Vs. Holstein
"Oh? My wink doesn’t work on Young Lady Joan?"
"Huh?"
"But normally, every girl would go all dreamy, you know?"
"… Is that so?"
"Haha…"
"Hey, Kazul, don’t laugh!"
"My bad. I just didn’t think there’d be a lady immune to your charms. Ah—pardon me. I’m Kazul Rivarks, heir to the Marquess of Rivarks. A pleasure."
"N-n-nice to meet you… I-I’m Joan Lampail, eldest daughter of the Lampail family."
… He really does look exactly like my favorite member, Kazu.
The voice, the way he laughs… oh no, I can’t even lift my head.
"What’s this? Young Lady Joan, do you prefer Kazul, then?"
"Eh? Ah, um, that’s—"
"Young Master Noah? Please don’t trouble my dearest friend."
"Ahh, sorry, sorry… Oh, looks like His Highness has arrived. Well then, until later."
After the two left, Cathy spoke to me.
"Joan? Are you alright? Your face is bright red."
"Yeah. I’m fine now."
"If you say so."
"I’ll just go grab a drink."
I started walking toward the refreshment table, but one of the Holstein girls stuck out her foot to trip me.
I sidestepped lightly and took a drink in hand. When I tried to head back to Cathy, the Holstein trio was already blocking the way.
… Ugh, troublesome.
My hands are full with drinks. What now? … Well, I’ll manage somehow.
I tried to pass by, and as expected, they called out.
"Hey, you there?"
"Yes, what is it?"
"Why are you with that girl?"
"Well, I suppose because she’s a duke’s daughter."
"Ehehe, of course."
Covering their mouths with their fans, they scanned me up and down like appraisers eyeing livestock.
"Because she’s my friend. Is that a problem? … If not, I’ll be on my way."
As I tried to slip past, one of them stuck her foot out again.
But of course, I didn’t trip. Instead, I hooked my leg around her Achilles, pulling slightly—like a judo kouchi-gari.
Naturally, Holstein A lost her balance and toppled over.
"Are you alright? Suddenly collapsing like that—are you unwell?"
"Wha—!!"
"You just tripped her on purpose!"
"Me? Both my hands are full. I was just walking straight. If she had her leg out, I might’ve tripped into her—but surely, you wouldn’t do such a thing, right?"
I implied as much, and predictably, the Holstein girls fell silent.
"Well then, I’ll be going. Take care of yourself."
As I turned to leave, Holstein B moved.
SPLASH! "Oh no, so sor—kya?! What—!?"
"Huh!?"
Behind me, commotion erupted. I turned back to see Holstein B’s dress soaked in red wine. In her hand was an empty glass.
"Ahh, so you were trying something petty, huh?"
"You did this, didn’t you!?"
Holstein B tried to blame me.
"I didn’t do a thing. You’re holding the empty glass, and just now you even apologized."
"……"
"By the way, that was thanks to a magic tool. I have a protective barrier that reacts to malicious intent."
"Joan!"
As I explained, Cathy rushed over in worry.
"Are you hurt?"
"Nope, all good. Thanks."
Relieved, Cathy’s eyes narrowed coldly as she turned on the Holsteins. They flinched and looked away.
"What do you think you’re doing to my friend? I’ve tolerated your behavior because of your age, but now you dare involve her as well? Do you understand who you’re insulting? Or are you suggesting that your count’s house stands above both a ducal and a marquis houses?"
"!!"
"Cathy, it’s fine. I’m unharmed. As long as they stay away from me and from you, that’s enough."
"… If that’s what you want, Joan."
"You agree, don’t you?"
"Y-yes. Excuse us."
And the Holsteins bolted like startled cattle.
"They really don’t get it, do they?"
"Joan… you knew they wouldn’t, didn’t you?"
"Well, of course. They didn’t apologize even once. That’s why I told them not to approach us again. Which also means… no chance for them to ever apologize, either."
"Ehehe. Typical Holsteins."
"Hahaha, exactly. No offense to real cows, though."
"My, my—already finished?"
As we laughed, the hostess herself, Her Majesty, approached.
"We deeply apologize for the disturbance."
"Oh, think nothing of it. It wasn’t your fault. Still, I wonder if those girls realize whose tea party this is?"
Gracefully hiding her lips with her fan, Her Majesty looked amused. The Holstein daughters had staged an obvious harassment—at the Queen’s own tea party. Everyone who saw it knew instantly: those three had just earned the Queen’s disfavor, and with it, the loss of any chance at betrothal.
"Well, no matter. The party is nearly over, but do you have a little more time?"
"Yes, Your Majesty."
"Good. I’d like to chat more with you later."
And with that, the Queen departed.
What do you think about this chapter?
