Chapter 143

A small gathering transformed into a large gathering in the blink of an eye.

Six women, two men.

Those who didn’t know better would be envious of the flower garden of women, but those who did knew.

That such a female-dominated situation was more tiring for men.

Especially when the women’s attention was on me.

“Hoho, I never imagined such a combination. It’s delightful to be at a table with so many seniors.”

The princess laughed.

“Sensible junior, it’s been a while.”

Riviera, for a change, spoke first.

“What? It hasn’t been that long.”

“It’s been a while for me.”

“Hohoho, you’re still a fun senior.”

The two of them were strangely able to converse.

It seemed that strange people understood each other.

Well, they had even drunk together.

Anyway, it wasn’t bad.

Not for me though, who wanted this gathering to end quickly and peacefully.

Fortunately, the atmosphere seemed to be okay.

“Come on, everyone, let’s all have a toast. Those who need to, refill your glasses.”

Diana raised the atmosphere.

It’s good to have at least one social person in a setting like this.

Soon, everyone had their glasses refilled.

Diana raised her glass.

“To all of you who have gathered for this special occasion. Cheers!”

Everyone clinked their glasses together, starting with her words.

So far, so good.

The atmosphere of a pleasant college drinking session.

Please, just stay like this.

“But.”

Diana began, signaling the start of a conversation.

“Your Highness, this is your first ball, right? I haven’t heard any news about your debut into society.”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m not really a social person, so I haven’t attended many events.”

“Oh, I see. Then making the decision to attend this ball must have been difficult.”

“Hoho, no. As you know, the Changsung Ball is quite different from other balls. It’s a festival just for Academy students. I’m enjoying it with a light and cheerful heart.”

“Ah, you’re enjoying it lightly? But with countless dance requests from male students pouring in, I don’t think you can keep it light all the time.”

Diana said playfully.

“Oh, come on. I could never imagine myself being so popular among men.”

Princess Oscar waved her hands.

It was her ingrained humility, but it wasn’t completely false.

Her rank as the first princess itself was a wall that prevented men from easily approaching her.

She would have been much more popular if she hadn’t been a princess from a prominent family.

Still, men are creatures who wouldn’t hesitate to crash against a high wall.

Especially tonight, being the first to dance with the princess.

I remembered that during the first-year ball, the most daring guys had challenged themselves to win the honor of dancing with her.

“You’re being too humble. I think many male students would jump at the chance to win the honor of being your first dance partner.”

Diana also mentioned what I was thinking.

“Hoho, we’ll see.”

Princess Oscar laughed and winked at Diana.

“Well, whatever happens, can I give you some advice as a senior at the ball?”

“Please do.”

“Don’t feel pressured to decline. You don’t have to force yourself to accept a dance request just out of politeness. If you don’t like someone, reject them without hesitation. That’s what this event is for. Hoho, That’s what makes it such a fun and special ball.”

It was true.

Other balls had a certain atmosphere of politely accepting dance partners out of courtesy, but the Changsung Ball was merciless.

It was a ball where you could accept or reject at will.

The thrill and suspense of it were what the students enjoyed.

“I understand, but… I don’t think it’ll be easy.”

Princess Oscar smiled and scratched her cheek.

Don’t pretend it’s not easy, woman.

You could easily behead someone, not just reject their dance request.

“It might be tough at first. All the seniors here have been through that.”

“You mean the seniors here?”

The princess widened her eyes.

“Heh, it’s just that all the popular seniors here are the ones who are not allowed in the hearts of men.”

I mean, how did those specific seniors all end up here?

…Well, it’s my fault, of course.

“Oh, my.”

The princess acted surprised.

“I was definitely wondering why there were so many beautiful ladies here, but I didn’t know they were all single…”

“It’s not easy to find someone you like. It’s meaningless to be showered with attention if you don’t have feelings for anyone, right?”

Diana summed up their situation perfectly.

It was true last year, but…

Things are different now.

Look at those three women subtly looking at me.

…I felt an unspoken pressure.

“It’s unfair! I’ve never been showered with attention.”

Riviera said casually, raising her hand.

“Me neither.”

Amy agreed.

She glared at Diana.

“You’re acting like you have, but you obviously haven’t.”

“Hey, I was definitely excluding myself from that.”

Diana smiled.

It was true that this trio of seniors was at the top of the food chain, but they weren’t crazily popular with men.

It was because of Hiresia, the ecosystem disruptor, who was in the same year.

The moon is bright, so the stars are hidden. It was a similar situation.

Still.

Diana, who had removed her glasses, which was a negative item, would be much more popular.

“I wouldn’t be that arrogant with Hiresia right in front of me.”

Diana said with a subtle look at Hiresia.

It wasn’t a mocking look.

It was a look that acknowledged an opponent they couldn’t possibly defeat.

Hiresia returned that look with a light smile.

“Please stop saying things that make me feel uncomfortable.”

“Well, of course. As you can see, right there…”

Diana gestured towards the distance.

There, clearly looking at us, were several third-year male students, including Wayne, who famously had a crush on Hiresia.

They were probably going to try their luck with Hiresia tonight.

But their gaze felt strangely harsh.

It was directed at me, of course.

I was with other women, but if I had been alone with Hiresia, he would have devoured me with his gaze.

“Wayne never gives up, does he? Well, that’s how people are.”

Amy clicked her tongue.

“Hm, she’s a good person.”

Those soulless words came from Hiresia, who was in public mode, but I understood.

How tiring would it be if he kept coming on even after she rejected him three times?

“But, seniors…”

Princess Oscar raised her hand slightly.

“It seems many of you have had a lot of experience with rejects, yet you’re still here. Could it be that you’re willing to accept a dance request if a good-looking guy asks you?”

“Of course.”

“Definitely.”

Diana and Riviera answered immediately.

“Me too.”

Amy agreed.

“I think so.”

Elaine replied.

Hiresia didn’t say anything, but she nodded slightly, indicating her agreement.

“Hoho, I see. Well, that’s what a ball is all about, isn’t it? I’m looking forward to it.”

Just as it seemed the princess’s statement was over.

“So, what about Allen, senior? He seems like a nice guy.”

Huh?

“Cough, cough, cough, cough, cough!”

Allen coughed violently, as if he would die if he didn’t cough.

His face turned pale, and sweat poured down like rain.

…Why are you publicly executing him?

Have you ever seen such a cruel woman?

He’s such a mentally fragile guy.

“…”

“…”

“…”

“…”

No one answered, not even politely.

He’s going to die, seriously.

Who would have thought Allen would be the first student to die at the hands of the princess?

May he rest in peace.

I hope he’s happy in the afterlife…

“Hey.”

Wham!

Riviera suddenly smacked Allen on the head with her fist.

The sound alone made it clear that she had hit him with a lot of force.

“Cough!”

Allen let out a single groan and fainted.

He collapsed onto the table, fast asleep.

“I saved him.”

Riviera shrugged and said.

I clapped mentally.

Good job, good job.

Aren’t you actually an angel instead of a villain?

Otherwise, there’s no way you’d do such a kind thing, saving someone this helpless.

“Did you control your strength well?”

I asked.

“Of course. I knocked him out cleanly so he would just lose his memory.”

Riviera nodded.

“Yeah, good job. This guy needed some rest.”

It was a good opportunity.

I decided to naturally get up and leave, escorting Allen.

Riviera, a great assist!

Just as I was about to get up, Princess Oscar spoke again.

“Oh, my, something incredible happened in the blink of an eye. I’m not interfering with anything, right?”

That’s not exactly true.

She basically publicly executed someone and acted like nothing happened.

“It’s fine. He’ll be resurrected.”

I chuckled at Riviera’s words.

Like he’s immortal?

Even when he loses it, he always comes back.

“Whew, then I’m relieved.”

The princess patted her chest.

She scratched her head.

“Honestly, I didn’t really want to ask that… I just wanted to start with a light question, but it ended up having such a huge impact.”

Are you really treating him like a side quest, even the mannerly princess?

You’re really something, Allen…

“What did you really want to ask?”

Diana’s eyes sparkled.

She was curious again.

“I was wondering how Max felt about it…”

“Wait, wait. Don’t even think about that.”

I quickly jumped in.

It would be awkward to ask that in front of the girls I’m flirting with.

But my attempt to salvage the situation was useless.

“Hmm, guys like Max are okay. Junior, would you like to ask me to dance tonight? I’ll accept.”

Diana winked and joked.

No, even joking, you shouldn’t say that in this setting.

Senior, didn’t you feel the air freeze in this instant?

It’s not a joke. It’s serious.

“Hey, I’d rather not dance…”

Amy shook her head, as if the thought was disgusting.

Senior Amy, there you go.

I knew you would.

“I think it would be fun. Please, ask me.”

Riviera said.

Why are you doing this again?

Let’s just get along quietly…

“What about you, the sensible junior?”

Riviera continued casually.

Well, I suppose it’s unfair to only ask questions.

…Or is it just that things are getting bigger and bigger?

“Hoho, me? Honestly, I think he’s okay. He meets my standards, for one.”

“Wow.”

Diana gasped in surprise at her unexpected answer.

“Whoa.”

Amy’s jaw dropped.

Honestly, I was surprised too.

It’s not easy to be called someone who meets the princess’s standards.

It seems that after her last proposal… my mark was made.

But this isn’t a situation to feel warm and fuzzy about.

It was her, and the situation was…well, the situation.

“When did you hit on the sensible junior?”

Riviera asked directly.

Hey, keep that kind of talk to yourself!

Someone will misunderstand.

…But it seemed it was too late.

“He’s very popular. I’m proud of him, as a ‘close’ senior.”

Hiresia said, smiling.

But her true meaning was 180 degrees opposite her words, of course.

She’s not even a classmate, and she’s throwing pheromones at a first-year student? A sharp comment.

Sorry, senior… she’s not actually a princess.

I really hate her.

“Hoho, I told you, Max is good with women.”

Elaine smiled.

…Why are you doing that.

“Then I’ll join in. I think Max is okay too.”

“This is getting interesting. I’ll join in too.”

Hiresia drove the point home.

…They’re competing for me, like I’m an item on sale at an auction.

It’s clear that a peaceful resolution is out of the question.

‘Sigh, I can’t help it. I have to choose one in the end.’

It might be easier to choose amidst this seemingly half-joking atmosphere.

“Haha, what’s with you all? You’re going to get so caught up in your own fantasies.”

I responded casually and cheerfully.

Fortunately, nothing further progressed from there, and we settled down for now.

But the decisive moment is coming soon.