Chapter 139

As I stepped into the hall, I could feel people’s eyes on me. A range of emotions, from interest and curiosity to contempt and hostility, were directed at me.

Mostly unkind gazes.

Especially from the men.

They must have seen me flaunting my presence with beautiful women throughout the festival.

“Heh.”

I simply smiled at them nonchalantly.

I could see their expressions contort.

On the other hand, those who didn’t know the situation looked at me with expressions like, ‘Why is that guy suddenly laughing?’

“Shall we go over there?”

I pointed to an empty table on one side.

For those who were genuinely looking for a partner, their first table didn’t matter much, as they would be moving around looking for someone. But it was different for me.

I felt uncomfortable showing up at this place where all the girls I had been on dates with were gathered, pretending to be close to them.

So, before the ball officially started, I planned to just sit in one place and drink quietly.

“Oh… whatever the leader says.”

Allen replied.

He seemed a bit tense, but he was holding up better than I expected.

My guidance earlier must have worked.

I’m a natural leader, being able to buff my team members like this.

“Let’s go then.”

We soon reached an empty table.

As I sat down, I asked the staff assisting with the event for drinks and some snacks.

There was beer, but I chose wine.

Wine was more fitting for this occasion.

Soon, wine and fruit snacks were placed on the table.

“You know?”

I took a sip of wine and said with a faint smile.

“What?”

“Our combination is the most dangerous at this ball.”

“Huh? Dangerous? What do you mean, leader…?”

Allen blinked, looking confused.

“We’re two guys, right?”

“Yeah, but…”

“From my experience, this combination has the highest failure rate. The chance of getting rejected and going home alone is about 80%?”

“Whoa? Really?”

Allen groaned, his eyes wide with surprise.

I chuckled and said to him again,

“Stay calm and look around the tables.”

Allen quickly looked around at my words.

I continued my explanation.

“See those tables where a guy and a girl are sitting together? Those are basically 100% success rates. They’re already a couple, or they have feelings for each other.”

“That’s definitely true, leader.”

Allen nodded.

It was something anyone could tell.

There was no need to explain.

But things are different from here on out.

“Then, there are tables with three or more people, both guys and girls. Those also have a high success rate. Most of them are people whose appeal has been proven.”

“…So, being together as a guy and a girl is really impressive, leader.”

Hey, hey, is it really that impressive?

You’re a son of a noble family, but you’re talking like someone who went to an all-boys middle school and high school and then a college of engineering.

What kind of life have you lived…?

I shook my head and continued.

“Next, there are tables with only girls. It’s a bit unsettling from here on out, but the situation is still okay. Do you know why?”

“Um… I don’t know…”

“Because they’re the dominant party. Women are the eternal dominant party in the dating market. Of course, that’s generally speaking, and there are always exceptions. But remember this. This ball is basically a situation where men are being chosen.”

This was true for other balls as well.

Men actively approach women and ask them to dance, and the women decide whether to accept or not.

But the Changsung Ball added a unique rule: a limit on the number of requests, making it even more thrilling.

It’s a survival game.

Even if you get rejected and kicked out or don’t receive a single dance request, the unique fun of it makes many people keep attending.

In that sense, it was a well-designed event.

It definitely gives students a unique experience they wouldn’t have anywhere else.

“Hmm, I’ll keep that in mind, leader.”

Allen replied with a serious expression.

Then he asked a question first.

“…So, the problem is the guy-only combinations. But is there a reason why two guys are particularly dangerous?”

“Yes.”

I answered immediately.

“First, a guy alone. Just being here alone shows he has some serious guts. He’s likely a confident guy. These guys have a lot of potential.”

“Yeah… I could never come here alone.”

Allen shook his head, as if the thought was terrifying.

“Next, three or more guys. They’re all guys, but they have basic social skills. But it’s just basic, and their social skills are skewed towards the same sex, so they’re dangerous. Probably half of them will fail.”

“Hmm.”

Allen groaned.

It didn’t seem like a foreign concept to him.

I chuckled and continued.

“So, what about two guys? A guy with only one male friend to come to the ball with. Need I say more?”

“Ugh.”

Allen clutched his chest as if he had been stabbed.

If I weren’t here, Allen wouldn’t be able to come to the ball.

I’m the only friend he has.

“Don’t worry, friend. That’s just probability. It’s up to you to survive. I’ll teach you how to survive.”

“Wow, you’re the only one that can say that, leader.”

Allen’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Teach me, leader. What should I do?”

“When the ball opens, try to get noticed by as many girls as possible. That’s the only way to survive.”

I smiled and answered.

* * *

The tables in the grand hall were packed with students.

It was a popular event, after all.

Dong, dong, dong!

The clock struck 9 PM.

‘It’s starting.’

I thought, sipping my wine.

And soon, someone entered.

A tall beauty in a blue dress.

Student council president Regina Ernbert.

The Changsung Ball was a special event exclusively for students.

So, the opening ceremony was conducted by a student representative, not a faculty member.

This year’s representative was, of course, Regina.

“Hello, everyone.”

Her voice echoed clearly even in the vast space.

Everyone’s gaze turned to Regina.

“…You look stunning today, President.”

“Yeah, the dress suits you.”

“Your makeup and styling are amazing. I really want to learn from you before you graduate.”

I could hear the whispers of the female students.

“Wow, the president is shining today, shining.”

“She’s beautiful, but Regina’s unique aura is amazing. That sophisticated yet cold, elite city girl vibe is truly unique.”

“But isn’t the president basically single?”

“Hey, watch your mouth.”

“Watch my mouth? Everyone knows.”

“Well, yeah, but…”

“Didn’t a few guys hit on her last year? They all got rejected, though.”

“There’ll be more this time. It’s her last year.”

“Ugh, come to think of it, this is the last time we’ll see the president at the ball. Hey, I should act crazy and ask her to dance.”

“You, asking a 10 out of 10 to dance? You’re crazy.”

I could also hear the whispers of the male students.

Ha, look at these guys.

I chuckled inwardly.

This is what it feels like to have a fiancée who’s so amazing that she’s popular with men.

It’s a complex feeling.

My shoulders naturally rose with pride at being the fiancé of such a woman, but I also felt bad thinking about the men who would hit on her.

“First, I’d like to thank all the students who attended this meaningful event.”

Regina continued.

“Academics and training are not all there is to the academy. We were all individuals from different nationalities and backgrounds, but we came together in this space, mingled, interacted, and built countless relationships, learning many things. How to be patient, how to be considerate, how to cooperate, how to get along… and many other things. This event is no different. Honest interaction between the sexes is also a valuable experience.”

Huh?

I tilted my head in confusion.

Was the opening speech always like this?

Something felt a bit off…

“I hope everyone enjoys this time and this place. As a student myself, I’ll enjoy it with you all. I hope everyone makes good connections and memories. I hereby declare the opening of the 995th Changsung Ball.”

Regina declared the opening.

Applause and cheers erupted.

The moment we had all been waiting for had arrived.

‘I understand now.’

Anyway, I could clearly tell what was different about her final words.

The words, “As a student myself, I’ll enjoy it with you all.”

Those words were not in my memory.

Words that wouldn’t come out unless her attitude towards this ball had changed.

So, in the end.

‘Is it my influence?’

The only thing that had changed since then was my relationship with her, my messed-up fiancé.

‘This is all so complicated.’

Her words when we were alone, and her behavior, made it clear she was definitely concerned.

Would this ball be a good opportunity to understand her intentions?

I don’t know.

It’s an important matter, and I can’t make a clear judgment.

I finished my wine and sat up straighter.

But…

“What are you doing there?”

I looked at Allen with disbelief.

The first hour of the ball was a prelude.

Simply put, it was a time to make yourself known to the potential partners at the ball.

Allen was just standing there, doing nothing during this crucial time.

Even after I gave him advice.

“M-My feet are glued to the floor.”

“Hey, this is a battlefield.”

“Ugh.”

Finally, Allen stood up at my words.

“Go, Allen! Go to any table with only girls. If you’re late, you might turn into a bird.”

“Y-Yes!”

Allen moved with stiff steps.

He looked like a soldier going to a battlefield to die.

…That guy is already starting off on the wrong foot.

I could already see his bleak future.

Well, it’s his life, so he’ll figure it out.

I leisurely filled my empty glass with wine at the table I was alone at.

I had an hour to relax and enjoy myself… Huh?

My expression changed 180 degrees when I saw someone approaching my table.

It was Princess Oscar.

Hey, why are you here!

I wanted to shout that out loud.

It was clear that things were going to get complicated.

Ugh, I’m getting a bad feeling about this.

I quickly thought about what to do, my head throbbing.

The answer was simple.

It’s best to avoid a storm.

I quickly got up, pretending not to see her.

“Hey, you can’t do this alone. Come on, man.”

I pretended to call Allen, moving away.

* * *

“Um… uh… just… wait… a moment… could you… spare… some… time…?”

What is this guy?

Diana and Amy thought the same thing at the same time.

They looked at each other as if they had made a pact.

– Is something wrong with me today?

– Did I mess up my makeup?

They communicated silently through their expressions.

It was understandable.

Even if he wasn’t genuinely interested, it was shocking to be approached by a guy who seemed so far below their level.

‘…This is ridiculous from the start.’

Just as Diana raised her hand to draw a big X, a voice suddenly came from behind.

“Hey, this isn’t the place. You can clearly tell these ladies won’t be easy to talk to.”

Diana and Amy’s veins popped out at the rude words.

Snap.

What kind of disrespectful jerk would make them so angry with just one sentence?

Then, they saw the face of the disrespectful jerk.

“Huh?”

Diana’s expression turned strange.

“Ugh… you, you are?”

Amy looked like she had seen a cockroach.

Max Celtrine.

It was him.