Chapter 11: Shaking of the Shrubs
Chapter 11: Shaking of the Shrubs
“DOES anyone have a hair iron?”
“You can use mine when I’m done with it.”
“Do you think this necklace looks better or this one?”
“It makes no difference! More importantly—”
“That’s a beautiful shawl! Let me try it on.”
“Hey! Do you know where my perfume went?”
“You should learn to take care of your belongings better.”
“No, no! I mean, it was here just a moment ago—”
“Hey! Don’t pull my corset so tight!”
“I have to…otherwise, you won’t fit in this dress! Don’t you think you put on a bit too much weight during our break?!”
“Urk!”
The girls’ dormitories were split into three buildings, but every single one of them was full of chaos. That included the dorm where Oriana resided; the lounge appointed to be their dressing room was pure pandemonium. All the fifth-year girls were gathered in one building as this was the only place with a dresser. While they all waited for their turns to retrieve their dresses, they set about other preparations, makeup not the least among them.
They crowded together, doing each other’s hair, tying each other’s corsets, helping each other put on shoes and dresses. The lounge was anything but spacious, and thanks to the perfume, sweat, and makeup powder filling the air, it was suffocating.
Yes, today was the day everyone had been waiting for. It was the twenty-third day of the middle spring month—the day of the ball!
The age of the students at Lagen Magic Academy—not including special exemptions—ranged from thirteen to eighteen. It was a period when most girls were preoccupied with fashion. Alas, they did not have servants here to look after them.
This was particularly difficult for those daughters of wealthy houses accustomed to merchants bringing their latest wares directly to their home and who had a maid to look after everything for them. The task of putting on a dress and applying cosmetics all on their own was a daunting one, requiring much effort on their part.
“Do I put this on before foundation or after?”
“After!”
“Pink or orange blush: which do you think would look better on me?”
“Let me see your dress… Pink!”
“My lips are all dry and cracked. I can’t put lipstick on them like this!”
“Put this on for now and get your hair done first. I’ll help you later!”
“Thanks for the brush. Here, eat this as your reward.”
“Amph!”
“Oriana, help me shave my brows!”
“Ohay!”
Oriana had some knowledge of makeup, so many of the girls in the lounge were calling upon her for aid. She’d made no progress on herself other than putting her dress on as she shuffled from person to person.
It was a strapless gown with a large, open neckline. There was a lace collar and lacing in the back to keep it in place, but she hadn’t tied it yet, so the dress kept sliding down her body, inch by inch. It had been a perfect fit when she’d had it made, but things had been so hectic the last few days that she’d lost weight.
Thank goodness for the laces, at least. I’ll have Yana tie them up nice and tight later.
Since the day Azraq left, Yana hadn’t shed another tear. In fact, she seemed so normal that the other students were oblivious to her sadness. Yana’s act was so convincing that even Oriana occasionally forgot about Azraq.
The other students weren’t terribly surprised or upset that Azraq had withdrawn from the Academy. He’d always kept a line drawn between them, always maintaining his position as Yana’s bodyguard. Most people thought of him less as a fellow student and more as Yana’s accessory. Perhaps they thought it only natural for things to end this way, now that the trial was over.
Oriana’s chest ached each time she noticed that Azraq wasn’t hovering behind Yana as he used to. She steeled herself enough not to let it show on her face, of course. As she lived each day to its fullest, Oriana gradually began to think of him less and less. Sad though it was, she soon became too consumed with preparations for the ball to let it weigh on her.
“My eyeshadow has no gradation! Miss Elsha, help me!”
“Ohay! Giff me a shec…”
Oriana finally swallowed the cracker one of the girls had shoved in her mouth a moment ago. Her tongue felt dry as a desert. She brushed away the crumbs around her lips and spun around. Her dress fluttered behind her, and the next second, a shriek split the air. A burning stench followed.
“Oh no! Miss Elsha, I’m so sorry!”
Oriana’s heart sank. Hesitantly, she peered behind her. A school friend stood there, magic iron in one hand and the lace from Oriana’s dress in the other, her face pale as a sheet.
“The instant I pulled the iron from my hair, you turned around…and the lace from your dress… I panicked! And…they got caught up…”
Oriana’s complexion soon turned as white as the other girl’s. She stared at the laces she’d neglected to tie. The once beautiful strings were now crinkled where the heat had touched them, leaving hideous creases. It was thoroughly singed. Replacing them now would be impossible.
Despite the clamor a few moments ago, the room was deathly silent now. The first one to speak was Yana.
“Could you hand me those?” Yana took the strings from the girl who’d burned them and, with practiced hands, laced up the back of Oriana’s dress, looping the burned ends in. The dress squeezed tightly around Oriana in the process, prompting her to groan several times.
“It’s fine,” Yana announced. “I managed to hide the burned parts from view.”
“Yana, you’re a lifesaver!” Oriana’s eyes welled with tears as she thanked her friend profusely, and she wasn’t the only one; the girl who’d burned them looked on the verge of sobbing too, relieved that the issue had been resolved.
“Thank you, Miss Mahathin. I was starting to panic.”
“The burnt smell remains, but it gives it a nice accent. Let’s spray you with a bit of perfume, so no one notices.” Yana reached for Oriana’s perfume and gave her a few spritzes. Then she directly slathered some on Oriana’s cleavage and her ankles.
“Wh-Why would you put it there?” Oriana blurted. She’d no idea how the nobles did things, but she was pretty sure that was unacceptable for a lady. It seemed sensual—obscene, even.
“You should remember that trick. In Ete Karima, women apply perfume like this before going out with a man they like.” Yana’s smile was so beguiling, so beautiful that it took people’s breath away. The nickname Desert Star fit her well.
All of the other girls reached for their perfume bottles. In an instant, the lounge turned into a pungent crucible, but no one spoke a word of complaint.
❦❦❦
ONCE they’d applied their makeup, Yana and Oriana left the girls’ dormitory. Other girls who’d finished before them were gathered outside. Those who came out after reconvened with their friends. Most of them were carrying small hand mirrors, checking themselves or their companions to make sure they had no blemishes.
Today, every girl was the heroine of her own story. A shadow of anxiety hung over their faces, but it could not obscure the joy that shined underneath.
The school was on holiday to give everyone time to prepare for the ball. When Oriana checked her watch, it was only a few minutes past three. The ball didn’t begin until four and lasted until ten. Most balls in Amanecer started much later and lasted much longer, but since this was a party for students, the school staff had compromised on the schedule.
There was still time until the ball started. Oriana turned her gaze to Yana, wondering what they should do in the meantime.
Yana looked radiant in the sun’s light. She was beautiful enough in her school uniform, but it could not compare to how stunning she was now. Her dress was made of layers of thin organdy, which enhanced her slender form, making it even more captivating. It might look like some cloth glued to a stick on anyone else with such a figure, but Yana wore it perfectly.
It elevated Yana’s beauty in such a way that every single crease seemed designed to flatter her. The dress was also studded with jewels that glimmered like stars in the night’s sky. She wore large, dangling, obviously foreign earrings. Her back was obscured by the shawl she was wearing, but underneath, the back of her dress was mostly transparent, with gems embedded in a lace-like pattern. Those were all that hid her skin from view, and the sight was so suggestive, it made even Oriana’s head spin.
For as well as she wore such a complicated dress, Yana felt distant. She was undaunted and looked entirely at home here, but that was precisely what made Oriana’s heart sink—that this was now her home.
“Oh, please, Oriana. Your heated stare’s going to burn a hole right through my dress.” Yana smiled faintly, but Oriana felt no sincerity in it.
“Sorry. I was just thinking that you still look as beautiful as a desert star, even in the daytime.”
“Haha, you are all too easy to read. At this rate, how are you going to take the reins of any man like that? Not that I can hardly talk—seeing you managed to take mine.” Yana took Oriana’s gloved hand and nuzzled her face against it.
So cute!
Oriana’s heart squeezed.
In Ete Karima, a woman’s greatest achievement was her ability to win a man’s heart. This was evident in how bold their style of dress was. It only made sense that this was the way of things there, since men were the only ones who could inherit wealth. This was what made the trials afforded to princesses all the more odd. Despite her status as a woman, the king’s daughter was afforded the greatest luxury—a trial by which she could (to a degree) control what man she married.
Voices began picking up around them. Curious what all the fuss was, Oriana scanned the crowd. Boys who’d already finished their preparations were arriving to greet their partners. Even the boys who wore wrinkled shirts to school, never bothering to use an iron, were clad in crisp suits with freshly shined shoes. The sight stirred emotions that were difficult to put into words.
Relief washed over the faces of the boys who spotted their partners in the crowd. Those who were still waiting for their partners to finish getting ready were left to awkwardly fidget while taking a seat on a bench or on tree roots.
It was a bittersweet scene. Shameless as she was, given this was her second time going through all of this, Oriana was tempted to offer, “Hey, want me to go call your partner down for you?”
As she watched the boys with anxious looks on their faces taking their seats in the shade of the trees, the murmurs around her grew even louder. This time, they were accompanied by squeals. Surprised, Oriana turned her gaze.
“Oooh! Oh my Goooood!” Oriana clapped her hands together and nearly crumpled to the ground. She would have, if not for Vincent flying to her side to pull her back up.
“What is it? Did something happen?” he asked.
“Vin—oooooh!!”
It wasn’t that something happened. “Something” didn’t even begin to describe how serious it was!
“Youaresohandsome,” Oriana blurted, her words running together.
Handsome did him a disservice—he looked divine! Oriana didn’t think she could look upon him, least of all when he was so close.
Vincent pulled his hand away, exasperated. Without his help to stay her, Oriana slumped down.
“We have to call a painter here right now! I need to save this moment for the rest of my life… It would be a national injustice otherwise.” Her hands pressed against the ground beneath her as she sobbed out the words.
Vincent stared coldly down at her. Lukewarm though his expression was, it made her stomach fill with butterflies. In fact, it matched perfectly with his noble attire. Nothing could be more captivating!
Vincent was already refined and handsome in his school uniform, but he was a whole different picture in his tuxedo. He exuded such elegance one might be forgiven for thinking this was the castle garden rather than the Academy.
His blond hair glowed faintly in the light. The back was more meticulously groomed than normal, and half of his bangs were slicked back while the other half were combed to the side. Although normally straight, they had a loose curl to them now. She suspected Miguel must have used a hair iron on him. She was so grateful to Miguel, she could almost kiss his feet.
Vincent’s coat was magnificently embroidered and extended past his hips, clinging tightly to his body. Each time he moved, it left a ripple in his vest, giving an ever so faint outline of his abdominal muscles. His slender legs looked even longer than they normally did, and his shoes matched the color of the buttons on his vest and coat. An eye-catching blue cravat hung from his winged collar. He must have prepared it after they agreed to be partners, since it was the same shade as her eyes.
“Oriana, you will ruin your makeup.”
“Oh, darn, that’s right.” Oriana immediately sucked her tears back in and shot up straight, fishing a handkerchief from her bag. She was careful not to disturb her makeup as she dabbed away a few stray tears.
Vincent stared blankly as he waited for her to finish.
Oriana dusted the grass from the bottom of her dress. She grinned at Miguel, who’d accompanied Vincent. He’d also been worried about her ruining her makeup.
Miguel had gently turned down the girl he’d originally planned to come with, instead inviting his new fiancée. Yana agreed, so the two were now attending the ball as a pair.
“You look stunning too, Miguel. There’s no better pair than the two of you.”
His long hair was normally disheveled and thrown into a braid simply to keep it out of his face, but this time, he’d taken care to groom it so not even a single strand was out of place. Unlike Vincent, who was wearing a traditional tuxedo, Miguel was wearing quite the flamboyant attire. Since this wasn’t an ordinary ball, and none of the adults would be judging their attire at the Academy, Miguel was free to let his fashion-loving spirit take wing.
Miguel’s pants were as dark red as wine, giving him a classic feel without obfuscating his theatrical tastes. His white coat and vest were striking, leaving an immediate impression. Even more strange was his collar, which was pinned on, rather than part of the shirt itself. It was the same wine color as his pants, with an intricate pattern sewn into it, and hanging from it was a tassel encrusted with gemstones, its laces tied in a unique fashion. The standing collar looked foreign style-wise and was probably something he’d urgently prepared in light of his new partner, but it fit perfectly with the rest of his suit.
“Thank you,” he said. “And you look as adorable as ever.”
“Of course I do! Ehehe…ehehe!” Oriana puffed out her chest, only to feel something being draped over her shoulders. When she glanced back, she realized it was a scowling Vincent putting his jacket on her.
“What? I get to have your jacket? Seriously?”
“Well, you are already wearing it.”
“Yippee!” She grinned from ear to ear as she slipped her arms through the sleeves. They were much too long for her, but she twirled them in the air before pressing them over her mouth to hide her mirth. “Ehehehe!”
While Oriana was in high spirits, Vincent looked anything but.
“Aren’t you showing too much shoulder? And I can almost see your knees too.”
“I’m surprised, Vincent! That’s so old-fashioned! Even my daddy doesn’t say that kinda stuff…”
Perhaps it was odd to compare an up-and-coming merchant to the heir of a dukedom with centuries of history behind it.
While she feigned shock at Vincent, she could hear Miguel in the background complimenting Yana’s outfit.
“It’s cute, right?” Oriana continued, “My father instructed me to show it off while there aren’t any married women present. He’s hoping to make it a hit with the nobles.”
“But I can see your knees.”
“Yes, that’s the whole point. They’re adorable, aren’t they?” Oriana spun around in a circle while Vincent scrunched up his face.
“I can see your knees,” Vincent repeated, as if she’d broken him and he could say nothing else.
“I told you; that’s the point!”
Besides, the skirt on her uniform was about the same length.
Oriana kicked her leg up, and Vincent hurriedly pushed it back down before reaching for the buttons on the coat he’d put around her, intending to fasten them.
“No!” Oriana gasped. “You can’t! My dress will get wrinkled.”
“Then please stop kicking your feet up at least.”
“Why are you acting so flustered? You have seen me like this before, haven’t you?”
“Of course not. This is my first time seeing you in this dress.”
Oriana shook her head. “Not the dress, I meant the length of the skirt. It’s no different from my uniform.”
“All of the girls wear uniforms of the same length so I never paid it any mind. But this is a dress, you realize? Normally, you wouldn’t be showing your legs off like this, would you?”
“I guess not…?”
In truth, Oriana had absolutely no idea what the difference was.
She looked down at her dress. The fabric had a beautiful texture to it, but the dress itself was rather simple. It was a draped garment that naturally flowed across her body, its only adornment the embroidery on the skirt, which reached down to her knees and otherwise had a very traditional, if not refined, design. The bust was sewn in a way that gave her dimension, drawing out her natural beauty.
Oriana didn’t wear a necklace or anything on her chest. She’d tried, but couldn’t find any accessory that would match the plunging neckline.
Vincent’s gaze traveled up from her legs to her hair which was gathered in an up-do. As she reached up to touch it, she realized his eyes were focused on her hair adornment, which was fashioned in the shape of an iris. Although she’d felt no shame in him glimpsing her legs, her cheeks suddenly heated. The color of her dress and the ornament in her hair were all things she’d chosen with him in mind.
But I didn’t think boys paid much attention to flowers…
The dress was purple, but the shade was light enough that she could pass it off as pink.
Vincent released the buttons on his jacket and reached up, his fingers grazing her hair piece. It was rare for him to ever touch her of his own volition. Each time she inhaled, her heart seemed to beat faster.
No matter what he says, even if he makes fun of me, I can handle it. I’ll play it off by telling him it has nothing to do with him. That this is simply my personal taste. Come on, hit me with your best shot!
Oriana mentally prepared herself, swearing she would never admit the truth to him. It wasn’t because she had any compunction about relaying her affections, but she did feel more embarrassment than most when her feelings shone through in ways she didn’t intend.
Vincent’s gaze went from her hair accessory to her dress and finally to her face. “You look amazing.”
Oriana swallowed a breath and stumbled. Once again, Vincent’s hand shot out to keep her upright.
Th-This is cheating! I never dreamed he wouldn’t make a snide remark.
Of course, Vincent knew who she had on her mind when she picked this dress—knew why she’d had the iris hair ornament made. He also realized there was no need to point it out or tease her; she was wrapped in a color that matched his eyes, and he’d accepted that. In fact, he’d allowed her to stand beside him. That on its own was the biggest compliment he could’ve ever paid her.
Still wrapped in his arms, Oriana peered up. Vincent’s hairstyle and attire were so different from normal that it sent her heart racing.
“Ehehe. So my outfit is a success?” she asked.
“It is.” He peeled his hands away from her waist and offered his arm. Oriana happily took it.
❦❦❦
THE venue for the ball was already bustling with activity. Students handed their invitations to Professor Quicee at the entrance before going inside. He was acting as steward for the day.
Professor Quicee nodded to himself, his mustache wiggling as his crisp voice boomed, “Lord Vincent Tanzine and his partner, Lady Oriana Elsha, have arrived.”
The clamor inside died down instantly. Everyone turned their gaze toward the entrance, watching the pair.
The assembly hall was completely different now than when they’d done their dance lessons there. The numerous chandeliers hanging from the ceiling were all enchanted with magic, and for the rest of the night, the flames on them would burn ceaselessly. Bubbles also floated through the air, forever suspended, reflecting light throughout the hall.
Tables were lined up along the wall, all of them filled with piping hot buffet-style cuisine. They were already crowded by students who preferred filling their stomachs to venturing onto the dance floor. There was also a magic container filled with cool desserts that were free for the taking. Oriana silently vowed to herself that she’d grab a bite later.
The hall itself was also enchanted to keep the temperature moderate so that students who wore outfits revealing their shoulders or legs could be comfortable. Oriana quickly returned Vincent’s coat to him.
She snuck a glance at Vincent as he strode confidently forward. He was glimmering under the light of the chandeliers, almost blinding her.
This is like a dream.
It was a dream. One she’d already seen once before, but she was grateful to the Dragon God for allowing her to relive the moment.
Vincent died after the ball. Right now, there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong with him. And I haven’t noticed anyone that might be targeting him.
Even if Oriana couldn’t show her concern outwardly, it still weighed on her. Vincent informed her of the results of his periodic examinations, but still, her anxiety smoldered, unrelenting.
Once the ball is over, I’ll talk to him about it again. It’s better to risk his anger than him dying again.
Vincent was the most handsome man here, and as Oriana looked at him, she cursed herself for remembering the very things she’d wanted to forget.
“I feel at a loss not having anyone to pay greetings to,” said Vincent as he reached for a champagne glass from a nearby table. He must have noticed how rigid her body was because he passed it over to her. Oriana slowly gulped it down. As she continued clutching his arm, he patted her hand.
Vincent most likely thought she was nervous, overwhelmed by the people and atmosphere. It was true that, like many of the other students, she had no experience at all with high societal events like this.
“How about we chat until it’s time to dance?” Oriana suggested. “Oh, and I want to try some of that dessert over there too.”
“Before you eat a proper meal?”
“Do you really want to watch me slurp noodles in this dress?”
“Point taken. Let’s stick with your dessert idea.” Vincent chuckled and put the glass back before escorting her exactly where she wanted to go. He did it with such grace that she felt she was floating along beside him.
A large group had circled around the food tables, but as Vincent approached, they made way for him. They afforded him even more respect now than when he was in his school uniform. It was obvious they were all more nervous around him since he looked the part of a duke’s son.
Vincent smiled at them and said, “Hey there. We just arrived. Mind giving us food recommendations?”
Coaxed by his gentle voice, they crowded around him and started sharing what they thought was the most delicious of the cuisine.
“What would you like, Oriana?” he asked, flashing a troubled smile as he held up a plate covered in a mountain of food. Since everyone was kind enough to offer their opinions, he couldn’t refuse their goodwill.
The couple pulled away from the tables, taking seats at the edge of the room. Oriana sat her bag on her lap and took the plate from Vincent. She plucked up a pincho, which consisted of a thinly cut bagel on a skewer with shrimp, avocado, and cheese. Then she turned to Vincent and raised it toward his mouth.
“Say ‘ah,’ Vincent.”
He pursed his lips, the smile all but gone from his face as he stared at her with an aura that seemed to say, “Have you lost your mind?”
“Come on. ‘Aaah.’”
Silence.
“‘Aaah.’”
Although he glowered at her, Oriana refused to back down. She pressed her body closer, enjoying how Vincent grimaced, even though he refused to run away. The people around them were watching, murmuring amongst themselves. Vincent was always the center of attention.
If I push it any more than this, he’ll probably lose his temper.
Recognizing it was time to throw in the towel, Oriana pulled her arm back, intending to eat the pincho herself. Before she could, however, Vincent’s mouth flew open and closed around the toothpick. His lips brushed against her fingertips, and for a moment, she held her breath.
Vincent lifted his face away, his mouth closed as he chewed. Oriana stared wide-eyed at the bare toothpick he’d left in her hand.
H-He ate it?!
“Y-You ate it?” The words flew out of her mouth the moment they entered her mind.
The whispers around them grew even louder than they had been, spreading throughout the assembly hall.
Oriana’s eyes remained glued to her hand.
That was quite a bit of food. But he took it all in one bite… His mouth must be huge.
She peered at his lips. “V-Vincent?”
Once he finished chewing and swallowing, he nonchalantly returned her gaze and said, “What?”
“Um…” Oriana swallowed hard. “Would you…like another?”
“Certainly.”
Oriana’s face lit up like a tomato. She started feeding him everything she had on hand, from finger foods like the pinchos to others that required a spoon. All the while, she grinned from ear to ear.
❦❦❦
A female student went dashing down the sidewalk. It was about a week before the ball. The glass door to the conservatory banged as she threw it open. Outside, the sun was beginning to duck behind the mountains.
Professor Heinz, the herbology teacher, jumped in surprise before pulling a face. “Are you trying to destroy the place?”
“Professor Heinz! I completely spaced out on turning in my report!” She thrust it at him.
After a pause, Heinz grunted, “Oh, well, thank you.”
He took the report from her and scanned the page. The letters were messy, but she’d sufficiently completed the assignment at least. In fact, with four days left until the deadline, there was no need for her to come storming into the conservatory so late in the evening.
“You shouldn’t be out this late. Hurry back to your dorm. I’ll go with you.”
“When you see your student in the dumps like this, shouldn’t you ask what’s wrong? You’re a professor.” She sniffled for show. She was a tall girl, which put her at almost the same height as Heinz.
He heaved a deep sigh and then, with no inflection in his voice, asked, “What’s wrong?”
“Okay, so listen to this… I have been killing myself taking these dance lessons. But it all paid off because I managed to win a dance with Mister Tanzine at the ball! The problem is, no one will agree to be my partner!” She clenched her hands. Given the look of her muscles, she could probably put a hole in whatever she threw her fists at.
Heinz knew she’d spent the last month or so attending dance lessons. His colleague, Professor Wilton, had even asked him to help oversee the students participating. The girl was lucky her efforts had paid off, but if she couldn’t snag a partner in time, she wouldn’t even be able to enter the venue.
Worried she might channel her frustration into destroying the conservatory, Heinz weighed his words as he said, “If you keep your mouth shut, you’re plenty beautiful enough to get a guy’s attention.”
“Sadly, there are too few men who realize my true charm.”
Her intelligence and conduct left something to be desired, but she was slender and had a beautiful face and an ample bosom. Her proportions were perfect enough to make her the envy of the other girls at school. If she was able to dance with Vincent Tanzine, they would make for a mesmerizing pair. Plus, dances left no room for chatting, and that would transform her from being a crude tomboy to a refined lady.
Unfortunately, it was precisely that which put so much pressure on the other boys who were still in the throes of puberty. Heinz could relate almost too well. No one wanted to look like a miserable excuse for an escort next to a tall beauty like her. The contrast would be all the more intense after everyone watched her dance with Vincent Tanzine. No boy would be able to live up to the duke’s heir. Particularly because the waltz revolved around a man’s ability to lead their partner.
No matter how clumsy the woman was, as long as her partner was skilled, she wouldn’t make a fool of herself. On the other hand, if the man was a terrible dancer while the woman was a genius, the result would be all too easy (and painful) to picture.
“Why don’t you invite a guy who’s good at dancing?” Heinz suggested.
“I’m afraid the men who’re confident in their abilities are all sold out.”
Whether it was her intent or not, Heinz immediately thought of a bargain sale where all the popular items flew off the shelf first. His self-control was all that stopped him from commenting as much.
“Well, that is a shame. Guess you’ll just have to wait for the next opportunity to…” Heinz’s voice trailed off as he realized, No, there won’t be a next time.
This girl was a commoner. She would never have another chance—not for the rest of her life—to dance with Vincent Tanzine at a ball.
“Oh? The next opportunity? You really think I will get one?” the girl scoffed.
“Uh, well, no…” As Heinz mumbled his reply, the realization finally hit him—of why she’d come running here at this hour.
“So, Professor Heinz…”
“…Yes?”
“I have a favor to ask.”
Heinz did not like where this was going.
He shook his head. “No can do.”
“Please! There is no rule barring us from inviting professors, is there?”
“Not going to happen. You think I can do something as humiliating as going to a ball with a student? Do you realize how many years it’s been since I graduated?”
“I beg you! If you refuse, I’ll have no choice but to threaten a first-year with a sword and drag them to the venue on the day of the ball!”
Since she was the daughter of a knight, she was more skilled with a sword than a wand.
Heinz cradled his head in his hands.
Thinking she only needed to push him a little more, she fisted her hands again and said, “Surely, you can be compassionate enough to give your poor student who is graduating this year an opportunity to make good memories that will last for the rest of her life, right?”
It sounded like a threat, but Heinz could already guess how much determination it must have taken for her to waltz in here and entreat him like this. He wanted to tell her no, he utterly lacked compassion. As a professor at Lagen Magic Academy, there was a limit to how much kindness he could show his students. Alas, that also meant he’d spent years here seeing students off, and he did want them to make memories that they could look fondly back on.
Heinz pretended not to notice the way her voice trembled and how white her knuckles were as she waited for his answer. He tugged at his mustache. Eager to let her—and himself—believe that her words had convinced him, he acquiesced. “Fine. Guess I have no choice.”
After prying that agreement out of him, the girl proudly ran off to the partner registrant for the ball and wrote Heinz’s name down before he had the chance to back out.
❦❦❦
THE orchestra that the school had called in to play during the ball slowly went quiet, indicating it was time for the first dance to begin.
Oriana and Vincent had finished polishing off their snacks. Sensing the moment was near, they stopped their conversation and turned their gaze to the orchestra.
“Do you remember the girl’s face?” Oriana asked. “Do you need to escort her?”
He knew immediately who she was referring to and smiled. “You needn’t worry. I do at least remember the face of the girl I am to dance with.”
“That’s good to hear. I was afraid you would pull a face when it came time to hand you off to her,” Oriana joked.
Vincent glided forward. He likely already knew exactly where the girl he was supposed to dance with was, despite the assembly hall being jam-packed with people. Oriana followed along until he located the girl, at which point, she breathed a sigh of relief. Since she was the one who suggested using Vincent as a reward, she felt it her responsibility to make sure things went smoothly.
The student in question was standing near the wall, enjoying a conversation with one of the Class 2 girls. The former—the girl who’d clinched victory in the dance lessons—was a friend who had helped Oriana in her previous life when she was feeling down. Her formalwear brought memories flooding back, and the emotions that came with it had Oriana smiling.
As they approached the girl, Oriana noticed the girl’s partner was nowhere to be seen. Where could he have gone? She scanned the area, but she didn’t see anyone. Maybe, whoever he was, he was being considerate enough to give her space for her first dance with Vincent.
“Well, I’ll be off,” she told Vincent, spinning around. “Hm, now who shall I dance with for the first song?”
Vincent grabbed her by the arm. “You’re going to dance?”
“Huh? Uh…yeah? This is my first proper ball. I’ve been looking forward to it.”
“They have your favorite pasta over there,” Vincent said in a low voice.
She blinked at him. “I thought we established earlier that you were opposed to me slurping in this dress?”
“It’s an emergency. So you can disregard what I said.”
“An emergency?” Oriana gasped, incredulous. No part of this struck her as any sort of “emergency.”
“Regardless,” Vincent tried to continue, but he was cut off when cries erupted at the entrance. More squeals of surprise soon followed.
Oriana and Vincent turned their gaze to the entrance. They didn’t have to wonder what was going on for long; students were making a path, dodging out of the way as hurriedly as if they had a unicorn in their midst. At the center of the crowd was a handsome man. He scoured the room before heading straight toward them.
It was clear he wasn’t a student. Not with the sensuality he exuded as he took long, confident strides across the dance floor. An air of confusion rippled through the hall. Like the rest of her peers, Oriana was drawing a blank as to who this man could possibly be.
Nearly everyone kept their eyes trained on the man as he waltzed past them. Even Oriana could not begin to guess at his identity. Remembering that Vincent still had a hold of her arm, she glanced at him.
“Hey, do you know who that is? Part of the orchestra, maybe?”
“No, that’s…” Vincent muttered to himself, brows furrowed. Judging by his voice, he was even more shocked than her.
A voice chirped from behind them.
“Professor Heinz?”
The one who had spoken was the girl Vincent was promised to dance with. The hall was so quiet that, even though there was some distance between them, Oriana could hear her clearly.
“You’re the one who told me to come.”
The man’s voice was indeed one Oriana was used to hearing for these five-plus years.
What?! He’s really Professor Heinz? Are my eyes deceiving me? Is this really the Professor Heinz?
Oriana’s eyes went round as saucers as she stared at the man. If he ruffled his hair, stuck a mustache on his upper lip, added some dark circles beneath his eyes, and a cigarette between his lips, then threw on some baggy clothes and hunched over…maybe he would kind of resemble Professor Heinz. She could only vaguely imagine it—that was how dramatic his transformation was. He looked ten or even twenty years younger than usual.
Heinz slipped past her and stopped next to the girl standing by the wall. “I’m late. Sorry. Prepping the assembly hall took forever.”
“I-I don’t know what you’re talking about,” the girl mumbled, dumbfounded. The other girls around her grabbed her hands and squealed, jumping up and down.
“That’s really Professor Heinz? Seriously?”
“So you transform into a gorgeous man simply by shaving? What kind of trickery is this?!”
“Hold on. How old are you, Professor? Don’t tell me you’re close in age to the rest of us?”
As the girls from Class 2 fussed at him, the professor patted them on the head. “You all look adorable in your dresses. Don’t ruin it by making rude comments.”
The girls blushed, staring blankly up at him.
Heinz turned to his partner and asked, “So did I make it in time for the first dance?”
“Uh, yeah, you did?!” the girl shrieked, as if annoyed he would ask when she was already slated to dance with Vincent. It didn’t help that she still hadn’t shaken her confusion at Heinz’s sudden transformation.
In order to dispel the awkwardness, Oriana stepped forward and said, “Professor Heinz, if it’s not too much trouble, would you share the first dance with me?”
“Elsha? Oh, that’s right. My partner’s dancing with Tanzine first.” He nodded to himself, glancing at Oriana and then Vincent.
“That’s right,” said Oriana. “And I was worried none of the boys would be interested in dancing with me in the meantime.”
“Nah, if there’s no need to dance then—” Heinz cut himself off, realizing what she was doing. “Ah, well…if you’re throwing me a lifeline, I’d better take it.” He shuffled up to her and held out his hand.
Oriana politely placed the tips of her fingers on his palm.
“Not such a bad idea to drive off your other would-be suitors this way and put the future duke in my debt,” he whispered in her ear. His voice was low and husky, carrying the faint smell of cigarette smoke on it.
Oriana stiffened.
This is one heck of a trump card he had hidden up his sleeve all this time!
She scolded herself for feeling butterflies as Heinz escorted her to the middle of the dance floor.
The orchestra slowly started up.
A magic contraption on the ceiling released a flurry of different colored petals, which fluttered down around them, adding a beautiful flair to the hall.
Oriana let Heinz lead, following the steps to the waltz.
“Professor, you look incredibly handsome,” she said.
“You kids have no appreciation. I was still handsome even with my mustache and messy hair.”
His transformation was impressive enough, but he was actually a pretty good dancer too. He must have been incredibly popular when he was a student. In fact, maybe he was so popular, it negatively impacted him as a teacher.
“Maybe you’re right, but this has allowed me to see you in a new light. Still, no one is more stunning than Vincent,” Oriana said off-handedly.
Heinz’s lips, which were usually hidden by his mustache, curled in a grin—one suave enough to send a girl’s heart pounding.
As she spun around, Oriana snuck a glance at Vincent and his partner. The girl should have only had eyes for Vincent, but she was restless, all her attention focused on Heinz and Oriana.
Honestly, I don’t get— No, okay, I kinda get why she can’t focus. After mentally waffling back and forth, Oriana wanted to scold herself and ask, Well? Which is it? But frankly, it was both.
It was impossible to comprehend how a girl could be distracted by anyone else when she had someone as handsome as Vincent in front of her, but at the same time, Oriana could sympathize with curiosity getting the best of her after their teacher suddenly appeared, having transformed into a beautiful man.
“Ah, drat,” said Heinz. “The other teachers are going to give me grief tomorrow for this. And probably scold me for intruding when this ball is supposed to be for students.”
“I’m happy that you came. I never dreamed you’d participate.”
“I was threatened. Since Tanzine promised the first dance with her, all the other boys were too intimidated to be her partner.”
“Oh, that’s…a failure on my part then. I’m sorry. But thank you for doing that for her.”
Oriana never even considered that possibility. Now she realized how blind she had been. It was only because other people threw in their support that her idea even came together.
“Ah well, even though I’ve helped out every year, I never actually got to try any of the food. This year, I’ll make sure to eat my fill.”
“You really think you will have the free time for that?” Oriana asked. “I do believe you will be stuck dancing the night away after this.”
“Ugh, you kids should show more consideration for your elders.”
Oriana laughed as she danced along, guided by his expert lead. Her voice dropped low as she asked, “Say, Professor Heinz, since I have your ear for the moment, would you mind if I asked you something personal?”
“Hm?”
The waltz was the perfect dance for having a secret exchange with someone. It was a chance to ask a question she had never been able to before, especially since all the other pairs in the room were preoccupied dancing with their partners. The booming noise of the orchestra would also drown out their conversation. Assuming no one was intently listening in, their words would remain private.
“Since you have intimate knowledge of herbology, tell me… If you wanted to secretly kill someone, how would you go about it?”
“Hey now.” Anger flashed through his eyes.
Oriana recoiled, worried she had offended him. In terms of inappropriate questions one should never ask a teacher, this was probably near the top of the list. Still, she couldn’t back down now.
“I’m sorry. I realize it’s an uncomfortable topic. It’s just that I read about it in a book.”
“Oh…so that’s it. Well, you shouldn’t read too much of that kinda stuff at your age.”
“Yes. I will be more careful in the future.”
Although Heinz pretended to buy Oriana’s excuse, he had his arms around her body and could feel the way she seized up. She gulped and waited for him to continue.
“Hm… If it were me, what would I do…? Well, maybe I’d go for something that other mages—students included, of course—wouldn’t know about.”
“For instance?”
“Telling you would defeat the purpose, wouldn’t it?” Heinz smirked.
He had a point. Besides, she didn’t think he would give her an answer. Oriana had hesitated her entire time at the school, knowing that voicing this question would only make others think less of her. But she knew she would never get another chance like this. Heinz wasn’t here as a professor right now, but as an attendee. That was why she took her chances. But alas, she had been too naïve.
I still got something out of it. There’s some method out there to secretly kill people that we simply don’t know about.
Back when she was worried about Vincent’s well-being, she realized there was a limit to how much knowledge a student could obtain through books alone. It wouldn’t be enough to rival a professional assassin. That said, Oriana never dreamed the information she desired was beyond her reach to begin with.
“More importantly,” Heinz said, interrupting her thoughts, “are you sure you don’t want to capitalize on this chance, Elsha? You won’t have many opportunities like this to make Tanzine jealous.”
“Sorry?” Oriana lifted her head.
“Boys tend to feel threatened by older men. I bet I’m getting under Tanzine’s skin as we speak.”
Oriana jerked her head, trying to look for him, but she had no idea where Vincent and his partner had disappeared off to.
Heinz pressed his lips close to her ear and said, “They were behind us a moment ago, but now they’re to the right. There, behind the girl in the green dress.” He guided her along, spinning her around so she could catch a glimpse more easily.
Vincent had moved to the edge of the room, far from where she and Heinz were dancing. His face was the picture of composure as he led his partner.
“He doesn’t look bothered at all to me. Considering how distant they are, he probably doesn’t even know where I am, does he?”
“Come on. You’re not being serious, are you?”
“Oh, should I be thanking you for flattering me with the suggestion that he cares?”
“No, and I can see Tanzine has his work cut out for him.”
“Whaaat?” Oriana sputtered, uncomfortable with the idea that Heinz probably thought she was looking for reassurance.
This is probably all because I spent years declaring my affections for Vincent.
As a result, people naturally thought there was romance between them—that they were a couple. Admittedly, Oriana had wanted people to view them that way for the longest time. It probably seemed all the more strange for her to deny it now.
“Elsha, you know…”
“Yes?”
“I’m apparently here today to help students create memories that will last a lifetime.”
“Oh?” Oriana tried to nod, but suddenly, Heinz yanked her close—which was odd, considering she was sure she hadn’t missed a step in their dance sequence.
At the same instant, the orchestra went silent, signifying the end of the first dance. Oriana and Heinz were frozen in place, his arms wrapped tight around her. The eyes of the crowd burrowed into them.
“Be grateful I treasure my students so much. This is my present to you,” Heinz whispered into her ear before pulling away.
“Uh…okay?” Oriana tilted her head.
Was their dance supposed to be his once-in-a-lifetime present? Frankly speaking, the more beneficial present by far would’ve been a clear answer to the question she asked him earlier.
As she stood there dumbfounded, someone suddenly yanked her arm. Caught by surprise, Oriana lost her balance. A hand immediately caught her back, helping keep her upright. She didn’t even have to look up to know who it belonged to. The scent of cedarwood flooded her nose.
“I’ve brought your partner back to you, Professor Heinz.”
“Yep, thanks for that.”
Heinz stepped away from Oriana and took his partner’s hand. The two walked off without sparing Oriana a single glance.
“Vincent?”
“What?”
Vincent had arrived almost the instant the song ended. Professor Heinz had been right; he knew exactly where she was. Escorting the female student he’d shared the first dance with should have slowed him down, but the fact that it didn’t meant he must’ve beelined for Oriana.
“You’re squeezing too hard.”
“Oh! Apologies…” Vincent hurriedly released her wrist. She was wearing elbow-length gloves so it was impossible to see her skin, but he’d probably left an imprint.
This was the first time Vincent had ever grabbed her like that.
Is this what the professor meant when he said “memories that will last a lifetime”? No. No, no, come on. That can’t be it. Right? I mean, unless… But no way. Could it…?
Oriana’s gaze flitted between Vincent and Heinz’s receding back. Although Vincent turned his face away, she caught a glimpse of his awkward expression and grinned.
Oriana and Vincent joined their peers, dancing among the dozens of others on the floor. Her skirt swayed to the rhythm of Vincent’s movements. The heat from his fingers poured through the fabric of her gloves as they held hands. His other cupped her back and she leaned into it. She was so elated that she almost wanted to spin in circles.
Oriana didn’t have the confidence to maintain eye contact with Vincent the entire time. When she did manage to glance up at him, she soon averted her gaze, repeating this cycle numerous times.
The skin on her chest where her dress line dipped had turned pink. The champagne she drank earlier surely wasn’t the only reason for that.
“I never thought we’d be able to dance like this again,” she muttered, feeling as though she were in a dream.
Vincent frowned and lifted his brows. “This is the first time I’ve ever danced with you.”
“In that case, I guess I’m the lucky one since this is my second time with you.” Oriana giggled, and the disgruntled expression on Vincent’s face vanished. Apparently, he liked the way she phrased herself. Proud of that, Oriana grinned.
Tears threatened to well up in her eyes. This was such a happy moment. How long had she dreamed of this? Of being able to spend this day with Vincent again?
“You know…even if I died, I wouldn’t forget today,” she said.
“That sounds believable, coming from you.”
From the bottom of her heart, Oriana smiled. She wanted to savor every second of their dance.
After sharing a dance, Oriana and Vincent stepped outside the venue. They couldn’t share a second consecutive dance, since per noble etiquette in Amanecer, that was a privilege reserved for married or engaged couples. There were probably no such strict rules here since it was a ball for the students, but nonetheless, the two followed their own whims and strolled through the garden.
As far as Oriana was concerned, there was no point in lingering inside if she couldn’t dance with Vincent. She didn’t want to waste her precious time at their graduation ball dancing with someone else, and she certainly didn’t want to watch Vincent mingle with other girls. Most people—save for perhaps extremely ardent admirers—wouldn’t come all the way out to the garden to proposition Vincent.
Oriana came to a halt, her arm still wrapped around Vincent’s. She only stopped because he did so first.
Vincent reached his hand out toward her ear. Her eyes went wide as she watched.
“You have something here,” he mumbled as he plucked whatever it was out of her hair. When he pulled his hand back, she glimpsed a petal pinched between his fingers. It likely got caught there when they released that vibrant flurry of petals earlier in the dance hall.
Oriana had frozen, thinking he was going to touch her face. Her cheeks flushed as she realized what she’d actually been expecting.
I thought he was going to kiss me. After all, Professor Heinz made that comment, and we had such a wonderful time dancing. In my past life, I’m pretty sure it was today that Vince and I— Aaah!
“Th-Th-Thanks…”
Apparently the alcohol (however little), coupled with the outside air and memories of her past life were getting to Oriana. She smiled awkwardly at Vincent. She pressed the back of her closed hand against her cheek. The silk fabric was cool against her skin, and she hoped it would help her blush recede faster.
“Does it still hurt?” Vincent’s eyes focused on her hand, his expression heavy with guilt.
It took her a moment to register what he was referring to. Vincent was most likely regretting how strongly he’d squeezed her wrist after her dance with Heinz.
“Oh, no. It doesn’t hurt at all.”
“If you’re certain…” Vincent didn’t seem entirely convinced. He was so virtuous that he probably felt ashamed of his own actions.
Oriana glanced around. They weren’t the only ones who’d fled the assembly hall. She could sense other presences in the area, but they were also trying to avoid prying eyes so they likely wouldn’t intrude upon her and Vincent. Nonetheless, she took his hand and guided him off to find somewhere more private. Vincent said nothing, obediently following her.
“I should’ve swiped one of their lanterns,” she thought out loud.
“That would’ve been a good idea.”
Oriana had only the moon and the faint illumination spilling out from the building’s windows to light her path. When she at last found a deserted place that wasn’t pitch black, she stopped and spun around to face Vincent.
Oriana began peeling off her glove. She slipped her fingers into the edges and slid it down past her elbow. Her skin looked like white porcelain underneath.
“What are…” Vincent’s eyes peeled back and there was a thread of anger in his voice.
Oriana hurriedly explained, “I thought you’d feel more at ease if you could see for yourself.” Her heart was pounding as she removed the fabric.
It wasn’t as though she was doing anything inappropriate. This wasn’t the days of old when such things were seen as lascivious, and her summer uniform had short sleeves. Even so, when you had feelings for someone and you peeled off any manner of fabric in front of them, it seemed immeasurably lewd—enough to make Oriana keenly aware of who was watching. It went without saying that Vincent was the only one she would do this in front of.
With the glove rolled down her arm, she finished by pinching the fabric at her fingers and pulling it the rest of the way off. Since Vincent didn’t speak a word, she remained silent too. That only heightened her embarrassment. Her pulse thundered in her ears, loud enough she feared her heart might burst.
My only thought when I started this was to show him that I’m all right.
A gulp echoed. Oriana jerked her head up. Vincent’s face was illuminated by faint moonlight, his earnest gaze glued to her hand. Her entire body heated up.
Okay, Oriana. He’s only worried about your wrist. Don’t get ahead of yourself.
The whole point of taking off her glove was to give him peace of mind. She mentally scolded herself for feeling embarrassed, blushing and squirming around like a fool.
Oriana tucked her glove under her armpit and held her hand out for Vincent to see.
“May I touch it?” Vincent’s voice was hoarse.
The very depths of Oriana’s heart trembled.
“Yes.” Her own voice was no less scratchy than his.
Vincent stared at her wrist. He peeled off his own glove and shoved it in his pocket. Then gently, he brought his palm up to meet her hand. Where their skin touched, a numbness shot through her. Oriana almost unconsciously tried to yank away, but Vincent stopped her. He caressed her wrist, his touch as light as a feather.
“This is the spot,” he said.
“Yeah…”
“It doesn’t…hurt when I touch it?”
“No.”
His fingers continued to stroke her hand without pause, and her lips began to tremble. His palm was enormous as it wrapped around her hand. When they first met in this second timeline, Vincent was only thirteen. Their height had been about the same back then. That only made Oriana all the more determined to protect him—because he was so tiny, compared to how she remembered him.
When had he gotten so big? Oriana had been too focused on what was to come—on Vincent’s impending death. Only now was she really looking at the Vincent who stood before her.
Vincent studied her face closely as he shifted his hand so their palms met. His eyes were like those of a predator intent on seizing its prey, so Oriana dare not meet them. Instead, she squeezed her own eyes shut. Even though it was already the middle month of spring, her hand was clammy.
Sweat. Oh, this is awful. I just want to cry.
Oriana wanted to yank out her handkerchief and mop away all the sweat between the crevices of her fingers, but the slightest touch from him—the friction of their skin—sent shockwaves through her.
Aah… Aaaah! AAAAAAAH!!
Her eyes were beginning to spin as she went into full panic mode. The way he stroked her hand felt so intimate.
Rustle…
Oriana jumped. Vincent, who’d also been lost in the heat of the moment, also froze, his back stiffening. There were footsteps headed their way. They couldn’t hear what the voices were saying, but there were clearly two or more people.
Oriana and Vincent exchanged glances, their composure now restored.
“This way.” Vincent dragged her by the arm, pulling her into a bush.
Oriana was careful to make as little noise as possible, but it was dark, and she was in such a hurry that her foot caught on one of the hedge’s branches.
“Ah!”
As she tumbled forward, Vincent caught her. The two landed with him pinned beneath her. Her body was pressed flush against his, and their faces were so close, she could feel his breath crawl across her skin.
“Sorr—” Oriana started to apologize and scramble off of him, but she was caught on something and couldn’t pull away. She froze immediately. Unable to recognize this strange sensation, she glanced down at Vincent, hoping for answers. “I just felt something—”
The rest of her words hung unspoken as she stared at his face. Even in the darkness of the underbrush, he was red as a tomato. He had his eyes firmly shut and his face turned away. Bewildered as to what could’ve elicited such a reaction, she dropped her gaze down at their bodies only to suck in a breath. Her strapless dress was slipping down her body. Oriana yanked both of her hands back to cover her chest.
“I didn’t see anything,” Vincent sputtered. “I swear I didn’t.”
Oriana nodded quickly. If he promised he hadn’t seen anything, then he hadn’t. She had to believe that. Overcome with confusion, she curled in on herself, clenching her legs together. She kept her head down, squinting through the bushes where she caught a glimpse of some other students. Panicked, she hunkered down. She couldn’t let anyone see her like this.
It was impossible to lie flat while also pinning her dress in place. Oriana resolved herself and clung tight to Vincent, pressing her body into his. A tremor ran through him.
“I know I must be heavy,” she whispered, “but I’m sorry, we have to do this!”
“This is torture,” he gasped out, as if lamenting their horrible circumstances.
You don’t have to go that far, Oriana thought sullenly.
The strange sensation she felt—as if she was caught on something—must’ve been the ribbons at her back being pulled loose. In the instant she fell, a protruding branch from the shrubs had caught her laces. Since they’d been burned earlier by that girl’s hair iron, it had probably weakened the fibers.
I was in too much of a rush.
It wasn’t as if they had been doing anything so naughty that they needed to hide themselves. All she did was remove her glove and hold Vincent’s hand. That was all.
It’s not a logical problem. It’s an emotional one.
Oriana had no idea how Vincent felt, but the moment was intensely intimate to her. She didn’t want anyone else to see, let alone intrude. She didn’t want to share their private moment—or the afterglow of it—with anyone else.
“…with…right?”
The voices of the approaching students trickled into her ears, and both she and Vincent went rigid. Both of their bodies were feverishly hot, and Oriana’s heart was beating at an unhealthy rate. Vincent’s neck—which she’d never seen before—was right in front of her eyes. Since he was a man, there were muscles rippling underneath. The way his Adam’s apple bobbed had her captivated. She could even hear his breath in her ear. It was almost too much to handle.
I can’t look at him.
Oriana turned her head. The tip of her nose brushed against his neck. As her breath poured over him, his skin turned to gooseflesh and beads of sweat began to form. Vincent swallowed hard, squeezing his arms around her. Oriana held her breath, shocked.
He brought his mouth to her ear and whispered as quietly as possible, “Don’t move.” Vincent’s voice was so strained, it sounded almost like a threat. His feverish breath caressed the shell of her ear, causing her to shiver. “Please,” he added.
Oriana wanted to beg him to do the same—to not move!
She whispered a breathless “Okay.” The air from her own mouth was ridiculously hot as it seeped into the fabric of his jacket.
“It’s a shame, especially after we practiced the waltz together.”
The approaching voices became more distinct, and this one she couldn’t mistake—it was Miguel. In which case, the other voice that she hadn’t been able to make out likely belonged to his partner, Yana. The two had apparently come outside to take a short walk and get some fresh air.
Oriana pushed her body against Vincent’s, burying her face in his chest.
“I was surprised you noticed that the two of you were the same height,” said Yana.
“There aren’t many people who are as tall as me.”
It was wrong to eavesdrop, but the more she tried to distract herself from Vincent, who was pinned under her still, the more she focused on her friends’ conversation.
“It’s almost like I jinxed you by telling you I hoped the two of you would be able to dance together. Sorry about that,” said Miguel.
That stirred Oriana’s memories of when Yana chose Miguel as her dance partner during their lesson the other day. He’d whispered something in her ear at the time, causing her to blush. It must’ve been the same thing he said just now—about hoping she would be able to dance with Azraq.
“Even if he was here, I am sure he wouldn’t have danced with me. I know how he is. He’s not the type to seek that which is out of his reach.”
Yana must have turned red back then, imagining herself dancing with Azraq.
And Azraq saw her reaction, never knowing what was said.
Oriana’s whole body tightened at the thought of him. That prompted Vincent to groan beneath her.
“Oriana, can’t you roll off to the side?” he gasped out.
It was only then that she remembered their predicament.
“What’s wrong? Are you hurting somewhere?”
Perhaps he had a rock or a stick beneath him that was digging into his skin. Oriana paled. She needed to get off of him as quickly as possible then.
She tried to roll to the side, but the moment she moved, the branches above pulled at her hair. Apparently, with all their tousling about, her hair had gotten caught too. She tried to reach her hands up to untangle herself, but she couldn’t locate where she was stuck. Given the state of things, her hair ornament was probably caught up too.
“I can’t,” she said. “My hair is tangled in the bush.”
“All right, I will see what I can do.” Vincent reached his arms around her, brushing past her sides. A shiver ran through her again.
“Aah,” she moaned. The moment her body jerked, Vincent froze. Having given up on fiddling with her hair, he dropped his hands back into the grass.
“Phew…” He let out a long breath, emptying his lungs of every last bit of air.
They stayed like that as Vincent composed his breathing. He stared straight ahead as he whispered, “Apologies. You don’t have to move. Simply stay still. And please close your mouth.”
“It’s not like I’m trying to make a bunch of noise—”
“Oriana.”
“Fine, fine.”
Oriana didn’t want him to be in any more pain than he already was. Apparently, her shifting around only made it worse. She had to do something to lighten his burden, even if only a little.
“Sorry,” she murmured, “but I’m going to move a little.”
“Don’t.”
“Only a little.”
Oriana ignored his warning and shifted. Her legs had been pressed closed until now, but as she lifted one leg, she was straddling him, with her other leg sandwiched between his thighs. She thought if she could get on her knees, she could support her own weight somewhat. She couldn’t do the same with her upper body, since it would leave her chest in full view, but surely, this would give him some relief.
“Don’t— Urk…!”
As she was moving about, her knee nudged something hard. Vincent must’ve felt the impact because he gritted his teeth.
“S-Sorry. I think my leg bumped against something… Hey, Vincent, are you carrying your wand with you?”
He must have tucked it away in his inner pocket. Perhaps it was a precaution in case anything unforeseen were to happen.
Oriana patted his clothes, searching for it, and she found it near his groin. It was in the perfect spot that if she tried to move further down, it might catch on her and break.
“Oriana, you…” He gasped as if he thought she was the devil incarnate. Oriana was shocked at the resentment in his voice.
“I’m sorry! I didn’t realize it was your wand.”
“That’s right. So don’t move. Please, I’m begging you.” Vincent had averted his eyes this entire time, but now he was peering down at her. A heady mix of sweat and cedarwood cologne wafted into her nose.
Oriana squinted through the darkness. Vincent’s face was practically on fire as he clenched his teeth tight. Raspy breaths were trickling out between the gaps of his pearly whites.
Oriana was on the verge of tears. She wanted to bring him relief as quickly as possible. At least if he didn’t have her weight bearing down on him, then, even if the rock continued to dig into his back, he could lift himself up a bit and escape from it.
“It would be awful if I somehow stepped on your wand and broke it, so I will move it out of the way first,” said Oriana.
There was nothing more important to a mage than their wand. If one were to lose theirs in an accident or break it, they could buy a new one, but then it’d take years for them to fashion it into something that suited them. Thus, Oriana rationalized that she was perfectly justified in her decision to extricate it.
“You idio— Stop! I mean it, you fool. You had better not!”
This was probably the first time he had ever called her names like that. Oriana flinched from the shock as she slipped her hand between their bodies. Vince’s entire body was so tense, he was trembling. Her heart sank with the thought that he was suffering, and she hurriedly patted his body down, feeling around for the wand.
“Even if you have a gemstone embedded on it, I’m not going to steal it.”
“No. That’s not the issue— Wait, Oriana. I mean it, don’t you dare move. Please.”
Vincent’s hands shot toward her, trying to grab her arm to stay her. But since he couldn’t see anything, he missed his mark. What he grabbed instead was her lower back, near her buttocks. A strangled cry spilled from her throat.
“Ngah!”
“Wait…I mean it…please don’t…” Vincent ripped his hands away in a panic, using them to cover his face instead as he groaned in despair. His voice was feverish and gravelly. He had to be absolutely miserable. Each breath was ragged.
Confused at the strange noise that’d come out of her, Oriana snapped her mouth shut.
That almost sounded erotic. Oh, what’s wrong with me… I don’t want him to think I’m some kind of hussy with illicit thoughts—least of all in this situation…
Oriana was on the verge of tears as she pleaded with Vincent, “I beg you, don’t move. If you let me work, it will be over in a moment.”
“I would be upset if it ended that quickly— Wait, no, that isn’t the issue. No, don’t touch it. Stop!”
Found it!
Her fingers, which had been fishing around his clothes, finally found their target.
“What are you two doing?” called a voice from above right as Oriana was rummaging through Vincent’s layers, trying to find the opening to his pocket so she could pull out his wand. She whipped her neck around to look up, but the branch yanked her hair back, causing her to screech.
“Yowch!”
“Hm? Oh. Your hair is stuck…” Miguel reached a hand out, intending to free her. It was a bit embarrassing to be caught like this after all they’d done to hide, but that ship had sailed now. It was time to pay the piper.
Oriana steeled herself for what was to come when a sharp voice called out from below, “Miguel, close your eyes!”
Oriana jumped with surprise. She only belatedly realized that she’d lifted her upper body in the confusion, leaving her chest visible. Panicked, she grabbed for the top of her dress to hold it in place.
Miguel turned his head away and said, “Yana, it’s all right. It isn’t anyone suspicious, only Vincent and Oriana. Would you mind coming over? Seems there’s something I’m not meant to see.”
It shocked Oriana that they thought her and Vincent might be someone suspicious. Although, all things considered, a sane person wouldn’t be tossing around in the bushes on the night of the ball like this.
“What’s the matter?” Yana asked as she crept closed. “Oh… Goodness, Oriana! If you’d only told me, I would’ve happily vacated our room for the night.”
“Wait,” said Oriana. “Hold on a minute. What in the world are you talking about?”
This was the point where Yana was supposed to get angry and scold her for her indiscretion. Instead, she was having the complete opposite reaction.
Panicked, Oriana explained, “I swear this was all an accident! It wasn’t as if I was undressing and Vincent attacked me or anything like that!”
“I must say, it doesn’t look as though there’s any other explanation for it.” Yana shook her head.
“Yana, Oriana’s hair is tangled in the bushes. Can you help free her? And give her this to wear.” Miguel’s voice echoed overhead, but he was no longer in view. Most likely, he was keeping his distance to give her privacy.
“All right, slip your arm through here. And your other arm through this sleeve.” The way Yana helped dress her reminded Oriana of how her maids would help her get changed back home.
“Miguel, thank you. I don’t mind if you cut my hair off, but can you do something quickly? Vincent seems to be in pain. I want to help him as quickly as I can.”
“Cutting your hair is out of the question,” Miguel said. “Now that you’re clothed, however, why don’t I lift you up? Vincent can crawl out from under you in the meantime.” Once he was sure she was wearing his jacket, he reached his arms toward her.
Oriana panicked. “Wait! If you aren’t careful, you might break his wand!!!”
“His wand?”
“His wand is somewhere near my stomach right now. I thought I might snap it in half if I wasn’t careful when I moved, so I wanted to pull it out first.”
“Oh. I see. Well…I guess it is a wand.”
“Yes, indeed. A hard wand.”
Miguel and Yana nodded with knowing looks on their faces.
Uh, yes? That’s what I said—a wand.
“But,” said Miguel, “for Vincent’s sake, I think we should leave it where it is.”
“Huh?”
“Apologies. But I’m going to lift you now. Up you go!”
Before she could press him for answers, Miguel slipped his hands under her armpits. It must have been an awkward position for him as he lifted her up like a stray pup, but at least Oriana didn’t feel any pain.
Contrary to Oriana’s fears, Vincent—who’d been absolutely silent up until now—had no trouble scrambling swiftly out from under her. His speed was so impressive that even a mouse fleeing from a fire could hardly match him.
“Vincent, are you all right?” Oriana asked, worried about both his body and his wand as she dangled helplessly in Miguel’s arms.
Vincent remained crouched on the ground, his voice filled with despair as he croaked, “My dignity is dead.”
“What? Why?”
Vincent cradled his head in his hands, slumped over in the grass. He didn’t move for a while.
❦❦❦
BY the time they finally managed to pry her hair loose from the branch, the whole group was thoroughly exhausted. Oriana had to remain in an awkward pose throughout the ordeal while Miguel and Yana left to find a lantern. When they got back, they had to untangle her hair one thin strand at a time with their fingers. Vincent sat hunched over on the grass the entire time, but for whatever reason, neither Yana nor Miguel blamed him for his inaction.
Oriana’s beautiful updo had turned into a disheveled mess, as the shrubs had pried her iris hairpiece loose during the whole debacle. Her ribbons had indeed been cut during her fall, so Yana had taken emergency measures to secure her dress in place. She was now decent enough to mingle with the other students, but Vincent wouldn’t allow her to shed her jacket. Incidentally, said jacket was no longer Miguel’s because Vincent had changed it out for his own rather quickly.
Vincent’s scent tickled at her nose. As she spaced out after all that’d happened, Oriana pressed her face against the jacket and inhaled.
“I no longer have the energy to return to the ball,” said Yana.
“Me either. Especially with my hair like this. Why don’t we go back?”
Oriana’s hair was a rat’s nest, and she had to keep a man’s jacket over her dress, so she looked the part of a woman who’d been assailed by some kind of hoodlum. They had done what they could. No one would think much of it in passing, but this hair arrangement wasn’t exactly appropriate for a ball.
“Mister Tanzine, please escort us back,” said Yana.
“Yes, of course,” said Vincent. “Miguel, I will look after them both.”
“All right. Take care!”
“See you later, Miguel.”
“Yep, see ya.”
They waved hands before parting. The two girls and Vincent made their way toward the girls’ dormitory. The sidewalks were empty along the way. It wasn’t that late out yet, so everyone else was likely still enjoying the ball. Perhaps some of the large roasted chicken in the girls’ lounge still remained.
The walk home was so calm that it was hard to believe the past hour had been so hectic. Vincent followed from behind, quietly listening as Yana and Oriana chatted. It was mostly small talk. The topics ranged from the snacks they’d eaten at the ball to the colors of their classmates’ shoes, and before they knew it, they were back at the dormitory.
“All right, I will head up first. Oriana, be sure to return his jacket to him,” said Yana.
“Oh, that’s right. Thank you.”
If Yana hadn’t reminded her, she might’ve carried it straight to their room.
Oriana tried to shrug the jacket off, but Vincent stopped her with a smile. “Can we speak for a moment longer?”
She pulled a face and glanced to her side. Yana had been there a moment ago, but she’d somehow disappeared.
Oh, that’s right. She did say she was going to head up first.
Oriana spun around, but Yana was already through the door and heading up the spiral staircase. As Oriana watched her friend from behind, she realized Yana was trying to be considerate of them.
“Oh, um…s-sure.” Her cheeks heated.
After he went to the trouble of guiding us here, I can’t help wondering if him inviting me out again has a deeper meaning.
Oriana eyed his proffered hand before slipping off her glove and placing her fingertips in his palm. He gently squeezed, pulling her along. They began walking along the wall of the dormitory.
It was lively inside the building. Laughter trickled out through the windows they passed. Those without partners had set up a girls-only party, and it was evidently a booming success.
Oriana and Vincent slipped away from the clamor, walking through flower beds the female students had cultivated. There, Vincent came to a stop. Oriana halted too. With nothing better to do, she leaned her back against the wall. Vincent slipped up beside her and did the same.
Despite being the one to invite her along, saying he wanted to speak, he was being awfully tight-lipped.
Not that I really mind.
At least, as far as Oriana was concerned, it wasn’t an uncomfortable silence. Today was a special day and she was with someone equally special.
The two continued holding hands as they gazed up at the stars. It was a pleasant, peaceful moment.
The collar of Vincent’s jacket smelled of cedarwood. Oriana lifted her shoulders to bring it closer. She then pressed her back firmly against the wall, shoving her hands into the coat pockets as she stretched out her legs and inhaled. His scent flooded her lungs.
I almost want to cry. I’m so happy.
Even if she had to live this life all over again, she would still be able to recall this exact moment in vivid detail. She wouldn’t forget a thing—not the feel of the wind, the scent of the earth, the cry of the insects, or even the faint laughter reverberating from within the dormitory.
“Today was…” Oriana’s mouth opened before she realized what she was doing.
“Hm?”
“Fun.”
“Yes, it was.”
It had been an eventful day but an entertaining one. These past three months had been so hectic and full of anxiety, but at least she’d taken an active role. And in the end, the ball was enormously satisfying.
“Hey, mind if I ask a question?” Oriana tried to play it casual. She lifted her shoulders a bit more, hiding her face behind the coat collar.
“What is it?”
“Why did you ask me to be your partner?”
If he’d asked her the same question, she would not have hesitated to answer, but Vincent said nothing. His hand stiffened in hers.
Oriana pretended not to notice as she prattled, “Oh, it’s okay. I basically understand already. I mean, I kept going on and on about the Vince from my past life, so you were probably just trying to compete, right?”
“Oriana.”
“And also, everyone had already decided on their partners! You must’ve noticed me panicking and felt bad for me. Sorry about that. I appreciate it, though. I really was anxious.”
“That’s not it at all.”
“Um, also, you know,” she continued, “by inviting me, you could ensure there weren’t any misunderstandings after graduation…with your future bride. Especially since no one would ever think twice about me…”
“Oriana, please listen.”
Vincent’s voice was so earnest that Oriana couldn’t keep blabbering on. She stared down at her feet instead. Their hands were still connected, but hers had gone limp. Vincent was the one keeping a firm hold.
“I invited you because I wanted to. Because I wanted to dance with you.”
Oriana bit down on her quivering lip.
Vincent moved in front of her, peering into her face. She froze and he brought his hand to her cheek, cupping it.
It was all so sudden. She could only gawk at him.
Vincent traced his thumb over her lips, and they parted with ease.
“Can this be enough for you right now? There are no other words I can yet offer.” His palm trembled slightly. “Tomorrow, or the day after, I will be returning home. On Seed Day, I want to speak with you again. But I need you to wait for me until then.”
A tear slipped down her cheek and he must have felt it against his hand. As if to comfort her, he brushed his thumbs over her cheeks, wiping the edges of her eyes.
I forced myself not to look for an answer. If I thought about it, I knew it would influence me. I mean, I’m not his lover in this life. Vincent didn’t choose me.
That was why she’d convinced herself there was no hope. She’d chided herself for letting her heart beat with anticipation at every little thing because she was sure it wasn’t possible. But no longer could she hold herself back.
“I…I can wait for you?”
“Yes.”
“I used to be your girlfriend, you know.”
“I know.”
“So when I say wait, it’s with that meaning in mind.”
“I know,” he said again. “That’s why I’m asking you to wait.”
His voice was so gentle. It seemed to wrap around her, softer even than the coat resting on her shoulders.
“After school on Seed Day, I promise I will go to the lounge. Wait for me there,” he said.
She bobbed her head. In the same instant, her tears wriggled free. Unable to contain her happiness, she threw her arms around him—or at least, she tried. Vincent’s hands shot up frighteningly fast, blocking her.
“What…?”
“No more. All of this needs to wait until Seed Day.”
“But why?!” Oriana demanded. “Is what you said a moment ago—”
“I won’t be able to take it.”
“What?!”
That’s my line!
Miffed, Oriana began to furrow her brows. But before she could, Vincent grabbed her face. His enormous hands covered her cheeks. She didn’t even have a chance to be surprised before his forehead bumped against hers. Their noses brushed and their breath blended together. If she wasn’t careful, they were close enough that their lips might touch.
Vincent’s feverish gaze bore into her.
“Are we clear?”
“Y-Yes…”
Dazed, Oriana nodded. His hands dropped and his face pulled away. She pressed her fingers over her lips.
I thought he’d kissed me.
No, though their lips hadn’t touched, it was still a kiss. Their hearts longed for one another.
“I’ll escort you back now.” He took her hand. She squeezed it, unable to do anything else at the moment.
Vincent silently guided her back to the dorm entrance. He spoke no words of parting and Oriana could only stare absently after him. When he finally disappeared, she willed herself to climb the stairs.
“Oriana! So you’re already back.”
“We still have some chicken left.”
Some of the other students came over to greet Oriana as she arrived at the lounge. Despite how much she’d hungered for the chicken they were enjoying, she didn’t even care to look at it now. She silently shook her head and started up another flight of stairs. Worried voices echoed after her, but she ignored them and retreated to her room.
Oriana waltzed through the door and, without peeling her dress off or removing her makeup, slumped across her bed. The top bunk had a curtain drawn around it. Perhaps Yana was already asleep.
That’s right, Vincent’s coat…
Oriana had forgotten to return it. She pulled it tighter, not worried about how it might wrinkle as she hugged it.
I’ll return it after I have it cleaned.
She nuzzled it with her nose and clung to it, inhaling Vincent’s scent until it filled her. With each anxious breath, she tried to engrave all the details of today in her mind—the way Vincent’s voice sounded, how warm his body was, how passionate they both were…
Oriana closed her eyes. Tears leaked past, seeping into the fabric of Vincent’s coat.