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chapter 34
Just a moment ago, it had felt like I was flying in the sky. Now, that feeling had sunk to the ground.
I had enjoyed a dreamlike date with Teansis. But now, it was time to return to reality.
“I understand what Lady Anox means. But do you have any proof you can show her…?”
“Do you perhaps have plans to meet His Grace tomorrow as well?”
I stared at Raygenie in surprise. I didn’t know how she knew, but her words were accurate.
As if she had expected this, Raygenie bit her lip and pressed further.
“When exactly is it?”
“…Sorry?”
When I asked back in confusion, Raygenie gave a wry smile and replied.
“You weren’t seriously planning to meet him again tomorrow, were you?”
“Ah…”
“Since you and the Duke aren’t anything to each other, you can give way to me, can’t you?”
The word she had spoken earlier—proof—echoed in my head.
By not showing up to the meeting, I could prove to Raygenie that there was nothing special between me and Teansis.
But truthfully, I didn’t want that.
It was a promise I had made with Teansis myself. I desperately wanted to enjoy the Kamar Academy festival with him again tomorrow.
But I couldn’t let my selfishness win. Not because of Raygenie standing before me—
—but for Teansis. I didn’t want to upset his fiancée.
To stand between such a perfect pair would be to repay Teansis’s kindness with betrayal.
Forcing the words out of lips that didn’t want to move, I finally answered:
“…All right.”
For the first time, Raygenie’s face lit up. With this, she would no longer misunderstand my relationship with Teansis.
Swallowing my disappointment, I told Raygenie the time and place of tomorrow’s promised meeting.
Hearing it, she looked surprised.
“You agreed to meet Duke Acruze in such a shabby place?”
“Yes. At the ferry dock.”
Raygenie clearly thought such a spot was unworthy of meeting the Duke.
She fell silent for a moment, then stared at the wishing lantern in my hands. I noticed her eyes on it.
Unwilling to yield even this, I gripped it tighter. But without Teansis, I would have no reason to ride the ferry anyway.
Don’t be greedy. This much is enough.
I forced myself to empty my heart of the yearning that had crept in for Teansis.
After all, there was no way I could become his lover. To get in the way of his future out of selfishness—that would be unforgivable.
Closing my eyes, I extended the wishing lantern to Raygenie.
“It’s said these are released while riding the ferry. Please take it tomorrow when you meet His Grace.”
Raygenie looked at me with an unreadable expression before finally accepting the lantern. I hoped the two of them would be happy, sending it afloat together.
With a faint smile, she said:
“I nearly misunderstood.”
Thinking the misunderstanding between us was now resolved, I looked at her.
“It’s a relief to know you’re someone who knows her place.”
At those words, I flinched.
She was right—I did know my place. But hearing it said aloud stung.
Unconsciously, I pressed my lips shut. Raygenie, finding amusement in this, stepped lightly away.
“As you said, I’ll release the lantern properly with His Grace tomorrow. It’s late—I’ll be going. Sweet dreams.”
Holding the lantern, she walked past me and down the path. I stood watching her back for a long while.
A surge of sadness rose in me, but I shook my head.
This is the path that helps His Grace most.
Raygenie was beautiful, wealthy, and of a good family. Compared to her, I had nothing better to offer.
A lump rose in my throat, but I forced a smile.
Today had been so joyful.
Though it hurt that I wouldn’t continue that joy tomorrow, today’s memories would not disappear.
I removed the large ribbon Teansis had placed in my hair, holding it in my hands. Thinking of him putting it on me brought a smile to my lips.
This much was enough.
The next day.
From early morning, knocking came at my door. When I opened it, an unfamiliar Academy staff member stood there.
If not for the badge in his hand, I wouldn’t have recognized him as staff.
“You’re the apothecary teacher, yes?”
“Ah, yes. What brings you here?”
“I came with a notice. Starting today, you no longer need to wear the maid uniform.”
“…Pardon?”
The unexpected words stunned me. The staff member continued matter-of-factly:
“You don’t have to wear it during the festival.”
“Why, all of a sudden?”
“I don’t know the details. I only heard a complaint was filed last night.”
“…Ah.”
Teansis flashed through my mind—but I quickly dismissed the thought.
“Well, I’ve delivered the notice. Good day.”
He hurried away, but I called after him with a sudden worry:
“Then what should I wear during the festival? The maid uniform is the only clothing I received from the Academy…”
“Anything except staff uniforms should be fine. Everyone else will be wearing different outfits—it would be odd if you alone wore staff attire.”
“…I see.”
“Then, excuse me.”
He bowed and disappeared.
I stepped back inside, dazed. At once, the cat monster emerged from hiding.
『You mean that ragged thing you wore yesterday? Isn’t it good you can wear something else?』
“That’s true, but I don’t really have anything else to wear.”
『What do you mean? I saw a perfectly fine dress in your wardrobe.』
A dress?
His words jogged my memory—the dress I’d bought by accident on the day I first met the cat monster.
“Right, that one.”
『The only decent dress in your closet, and you forgot?』
“I’ve been distracted lately…”
『You’ve seemed spaced out since yesterday. Did something happen?』
At the concern in his tone, I smiled faintly.
Our bond had started strangely, but over time, I felt a growing closeness.
A friend?
Since becoming an adult, I hadn’t had anyone I could call that. Yet the cat monster was starting to feel like one.
“It’s nothing. Really.”
After all, what was there to say? I had loved Teansis alone, and I had let him go alone.
『If you say so. But if something ever happens, promise you’ll tell me.』
“I will.”
I stroked his head.
Though today was another day of the festival, I didn’t want to go out.
It wouldn’t be as fun as yesterday. And if by chance I saw Teansis with Raygenie, I wouldn’t know what expression to wear.
Logically, I knew I should congratulate them as a fitting pair—but would my heart cooperate?
『Why are you making such a lonely face?』
“Am I?”
『Yes. Stop worrying me and go out. Isn’t today a human festival day?』
“I was planning to spend today with you here in the dorm.”
『You can’t even cook properly in this tiny place. How will you eat?』
“Well…”
『Stop being troublesome and go. Sunshine will lift your mood.』
He had seen right through me.
When I just stared, he shoved my leg with a little paw and said gruffly:
『Go on, try on the dress. I’ll check it for you.』
Defeated, I put on the dress. In the mirror, I looked better than expected.
The cat monster nodded approvingly.
『Not bad. Buy more like this. Don’t you know how to dress up?』
I blinked at the unexpected scolding.
“They cost money. Dresses don’t appear out of nowhere.”
『What, you don’t even have money?』
His bluntness left me momentarily speechless. At last, I admitted softly:
“…No.”
『So the queen has nothing at all.』
His tone was so exasperated that I scratched my cheek awkwardly.
Then, with a shove of his paw, he ordered:
『Anyway, you look decent today. Go out and enjoy yourself.』
“But…”
I had nowhere to go.
Before I could say so, he spoke firmly:
『At least go eat.』
And he pushed me right out of the dorm.
It’s my room, though…
But he was right—hiding inside wouldn’t change anything. He was only thinking of me.
So I started walking.
Even a little distance from the dorm, the festival crowd buzzed around me. Somehow, the sights weren’t as beautiful as yesterday, and a bitter feeling rose.
Wandering aimlessly, I found myself at the apothecary.
I had come here every day for work. With the festival break, it felt strange not to. With nothing else to do, I thought I might as well read a text on herbs.
As I opened the door, a voice called:
“You—what are you doing here?”
Turning, I saw Zer, looking surprised.
He wore his usual white coat—so plain, it didn’t look like festival day at all.
“What about you, Professor?”
Instead of answering, he eyed the dress I wore. Unlike his, my outfit was unusual.
“I was busy repairing the burned lab. But you—why aren’t you out enjoying the festival, all dressed up like that?”
“I just thought I’d study a little.”
“Even on a day like this?”
“I don’t really have anywhere else to go…”
Feeling embarrassed, my voice shrank. Perhaps noticing, Zer asked more gently:
“What book were you planning to read?”
Meanwhile, Teansis was uncharacteristically indecisive, changing outfits several times. None seemed right until he finally settled on one.
Never had he been so meticulous in choosing his cravat, cufflinks, or accessories.
At last ready, he stepped out.
Passing by, maid Emily froze at the sight of him.
“Y-your Grace, where are you going today?”
“What is it?”
“You look far more dashing than usual! Honestly, your handsomeness could pierce the heavens. If you go out like this, young ladies will flock to you.”
Normally, he would dismiss such words. But today, he didn’t mind. A faint smile even crossed his lips.
“Is that so.”
It was the first time Emily had ever seen him smile. She gawked, stunned.
Teansis left her behind, checking his watch. His appointment with Velia was near.
He could not keep a lady waiting. Lengthening his stride, he moved quickly.
On his face, the mask he wore yesterday was back. In the festival crowd of costumed revelers, it did not stand out—yet still, many glanced his way.
He arrived at the ferry dock early. Couples filled the place, just like last night.
Scanning the area, his eyes fell on a woman holding a wishing lantern.
From a distance, with her hat, it was hard to see her face. Something about her felt different from Velia, but Teansis strode toward her without hesitation.
“My lady, you’ve arrived early.”
At his voice, the woman turned from gazing at the river.
And Teansis’s violet eyes widened.
It was not Velia—it was Raygenie.
Of course, he knew exactly who she was. But why was she here? And with Velia’s lantern?
“What are you doing here…”
As he began to ask, Raygenie smiled serenely and said:
“The apothecary teacher told me. That you would be meeting here today.”
Teansis’s brow furrowed. Sensing his mood shift, Raygenie lifted the lantern lightly and added:
“She said I should release the wishing lantern with you. She worked very hard to bring us together.”
