Chapter 29

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 29

Chapter Title: Party Preparations

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“Huh, you rented a mansion this big?”

“Yes, it's way bigger than I expected...”

“Right? That's why I went to all the trouble of convincing Herwin somehow.”

Just before heading into the academy, Lucia and her friends had followed Bianca's lead to tour the mansion she'd reserved in advance.

It wasn't particularly large compared to their own family estates, but among the mansions on Terrvan Street, it was fairly sizable.

“Want to take a quick look inside if that's okay?”

“Huh? Is that alright?”

“Yeah, I've got permission. A few people stop by to check it out now and then, so it's fine.”

Following Bianca inside, they caught sight of a charming garden in the distance. The mansion was in good shape overall.

“This place could easily accommodate a crowd.”

“Yeah, and the hall is super spacious.”

As Christine and Arista explored the interior, Lucia glanced around.

That's when Bianca sidled up to Lucia.

“Did you get Herwin's gift?”

“Of course I did.”

“Nice, what'd you get him?”

Bianca lowered her voice, wary of eavesdroppers, and Lucia let out a soft chuckle.

It felt like old times again after so long.

“That's a secret!”

“Come on, you can tell me.”

“Haha, you'll see later. I got something perfect for Herwin.”

“Hmm, now I'm even more curious.”

Bianca narrowed her eyes playfully. They locked gazes in silence for a moment before bursting into laughter together.

“Herwin might not like it, but it'll definitely be his best birthday ever. So many people want to celebrate with him.”

Bianca grinned, her brown locks swaying as she gazed at them.

“It'll be an amazing day like you said, but you don't plan to confess to him?”

Lucia's body jolted, and she whipped around.

She scanned the area, worried Christine and Arista might have overheard. Fortunately, they were off in the distance.

“Don't say it so loud!”

“They're way over there. Seriously, no plans to confess? It's his birthday party, sure, but it's doubling as an end-of-term bash, so everyone's gonna dress to the nines. That includes you and Herwin, right?”

As Bianca said, the party centered on Herwin's birthday, but with break approaching, it was also serving as an end-of-term celebration.

Most students would probably show up in their finest to enjoy it.

Lucia had prepared a light sky-blue dress to match Herwin's special day.

“Wouldn't it be a waste not to confess on a night like that? You went all out looking pretty—letting it pass would be such a shame.”

“Well...”

“You've got his gift ready, so give it to him while you confess. He might say yes this time.”

“But Herwin likes Arista...”

“He likes her, but they're not dating yet. You gonna give up on him just like that?”

“.........”

Lucia clamped her mouth shut. Bianca's words shook her a little, but she still had no intention of confessing to Herwin.

Bianca glanced around before grabbing Lucia's hand and pulling her out of the mansion.

“Lucia, I'm in charge of this party, you know?”

“You're the one running it? I thought you were just helping out.”

“It just kinda happened that way. Anyway, that's not the point. As the organizer, I can set up a private spot just for you and Herwin.”

“...How?”

“Come here.”

Bianca led her to a garden behind the mansion.

“When the party's in full swing, I'll lure Herwin here. You wait and confess to him. I'll make sure no one else comes in.”

“Nice spot, but... isn't it a bit too open?”

“By the time the party's heated up, it'll be dark, so no one inside will see out. And like I said, I'm running the show. I'll put up an 'off-limits' sign, and draw the curtains in the hall. What do you think? Pretty good plan, huh?”

It was a tempting offer. Unlike her usual confessions, showing up all dolled up in a romantic setting with a gift would make it unforgettable for sure.

But on the other hand, she worried if confessing on his one-and-only birthday of the year was really okay.

“Think it over carefully. I'll set it up so no one can get in here for now.”

“Okay... got it.”

“Lucia! Bianca! There you are. We should head out now.”

Christine spotted them and urged them to hurry.

The sunset was already painting the sky in warm hues.

Lucia quickly wrapped up her talk with Bianca and joined the others.

There was just one week left until Herwin's birthday.

“Whew...”

Lucia let out a tense sigh, fiddling with her hair.

It felt like she'd been standing in front of the mirror for at least thirty minutes, but she couldn't tear herself away.

“Lucia, what are you doing? We're gonna be late!”

“Huh? Oh! One sec!”

A knock came from outside, followed by Arista urging her to hurry.

Lucia scrambled to grab Herwin's gift and her handbag.

Right before heading out, she paused at the mirror again, fussing with her hair.

“...It's not too much, is it?”

In the reflection, Lucia's lush brown hair was neatly braided into one with tiny beads for decoration. Simple makeup gave her a vibrant, lively look. Topped with a breezy sky-blue dress perfect for summer, she looked stunning.

She'd put extra effort into her appearance, but a twinge of doubt crept in—was it overkill?

“Lucia!”

“Coming!”

Lucia rushed outside. Arista and Christine were waiting.

Christine wore a soft mint-green dress that made her look like a forest fairy, while Arista—oddly enough—was in her knight's uniform instead of a dress.

It suited her so well that it didn't feel out of place at all.

“Sorry, did I keep you waiting?”

The two, mid-conversation, turned and their eyes went wide at the sight of Lucia.

“...So cute.”

“Lucia! You look gorgeous!”

Arista stared in awe, while Christine showered her with compliments.

“It's not... too much?”

“No way! You look amazing!”

“Yeah, all the guys are gonna fall for you at this rate.”

With praise from Christine and Arista—the academy's top beauty—Lucia's cheeks flushed.

“Where's Bianca?”

“She went ahead to finish party prep.”

“The boys already left, so we just need to go.”

Lucia and the two hurried out of the dorm.

It was Saturday, and the usually quiet academy grounds buzzed with students all dressed up.

All of them, men and women alike, were clearly headed to Herwin's birthday party.

A strange excitement hung in the air among the students.

“Wow, bet a ton of couples get made tonight.”

“Maybe that's why some are even coming to the party.”

Lucia overheard their whispers and looked around.

Sure enough, a few boys and girls were already chatting—shy approaches met with bashful smiles, making a perfect match.

Even though she didn't know the strangers, Lucia saw herself and Herwin in them.

Imagining him smiling brightly in response to her felt thrilling, even as a fantasy.

“Lucia, come on.”

Snapping out of it at the call, she turned. Arista and Christine were waiting ahead.

Glancing back, the spot where she'd envisioned her and Herwin now held a happy couple chatting away.

“Coming!”

She turned away without regret, her steps light.

“Happy birthday, Young Lord Peneus.”

“I have a gift for you! Please accept it!”

“Happy birthday, Herwin! Man, I knew you were popular, but this is next level. Must be nice!”

Herwin eyed the throng passing by with a weary expression.

They were all academy classmates here to celebrate his birthday or enjoy the party.

When Bianca had given him the attendee list, he'd known it'd be a lot, but not this many.

If he'd known, he'd have made some excuse to arrive late.

He vowed never to get roped into something like this again.

Ethan approached as Herwin steeled his resolve.

“Herwin, you've already got a mountain of gifts just from me pointing 'em out. Unwrapping those later's gonna be a chore.”

Glancing where Ethan pointed, Herwin saw the pile of presents.

A normal person might rejoice, but Herwin grimaced.

“Ugh, I just wanna go back to the dorm.”

“Hang in there a bit longer. You're the star—gotta dance at least once, right?”

“Yeah, those lovely ladies over there are just waiting for you to ask.”

Brian sauntered over with a smirk, fresh from flirting with some girls.

“You look like you're having more fun than me, Herwin.”

“Heh, the ladies won't leave me alone. What can I say? This charm's irresistible.”

“Ugh, you sleaze.”

Ethan gagged at Brian's boasting. Their banter was the usual, but an undercurrent of excitement buzzed between them.

Herwin sighed, wondering if he was the only one hating this party.

“Why the sigh? Not enjoying the party?”

“...Bianca.”

A faint perfume wafted in as Bianca appeared, guest list in hand. Brian whistled at the sight of her.

“Whoa, you went all out today.”

“Heh, like what you see?”

Bianca tossed her reddish-brown hair back, firing right back.

Already a beauty, she looked even more alluring in her red dress.

Herwin noticed a few guys stealing glances her way.

“Bianca, there are more people than on your list.”

“Really? Probably no more than ten extras.”

“What? It is more.”

“Psh, that's not a big deal. More the merrier, anyway.”

“Sigh, so when does this party end?”

“Hmm, once everyone's here, we'll kick off the real fun. About an hour of dancing, then some light events... so maybe three hours?”

“No way, too long. Cut it now.”

“What? Of course not. I've put so much into this.”

“It'll be ten if it runs three hours. Curfew's nine, and with this crowd, the academy will crack down.”

“Don't worry. I cleared it with them for midnight. That's why some professors are here.”

Ethan blanched at where Bianca pointed.

“Gah, for real? Thought I was seeing things...”

“Aren't the professors just here to keep us from causing trouble? But...”

Brian trailed off.

The professors, there to prevent mishaps, held wine glasses in hand.

“...Guess they're enjoying a rare night out.”

Pop!

As they watched the professors chatting and laughing awkwardly, a sharp sting hit Herwin from behind.

Herwin's eyes bulged as he clutched his back and spun around.