The Night of the Ball Finally Arrived
The venue was a dance hall located within the academy's grounds.
Although primarily attended by first-year students, some members of the student council were also present, seemingly involved in the event's preparations.
Among them stood Tricia Heartland, the student council president and a lady from the distinguished Heartland family, one of the Three Noble Houses.
She appeared deep in conversation with the faculty, likely discussing the final details.
Even so, her commanding aura was incomparable to that of any first-year student.
Meanwhile, I waited outside the dressing room, anticipating Connie's appearance.
Like any woman, Connie was taking her time getting ready.
While most male students engaged in light conversation with one another as they waited, I, being a social outcast, had expected this to be a particularly awkward time for me.
But things turned out differently.
"Hey, Lake. Do you have a moment?"
"I heard about that incident."
"It’s amazing how you faced it head-on despite not being able to use magic."
To my surprise, several male students approached me, eager to discuss the Craig incident.
This was… unexpected.
I had anticipated that resolving the matter would improve my reputation somewhat.
However, I didn’t think it would happen so quickly, especially given the divide between nobles and commoners.
After all, aside from Connie and me, every student attending this ball was a noble.
Analyzing the situation, I recognized it as an opportunity.
If I could improve my standing and earn their trust, I could eventually gather enough leverage to control them from behind the scenes.
And the more people I influenced, the closer I’d get to my ultimate goal—making easy money.
As I enjoyed a pleasant conversation with the boys, Lucina emerged from the dressing room.
"Thank you for waiting, Master Lake."
"Is Connie ready?"
"Yes."
Right behind her, Connie stepped out in a dazzling yellow gown.
It was the kind of extravagant dress a commoner would never have the chance to wear in their lifetime.
As I and the boys exchanged glances, our collective gaze inevitably gravitated toward the deep neckline of her dress.
"I-incredible..."
"Connie Lyle... I underestimated her because she’s a commoner..."
"Did Lake Gallard foresee this all along...?"
As planned, Connie instantly became the center of attention, lifting my spirits and bringing a smile to my face.
"Connie, you look stunning. You were beautiful in the dressing room, but seeing you here in the dance hall is something else entirely."
"T-Thank you."
Connie gave a bashful yet radiant smile, which seemed to captivate the boys even further.
—But it’s too late for them.
Connie is already under contract with the Gallard Company.
She is my diligent and adorable pawn number two, working solely for my benefit.
"Now then, shall we?"
"Yes!"
Taking Connie’s hand, I escorted her into the dance hall, walking past the stares that followed us from behind.
The event began with a greeting from Tricia Heartland, the student council president.
"Welcome once again to the Royal Fontbart Academy."
Contrary to her reputation, the speech was remarkably ordinary and unremarkable.
Was she deliberately holding back? She remains as enigmatic as ever.
"Please enjoy yourselves this evening."
With that, the music began.
A live orchestra provided the accompaniment, befitting the grandeur of a royal academy ball.
"Connie, are you nervous?"
"With such a grand setting, I can’t help it..."
Connie had been rigorously practicing her dance for this day, with Lucina as her instructor.
Despite being a former blacksmith with no prior experience in dance, Lucina had mastered it under the tutelage of our strict head maid.
Our head maid had always been demanding.
Even I had been drilled on manners and etiquette in my younger days.
Lucina absorbed everything effortlessly, being the genius type, while Connie, though slower to learn, made up for it with sheer determination and hard work.
The contrast between the two was striking, yet they got along well, resembling affectionate sisters when viewed from afar.
"H-How am I doing?"
"Not bad. But avoid talking too much during the dance, or you might bite your tongue."
"Y-You’re right."
Initially tense and hesitant, Connie gradually found her rhythm.
"Keep it up."
"Yes!"
With time, her steps became lighter, and she began to move with more grace.
As the only commoner pair in the hall, we should have been ignored entirely.
However, the Craig incident had made both Connie and me more recognizable, and I began to feel the weight of countless eyes upon us.
"It feels like a dream being here."
"I won’t let it stay a dream. I’ll make this our reality."
"Young Master Lake..."
A perfect line delivered at the perfect moment.
Even I was impressed with myself.
The ball proceeded without any major incidents—or so I thought.
At the end of the event, an unexpected announcement was made. Apparently, a “Best Pair Award” was given to the most outstanding duo of the night, and to my astonishment, Connie and I were chosen.
"I don’t quite understand, but we did it, Young Master Lake!"
"Congratulations, Master Lake, Connie."
"Ehehe~"
Connie beamed with joy as the crowd applauded, while Lucina offered her congratulations.
… Not bad.
This will surely boost my reputation even further.
It’s possible Tricia Heartland, one of the selection committee members, had a hand in this outcome.
But without definitive proof, I couldn’t say for sure.
Well, no matter.
For now, I’ll simply bask in the moment.
What do you think about this chapter?
