good feeling.

Compared to that... Katarina would look straight at me with her aqua-blue eyes. It put me at ease, seeing myself reflected in her gaze. It filled me with bliss. I wanted to see her. Katarina Claes.

Perhaps my feelings had reached out to her somehow. Like a dazzling ray of light, Katarina appeared, illuminating the dark backstage area with her brilliant smile.

“Ah, Lady Katarina. I am glad that you have come...” Sophia said, welcoming Katarina eagerly.

My sister loved Katarina very much too. To begin with, Katarina herself was the reason why she was able to walk with a smile in the light, once more.

“It has been a while, Katarina.” Just the sight of her was enough. I felt the edge of my lips curl up, naturally. I was glad that I could see her, for the first time in such a long time.

“...A-Ah. Yes. A while indeed, Master Nicol.” She was just like how she had been when I met her, with her straightforward gaze... I could feel a silent heat in my chest.

“Why are you hiding in the backstage area, Sophia? Given that both of you are here, wouldn’t you get a sizable crowd if you stood at the front instead?”

Sophia answered her inquiry by dutifully explaining our debacle. She seemed somewhat down by the time she was done with her explanation. In response, Katarina reached into her bag, and pulled out what appeared to be some food and gifts.

Upon receiving the gifts, Sophia’s smile returned. I felt a deep sense of relief. After all, I was the reason why the smile had faded from Sophia’s features in the first place. I was deeply grateful towards Katarina. Once again, she had put a smile on my sister’s face.

“Come to think of it... Lady Katarina... you ended up not participating in the student council play...” Sophia suddenly said, as if recalling something.

Sophia had sent me a letter a while ago mentioning that the council was putting on a performance for the festival. I supposed she was referring to that. There was no mention of the actors and actresses featuring in the performance, but I had assumed that Katarina would be participating as well. It would appear that I was mistaken.

“Ah, that. Well, I’m not really a member of the council after all, and I don’t really have any talent in acting.”

Sophia seemed saddened by Katarina’s blunt response. “Ah... I had thought that I would be able to see you on stage, Lady Katarina...”

“...I see. So Katarina will not be performing...” The words left my mouth before I could stop myself. I had wanted to see her stand on stage. Most regrettable.

And then, Katarina said the following: “But wouldn’t it make more sense for you to star in a performance, Master Nicol? After all, you never did anything like that during your school festival. How about starring as a guest character in a short performance?”

It was as Katarina said; I had not participated in any event when the school festival was held during my time. Many of my friends were now in the council, however. My sister belonged to the council as well. If possible, I would have very much liked to assist, but...

“...Sadly, Katarina, I am incapable of acting.”

“...Incapable, Master Nicol?” Katarina adopted stunned expression at my response. Perhaps she didn’t understand my words.

Before I could respond, Sophia had spoken in my stead.

“Hmm... I do think so, Lady Katarina... Big Brother would be a little troubled if he had to act. Although Big Brother is an amazing person... and I may say that as family — he finds it unfortunately... difficult... to control what emotions he shows outwardly... It is quite the flaw...”

Katarina seemed to have a better understanding of the situation upon Sophia’s response. “Oh, yeah... That’s right...” she said.

I felt a complex mix of emotions rise up from within me as I looked at the two. Yes, it was just how Sophia had explained. I was unable to freely express emotions on my face. To be more precise — I had tried to do so in the past, but the results were somewhat unnatural.

Back when I was still enrolled in the academy, Katarina once made an observation: “You don’t seem to smile very much when you’re around your classmates, Master Nicol.” She’d seemed curious. Although I had wanted to do so to a certain degree, it would appear that I could not smile whenever I wanted.

“Well then, Master Nicol. Please try to smile!” Katarina said, that same brilliant grin on her face.

However, it seemed fruitless. I could not do it. I came to the realization that it was simply impossible for me to smile at will; I did not have the ability to control my facial muscles in such a way. It had never been pointed out to me before, so I had not noticed it. Though, thinking back upon it, those who did meet my gaze would always quickly avert their eyes, so they probably did not get a good enough look at my face to do so.

It was truly a pathetic tale. As such, I thought that it was simply impossible for me to act. No matter how hard I tried.

“Ah... but if it is you, Lady Katarina, a smile would surely come across Big Brother’s face...” Perhaps she had noticed that I was feeling down. I did not expect Sophia to say something like that. How surprising. How could Sophia say such a thing out of the blue?

“In that case, wouldn’t it make more sense for his practice partner to be you, Sophia?” Katarina replied, evidently surprised.

“Alas... I do not have the strength. The only one who can draw out Big Brother’s smile is you alone, Lady Katarina.”

“Ah, no, but then I wouldn’t be able to either—”

“No, that is not true, Lady Katarina! Ah! How about we have Big Brother say some lines from the play right now? You can be the actress opposite him, Lady Katarina. Surely Big Brother will say these lines with a smile.”

Sophia had a point. I often found myself smiling before Katarina without even noticing it. Even so... I could not possibly act just because of this. My sister, however, seemed to be in a much better mood upon hearing that her suggestion was accepted. With sparkling, eager eyes, she described to me the lines and motions of the scene in question. So I decided to humor her as well as I could. Sophia seemed to be enjoying herself... and so I listened.

It wasn’t long before hesitation washed over my being. The scene that Sophia had told me to perform with Katarina was the play’s climax, the scene where the characters confess their love to each other. The prince would gently run his fingers through the hair of the woman he loved. With a smile, he would hold her tight. It was one of the play’s most important scenes.

In other words... I had to whisper lovingly. Into Katarina’s ear. While holding her close to me. I could not do anything of the sort! It was not possible. Katarina, who was standing in a somewhat intimidating stance opposite me, however, said “Okay, please go ahead, Master Nicol!”

I did not really understand, but I supposed Katarina was feeling up to the task. Despite my reservations, I found myself walking towards Katarina. Perhaps it was due to her overwhelming presence.

“...Sophia. I...” I may be able to speak the lines provided for me. However, to hold another man’s fiancée in these arms...

“No, Big Brother. You must try. After all, you have already graduated from the academy, and we are at a clear disadvantage! We have to seize the opportunity and approach at this crucial moment!” Sophia spoke softly, but from her tone, I understood that no form of rebellion would be tolerated.

My sister had noticed my feelings long ago. She had sincerely cheered me on, hoping that Katarina and I would develop a deeper bond... but I always knew it was impossible. It was not that I wanted to snatch her away from Jeord. However, if we grew too close... perhaps, my desires would only grow.

Even with those thoughts in mind... I felt myself unable to resist Sophia’s determined, expectant eyes. I steeled myself. “Are you ready, Katarina?” I asked for one final confirmation.

Katarina simply answered me cheerfully. “Yes. I shall do my best to be your partner in this endeavor, Master Nicol, for Sophia’s sake! You can count on me.”

“Is that so... Thank you.” Katarina. Gentle... straightforward. I felt a hint of happiness wash over me as I looked upon her face. Those aqua-blue eyes, staring straight at me. Ah... I truly love this girl.

“I love you.”

The words from my lips... merely a line from a play. Or were they words from my heart...? Katarina was to respond with her lines next. “Me too, my prince,” she would say.

“...M-Me... too. Master Nicol,” she said, with slightly reddened cheeks.

In that moment, my mind was... a blank. And then... I felt a burning sensation, heat, rising up from deep within me. She had answered to my line. “I love you,” I’d said. And yet, she answered with my name. I was filled with a sense of happiness, of bliss, that I had never felt before.

What little remained of my rationality sought to advise Katarina on her erroneous delivery of her lines... But... it was a lie. The thought of me not wanting to snatch her from Jeord’s arms... was a lie. I had lied to myself. I had desperately tried to contain my feelings.

In truth... In truth, I wanted to be with her. I desired the young girl known as Katarina Claes, so much so that it felt like my heart would rend in two. I wanted to snatch her from Jeord’s arms. I wanted to make her my own. The mental cage that I had locked my feelings in... I could feel it shaking, rattling.

“Um... Master Nicol...” Once more, she spoke my name from those lips. I could no longer hold back. With a single, swift motion, I held her soft, warm body close. I held her in my arms.

“...Katarina. Even if you belong to someone else... I... will certainly...” I will certainly never give up on you. Not for all eternity. Never.

And then... what will come of it? When one day... I can no longer hold back these feelings?

★★★★★★★★★

A school festival was being held at the Academy of Magic, the school that I had belonged to just last year. I had joined as a first-year student, and I was a member of the council back then. However... my only memories of the festival were that of us dealing with the troubles caused by one of my classmates, Nicol Ascart. I could not remember anything else.

Two years had passed since then. I had gone by the name of Sirius at the time. The Magical Ministry had taken me in ever since, and I now went by Raphael Wolt — my real name.

Today, as part of my tasks at the Ministry, I was to once again attend a school festival at the Academy of Magic. It was a small area of the festival, really — a display space showcasing works by students, with some of these works being sold. The Ministry would have some items on sale as well, and managing that was part of my job.

Near me was none other than Maria Campbell — with her small display of what seemed to be handmade snacks. Just the previous year, I had been in the council, just like she was. Although I had given her some painful memories and caused her no end of trouble during the incident the previous year, Maria had been astonishingly forgiving, and accepted my apology most graciously. She said these words with the kindest of smiles: “From now on, please live — as your real self.”

Up until then, I had been irritated by the constant monologues of a certain young girl, claiming that “Ah, Maria was really an angel!” and “Maria... my goddess.” When she said those words to me, however, it felt like she was indeed an angel. If I had been anyone but myself, perhaps I, too, would have fallen for Maria.

However... I had fallen for her — before Maria. Her brown hair, whipped up by the winds... my eyes locked onto her form almost immediately. The girl illuminated her surroundings just by being there.

“Lady Katarina, it’s been a while.” At my words, the girl I had fallen head over heels for, Katarina Claes, opened her eyes wide in surprise. Her azure eyes.

“Raphael! You’re participating in the festival too?”

“Yes. I am in charge of curating the items presented for sale at the festival, you see.” I had deliberately altered my appearance after those events. Having retrieved my real name, and now leading a new life, this had been necessary so that I wouldn’t stand out as much. Hardly anyone expressed interest towards me in this form. It was like as if I had become someone else altogether.

Even so, Katarina immediately noticed me. And then, with that usual, straightforward gaze of hers... she turned to me. I had done something unspeakable to Katarina. I wouldn’t have been surprised if she had never wanted anything to do with me again. And yet... Katarina smiled gently, just as she always did. Nothing had changed.

“I see you’re working hard!”

“Yes. I am at the bottom of the food chain, after all. There is much work to be done.” However... I couldn’t be any happier than I was right now. The stagnant sense of anger and hatred within me had long since faded. I no longer lived a falsified existence.

To be able to once again hold that happiness, happiness which I thought I’d lost back in the days of my childhood... I was truly blessed. Up until last year, when Katarina had reached her hand out to me, I could have never dreamed that I would be able to live such blissful days. Such thoughts were nothing more than dreams to me.

Although the Ministry’s research facility stood on the same grounds as the Academy of Magic, we each had our lives to live. I had work to handle at the Ministry, and Katarina and her friends had lessons to take. We couldn’t find the time in our busy lives to meet often. This was why I was glad that we were able to see each other on this day, for the first time in a long time.

I listened to Katarina’s situation and spoke a little of mine. For the first time in a long time, I was able to speak with her for a while — it wasn’t long before Maria noticed us, however, and she soon walked towards us.

“I am very glad that you are here to visit, Lady Katarina. Here... this is your share.” Maria handed Katarina a pack of the snacks that seemed to be the same kind she’d been selling at her stand.

“Wow! Thank you for setting some aside for me! How were the sales?” Katarina inquired, happily accepting the snacks.

“Of course, Lady Katarina. Honestly... I was worried, thinking that the snacks I made would not sell at all... but thanks to you, Lady Katarina, I am almost completely sold out.” Maria, too, seemed very pleased.

Honestly, I had my doubts about the snacks selling upon hearing that they were handmade by Maria because she was the only commoner in the academy. All the other students were of noble origin. Nobles, of course, did not cook their own meals. All of their food was prepared by trained chefs and staff. Would they be willing to taste food prepared by an amateur? I pondered on these points silently at the time.

It would seem that Katarina was the one who was behind it. As usual, I found myself surprised at her sudden, inexplicable ideas and decisions. For example, I was surprised when Katarina had asked to taste Maria’s baked goods last year, back when we were all in the council. While I had been born a commoner, and did recall tasting some of the snacks my mother baked back when I was a child, Katarina was different. She was born a noble — and the daughter of a duke, of all things. I had assumed that she would simply be fed high-class, haute cuisine food on a regular basis. Why would she of all people ask to taste the baked goods that Maria, a commoner, made?

At first, I’d thought that Katarina was simply being sympathetic to the challenges Maria faced in the academy. It would seem that I was mistaken, however. She really did want to taste Maria’s handmade snacks. And so Maria delivered on Katarina’s desires. Unexpectedly, her baked goods tasted respectable — much more so than the work of a typical patisserie. They were truly delicious.

Ever since, Katarina continued asking for Maria’s snacks, and before long the two had become quite close. Nobles tended to be haughty and arrogant simply because of their position and social standing. It was not uncommon for nobles to look down on others.

Katarina, however, did not have a fragment of that in her soul. Never once did she attempt to approach the princes near her with untoward advances, nor did she look down on Maria, a commoner. It was almost as if she herself did not think very much of her social standing as a noble.

While Katarina felt this way, however, some other students did not necessarily share her sentiments. This was why I had been worried about the whole affair — would Maria’s snacks sell...? But by the time I had thought to look, Maria’s little display stand was almost empty, with only one or two packs left. She was almost sold out.

Even Katarina seemed surprised at this development. “They must have been so popular! Of course, since they’re your homemade snacks, Maria.”

“No, this is thanks to your assistance as well, Lady Katarina. After all, you spread the word far and wide, didn’t you?” Katarina’s advertising attempts seemed to have successfully spread the word amongst the student base.

However, looking at Maria, I didn’t feel like that was the entire reason. Although she seemed a little detached and uncomfortable when she had just enrolled, being amongst a crowd of nobles, it would seem that she had already become somewhat used to the academy. Noble girls who had kept their distance from Maria in the past now comfortably approached her full of smiles, talking to her and purchasing her snacks. Her features, which used to be clouded by a myriad of suppressed emotions, had now softened, and her smile calming and kind. This, too, must have been due to Katarina’s influence.

“Well, I did advertise. But the snacks wouldn’t have sold like this if they weren’t as delicious as yours are! The reason they’re so popular is because they taste good!”

“...Thank you very much, Lady Katarina...” The color in Maria’s cheeks deepened noticeably as she happily listened to Katarina’s shower of praise. The young girl known as Maria Campbell had fallen for Katarina as well, much like I had. This was why... she must have already made a decision.

“Come to think of it, Lady Campbell has decided to sign up at the Ministry, or so I hear...” Talk had come up recently of Maria joining the ranks of the Ministry. In fact, she had received recommendations ever since she had enrolled into the academy — recently, my workplace had been ablaze with talk of Maria’s recruitment.

“Eh?! Maria... you’re going to work for the Ministry?”

“Ah, yes. I have decided to join the Ministry after graduation.”

“Is... Is that so? But Maria... Didn’t you say during your first year that you wanted to return home after graduation and live on quietly?”

I did recall Maria saying something like that to me once before.

“Well... It is true, that was what I had thought shortly after enrolling in the academy, that I would simply return home and live a quiet life... but,” Maria said, her gaze focused and determined. “But. I could no longer... be by your side, then.”

“?” Katarina simply stood still for a while, as if not understanding the significance of Maria’s words. I, however, understood it well enough. After all, I had those exact same feelings as well.

“Just like I asked during the graduation ceremony last year, Lady Katarina... I would like to stay by your side, from here on out. However... even if I am a Wielder of Light, I am but a commoner... I need a certain degree of social standing, Lady Katarina, to stand by you — given that you are a noble, and the daughter of Duke Claes... and so I decided that I would join the Ministry, and attain the position I require.”

Maria’s words, much like a passionate confession of love, succeeded in turning Katarina’s cheeks bright red as well. It didn’t take long for Maria to notice Katarina blushing at her words, and that, in turn, simply served to intensify the deepening shade of red across her own features. Katarina and Maria, facing each other with embarrassed, reddened faces.

I wanted to join in on the conversation as well, but it was like the two of them had created a world of their own. I did not find this amusing in the slightest. In fact, did these two girls forget that I was still here?

“Ah... do excuse me. I hate to interrupt the private world that the two of you have conjured... but I am present as well... yes?” Being left behind and forgotten in this fashion was far too cruel for me to bear.

“Ah... oh, Raphael. A private world, you say...” At last, Katarina was looking in my direction. Maria was still somewhat red-faced, but at last, I was now within her field of vision once more.

“Even so... to think that the motivation for you joining the Ministry, the apple of this kingdom’s eye... is to be with Lady Katarina. As expected of you, Lady Campbell.” The Magical Ministry was the largest association in the kingdom. It wielded the most power, coming only after the king himself. As such, many staff members signed up with suitably lofty aims and noble goals, such as “The advancement and evolution of magic and magecraft.” Maria’s reasons for joining up with the Ministry, however, were a little different.

“I do understand that my reasons for joining the Ministry may be... impure. But even so... I intend to give it my all once I join its ranks. I will be in your care,” Maria replied with no hint of hesitation.

“I do not think that wanting to be close to someone important to you constitutes impurity, Lady Campbell. After all, I would have done the same thing had I been in your position. However...”

“However?”

“Even if you do join the Ministry, Lady Katarina will marry Prince Jeord upon graduation. She will then become very busy, and it is unlikely that we will be able to see her often, as we do now.”

It would seem that Maria hadn’t been aware of the situation from this angle — her eyes were opened wide in surprise. Maria, despite her steadfast nature, occasionally overlooked the strangest things. But then... why? Now, even Katarina herself was surprised... their surprise was contagious. Even I was surprised at the current situation.

Maria being surprised is one thing... but Katarina’s the one getting married, here! Judging by Katarina’s stunned expression, I suppose she’s more airheaded than I’d originally imagined... but for it to be this intense...?

“That... That’s right... Lady Katarina is Prince Jeord’s fiancée... She will immediately become his bride after graduation, and spend her days in the castle... we may not be able to see her then... I don’t think I would like that very much...”

“Yes... if this goes on, I have to marry Jeord and... become a royal. That would be bad... I’m barely making it as the daughter of a duke, but a royal...!”

Given that Katarina herself was so well-loved and pampered by her fiancé, Prince Jeord, it was without question that she would simply be spirited away for the marriage eventually. In fact, given that it was Jeord, she may very well be taken into the depths of the royal castle, and never see the light of day again. How terrifying.

Katarina, being dense as she was, however, did not appear to have noticed Jeord’s feelings for her at all. And she had described her situation in quite the dire fashion; she didn’t seem keen on the idea of marrying into royalty and becoming royalty herself.

I offered some words of assistance to the shaken Katarina and Maria. In fact, I had brought up the subject of Maria joining the Ministry all for it to lead up to this moment.

“...Have you considered joining the Ministry as well, Lady Katarina?”

Katarina, shaken as she was, was immediately attracted by my words. “Eh? I can do that? Actually, does joining the Ministry mean I wouldn’t have to get married anymore?”

“Basically, it is possible for one to join the ranks of the Ministry with the recommendation of a staff member with considerable social standing. Well... while I do not think that simply joining the Ministry would cancel the entire engagement, the Ministry is only second to the King himself when it comes to political power. I hardly think that you would be dragged off to the castle immediately.”

In truth, I had been thinking about this subject for quite a while. What is the best way I can go about this? How can I prevent Katarina from immediately falling into Jeord’s arms after her graduation? After all, I had planned and plotted for a long, long time. Although I had not done so out of my own free will, I had become surprisingly good at it. Upon hearing talk of Maria’s imminent recruitment into the Ministry’s ranks... I decided to get Maria on my side.

As expected, Maria’s eyes, too, were sparkling with expectation — she was attentively listening to every single word. However, Katarina, who seemed visibly interested at first, now had a somewhat clouded expression. “Um... Raphael. As you may know, my magical capability is... depressingly low...”

“Ah, about that. While it is indeed true that there were many in the Ministry who have high magical capability, there are equally many who are not as magically gifted. After all, we do not exactly turn away those who are simply interested in magic.”

What I said was true. There were many people in the Ministry who were talented at magic, but not everyone was that way. After all, having a high magical capability and aptitude did not mean that one was necessarily intelligent. Amongst the researchers, there were actually fewer individuals with high magical capability.

“Is that so?! That’s great! Well then... I will work hard... but. Didn’t you say that I needed a letter of recommendation from an important person in the Ministry? Ugh... Then this will be really difficult, won’t it? After all, no one would give someone like me a recommendation...”

The Magical Ministry was a unique organization. Although elites and capable individuals were gathered annually to go through an acceptance test, few individuals made it into the Ministry via this path. The reason for this was simple — those who wielded particularly strong magic, like Maria, were often spoken to at some point during their time at the academy. And those without magic relied on connections instead, or were genuinely recommended by current members of staff.

Furthermore, it wasn’t possible for just any staff member to write letters of recommendation. I myself was on the lowest rung in the Ministry, so my word would not count for much. However.

“Don’t be so sad, Lady Katarina. There is in fact... someone who would write a letter of recommendation for you.”

“...Eh?!”

“In truth, Lady Katarina... my superior has become most interested in you. That person would surely write a letter for you in a heartbeat.” The face of my superior — an individual known for their eccentricity, momentarily flashed through my mind.

When it was time to decide how the affair of my affiliation would be handled, most staff members at the Ministry held their peace. But of course they would; who would want to take in a criminal, a member of a Marquess family, and someone who had wielded forbidden, taboo Dark Magic? No one had wanted to dirty their hands by taking in someone like that. No one... except...

“What, no department wants him? Really? A rare guy like him? How wonderful. Well then, my colleagues. If none of you would like him, I’ll have him.” Saying so, that individual took me in, all the while with that charming, seductive smile on their face. This was how I ended up in my current situation; I was not treated as a special case of any sort, and was working hard just like any other member of the Magical Ministry. In fact, my superior was the person who had taught me how to disguise myself and alter my appearance.

I was surprised that my superior would know about Katarina at all. Once, I had coincidentally met with Katarina on the grounds. After a casual conversation with her, I returned, only to be cornered and practically interrogated. “Are you familiar with Katarina Claes, by any chance...?”

“Your... superior? And this person, they know of me?”

“Yes. I do believe that they are likely to greet you sooner or later. After all, they did mention wanting to speak with you, Lady Katarina.”

For some reason, my superior was very interested in meeting with Katarina. “Where did you meet her? Come now. You simply must tell me,” they said. Ever since then, my superior had been pleased by my tales and stories of Katarina Claes... but it would seem like they now wished to speak to her in person.

Given that my superior had this much interest in Katarina... surely they would have no issues providing her with a letter of recommendation.

“Hmm... well, what kind of person are they?”

“Someone with quite the individualistic streak, I would say. But to me, they are a very kind person.” In fact, Katarina, being strange as she was, may very well get along well with that superior of mine.

“Um, excuse me!” Maria said, interrupting the conversation somewhat forcibly. She had a desperate expression on her face.

“Wh-What is it, Maria? What happened? That expression of yours!”

Upon hearing those words, Maria directed a passionate gaze at the somewhat troubled Katarina. “U-Um. Well... if we were to summarize what we’ve just learned... if Raphael’s superior would indeed write you a letter of recommendation, and you enter the Magical Ministry... then... then! Then we would be together forever!” Maria’s reactions lined up well with my predictions.

“That would be so, yes.” I gave the desperate Maria a gentle smile — and the young girl returned the gesture, genuine happiness lighting up her face. And then...

“Lady Katarina, let’s join the ranks of the Ministry together. I will do what I can to help! Please, you must, oh you must!” Maria said, holding Katarina’s hands as her eyes sparkled.

Ah... things are smoothly progressing according to plan. With this, Maria was now my ally, and Katarina had set her sights upon working at the Ministry... with this, we would be together next year as well.

While I do apologize for using you in this fashion, Maria... I really do not want to hand Katarina off to Jeord. I would like her to stay by my side... for just a little while longer.

★★★★★★★★★

A fountain shot up like a geyser from the central pool, and the falling droplets of water formed a rainbow. Carvings made of wood changed their shape over and over as people watched on. Around them were vibrant wreaths of flame. A small tornado of wind whipped up flower petals into the air.

Standing next to this ethereal scene, all I could do was face the endless stream of crowds and visitors with a forced smile. This wasn’t just a party that lasted for a few hours or some ball. I couldn’t keep this irritating smile on my face the whole day!

But next to me was my twin brother, Jeord, with his usual flawless smile on his face. Naturally, since he’s quite the capable guy.

I’m Alan Stuart, and was born with my twin sixteen years ago. When we were younger, Jeord always did the best at everything so effortlessly, all with that smug face of his. I couldn’t help but feel inferior to him.

But during that time, I met that strange noble girl. She was the daughter of a duke, and yet she’d hike up her skirt, run everywhere, and climb up trees like some kind of monkey. I’d never met anyone like that before. Katarina Claes... a kid who broke all the rules when it came to how noble girls should act.

She taught me one thing, though. That everyone was different, and everyone had their own unique strengths. Once I understood that, I could finally relax. The tension faded from my shoulders as my inferiority complex towards Jeord vanished.

After that... for some reason, I always wanted to be around Katarina. Why? Because it was peaceful. It felt good. All I wanted to do was spend more time with her, but... as the years went by, I started to feel my heartbeat speeding up and my face turning red if she brushed against me or anything like that.

Just when I was wondering what that was all about... that happened. Katarina was nearly killed. It was only then that I noticed my own feelings for the first time. I had fallen in love with my brother’s fiancée, of all people.

It’s not like I can just walk in and take his fiancée away. If it was just some kind of political marriage and the two of them didn’t care for each other, then that would be one thing. But just look at the guy. Even I get embarrassed just watching Jeord go love crazy when he’s around her. Though Katarina, for some reason, never seems to notice.

And then there’s the fact that I had a fiancée of my own; Mary Hunt, the daughter of Marquess Hunt. Wise and beautiful, she’s the very image of a noble lady. I felt like a girl like that was wasted on me. I liked her, and wanted to cherish her forever... but it wasn’t love. It’s more like how a brother might feel for a sister. I realized the difference once I noticed my feelings for Katarina.

Once I understood all this, I went to speak with Mary. I was planning on canceling our engagement, since I was in love with someone else. Of course, I couldn’t just go and say “Oh, that someone else is my brother’s fiancée,” so I just told her it was “forbidden love.”

Then, Mary said she herself felt the same way. She had feelings for someone else, and it was also a kind of forbidden love. We talked about it for a while, and she decided that she wanted to stick with the current arrangement. After all, she’d just be engaged to someone else if we called it off. I agreed with her suggestion, and so our engagement is still on.

Who was this forbidden person that Mary loved so much? I had no idea. She said she’d never give up, though. I promised her that I’d call the engagement off if she ever managed to reach a conclusion with the person she loved.

As we both cheered each other on, I found myself getting closer to Mary. It was under her request that I started keeping an eye on Jeord’s movements and telling her everything he did. Katarina was a dear friend, and we didn’t want Jeord to have her all to himself.

I felt like I was exploiting Mary’s pure feelings. I didn’t feel good about it, but... honestly? Keeping Jeord and Katarina’s bond from deepening any further was a good thing for me, so I gladly cooperated with her.

I was keeping an eye on Jeord today too. Mary had asked me to make sure that he didn’t end up alone with Katarina. It’s a request from my fiancée, after all. With that reason in mind, I decided to get in Jeord’s way as much as I could. I’m not the type who’s good at giving up.

I was spending so much time thinking about the situation with Mary that I hadn’t noticed that Katarina had showed up until she was already next to Jeord. They seemed to be talking happily. They really get along well, huh? But Mary asked me to be on Jeord’s tail, so I walked towards them, planning on disrupting their meeting.

“Oh, it’s you two. So you’re finally here? Thought you wouldn’t make it, see. After you said all that about ‘I’ll come by with gifts!’ this morning too... thought you wouldn’t get here, being this time and all,” I said as I approached them.

“I apologize... A bunch of things slowed me down along the way.”

“That right? I figured you ended up eating endlessly at the stands and forgot all about the time.”

“...” Katarina’s expression became rigid. Guess I hit the nail on the head. But... Katarina... you’re as easy to read as ever.

“Here, for you. Please try them.” Obviously trying to change the subject, Katarina withdrew something from her bag and gave it to me. From what I could see, it was a pack of snacks, the same kind that another member of the student council, Maria, made.

Jeord asked about how well the snacks had sold, and Katarina responded joyously. “Yes, they were very popular. In fact they’d almost sold out by the time I arrived.” She was so glad, talking like she was the one who had sold all the snacks.

“Is that so? That is good to hear, Katarina,” Jeord responded. But then Katarina seemed to be thinking about something. She didn’t respond, even when I called out to her. She was lost in her own world.

“...Again, Katarina...?” Jeord asked, obviously exasperated. Sometimes, Katarina would forget all about her surroundings and just stand there, unable to hear a thing. This was one of those times.

“Hey, Katarina Claes! Lady Dimwit! No good... she isn’t listening at all.” I tried calling out to her once more, with a slightly louder voice this time, but she didn’t say a thing. It was obvious that talking to her was pointless now. With that, I lightly rapped her head with a free hand.

“Wh-What are you doing?!” I didn’t even use that much force, but Katarina seemed extremely surprised, staring at me with squinted eyes.

“Your fault for not listening when people are talking to you,” I said. It was true.

“Th-Then all you had to do was say something! You didn’t have to rap me on the head!”

She’s got a lot of nerve being the offended one here! I guess she really didn’t hear anything. “What are you blathering about, dummy? I did that already! It’s your fault for not reacting at all.”

With that, Katarina started pouting, vocalizing her displeasure as she did so. Ugh... The way her eyes slant upward when she pouts like that... is kind of cute too. But I won’t be shaken. I immediately started to mess with her hair.

“That is quite enough, Alan. I would strongly prefer that you do not touch her so casually.” Jeord’s hand was now firmly around my arm. He was smiling as always... but his eyes were not.

“...Ahh, Jeord... you’re always like this,” I sighed in spite of myself. This twin brother of mine was usually relaxed and carefree... but when it came to Katarina, his emotions always floated up to the surface like this.

I had barely touched her, and yet Jeord was staring daggers at me, as if he was ready to kill me if I went any further. Geez, what a pain. I would have loved to go back in time and show Jeord’s expression to my past self, back when I’d thought he was perfect in every way.

Not only was Jeord Stuart a lovestruck fool for his fiancée, he was also way too uptight. Even Mary, my own fiancée, had this to say: “If he were to restrict Lady Katarina in such a way... it would only provoke those around him to look upon him with distaste. And sooner or later... Lady Katarina herself would be tired of him.”

“Aren’t you being a little too uptight? Keep that up and you’re going to be disliked eventually... that’s what Mary says.”

“Do inform Lady Mary that her concern is most misplaced.” His response was cold. His eyes were cold. Gah... this guy’s impossible. Lovesick fool.

Also... he’s being a little too hard on my arm, yeah? All I did was touch her head a little bit. Look at him, hugging and touching Katarina all day. And that’s okay? What a stingy guy. Just as I was about to give Jeord a well-placed retort of my own out of sheer irritation...

“Jeord, Alan.” I heard voices call out from behind us. I turned and saw that two couples were walking towards us, with the man in front smiling.

Gah...! Someone even more irritating than Jeord is here...

“Elder Brother Jeffery, I see you have come to visit.” As Jeord said... this man was none other than Jeffery Stuart, our oldest brother. He shook both our hands with a most annoying expression. A little behind Jeffery was...

“And you too, Elder Brother Ian.” And Ian Stuart... our other older brother. He was the direct opposite of Jeffery, always with a serious expression. He bowed slightly.

Ever since enrolling into the academy, I hadn’t seen my brothers much at all. Even though we lived in the same place growing up, they two of them were always busy fighting over the throne. They hardly spoke to their younger brothers at all, or even had anything to do with us. We weren’t very close.

Before I went to the academy, I would occasionally run into them at the palace. I never knew how to deal with them. Especially our oldest brother, Jeffery...

“Oh, if it isn’t Lady Katarina Claes. It has been quite a while,” Jeffery said to Katarina, in a most casual and carefree manner that wasn’t prince-like at all.

Yeah... she met him once. She met them both, actually, during Jeord’s and my fifteenth birthday party. Judging from her expression, though, she probably didn’t remember them at all. Jeord, who had been watching the entire time, quickly whispered bits of information into her ear.

“Ah, yes. It has... been quite a while indeed, Prince Jeffery, Prince Ian...” With that, Katarina went quiet. If she didn’t remember my brothers, then she definitely wouldn’t remember their fiancées. Jeord started subtly whispering again.

“It’s good to see you Lady Randall, Lady Berg.” Jeord had unmistakably just reminded her of their names... but Katarina greeted them naturally, as if she had known of them the entire time. My brother’s fiancées, in turn, greeted her as well.

“What brings you to this place today, brothers?” Jeord asked.

Jeffery was the one who answered. “Why, to witness my beloved little brother’s amazing performance on stage, of course!”

Ah... this brother of ours. He’ll never change. Jeffery has always been like this. The rumors were one thing, but I honestly had no idea whether he was all there. He always acted like a normal person at official functions and stuff, but he was carefree and casual the rest of the time, always saying stupid things with that irritating face.

Naturally, Jeord knew this all too well. “So... how about we come clean, Ian?” Ignoring Jeffery altogether, he instead turned to Ian for answers.

“Of course. We are here on royal business. A routine examination... inspection of the Academy of Magic. I suppose Jeffery is here on similar grounds as well.” Ian was the same as always too. He was serious and rigid, and that’s about it.

“You suppose? Ah. I see that you two have not arrived together.”

“It goes without saying. We had just crossed paths with each other, coincidentally, moments ago.”

Jeffery and Ian were always fighting over the throne... so, you know. They’re not often found together, or seen together at all. Even so... looking at them now, the two seemed to get along okay. They weren’t at each other’s throats, anyway.

But I knew that each of them had their own political factions to answer to, so I supposed they couldn’t be too friendly with all those eyes around them watching.

Before I knew it, Jeffery, who had been collectively ignored by both Jeord and Ian, now turned his eyes on me. Ugh, this is definitely bad.

“Eh? You’re both no fun, Jeord, Ian! Well then... come here, Alan! Big Brother is here to see you!”

“H-Hey! Stop it. Don’t hug me,” I was now firmly in Jeffery’s embrace. I was already at this age... to be held by a man, even if he was my brother, was just too weird. I struggled against Jeffery’s arms.

Just as all this was happening... the chiming of bells rang out from overhead. Clang! Clang!

Guess there’s not much time left in this whole school festival deal... Time had passed quickly while I wasn’t paying attention. In just a short while, the festival would end and then we would be moving on to the night event, which was a ball.

“Ah. Do excuse us. We have to head to the stage soon,” Jeord said, as the bells rang out. We did have a performance by the council planned and all that, after all.

Honestly... acting really wasn’t my thing. But the student body strongly requested it, so I had no choice but to participate.

“Ho? A performance, Jeord? I would like to see it too, oh yes.”

Ian was quick to reprimand Jeffery for his flippant lines. “Enough with the tomfoolery, Jeffery. We’re heading back.”

“Ehh...? You really are no fun, Ian. Actually, Ian... you’re heading back with me?”

“As I said, enough with the tomfoolery. There is no way I could return with you.”

The same banter as always, I guess. Our talkative, flippant, somewhat annoying oldest brother... the always-serious, ever so formal other brother. Even though I didn’t spend much time with them, and actually didn’t like dealing with them, I couldn’t bring myself to dislike them. But yeah... I’d still balk at the idea of meeting these two again.

“See you!”

“Well then. Do excuse us.”

With their contrasting goodbyes, our older brothers were gone, and we headed to the stage. I couldn’t help but notice that there was still a bag in Katarina’s hands. There was still so much food in it. Isn’t she done giving out her gifts? Don’t tell me... all that in there is for her to eat by herself...?

Well... whatever. Guess I’ll tell Mary about how I didn’t let Jeord spend any significant amount of time with Katarina alone...

★★★★★★★★★

The school festival would be coming to an end shortly. Honestly, what a boring, tiresome day. Because I was so bogged down with work — not only today, but also ever since we began festival preparations — I had been unable to spend any meaningful time with Katarina. I found myself quite irritated.

To make matters worse, I had invited Katarina to my quarters just before my schedule had become incredibly busy — but of course, Keith was there, getting in our way as usual. I decided that then I could pay her a visit, only for Mary and Alan to obstruct me at every turn. Although Katarina was engaged to me, Jeord Stuart, it would seem like all of these other fools had no intention of giving up.

My fiancée, Katarina Claes, was... different. She was not at all what a noble lady... well, rather, she was unlike any normal girl at all. By her side, I was never bored. No matter how many years I spent with her, every moment was unfailingly vibrant and wonderful.

Originally, I had little interest in the affairs of others. I had never thought it possible that I would feel such affection for another. The one who had taught me I could feel this way was of course Katarina herself.

Even so... her charm was her downfall. After all, this naturally meant that my rivals would increase in number. Katarina is quite the charmer, you see, although she herself was not aware of it. To make things worse, her charm and sheer lovability drew both men and women to her.

First to fall was her adopted brother, then my younger brother and his fiancée, and then there was my childhood friend, the chancellor’s son, and his younger sister. After that was a Wielder of Light who was a genius of a girl in her own right. Finally, even the individual who had made an attempt on her life ended up falling for her as well. The number of rivals I had to deal with simply kept increasing.

Even today, Katarina arrived late. Distracted by the food offerings at the stands, perhaps. And just when we were having a private conversation, Alan showed up to get in my way. To make things worse... he so casually touched her head.

Katarina is mine. You would do well to keep your hands off her. As soon as I reprimanded Alan for his actions, he called me “uptight.”

Well. Perhaps he did have a point, at least when it came to Katarina. Although I was usually calm and hardly shaken by anything, I felt my tolerance narrow significantly when it came to anything that involved her.

Honestly... seeing Katarina speak to other men alone was enough to fill me with displeasure. But then again, with so many enemies in my presence, I supposed there was little I could do about it.

And then there was the constant worrying — wondering if Katarina had unknowingly ended up charming someone else without realizing it again. Although she had finally made her way here, we hardly had any time to speak, and soon we already had to make our way to the stage venue. I remained in a considerably bad mood.

To think that when I had finally had some time with her, not only Alan, but also my older brothers had showed up. Their timing could not possibly have been any worse. Of all the times they could have come, why pick the moment when I could have been alone with Katarina? There had been so much pointless, wasted time before all this. Why not then? Why now? There would have been no issues if they had just arrived a little earlier.

Leaving the stoic and strict Ian aside... I found it difficult to deal with that flippant sod of a brother of ours, Jeffery. But of course, I was hardly like Alan — such emotions did not show on my face.

Although I was able to easily read the thoughts and machinations of most individuals, my oldest brother was an exception. I had been unable to read him ever since our younger days together. He was a little disturbing, if anything. I could never quite understand what he was thinking at any given point in time. Even so, he clearly did not have any intention of hurting us, so I supposed that thought could be shelved.

Thanks to the pointless formalities of our older brothers, it was already somewhat late by the time we reached the venue. The other members of the student council had already gathered. Some of the female students had already changed into their costumes. It was time for me to make preparations as well, but...

“It’s terrible! One of the actresses is unwell, and can no longer perform!” one of the backstage assistants said, running towards us. It would seem like a certain first year, who was one of the actresses in the production, had suddenly collapsed. She was brought to the infirmary.

Thankfully, her diagnosis was positive; all the girl needed was a bit of rest, and she would recover in due time. However, there was no way an ailing girl could participate in the production, especially not when it was about to start.

I inwardly sighed. What is this production coming to, with all these last-minute occurrences? “We have no choice. We would simply have to find a replacement.”

I turned to the other students tasked with helping out at the backstage. They had witnessed our practice sessions many times — we would simply have to find a replacement from within their number. The students, however, all averted their gazes. But of course they would, given that they had just been suddenly called upon to stand on stage.

Compounding the situation was the fact that most of the actors and actresses selected for the performance were wildly popular amongst the student body. A poorly-selected replacement would surely suffer from public backlash — at least, that was most likely their fear.

In that case... we must find someone who is equally popular. Someone who would be a worthy replacement. Naturally, I moved my eyes to her, only for her to dramatically avert her gaze.

It was... far too obvious. No matter how I looked at it. Those around her had done so with a more refined sense of subtlety, but of course, she had no such tact. My voice was not the one that first called out to her, however. Instead, it was a slowly rising wave of murmurs, each voicing their approval.

“Well then... in that case, wouldn’t Lady Katarina be fit for the role?” A single voice echoed through the silent backstage area.

“I, too, think that Lady Katarina would be fit for the role.”

“I feel that only Lady Katarina can stand with the rest of the student council members...”

“Yes, if it’s Lady Katarina, the audience and other students would be most satisfied as well.”

One after another, voices of approval sprung up from the crowd. Well... this was the natural conclusion. Anyone would have reached it with some degree of thought. Although Katarina herself was not part of the council, she was quite popular indeed, and was perhaps the only student not in the student council to have an unofficial fan following.

“I... I c-can’t...” Katarina said, desperately refusing the role. She looked towards me with pleading eyes, as if asking for me to side with her. Her pleading, almost teary-eyed look was lovable too.

I smiled, ever so slightly, in response. “Well then, Katarina. I leave it in your capable hands,” I said, placing a hand reassuringly on her shoulder as I did so. Katarina’s expression, however, almost seemed to suggest that the world itself was about to end.

After quite some dallying, Katarina finally accepted her lines and headed off to get changed. As luck would have it, the girl who had collapsed earlier was about the same size and build as Katarina, and so the costume fit her just fine.

However... Perhaps no one had noticed it when the original actress had tried it on, but Katarina’s costume was a little too revealing around the chest region. I did not like the thought of her parading in front of the crowd while dressed like that. But there was no time to change the costume.

In the end, I had the students in charge of stage costumes remedy the problem with a well-placed stole. While the students who helped her into the outfit did raise some objections, “Um... I don’t think that this really fits together,” I silenced them with a single look.

Katarina, however, seemed to think that the costume was meant to be this way.

With that, Katarina was finally standing near the stage curtains The role that she was supposed to play was that of the protagonist’s mean-spirited step sister, who would bully and mock her. It was a role not particularly well-suited to Katarina... but we had no choice.

Honestly speaking, I would have much preferred for Katarina to be cast as the protagonist, who would be partnered with me in the production. That would have pleased me greatly. However, that would be much too sudden; given that Katarina was already so overwhelmed with a role that had so few lines, it would have been too much to ask of her.

Maria, playing the role of the protagonist, was already standing on the stage. Soon it would be Katarina’s turn. Up until a few moments ago, Katarina had been desperately writing on something in the palm of her hand. She then brought it close to her lips. This strange series of actions would repeat several times before she ran out to the stage in a panic.

And then... Katarina froze immediately after she had made her stage debut. Ah... could it be? Perhaps she has forgotten her lines. Although she had practiced them several times, she hadn’t had any time for them to sink in, after all.

Perhaps having Katarina act was a little too much to ask for in the first place, given that she usually lived with her heart on her sleeve. I had, of course, prepared for such an event... and just as I was about to move to support her—

“Honestly. Do you really not know your place?” A voice could be clearly heard from the direction of the stage.

There was no such line in our scripts. Surprised, I turned my eyes to the stage, only to see Katarina — although she was... different. It was as if she had the face of another person altogether.

Honestly... acting aside, I had thought that it would be all but impossible for Katarina, of all people, to take on a role that involved bullying and hurting others. I felt this way on the basis that I knew her well. I had thought that she would surely not be suited for the role...

On the stage stood a girl that was Katarina, and yet at the same time not her in the slightest. With those upwards-slanting eyes, mean smile, and intimidating expression, I could not see this girl as anyone but the protagonist’s abusive stepsister.

Katarina was capable of acting after all... I had thought that nine years was more than enough to experience all the surprises she had to offer, but it appeared I was mistaken. I should have known better than to think I would ever be able to predict anything about Katarina.

“Someone like you should just lie down in the dirt, and stay there. After all, that suits you best.” Those were not lines in the script by any means. Katarina, however, delivered those lines most naturally. Before I knew it... I was unable to take my eyes off her.

Standing on the stage... was a Katarina I did not yet know.

Although I could not help but be charmed by Katarina’s performance, I finished my part in the production without any problems.

I was not the only one who had been entranced. As soon as the play ended, Katarina was immediately surrounded by admirers. Ahh... seeing a side of Katarina I did not yet know was a joy indeed, but with this, she will gain even more secret admirers.

Perhaps exposing Katarina to the masses in this fashion was a mistake. Now bathed in regret, I somehow managed to part the crowds, and made it to Katarina’s side, showering her with praise... and intimidating those around her in the process.

“It would be an honor to escort you to the ball, Katarina... my dear fiancée.” Although I received several glares from other student council members, the fact remained that Katarina was engaged to me. As her escort for the ball, I simply refused to allow any of them to get in my way.

After all... I had been unable to speak with Katarina properly all day. I wanted to ensure that we would thoroughly enjoy our time together that night. At the ball, I would be able to hold Katarina close to me — as close as I wanted, as much as I wanted. She would simply think that the pointed stares around her were normal, and would leave the dancing all to me.

From what I understood, my other rivals would most likely invite her to dance as well — but today was an exception. I would not hand her over so easily. Ever since I had come across that hidden side of Katarina at the performance prior, I could only feel my body heating up, my heartbeat rapidly increasing. There was no sign of it slowing down.

I would like to enjoy my time together with Katarina at the ball... enjoy it to my heart’s content. Wrapping up the final bits of work I had now that the festival was at its end, I could not help but think about the time when I would have Katarina all alone to myself at the ball. Ahh... how I wish I could just finish this here and now, and head to the ball right away.

However... when I finally made my way to the room where she should have been waiting, with my spirits high, she was nowhere to be found. Katarina was... gone. No one could find her anywhere, not even when the ball had started.

The last place we had seen Katarina was the stage. We had no idea she would suddenly disappear from our sight... just like that.