Chapter 9: A Dress, Love, and a Bouquet
Chapter 9: A Dress, Love, and a Bouquet
AS the cold season reached its zenith in the middle of the winter months, it heralded the beginning of their final term at school. This also meant the school ball was fast approaching.
Every student in school had their minds on one thing: the ball, which was slated for the middle of the spring months. The venue for the event was furnished with luxurious decorations, including some that involved magic. Its beauty was like something out of a dream. Since it was such an important tradition, a professional orchestra was brought in to play music.
The only students allowed to attend were those in their final year at the Academy—in other words, fifth-years—and anyone they chose as a partner. Participation was optional, so some chose instead to laze about in their dorms. If one did wish to attend the ball, they were required to bring a member of the opposite sex. These partners could even come from other schools, which was part of why the entire student body was so restless leading up to the event.
This was the one time students could shed their novice magician robes for dazzling formalwear. It was such an anticipated occasion that some students prepared early, making arrangements an entire year in advance. A successful appearance at the ball held profound meaning for both the students and their families.
“Whoa, this is… It’s gorgeous!”
“Yes, truly! I must send my regards to the king,” said Yana.
They were both admiring the dress that’d been sent to the princess from her homeland, Ete Karima. It was every bit as impressive as you’d expect for someone in Yana’s position. To create this masterpiece, the country had spent a year collecting the necessary textiles and had the royal seamstress sew it.
As Oriana grasped the fabric in her hands, she realized immediately that the back was completely see-through. The fabric was thin and had a large, complex pattern woven into it using beads and gemstones. In fact, these jewels seemed to line the dress’ entire back, making it a luxurious, if not bold, piece.
“I bet Azraq will make you wear a cardigan again,” Oriana teased.
“Haha, I’m sure you’re right. When the time comes, I will heed his request and wear his jacket.”
Yana already had a partner for the dance. Given the trial she was undergoing, it’d only create problems if she were to pick anyone other than Azraq, so she really had no other option.
“I’m so jealous! Must be nice to already have a partner.”
Other students milled about the school grounds like a bunch of lost first-years who’d yet to pick the branch needed to craft their wand, too anxious to relax. Whether they were waiting to invite someone or to be invited, people were more conscious of the opposite sex than ever before.
The whole issue of choosing a partner displeased Oriana enough that she was tempted to skip the ball entirely. The nervous anticipation in the air had her stomach twisting in knots daily, and she could barely handle it. It was tradition for those who couldn’t take the pressure (like her), couldn’t find a partner, or otherwise didn’t possess the finances required to prepare an outfit for the occasion to spend the day of the ball eating an enormous chicken in the dorm commons.
“I wish I could go enjoy chicken with the rest of them,” Oriana said wistfully.
As the daughter of House Elsha, her attendance was a foregone conclusion. Her father had had a dress specially made for her with the most cutting-edge techniques, and he’d given her strict orders to show it off at the ball.
“You aren’t going to invite Mister Tanzine?” Yana asked.
“What? Of course not, don’t be silly.” Oriana waved her hand dismissively as she lounged on the floor. The carpet under her was something Yana had installed so she could do yoga, and as a result, footwear was expressly forbidden in their room.
I remember trying to invite someone in my past life. It wasn’t Lucian. Was it Kai? No, Kai was…
Oriana softly closed her eyes, trying to remember the friends she’d once had.
Ah, that’s right! Just as my stomach was beginning to knot up with dread, Vince made his move pretty quick and invited me. I didn’t have to hang in limbo worrying about a partner for very long.
As soon as the new term had started, Vince had come to her with a bouquet in his arms, requesting her as his partner. She’d only known him as Miguel’s friend up until that point. She wasn’t even that close with Miguel back then, but she still felt closer to him than she did Vince. The two had only exchanged a few words in the hall, so she was shocked when he invited her to the ball. The way his ears turned deep red had made affection well up inside her chest, and so they’d begun dating.
Now that she thought about it, they’d only dated for three months—from the middle of the winter months until the middle of the spring months. It was such a short time, but enough to experience things she never had before. She’d learned what it meant to love someone—the tenderness, the strength, and the bitterness that came with it—as well as the grief of losing it all.
Oriana didn’t share the same excitement for the ball other students did because in her previous timeline, Vince had died shortly after. No matter what she did, she couldn’t shake that association.
“Why aren’t you going to invite him?” Yana pressed, interrupting her thoughts.
“Huh?” Oriana jerked upright. “Oh, well, Vincent said he doesn’t want me to profess my feelings for him anymore. Asking him to be my partner is basically telling him I like him.”
“Oh? Azraq and I aren’t lovers, but we are still going together.”
Please don’t put us in the same boat. You two have no choice but to go with each other.
Yana laughed as if she could read Oriana’s thoughts. “Why not take a chance and invite him. See how it goes? The worst that can happen is him telling you he doesn’t want to hear about your feelings again and rejecting you.”
“Mm,” Oriana hummed in thought. “I’m not sure my heart could take it if he acted uncomfortable and turned me down.” She flopped back onto the floor again.
Back when I was desperate to stay at his side no matter what, I could’ve made excuses for asking him. There was no sense weighing the pros and cons; I needed to be with him, so I’d invite him. That’s how I reasoned with myself back then, but now…
To begin with, Vince had never treated Oriana coldly. She loved him with all her heart and he felt the same for her. Having that same man brush her off had been more painful than she could’ve ever imagined. She endured it because she had bigger priorities than her own misery to deal with. Namely, keeping Vincent alive.
Things were different now that Vincent was cooperating with her. His safety was no longer the major concern it once was. He was being more vigilant and more cautious about his own health too. With the situation now, there really was no help Oriana could provide. He’d be safe enough without her sticking to him, and regardless of their proximity, he was still treating her like a good friend.
Back when she’d tried to force her affection on him to close the gap between them, she’d only driven Vincent’s heart farther away. Oriana was depressed when he first told her to stop saying she adored him. She’d interpreted that as him spurning her feelings.
When they next spoke, she finally understood his discomfort came from feeling like she was mixing him up with Vince. Oriana tried to convey her affection for him specifically, but even that didn’t go over well. Professing her feelings any more than she already had would be harassment at this point.
Nonetheless, Vincent had forgiven her indiscretions. He’d turned a blind eye to her sidling up and clinging to him, even though it was a physical manifestation of the affection she couldn’t contain. As long as she didn’t use the words “like” or “adore,” she could wiggle in close to his heart.
So things are fine the way they are. I get to be closer to him now than if I were a stranger and he even lets me get away with some things. It’s a blessing.
“Yana! Yana, Yana, Yana, Yana!”
“Yes, I hear you. What is it, you big baby?”
Oriana latched onto Yana, who was sitting nearby, and nuzzled her face against Yana’s lower back. The two had grown close over the years. Yana had even come to stay during their long break, and they’d talked about romance with each other. Even so, Oriana still didn’t know what their boundaries were. How selfish could she be before she crossed the line? As was human nature, her only option was to test the limit and see.
“Can you and Azraq dance?”
“Only a bit. Although I don’t really care about whether I can dance or not. Parties are for sampling delicious foods.”
“If you want to practice, I can be your partner,” Oriana offered.
“Thank you. But lately, Azraq has been a bit busy—”
“He’s what?!”
Azraq? Busy? That was the first time Oriana had heard those two words used in the same sentence. It wasn’t as if she thought him lazy, but she never dreamed he would prioritize anything over Yana.
“How come?” Oriana pressed, curious.
“It seems we’ve been getting a lot of letters lately from Ete Karima. It’s not out of the ordinary for such correspondence to come in, but the frequency is worrying.”
“So that means he’s preoccupied writing replies?”
“Yes. He also seems to be a bit on edge, as if something is troubling him.”
Azraq actually worries about things other than Yana?
It was insensitive for her to even have such a thought.
Yana softly patted Oriana on the head. “I don’t want to add to his burden,” she said.
“Yeah, I see your point.”
Oriana nuzzled Yana’s lower back again, hoping to somehow relieve her friend’s worries, even if only a little.
❦❦❦
“MISS Elsha? Do you have a moment?”
After school was out, some female classmates beckoned Oriana to meet with them behind the school building, which was the most stereotypical place for a person to be called out and bullied.
Seems a bit late for them to act now, when I’ve been sticking to Vincent like glue for four whole years already. I even stopped confessing my feelings for him. Why now?
Oriana stood with her back plastered against the wall, cold sweat gathering on her forehead as the girls circled around her. Whether they knew what was going on in her mind or not, they were all glaring straight at her.
“Miss Elsha!”
“Yes?!” she squeaked, intimidated.
As Oriana trembled, the girls suddenly lowered their heads.
“Please, we beg you to help us!”
Caught completely off guard, Oriana had to blink at them a few times as her mind registered what was happening.
“Uh…with what?”
“All of us worked hard, taking dancing lessons over the long break, but with no teacher to instruct us, we didn’t make much progress.”
Marina Leroy, who had been in the same class as Oriana for years, acted as the group’s representative.
The students were taught the basics of dance and etiquette as fourth-years, but any further instruction was left to individual discretion. Since the Academy was once a place solely for nobility, and aristocrats typically underwent instruction from an early age, the class itself was fairly shallow. Although Oriana was a commoner, she’d taken such lessons in dance and etiquette since she was a child. Unlike her and the nobility, though, there were many students who couldn’t digest all of the basics in just a few short lessons.
“I’ve confidence in my magical studies, but exercise is…something else.”
“I wrote a petition to the professors asking for special lessons, but I couldn’t get approval because it’s ‘not customary to offer such lessons.’”
“Yeah, they told me to just practice with my partner.”
“But if we can’t dance, how’re we supposed to even think about inviting anyone to the ball?”
“We’re students here just like the nobles. We want some fond memories before we graduate, too! That’s why we want to go to the ball so bad!”
Their eyes sparkled with hope as they desperately gazed at Oriana.
Aha, so they weren’t trying to bully me, threaten me, or shake me down! Aw, you guys… I’m sorry for doubting you!
Nothing like this had ever happened in her previous timeline, so she was genuinely anxious. In Class 2, classmates were pretty tight with each other. Girls and boys hung out together. And when it came to practice for the dance, they showed little hesitation in asking one another for help. But the difference with the Special Class was that there were far more introverts. Simply put, these girls didn’t have the courage to approach boys quite so casually.
“You’re good at dancing, aren’t you, Oriana? We were hoping you’d instruct us.”
From her vantage point, she wasn’t at a level where she could really teach other people. These girls had to be aware of that as well. They’d only come to her as a last resort.
“I’ll…see what I can do,” she said finally.
“Oriana!” Marina threw her arms around Oriana and squeezed her. The other girls soon joined in a group hug.
Oriana’s lips flapped helplessly; she never dreamed she’d be able to have such normal teenage experiences in this timeline. She wrapped her arms around her classmates and hugged them back fiercely.
❦❦❦
“…AND that’s why I was hoping to get the help of our male peers.”
“Yes, now I understand the situation. But perhaps you’d like to explain why you elected to approach Miguel for help?”
The note of anger in Vincent’s voice had Oriana trembling as she averted her gaze.
She’d visited Miguel after dinner to discuss the situation with him. He was sitting in a lounge, sucking on one of his lollipops as usual, and to no one’s great surprise, Vincent was sitting nearby.
After seeking permission to sit beside them, Oriana relayed her request to Miguel. She explained that the girls lacked actual dance practice and that she was hoping to enlist some of the more experienced male students to instruct them. Statistically, more male students attended the Academy than female students.
Many of them would be out of luck getting a partner for the ball if they couldn’t find someone among their underclassmen. That was why Oriana had passionately appealed that setting up a practice session would also help those male students who didn’t yet have partners to find someone. All the while, Vincent was directing an icy glare her way.
Which brings us back to now… Oriana thought.
“I am loath to bring this up,” said Vincent, “but it seems to me you rely a bit too readily on Miguel for help.”
“Yes, you have a point,” she conceded.
“What is he to you? Your brother? Your manservant?”
“You’re right… I’m sorry…”
In the face of Vincent’s legitimate criticism, Oriana could say nothing in her defense, instead shrinking back. True, she did try to seek Miguel out because she thought he’d be able to help her and because she didn’t think he would refuse. That was, admittedly, selfish.
Her father had drilled it into her that there was no such thing as a free lunch; all favors came with a price. Granted, the message he’d been trying to instill was that only family would help without ever asking anything in return.
“That’s a silly question,” Miguel chimed in. “We’re obviously close; I did attend her pajama party.”
Vincent’s glare went from icy to subzero as it bored into Oriana.
“Miguel…! I didn’t need your help there! I’m sure you said that on purpose, though. That’s the kind of person you are…” She avoided Vincent’s gaze as she shot a look over at Miguel. He beamed back like he was having the time of his life.
Damn you! Seeing that smile makes me want to forgive you!
“Oriana…”
She couldn’t expect any further help from Miguel. The life raft he’d thrown her was essentially made of mud anyway, so it hadn’t done her much good.
Oriana turned her head back toward Vincent, but she didn’t dare lift her chin to look up at him.
“You need to use a bit more reason when you think.”
“Yes, sir.”
“The girls from our class are the ones who asked for your help, right?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Then don’t you think you should have consulted the class president?”
Actually, that never occurred to me.
Since she feared she might freeze to death if she admitted as much, Oriana pursed her lips. Unfortunately, her silence didn’t save her; Vincent, who was their newly appointed class president, could already read her mind. His frigid gaze pierced right through her.
I’m turning into a popsicle. I can feel it! There’s icicles covering the top of my head right now.
Oriana was genuinely puzzled as to why he was so outraged about this. Her whole body trembled as she replied, “But Vincent, I heard you declined the position of prefect! I assumed you were busy, so…”
“I declined because the position carries great responsibility and honor. There were also others better suited for the task. In that regard, the class president largely runs miscellaneous errands for the professor, so it’s a way for someone like me to still be of service.”
Serving as a prefect at Lagen Magic Academy would earn one great prestige, something Vincent already had more than enough of. That was why he left the role to the commoners in their class, since they were the ones who often struggled when it came to job-hunting after graduation.
Vincent’s subtle act of kindness warmed Oriana’s heart. Derek was the one who’d become prefect, and although not part of the nobility, he was beloved by their underclassmen for his kindness and willingness to look after others. Everyone thought he was doing a splendid job.
After a long pause, Oriana said, “Okay. I think I understand now.”
“Understand what?”
“Basically, you’re telling me to go to Mr. Turkey instead, right?”
Silence stretched between them. After a few seconds, Miguel burst out laughing.
“You gotta give it to her. That was sound reasoning!”
Vincent reluctantly peeled his gaze away from Oriana, glaring briefly at Miguel before plopping down onto the sofa. He sank into the cushions, looking unusually exhausted.
Just to confirm her head hadn’t really iced over, Oriana reached her hands up to check. Her hair was a disheveled mess, but she was otherwise unscathed.
“Yes, thinking most logically, that would be the correct choice,” Vincent grudgingly admitted. Crestfallen, he peered at Oriana again. “Tell me, did it ever occur to you to rely on me?”
Unable to look him in the face, she cast her eyes down to her lap again.
Of course it did…
The idea of going to the class president had never occurred to her, but the moment she’d considered enlisting Miguel, she’d also thought briefly about asking Vincent as well.
I did want to ask you. I really did…
But she was afraid of him shooting her down.
It’d hurt her feelings if he refused her under normal circumstances, but it would be especially devastating in this case, since it was a ball only attended by partners. Then there was the added downside that without his aid, all the other girls would also resent her for failing to provide the help they sought. The shock from it all would be far beyond her ability to cope.
That was why, although she knew she could ask him, she’d opted to turn to Miguel instead. As underhanded as it was, she thought if Vincent overheard and showed interest, then she’d be safe asking for his assistance too. Oriana was normally a straightforward person, but she was willing to resort to trickery when it came to protecting her own lovelorn heart.
But this is just…weird. Why is he acting so intimidating? And why is he so angry?
No, perhaps the anger was entirely to do with her depending on Miguel too much.
“You mean since you’re the class president, I should have turned to you instead?” Oriana asked.
“Correct. Why else do you think I bothered taking the role of errand boy?”
“Uh…to help out the class and professors?”
“Yes, precisely. That’s exactly why,” Vince muttered defeatedly.
Miguel broke into another round of snickering.
Oriana had no clue what he found so amusing, but she glared at him, cursing him in her mind.
I hope that lollipop gets lodged in your throat.
That only made him laugh louder.
❦❦❦
THE very next day, Vincent negotiated with a professor on Oriana’s behalf, securing an empty classroom for their dance lessons. He even selected a number of upstanding boys from class that were interested and experienced enough to instruct everyone. Oriana couldn’t thank him enough.
Derek, the newly appointed prefect, was among those participating. There were others who weren’t confident in their dancing skills who also asked to attend, so the entire affair had a crowd much larger than anticipated. Most of the common-born male students also weren’t sure they could dance properly, and without this opportunity, they probably would’ve never worked up the courage to ask the girls to help them practice.
Sadly, Oriana couldn’t secure any female students who were talented at dancing, so while she wasn’t the most skilled, she was prepared to offer herself up as a practice partner.
Vincent went out of his way to get a classroom for us to practice in. Bowing out would be irresponsible of me at this point. At least it works out; I can supervise while I help the boys.
It’d be impossible for her to give detailed advice to each one of them, but fortunately, most already had the basics down. They simply needed a little courage and to get used to leading their partner.
Miguel also offered himself up for practice. He was a handsome, sociable young man who was kind to anyone and everyone. When the girls heard he would be helping, they squealed with delight.
The issue…was with the other boy trying to help them—Vincent Tanzine.
“And so…Mister Vincent,” Oriana started to say.
“What is it?”
“While I really appreciate your willingness to help out…”
“I can dance perfectly fine.”
Oriana nodded reluctantly. “Yes, I’m well aware of your ability to dance.”
“And you’re also helping instruct them, are you not?”
“I am, but that’s only because there aren’t many female students who know how to dance well.”
“Then our circumstances are no different.”
“That’s not what I’m trying to say…” Oriana hesitated. “It’s more like, there’s a right time and place…”
“Then this fits the bill perfectly.” Vincent stared back at her, utterly perplexed about what she was trying to say.
There were female students hanging behind Oriana, audibly gulping as they watched. They shot desperate, pleading looks her way. She nodded at them, fully aware of what they were silently trying to convey.
There isn’t a single girl here who wants to unwittingly step on a handsome future duke’s foot!
Vincent was perfectly aware of the prestige and obligations his status afforded him. So why was he so oblivious to the girls’ aversion to embarrassing themselves in front of him?
It was very clear that Vincent was a special student. He was calm and cheerful, and he treated everyone kindly, whether they were aristocrat or commoner. If anyone did make any slight against him, he’d let it pass. Granted, his personable demeanor made it hard for anyone to ever do such a thing to begin with.
Simply put, although he was part of the nobility, Vincent wasn’t pretentious like the others. Yet, he also held the duties his position entailed in higher esteem than anyone else. He was intelligent and talented at magic, had a handsome face and muscular build, spoke in a measured tone, and had a strong sense of responsibility. If one were to equate him to a pair of shoes, he’d be the expensive low heel flats one saved for a special occasion, not like the slippers one would trot out in on a rainy day.
“Then you mean to tell me I’m to just stand around like a useless scarecrow and watch?”
“You’ve already been plenty useful,” Oriana countered. “You got this room for us and you called the male students here.”
“That’s the past. We’re speaking of the present.”
What is with him? Why does he suddenly sound like a five-year-old protesting to his mommy that he wants to help out?
The female students were stealing nervous glances at Oriana, terrified they’d soured Vincent’s mood. They were no doubt hoping she could find the words to soothe him.
Carrying the weight of their expectations on her shoulders, Oriana timidly said, “But there’s another duty you’re more suited to…”
“Which is?” Vincent glanced at her, a pouty look on his face.
Nooo, stop! That’s too adorable!
Now Oriana was flustered for a very different reason. She didn’t want anyone else to see him looking this cute. In order to distract him, she decided to voice the plan she’d secretly come up with ever since he volunteered to help.
“You see, I was thinking it’d be a good idea if you offered to dance once with whichever girl improves herself the most during these lessons, as a sort of reward.”
Vincent’s brows shot up.
Cheers of approval echoed behind Oriana. When she glanced over her shoulder, the girls were all staring at her, eyes alight with expectation as they clasped their hands in front of their chests.
“Miss Elsha, that’s a brilliant idea!”
“A dance with Mister Tanzine? At the ball?”
“We’ll stake our lives on improving!”
“I feel so much more motivated now!”
All of the girls were smiling and bobbing their heads up and down in approval.
“Th-There, see?” Oriana stuttered. “They’re all pumped!”
“I fail to understand how practicing with them is inappropriate, but a single dance at the ball somehow isn’t,” Vincent muttered.
The girls were more enthusiastic than Oriana had expected, but she knew exactly how they felt.
Vincent was no mere pair of worn-down slippers; he was a pair of fashionable yet comfortable flats you picked out for your first date while your heart was still hammering in anticipation.
Most of the girls balked at the idea of even touching someone as special as Vincent, but when faced with the miracle of having a dance with him as the result of their own efforts to improve—well, that was something so unfathomably amazing that it’d leave them with good memories for years to come.
It was no easy feat to inspire such longing in the opposite sex that they’d want to savor the memory of dancing with you, but one dance with Vincent Tanzine gave these girls hope beyond their wildest imaginations.
“There you have it,” said Oriana. “Please offer yourself up as a reward for us girls.”
“I am still not convinced this makes any sense. But if this’ll really help motivate everyone, I will gladly volunteer myself.” Vincent smiled reluctantly as he conceded.
The girls squealed in delight, thrilled at the prospect of having him to themselves for one dance, and soon set about practicing.
❦❦❦
“UM…huh? I mean, uh, what’s with all the people?”
When Oriana visited the empty classroom where they were holding their dance lessons the next day, she had to tilt her head in confusion. There were clearly more people now than there had been. Specifically, the percentage of female students had inflated dramatically.
The room was packed with people split off into pairs. Among the new female students in attendance were some aristocrats. If the scene before Oriana were anything to go by, they were offering themselves up as practice dummies for the boys while also giving pointers to the girls who were less learned in the art.
Oriana was standing in the doorway, gaping at the scene before her, when a boy called out from behind her, “Would you mind moving?”
“Oh, pardon me.” She slipped out of his way and retreated to a corner of the room. As she went, she kept her eyes on the other students as they practiced, and in her distraction, she bumped into someone. “Oops! Sorry, I— Vincent? What are you doing in the corner?”
“The same thing you are, I imagine. Trying to stay out of everyone’s way.”
Oriana scrunched her face and laughed. Vincent was a future duke, yet he’d been relegated to the corner like an unneeded broom or dustpan. She wasn’t even sure how to comment on that.
“I wonder why there’s so many more people all of a sudden,” Oriana marveled. “Is everyone that eager to practice?”
“I haven’t the faintest idea.”
Although she proposed as much, she was convinced it wasn’t the practice attracting them. The majority of new faces were all women already plenty skilled in dance. As she observed the girls from her corner of the room, Oriana noticed many of them looking her way. No, actually, the focus of their attention wasn’t her—it was Vincent. They were all stealing glances at him.
That’s it! The reward!
They were after the opportunity to share a dance with Vincent Tanzine at the school ball. Naturally, the other female students must’ve realized that if they didn’t participate, they wouldn’t be in the running.
Wow, how greedy and calculating.
Still, they were doing a big service by helping the boys who couldn’t dance. Oriana could never have perfectly taught them all if she’d been the only one instructing. This was an unexpected development, but she was glad for the assistance.
“I’m guessing they all want a chance to dance with you.”
“Indeed.”
Oriana had only informed him because she thought he was unaware of their aims, but he showed no surprise at the revelation.
“Wait. You mean you knew?”
“I am…accustomed to this sort of attention,” Vincent said dispassionately as he leaned his back against the wall.
Oriana was at a loss for words. The expression on his face was not one she’d ever seen before—not even on Vince. This was probably Vincent-the-aristocrat instead of schoolmate-Vincent, and sadly, there seemed to be an air of loneliness about him.
“I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to use you.”
“I was there as everything played out, so I’m well aware that wasn’t your aim. Besides, I know what my value is in the eyes of others. I’m too used to this for it to bother me. You needn’t feel bad.”
Oriana must have looked utterly dejected, because he turned his gaze to her and expelled a sigh before smiling.
“When you proposed the girls have a dance with me as a form of reward, I realized you really are a merchant’s daughter.” He continued, “Regardless of my personal preferences, I was taught to oblige whoever approached me. But you’re different. You understand what it is people desire, and although perhaps unconsciously, you know how to garner their interest and get them engaged. There’s no reason for you to apologize. You should be proud of yourself for possessing such a talent.”
Not having expected such a compliment, Oriana was left staring back at him dumbfounded. Her cheeks heated. This was the first time she’d ever been complimented like this in her entire life—her previous one included. She pressed her hands over her feverish cheeks, inwardly squealing.
Vincent’s voice turned solemn as he went on, “Anyway, I didn’t really mind. I will admit to being frustrated that you disregarded our classmates’ consideration and focused only on my value to them, but I only accepted because I thought this would yield greater benefits.”
“Wait…you knew this would happen?” Oriana lifted her head in surprise—not at his resentful complaints but at the last few words he’d said.
Vincent kept his attention on the other students, not bothering to look her way as he said, “I told you. I know what my value is.”
“So basically, you knew this many girls would flock to our practice, but you accepted because you thought the pros outweigh the cons?”
“Correct.”
The shock hit her like a blow to the gut. Although, any surprise she felt at Vincent’s frankness about his sexual appeal soon gave way to sympathy as she realized the other common-born girls in the class would never get another opportunity to dance with him outside of this. With these new girls participating in their little contest, the chances of the common-born girls winning dropped dramatically.
If…if this is how it’s going to be, I should be participating. I also want a chance to dance with Vincent—even if only one time…
Oriana could empathize with the other girls so well because she felt exactly the same way.
“Y-You’re terrible,” she mumbled.
“Nonsense. I’m simply honest with myself.”
“But everyone’s working so hard just for the chance to dance with you…”
“You already stated that the one who improves the most will win. Those who are already skilled at dance aren’t going to dramatically improve and become masters in this short amount of time.”
It reassured Oriana to know he was showing such consideration to the common-born girls.
“Hm?” Oriana tilted her head. “Hold on. Then why are you so happy about there being more female students participating?”
Vincent tsked. Oriana couldn’t believe it—Vincent, the well-mannered duke heir, clicking his tongue? She had to do a double-take.
“Because I realized my mistake,” Vincent admitted reluctantly. “By which I mean, bringing those boys who also needed dancing practice. I wouldn’t say I regret it because they do genuinely need help. But, on a personal level, I found myself wishing I had left them be.”
“What? Why? Everyone was so happy to have the opportunity to practice.”
Vincent scowled as he stared straight ahead, refusing to look at her. “You’re the only girl among them who can dance, right?”
“…Right.”
“Teaching that many people by yourself would be difficult.”
“Oh, I guess I see your point…? Thanks. That was sweet of you to show such consideration for me.”
“What I’m trying to say is I did this out of my own self-interest,” Vincent said awkwardly, cutting their conversation off.
Although she was grateful for his thoughtfulness, Oriana couldn’t keep up with these strange changes in his behavior. She stared at him, blinking several times in confusion. Seconds later, the door beside her burst open, causing her shoulders to jump in surprise.
Miguel and Yana strolled in with Azraq and the teacher of magical history, Professor Wilton, behind them.
“Goodness. What is this?” Professor Wilton muttered in mute amazement as she stared at the classroom of thirty or so students.
All of the students who’d been practicing noticed Professor Wilton and turned their attention toward the door.
“Who among you is responsible for these lessons?” the teacher demanded.
Oriana, who’d been leaning against the wall, stood up a little straighter. If a professor had come all the way here, there had to be some kind of problem. Perhaps they were in for a scolding because there were more students present now than when they submitted forms requesting approval to borrow the room. Whatever the case, Oriana was the one who’d proposed the arrangement.
She stepped forward. “That would be me, Professor Wilton. I called the other students together for this.”
“I was the one who reached out to the male students, and I was also the one who submitted the request to borrow the classroom,” Vincent said, moving in front of Oriana as if to shield her.
“Oriana Elsha and Vincent Tanzine…” The professor’s eyes grew misty and she pulled out a handkerchief to dab at them. “As embarrassing as it is to admit, I didn’t realize until now just how many of our students needed this help…”
Oriana gawked. Apparently, their teacher wasn’t angry at them.
“There’s no way a classroom of this size can adequately accommodate you all,” Professor Wilton said as she swept her gaze across the room. “I will request permission to use the assembly hall.”
The students who’d been watching the exchange with bated breath cried out in delight.
“Moreover, I will negotiate to see if we can have a teacher help instruct you all until the day of the ball. I wish I could take on the duty all by myself, but alas, I’ve other classes and ball preparations to attend to. I’m afraid I won’t be able to help the whole time.”
It was a shocking level of accommodation, considering they weren’t an official club or anything.
“That’s still more than enough. We’re ever so grateful for your help, Professor Wilton. Thank you,” said Oriana, clasping her hands together.
The petite Professor Wilton only shook her head. “No, no. I should be the one expressing my gratitude. It should ordinarily be the adults’ duty to respond to the students’ appeals. Alas, we hadn’t the time to adjust our curriculum before the ball this year. I will swear to you that we’ll take the students’ wishes to heart more starting next year, but I do realize that’s a bit too late, since the lot of you will be graduating this year.”
Although the professor had already seen hundreds of students graduate over the years, her eyes still filled with sorrow. But the emotion was gone almost as quickly as it appeared, and a smile stretched across her pale face.
“Now then, everyone, let’s move this lesson to the assembly hall.”
❦❦❦
“SO, Yana, you’re the one who brought Professor Wilton?” asked Oriana.
“No, just the opposite.”
The students were able to practice their dancing much more comfortably in the spacious assembly hall. Meanwhile, Oriana and Yana had taken some seats at the edge of the room where they could observe everyone else.
“I heard you were doing something that sounded interesting, and as I was headed to the classroom to take a peek myself, Professor Wilton snagged me. I’d no idea how much of the faculty’s approval you had for what you were doing, so I thought to shake her off. But Miguel, who was passing by, suggested we bring her to see you.”
“Haah… I owe more to the eldest son of the Ferveiras than I’ll ever be able to repay.”
“You can say that again.” Yana continued wistfully, “He really is observant of others. If I could manage to take him back with me to Ete Karima, I am sure the king would be delighted.”
Oriana froze like a block of ice. Even Azraq, who was standing nearby, turned his gaze toward Yana, wide-eyed.
She’s…trying to headhunt him!
That was a troubling thought. Miguel would inherit the Hydrangea Earldom in the future. All nobility in Amanecer, earls included, were given a seat in the House of Lords, in addition to their role of regional management and administration.
“H-H-Hold up there a minute! Our country needs him. I mean it! Well, more importantly, Vincent needs him.”
Miguel was necessary to the country as a nobleman, but that wasn’t Oriana’s true concern. He was the only person Vincent considered a real friend, so she didn’t want Yana to take him away.
Yana snickered, amused at how panicked her friend was, but she didn’t play it off by saying she was simply teasing as she usually did. Instead, she turned her gaze to Miguel, who was surrounded by a group of other girls.
“This dance is a waltz, yes?”
“Yeah, that’s the only dance we’re doing at the ball.”
“Very well.” Yana slipped out of her seat. “In that case, I think I will see what our intensely popular instructor can teach me.”
“Y-Yana?!” Oriana stammered.
Yana gave no pause, moving as softly as a tiny bird as she navigated through the waves of people. When she reached Miguel, the people crowding him gave way for her. She spoke only a couple of words to the boy before the two of them stepped away from everyone else.
Miguel placed his hands in the proper position and Yana smoothly pressed herself close to him. With his hand against her back, Miguel gently tipped her, and Yana leaned into his touch. The two moved in sync, as if it came as naturally as breathing to them.
In an instant, they had everyone’s attention. Neither paid the spotlight any mind, instead confidently continuing their display. They suited each other perfectly. From status to beauty to gracefulness, there could be no better match.
Although Oriana was captivated by them at first, she soon peeled her gaze away and turned to Azraq. He stared at them as one would stare at a bright, distant star, far beyond reach.
Oriana could find no words to offer him, and she didn’t really think it appropriate for her to do so in the first place. Instead, she returned her gaze to Miguel and Yana. He had his lips drawn to her ear and was whispering something—a joke, probably, to make her laugh. When they spun around, Yana’s face finally came into view, and it was bright red. Oriana had never seen her friend blush so much before.
What did Miguel say to her?
A loud noise drew Oriana’s attention to the spot beside her where Azraq had been standing guard. He was now moving toward the exit.
“Azraq…?”
“Sorry, Elsha. I just remembered there is something I need to do. I will be in the hall. Come find me if anything happens to Lady Yana.”
“…Okay,” she said after a pause. “Got it.”
It was normal for Azraq to take his leave sometimes; the two weren’t so conjoined at the hip that they stayed together day and night at the Academy.
But he’s a terrible liar. If he really did have something to do, he wouldn’t have mentioned waiting outside in the hallway.
Oriana clutched at her chest. She shared Azraq’s pain.
❦❦❦
THE students were in a tizzy following Yana’s dance with Miguel. They must’ve also thought the two looked like lovers. Yana usually maintained a constant poker face, so her rosy cheeks caught everyone’s attention. In addition to the freshly sprouting rumors about the relationship between them, there was another burden Yana had to shoulder: her trial.
“Enough!”
In the Academy courtyard, two men were facing one another. The boy serving as witness lifted his hand to stay the two. The duty of observing these duels was always entrusted to someone who could remain impartial. This time, like all others, it was an ordinary male student whose face the competitors probably wouldn’t remember the next time they met.
A fourth-year boy was kneeling on the ground, huffing and puffing as he peered up at Azraq. Though he’d a wooden sword in his right hand, his arm hung limp, unable to summon the strength to fight anymore. His other hand trembled as he clutched at his stomach, where Azraq had pummeled him moments prior.
“The match goes to Azraq Zalena!”
The observer’s proclamation caused a commotion among the onlookers. Applause and cheers soon followed.
Other boys had been challenging Azraq for six days straight now. As the day of the ball encroached, many made their move in hopes of securing Yana as their partner.
A wall of bodies lined the area around Azraq and the fourth-year; students had crowded in, hoping to get a glimpse of the action. As soon as the match was over, Yana gracefully slipped over to Azraq, her face shining with pride.
“Splendid work, Azraq. Are you not injured?”
“I took a few minor blows. Nothing for you to concern yourself with.”
“Well, courtesy of your victory, I retain the honor of seeing you to the infirmary.” Yana grinned, but Azraq only offered a bitter smile in return. Considering how minor his injuries were, he was less than enthusiastic about going with her. Still, as always, he made no complaints.
Oriana watched them leave, having no intention of intruding. Once they were off, she started back toward the main school building. As she made her way down the roofed sidewalk, someone suddenly popped out in front of her.
“Oriana, did you see that match a moment ago?”
“Oh, Marina!”
Thanks to their dance lessons, the two had become close enough to refer to one another by their first names.
“From what I hear, it’s one of the customs in their desert country. Sure took me by surprise. Apparently, the boys already knew all about it,” Marina mumbled, eyes gleaming with fascination. She was the intelligent sort, and the topic of other countries’ customs probably fueled her curiosity.
Yana’s trial was something unknown to all but a select group of students, or at least it had been until recently. Thanks to the rumors of Miguel and Yana, word of her trial had spread throughout the entire school. This led to a dramatic increase in challengers approaching Azraq for duels.
“You know,” Marina continued, “I always got the feeling those two weren’t really the master-bodyguard type. Now it makes sense; she’s a princess and he’s her knight.”
“Aren’t those the same things?”
“Tsk, tsk! Miss Oriana, you really don’t get it, do you?” Marina wagged her finger.
Oriana kept her lips pursed and leaned forward, silently encouraging the other girl to continue.
“Allow me to enlighten you. A princess is someone whose heart and body are protected by her knight. That’s the traditional definition everyone knows.”
“Right.”
“As for the knight, his job is to shred and dispose of any would-be suitors.”
“Azraq may dispose of challengers in the sense of beating them, but he doesn’t ‘shred’ anyone,” Oriana interjected.
“It’s a figure of speech.”
“All right.”
“Basically,” Marina went on, “Azraq Zalena is protecting Yana Nova Mahathin’s chastity. And he’s the one and only person who can keep her unmarried forever!”
“Um…okay?”
“That’s more realistic, passionate, and romantic than a promise of eternal love, don’t you think?”
As the implications of that sunk in, Oriana closed her eyes and let her emotions drain away, donning a mask of ignorance. Her face resembled that of a sunbathing cat, oblivious to everything else happening around it.
“What is it, Oriana?”
“I’m going to pretend I heard nothing.”
“What?”
“It’s going in one ear and right out the other.”
“You’re just repeating yourself now, but I get your drift.”
Oriana clasped her own cheeks and squished them. She didn’t think it was right to acknowledge Yana’s feelings until she confessed them herself.
“Well, since you seem to have your reasons for not wanting to talk about that, let’s switch topics.”
Oriana nodded. “I would be most grateful.”
“In that case…”
“Yes?”
“When are you going to invite him?”
“Invite who?”
The conversation had changed course, but Oriana was having difficulty following along, staring blankly at Marina.
“Why, Mister Tanzine, of course.”
“What? Why? You mean invite him to try dueling?”
That was most certainly not something she wanted him to do. Oriana didn’t doubt Azraq’s ability, but on the off chance he lost to Vincent, she’d end up in a puddle of her own tears.
“Forget dueling. I told you I was changing the topic! In fact, this is the real reason I hunted you down. When are you going to invite him to be your partner?”
The moment Marina’s true objective became clear, Oriana’s face soured. She’d rebuffed a number of other students recently, all asking her the same question. In truth, she wanted to forget this partner business.
It’ll only make me upset if I think about it.
Everything that awaited them in the coming weeks and months were things she’d already been through in her previous life as Vince’s girlfriend. This time was different since they weren’t dating, but in her last timeline, this was about the time their relationship started. She couldn’t help but frequently recall memories of the day he’d invited her to be his partner. It was all so vivid—his voice, the expression on his face, the bouquet he offered, and his blushing cheeks.
But there’s nothing I can do.
She was deeply hurt and suffering because of it.
I couldn’t get him to fall for me this time. And without love, there’s no hope for us, is there?
Oriana wasn’t particularly special. All of the girls who loved Vincent were steeped in anguish at not having their affections returned. The only difference was that this time, she counted herself among them.
In order to keep her gloomy tangle of emotions hidden, Oriana feigned cheerfulness as she blurted, “I’m not inviting him!”
“What? You’re not? Why?!”
Oriana could almost anticipate her adding, “Seriously, after how much you cling to him?” No sooner had she thought that than Mariana hollered that very same line.
Nonetheless, Oriana said, “I simply have no intention of inviting him, and that’s that.”
“But you realize Mister Tanzine has turned down every girl who has invited him, right?”
Oriana screwed up her face.
Of course, Vincent being who he was, he was extremely popular. Still, she’d experienced for herself how unapproachable he could be when they’d had their falling out. She thought more people would be dissuaded from inviting him for that reason, but seeing as the ball was the school’s biggest social event, people were eager to make lasting memories of the occasion.
Ordinarily, Vincent was like an ultra-high class decoration to be admired from afar, so it was only natural people would jump at the chance to have him for themselves, if even just once. It was almost like a prize for their long five years here at Lagen Magic Academy. That was probably part of the reason why Marina was so surprised Oriana wasn’t throwing her lot in too; Oriana had the luxury of enjoying Vincent’s company daily, but for whatever reason, she wouldn’t even bring up the topic of going to the ball with him.
“If he’s already refused everyone else, then all the more reason I shouldn’t invite him.”
She already knew her invite would displease him. There was no sense in going out of her way to get her feelings hurt. If today were her birthday, perhaps she could use that to her advantage to get him to accept. But alas, she’d already played that card before.
“Don’t you think he’s refusing everyone else because he’s waiting for you?” Marina pressed her.
“Ahaha!”
If that were the case, Vincent would have already invited her.
After all, that’s what he did in my last life.
The fact that he hadn’t made his move proved he’d no interest in going with her. Oriana read his signals loud and clear.
Yes, but maybe…just maybe—I mean, for argument’s sake…
She’d humored the idea he might invite her as a trusted friend rather than a romantic partner, but waiting around for him any more than she already had would only make her feel more pathetic. It was about time for her to look for a different partner.
“I am not going to invite him,” Oriana declared. “And I’m not going with him to the ball.”
“Okay… I guess he’ll end up going with Sharon then.”
“Miss Beezel?” Oriana’s shoulders jumped. Sharon was the girl who’d stuck by his side in the wake of their fight. It was only after the two reconciled that Sharon had returned to being just another classmate, keeping her distance. At the very least, she hadn’t approached Vincent while Oriana was with him.
“Before our long break, Sharon was talking about it. She said she’d already made a promise with Mister Tanzine that the two would go to the ball together. It was way too early for people to be deciding on partners, so I didn’t really buy into what she was saying at the time.”
Oriana swallowed hard. If Vincent were to partner up with someone else, she knew the odds were in Sharon’s favor. The two had been engaged when they were younger. And even in her previous timeline, other students speculated the two would go together.
So he’s picked her…
Oriana was disappointed in herself for being so shocked over it. Nonetheless, she tried to put on a brave front.
“Well…that must be why he turned the other girls down.”
“Maybe you’re right,” Marina admitted. “Sorry for asking, Oriana.”
“Nah, it’s fine,” Oriana said. She tried to smile, but she had a feeling it looked as forced as it felt.
❦❦❦
AMIDST the dance lessons, exams, and the trouble surrounding Yana’s trial, Oriana had completely forgotten to search for a partner. Her father had strictly ordered her to attend, and regardless of all else, she did want to see Vincent there in his formal attire.
If she had her druthers, she’d prefer to stare at him all night long, bathed in the gleaming light of the chandeliers. It didn’t matter if Sharon was his partner. Vincent was still Vincent. She wouldn’t overlook any opportunity to gaze upon his radiant form.
For that very reason, she needed a partner. The most obvious candidate was Miguel, but given how popular he was with the other students, she figured he was already taken. Vincent had also chided her before for over-relying on Miguel, so she hesitated to go straight to him for another favor.
Oriana was acquainted with very few of the male students. Strictly speaking, she did know some of them from her previous life, although they didn’t know her. There were several more issues with this idea. Namely, they were all in a different class than her, and in this lifetime, she’d only spoken with some of them. Oriana could hardly even call them acquaintances at this point, so she was skeptical that any would readily accept an invitation from her.
Well, maybe if I let Lucian grope my chest a little, he might— No, I still don’t want to resort to that…
Oriana recalled her former friend who’d a great affinity for women—mainly their bodies, really—but she quickly shook her head, dismissing the thought. She valued herself too much to do that, and she’d be in a real bind if he somehow fell for her. Plus, given they were friends in her past life, she didn’t want to start down that path.
“Ughhhh”
After groaning and racking her brain, Oriana was forced to soldier forward since it was time for their dance lessons.
❦❦❦
ORIANA poked her head into the assembly hall. Beside the open door sat the teacher who was supervising them. Today’s coach was the chronically exhausted Professor Heinz.
“Oh, hey. It’s our leading star.”
“Yes, I’m here to help out again,” Oriana said.
“If you’re looking for Tanzine, he’s over there.” The professor puffed on a pipe as he nodded his head to a crowd of students. Vincent stood out among their group. He was explaining to the male students where exactly they should position their hands when holding their partner.
When Vincent glanced in her direction, Oriana promptly turned her head away, averting her eyes. She surveyed the room, and as soon as she spotted the person she was looking for, she hurried toward them, slipping through the sea of bodies.
There was a massive crowd in the assembly hall. After hearing that Professor Wilton had officially recognized these lessons, more students had flooded in. It left the place bustling with more activity than ever. If one looked closely, one would notice that people were beginning to partner with the same person for practice. If Oriana didn’t make haste, she’d soon be scrambling to find anyone to take to the ball.
There was a table and chairs at the edge of the room, where Derek Turkey had retreated to take a break. Oriana quickly made her way over to him. She’d considered many possible candidates, but the only one she genuinely thought might accept her invitation was Derek.
That said, he might already have a partner.
Simple as he was, he was a good person and he was the current prefect.
At least if he’s the one who turns me down, it won’t sting at all.
Granted, it might make things a bit awkward for Derek, but that was hardly worth worrying about. It was no different than asking someone, “Do you have this item in your store?”
As Oriana booked it over to Derek, he noticed her. He dabbed the sweat from his face with the towel around his neck as he glanced up at her. “Miss Elsha? Did something happen?”
Derek most likely never imagined, even in his wildest dreams, that she was about to invite him to the ball. He simply assumed there was some kind of issue, and she’d come to report it to him.
Even he assumes I would have no other reason for approaching him! I can’t believe I’m thinking of inviting him after how little I’ve interacted with my classmates… This is what I get for talking about nothing but Vincent these past five years!
Oriana furrowed her brows, the guilt etched on her face. “I’m sorry. It’s not that anything happened, actually.”
“Really? Well, that’s good to hear.”
“Um, so it’s about the ball. Have you already decided who you’re going with?”
“Bwuh?!” Derek squeaked. It was a sound only someone caught completely off-guard could ever make.
“I apologize for surprising you. I know the question is pretty sudden.”
The way he gaped at her in disbelief said everything that his mouth wouldn’t: he was puzzled as to why she was inviting him.
Now grossly uncomfortable, Oriana hurried to blurt out what she’d come to say. “Um, if it’s at all possible—and assuming you don’t already have someone to go with—I was hoping—”
“Oriana.”
Derek’s face grew deathly pale, his mouth still ajar. If she didn’t know better, she’d have thought he’d seen a gruesome monster.
Oriana blinked several times before glancing over her shoulder. Vincent was standing there.
“Vincent? Did you call my name just now?”
“I did.”
“What is it? Did something happen?”
Oriana naturally assumed something was amiss. Curiously, it was the same question Derek had asked her moments ago.
Vincent scowled. “Apologies, but there’s something I need to confirm with you.”
“Is it urgent?”
“Yes. It is.”
Oriana hesitated, glancing between Vincent and Derek. It seemed awkward to invite the latter with Vincent watching.
“Could you wait just a moment?”
“No, I cannot,” Vincent said without missing a beat.
Whatever the situation, it must be urgent.
Oriana furrowed her brows—at herself, for following her own heart.
Her father had strictly ordered her to attend the ball, and she wanted to go so she could glimpse Vincent’s formal attire. To that end, she’d no choice but to invite Derek. At the same time, if she put that on a scale and weighed it against Vincent’s urgent request to go with him, her heart more heavily valued the latter.
“I’m sorry, Mister Turkey. If you wouldn’t mind, let’s continue this conversation later.”
“Uh, sure.”
“Excuse us. I will be borrowing her for a bit.” Vincent plastered a smile on his face, and as if to express his own innocence in the matter, Derek raised both hands in surrender.
❦❦❦
ORIANA followed Vincent out of the assembly hall, but they barely made it a few steps before he was flagged down.
“Vincent!”
Very few students would call out his name like that here at Lagen Magic Academy. When Oriana glimpsed the person chasing after them, her body went rigid. It was Sharon Beezel who, like Vincent, had radiant blonde hair which streamed behind her as she walked. Her eyes were filled with panic.
Oriana didn’t particularly hate Sharon. The two had spent their last four years together as classmates. She knew enough about the other girl to realize she tried to be kind and considerate to everyone. She suspected that was a trait both Sharon and Vincent had inherited from family, since the two were related, after all.
The issue predated Oriana’s fight with Vincent. In her mind, Sharon occupied a special spot. She’d been engaged to Vincent when they were younger, albeit only for a short time. That was still something that’d weighed on Oriana for the longest time. Vincent assured her that it was an agreement their parents settled upon, but circumstances aside, Sharon still enjoyed a privilege Oriana would likely never have for her entire life.
“Impeccable timing,” said Sharon. “There’s something I wanted to speak with you about—”
“Apologies, but I’m in a hurry.”
“I need only a minute or two.”
The two spoke in clipped tones, accustomed to pressing the other person into acquiescing.
“Sharon was talking about it. She said she’d already made a promise with Mister Tanzine that the two would go to the ball together.”
Marina’s words echoed in her mind, unbidden.
Unlike Oriana’s previous life, Vincent wasn’t dating her. It was none of her business who he showered with kindness, spoke alone with, or invited to the ball. She’d no right to chastise him for it.
Perhaps Sharon had come to speak with him about the ball. If that were the case, it was a conversation Oriana didn’t care to overhear. She slinked toward the wall.
Vincent immediately noticed her attempt to escape, pinning her with a glare. “Where do you think you’re going?”
“I…uh…figured you guys needed to talk.”
It would be agony to hear you and her have that conversation. It’s painful enough seeing you speak to her right now. But I don’t even have the right to say that to you, given we’re just friends.
Oriana could pretend to be a spoiled child with him, but she dared not to actually presume on his kindness.
When we were dating, I took it all for granted—I thought it was natural for two people in love to be the way we were. Now I realize how much I was letting him spoil me.
Since Vincent was treating her as a friend, she couldn’t bring herself to step over that boundary. A friend wouldn’t talk about feeling agonized in this situation.
I can’t cling to him, but I can’t tell him to leave me alone either.
As Oriana retreated a step, Vincent glared at her.
“Do you really think I’d stop to speak with her? And do you plan on running off to Turkey in the meantime?”
Well, if possible, I’d like to go back so I can get an answer from him.
Although she was hesitant to interrupt him during dance practice.
As Oriana waffled back and forth without giving a definite answer, Vincent’s eyes narrowed further. Beside him, Sharon gave her an apologetic look.
“I’m sorry, Miss Elsha. Would you mind if I… Just for a few minutes?”
“No, be my guest. Go ahead,” Oriana blurted instinctively.
That pause in the middle of Sharon’s sentence was intentional, and Oriana got the distinct feeling the missing words were not “Would you mind if I borrow him” but rather, “Would you mind if I take him back.”
Vincent glowered at Oriana, silently scolding her for answering on his behalf. “Wait here a moment,” he commanded.
“Uh, actually…”
“Right here.”
“Ummm…”
Oriana continued repeating the same noncommittal answer. She didn’t really want him to see how crushed she was that he was prioritizing Sharon, and she also didn’t want to obey his orders.
Plus, he seems angry. That’s unsettling. And now I feel a bit annoyed. I just want to run away. If he wants to talk, we can do it later. Just let me escape for now.
Wiggling her way back into his good graces could wait until later. For right now, she needed to put her own mental recovery first, lest she risk taking her emotions out on him.
“I want you to wait here.”
Oriana’s face puckered with reluctance. “Uh-huh.”
Vincent grabbed her wrist, and she heard a whistle of air being sucked between teeth. She didn’t register at first that it was her own teeth until seconds later. As far as she could remember, the time with her fever aside, Vincent had never once willingly touched her in this timeline. Left with no other choice, he’d fend her off when she tried to cling to him. But outside of that, this was the first time he’d ever grabbed her of his own volition.
Because he’s a gentleman. It’s not in his nature to touch a girl without getting her permission first.
Of course, that wasn’t a rule here at the school. Plenty of boys and girls touched each other on a daily basis which rendered the whole proper etiquette point moot. Still, Oriana knew that Vincent held steadfastly to being a gentleman, no matter his surroundings.
Oriana stared down at her wrist, eyes wide as her brain struggled to process what’d happened.
Pleased to see her acting obedient, not unlike a freshly leashed dog, Vincent turned back toward Sharon. Sharon said nothing, and the two stepped a few feet away to talk.
Oriana tried to distract her thoughts, so she didn’t eavesdrop on the conversation, but with them standing so close, it was impossible. The topic was the ball, as she’d anticipated. Apparently, Sharon wanted to ask Vincent’s opinion on her dress. Vincent didn’t see the urgency in the matter and was clearly disgruntled, but he kept up his polite pretense. Even though he was in a hurry himself, he was too much of a gentleman to dismiss a girl looking to him for assistance.
The conversation was totally private, which made it all the more uncomfortable to overhear. Oriana tried to turn away, but she could still feel the lingering touch of his hand on her wrist, which rooted her in place.
It wasn’t like I was trying to run away. And it wasn’t like I was pretending so I could get his attention, either.
Although she couldn’t blame anyone for interpreting it that way. She’d probably looked like a sulky child throwing a fit to get her way. Sharon must have thought so, judging by the way her brows had shot up to her hairline as she’d watched the two.
Alas, Oriana had no choice but to wait for their conversation to be over.
Why’re you making me listen to this?
She was on the verge of losing her temper with Vincent.
Is this your way of telling me I don’t have a chance with you? You don’t have to go that far! I’m not foolish enough to ask you to the ball.
“My apologies for interrupting you two, Miss Elsha,” said Sharon.
As Oriana was busy spacing out, their conversation must have come to an end. She jerked around to look at Sharon, but Vincent grabbed her and started dragging her away.
“We’ll be off then.” Vincent wasted no time bidding Sharon farewell before he left, and Oriana had no choice but to be swept along.
Since she’d tuned out their conversation, Oriana had no idea how it’d ended, but regardless, Vincent still planned to talk to her about something—whatever that was. He insistently tugged her along by the hand, which was very unlike him.
Oriana cast a glance over her shoulder. Sharon was watching them leave, her lips pulled tight.
Seeing Sharon on the brink of tears brought the anxiety flooding in. As Vincent charged on ahead, Oriana’s hand in his grasp, she glanced up at his back. Was the way he’d handled all of that really a good idea?
By prioritizing Oriana, he’d made it look like the two were more than friends. He’d effectively spurned the girl he was taking to the dance when all she wanted was to gush about the upcoming ball and the dress she planned to wear. What little conscience Oriana had ached with guilt.
I wonder if he explained things properly—that he only wants to confirm something with me, and there’s nothing more to it than that.
Oriana chastised herself for wasting her time thinking such things. Vincent and Sharon were close enough to be partners. They didn’t need her concern.
As they turned out of the hallway and cut across the garden, Oriana grew more anxious, wondering where they were going. Vincent didn’t stop until they were at the back of the school building, which was completely deserted.
After a small pause, Vincent explained, “The girl who interrupted us is my cousin.”
“Huh?”
“I owe much to her father. The two of us met often when we were younger, so she likely feels more relaxed around me. Although the type of dress she wears has nothing to do with me.”
“Okay…?”
Vincent must not have expected her to react that way because he frowned, his words running together as he hurriedly went on, “The two of us were engaged but only for a very short time—nothing more than a blink of an eye, I assure you. And that engagement has been completely nullified.”
“Oh, yes. I know that.” Oriana bobbed her head.
Vincent knitted his brows and stared at her. “Why? Only my closest relatives should be privy to such—” No sooner had the words left his mouth than the realization dawned on him. His glare turned even more hostile than it’d ever been before. “Vince must’ve told you.”
Oriana nodded.
A heavy silence ensued.
To Vincent, this was probably a heavily guarded secret. He’d probably hoped to elicit some sort of reaction from her by confiding it. Alas, since she already knew about it, he was left scowling.
“But Vincent, you are going to the ball with Sharon, aren’t you?”
“What, did Vince tell you that too?”
The two hadn’t spoken of the Vince from her previous lifetime lately. Now she realized that their relationship had been all the calmer for it. The passing mention of him was enough to get Vincent’s feathers ruffled.
“Then so be it. If that’s what you desire, I shall dance with her.”
Desire, my butt! I never said a word about wanting you to go with her!
Oriana’s brows furrowed at the cruel accusation. She was at a loss for words, unsure of how to respond—or even if she should. Her lips pulled tight as she kept her silence.
“By the way…” Vincent was the one who broke the silence, unable to let it linger between them. “Who did you dance with in your previous timeline? It seems only fair you should share, since you apparently already know who I danced with.” He spoke with bitter contempt, making it clear he had no real desire to hear the answer.
It wasn’t as if Oriana had cheated and looked into the future. She huffed, “You.”
“…Pardon?”
“I’m saying it was you—you were my partner in my past life!”
He gawked at her, brows drawn. “You mean to say Sharon and I did not go together?”
“No. I was talking about this timeline. The one you’re going with this time is Sharon, right? Last time, I was the one you went with.”
Oriana’s cheeks flushed. Even the air felt hot as it rushed down her throat and into her lungs. Her inner voice of reason was chastising her for saying such a thing—and for the words that threatened to follow—but the anger boiling in her chest had nowhere else to go. Her raging emotions drowned out any logic she might have otherwise employed.
“Because…you brought me a bouquet! And told me how much you liked me!”
Her face was brighter than the reddest tomato by this point. Dying of embarrassment, she clapped both hands over her cheeks, writhing in place. Vincent must’ve interpreted her meltdown as gushing over nostalgic memories because he let out a long, drawn-out sigh.
“It seems I stand no chance of victory at anything when competing with Vince.”
Oriana thought her words might provoke his anger—might make him disparage his former self, but contrary to her expectations, his voice sounded fatigued instead. She forgot her anger and embarrassment and scrutinized Vincent.
He schooled his expression, steeling himself with determination as he glanced her way. “You are to stay here. Understood?”
“Uh, what?”
“You are not to move from this spot. Not a single step.”
“Um…”
“Please. I ask you to promise me you will remain here until I return.” His eyes were so earnest as they pierced right through her.
Timidly, Oriana nodded. She had no idea what was going on, but all she had to do was wait for him, right?
“Got it. I’ll stay here then.”
“I’ll return as swiftly as I am able.” With that, he turned, his robe fluttering behind him as he strode away. He wasn’t even trying to speed-walk—he was outright sprinting.
I think this might be the first time I’ve ever seen Vincent run.
Oriana leaned her back against the wall, miffed at herself for unconsciously finding him so attractive and annoyed at Vincent for being so appealing to begin with.
❦❦❦
WHEN Vincent returned, he held a tiny bouquet in his hands. Closer inspection revealed they were all flowers and wild grasses from the nearby forest. He was scowling too, as if disgruntled. Tiny beads of sweat were running down his forehead, and his normally perfectly groomed hair was disheveled. Even his pant legs were covered in mud and dried grass. It looked like he’d gone running through a field or something.
“This was all I could prepare,” he admitted bitterly as he thrust it toward her.
Although utterly bewildered at what was happening, Oriana managed to straighten herself and tottered forward.
“Now you will dance with me, yes?”
No sooner had Oriana accepted the bouquet than she fell to her knees, with such force that Vincent recoiled in shock.
“What’s the matter?!”
“Nnngh… I will! I’ll dance with you!” Oriana managed to squeak out, face puckered.
It felt as if Cupid’s arrow had struck her square in the heart. Her heart ached from the flood of emotion, leaving her utterly breathless—a sensation she’d never experienced to this degree before.
Vincent grunted in response, and even that was so adorable and endearing that she couldn’t handle it. She buried her face in the dirt below.
What warmed her heart more than anything was not that the two of them were partners again. Nor that Vincent had been the one to invite her as before. It was that he brought her a bouquet, like he had back then. That memory had meant so much to her, and rather than dismiss it as a thing of the past, Vincent had recreated it for her.
I want to throw my arms around him. I want to hold his hands. I want to kiss him!
True, Vince and Vincent were different in some ways, but they weren’t entirely separate.
That’s what makes it so difficult. In times like this with Vince, I could say whatever I wanted and he’d dote on me. Even now, he’s right beside me, and yet…
“Haaah…” She let out a long, long sigh.
Vincent, who’d been trying to pull her back to her feet, flinched. “Do you not think that reaction is a bit uncalled for?”
“Ugh, stop talking…”
“Enough.” He yanked her upright. As she stared absently up at him, he retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and gently wiped away the bits of dirt on her face.
“Ughhhh…”
“Why are you moaning like that?”
“Don’t look so closely at my face…” Oriana mumbled.
“Again with this? I’ve already told you that you’re adorable.”
“Gaaah! Stop. No more talking. And don’t look! Don’t say anything!”
“Why? Because I have the same face and voice as Vince? I can hardly help that. We are the same—”
“That should be obvious! It’s because I’m embarrassed!” Oriana snapped, blushing as she snatched the handkerchief from his hand. Her mouth hung open, trembling, and tears began falling down her cheeks.
Silence stretched between them.
As her words sunk in, Vincent’s face slowly heated as well.
Another long pause and he finally muttered, “O-Oh…”
More silence.
“…Yeah,” Oriana eked out.
They both averted their eyes to the ground, and for a while, Oriana dared not lift her head.