The Consequences of Inviting the Girl I Was Interested in to Dance
The next day, regular classes at the academy began.
In the first year, all students are in a shared class, and from the second year onward, they split into specialized courses.
This arrangement allowed me to share the same classroom with Connie and, by sheer luck, sit next to her.
Thanks to our shared status as commoners and yesterday’s events, we were able to talk.
However, there was one issue.
“Good morning, Young Master Lake.”
“Ah, good morning, Connie.”
Connie’s demeanor was still stiff and formal.
I wouldn’t mind if she loosened up a bit more, but she seemed to keep a certain distance and acted reserved.
It likely had to do with her upbringing in the orphanage, as my investigation through the resources of the Gallard Company revealed.
Connie was an orphan raised in a church on the outskirts of the royal capital.
From a young age, she had an extraordinary amount of mana and excelled in controlling it.
Her talent far surpassed that of ordinary people, to the extent that it overturned the academy's long-standing unwritten rule against admitting students with unclear backgrounds.
Yet, exceptional talent often attracts envy and resentment.
The boys who had harassed her the previous day were likely the same.
While they came from notable families, their substance was no different from that of ordinary commoners.
Truly, small-minded individuals.
As a result, Connie remained an isolated figure in the class.
I had never seen her conversing with other students—she was completely alone.
Not that I was any different. I was the ultimate loner too.
If anything, having Lucina to talk to made my current life slightly better than my previous one.
However, Lucina’s dramatic actions and overzealous sense of justice made her stand out in the class more than any other attendant, earning her the reputation of “someone best avoided.”
Honestly, I started wondering if she was an enemy disguised as an ally.
… Well, it didn’t matter.
My focus was solely on building connections with people who would work for me and future valuable clients.
Anyway, Connie’s isolation worked in my favor.
Without trusted companions, she would more easily come to rely on me.
It was time to advance my plans to the next stage.
After class.
I approached Connie, who was quietly packing her things alone.
“Do you have some time after this, Connie?”
“Eh?”
She looked startled at first but straightened her posture the moment she realized it was me.
… I still felt that barrier between us.
“My secretary—or rather, my maid—has been working on an intriguing magic tool.”
“A magic tool!?”
Oh? Her reaction was unexpectedly enthusiastic.
“Are you perhaps interested in magic tools?”
“Wha—!? I, um, well… yes.”
Her face turned crimson as she stammered, seemingly embarrassed by her earlier outburst.
There was nothing shameful or criminal about being interested in magic tools.
She could afford to be more confident about it.
Her overly reserved demeanor when interacting with people of higher status was more serious than I had expected.
Still, her interest in magic tools seemed promising for conversation.
“In that case, I’d love for you to take a look.”
“Me?”
“The tool we’re working on is at a critical stage involving mana, and it’s proving tricky. Unfortunately, Lucina here isn’t knowledgeable in that area.”
“I have no interest in anything but Master Lake.”
“… Right.”
Hey! I appreciate your loyalty, but your overwhelming intensity is scaring Connie!
“Could you be quiet for a bit?”
“Understood! As you wish!”
With Lucina silenced for now, I continued the conversation.
“I wanted advice from someone well-versed in magic. Would you consider lending us your expertise?”
At first, Connie looked puzzled by my request.
But soon, her face turned beet red, and she lowered her gaze.
Uh-oh. Was I too direct?
Maybe I should have approached this more subtly.
While I was reflecting on my words, she surprised me by saying:
“I-I’m not sure how much help I can be, but if there’s anything I can do, I’ll gladly assist!”
“Thank you! That’s a huge help.”
Finally, a significant breakthrough.
Now, it was time for the finishing touch.
I had to invite her to the upcoming ball at all costs.
What do you think about this chapter?
