Chapter 80: 25.2

Translator: mii

Editors: sleepchaser, ASplashofMusic

As if sensing my confusion, one of the guards turns his head towards the back of the hallway.

I follow his line of sight. In a flash, I find the person I am looking for. That act of kindness is quite surprising. The guards may be good people after all. Though their faces are still scary without a doubt.

In the direction in which the guard gestured, a blond youth stands at the corner of the hallway, back against the wall.

I told him earlier that he can just go back to my room, but it seems like he is insistent on waiting for me.

As I wonder why he moved there, a bit of amusement rises within me.

I guess even Alfred, who usually doesn’t care about the eyes of other people, can’t bear the glares of the guards.

Walking towards Alfred, I notice a second person standing near him.

But since that person is right behind Alfred from my viewpoint, I didn’t notice them from afar.

After I grow even closer, enough to clearly see their features, my brain stops working for a moment. “…Huh?”

Who would have thought that person to be a graceful silver-haired woman, Luzé.

They both seem to be in a conversation, causing a bit of confusion in me.

Heeeeeyy!

Why is Luzé here?!

When did she—

“Alfred!” I call out.

His sky-blue eyes shift to me, and he breaks into a smile. He straightens himself before turning to me.

“Lian.”

“Eh, are you serious? Lian-chan’s there?”

I quickly close the remaining distance and grab Alfred’s arm, pulling him to me. Then I situate myself in front of Luzé. “Why are you here?”

“C-can I not be here?! I just thought of greeting Grandfather a happy birthday! But rather than that, what are you wearing?! Why are you dressed in such flashy, girly clothes?! Disgusting!”

Just as I suspected, she gives me a tongue-lashing after seeing my get-up.

But I’ve long since gotten used to her nasty mouth, so I’m not really shocked anymore. I’d be lying to say I didn’t feel a little down, but it’s bearable. I’m sorry for being disgusting, okay! I want to take this off now and change clothes too!! But if I do that, Lian’s grandfather will definitely grow unhappy.

“This is what Grandfather told me to wear—I mean, this is what he prepared for me.”

“What? G-grandfather?! Why… Why is it always, always Lian-chan! Meanwhile, he’s never given me a single dress! This is so unfair!”

“Even if you say that to me…”

“Why?! I’m a girl! I’m more beautiful than Lian-chan! I also slightly resemble Aunt Lila! Yet, why does everybody love Lian-chan!? At least give me something!” Luzé yells, snatching Alfred’s arm.

Once I see that, my breath hitches, and it’s like my heart stopped. For a moment, my vision turns into a field of red.

Before I realize it, I scream, “Don’t touch him!” and slap away her hand.

Luzé’s eyes widen in surprise. As do Alfred’s.

Unable to process what I have done, my body stiffens, my mind in complete chaos.

What did I just do?

Luzé is the first to return to her senses. She arches her brows, her face completely red. “S-so heartless! How can you slap a girl’s hand like that?! Rude! Scoundrel! Simply the worst! How can someone this disgusting have an escort?!” She then turns to Alfred. “You hate him too, right? Just resign and come work for me. I promise I won’t treat you badly!”

I look down, unable to look at Alfred’s surprised face. I have no way of refuting her words.

Because it’s just as Luzé says.

I’m the worst. I’m a scoundrel.

Yeah, I’m the worst scoundrel there is. And a big liar.

Definitely can’t forget about that last part.

That’s why…

I have no say in Alfred’s decisions.

Moreover, I slapped Luzé’s hand away earlier. Even though she’s a girl.

I think I’m going out of my mind. If Grandfather were here, he would definitely knock some sense and clarity into me.

What are you doing, me? Are you okay? Get a hold of yourself. I know you’re tired, but calm down. Cool your head.

Stiffly, I release the hand around Alfred’s arm. It’s quite hard to do since my fingers don’t seem to be listening to my commands.

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“Lian?”

“…Sorry, Alfred. You have the right to do whatever you want to do. If you want to resign, if you want to work for Luzé, I will accept your decision.”

“Lian,” says Alfred, his tone slightly reproachful.

I can’t help but to shrink away from him.

Looks like he’s angry. Or maybe shocked. Ah, what a childish thing I’ve done.

“I’m sorry about my actions toward you too, Luzé. I know I’m the one in the wrong. I’m really sorry.”

“Huh?! That… Y-yeah yeah! Lian-chan’s in the wrong!”

“Yeah, that’s right…”

Then in the corridor, a sound akin to a chime of a bell.

It’s to notify the visitors to gather at the party venue.

“…Looks like it’s time,” I say. “Let’s go.”

“Eh? Ah…” Luzé looks unusually innocent as confusion fills her face. She fixes her gaze on me as if she wants to tell me something.

Alfred is the same. His expression is screaming of his urge to say or ask me something.

“Let’s hurry. Everyone’s waiting.” I don’t want to say anything more, so I make my way ahead of them, my usual fake smile pasted on my face. To signify that this conversation has ended.

The large lobby outside the entrance to the venue is already jam-packed with guests. The scene’s just like a concert of a popular idol’s.

Everyone is dressed in black suits and gorgeous dresses.

There are also several people wearing decorative masks, which either cover half their face or fully.

They probably don’t want other people to know who they are. And even if some people are curious, no one will ask them to take off their masks. After all, they may be putting their lives at risk if they know the faces of these masked people.

This is what Lowendal told me back in the mansion while tapping his index finger to his lips. “It’s dangerous to scrutinize any person with a mask. Don’t ever do it.”

As I look around, the pleasant voices and laughter of people engaged in light chatter mix with the music in the background.

I feel like I’m inside a movie.

In front of the entrance, I spot Luzé’s parents and brother, as well as Lian’s parents and brother, chatting with their acquaintances and the other guests. I, along with Luzé and Alfred, immediately walk over to join them.

But once I do, their eyes all turn towards me, staying that way for quite a while.

The surrounding people are also looking at me.

Their gazes are like a thousand needles pricking my skin. Very unpleasant, even painful. Ahh, I want to go home.

I have to insist that this is definitely not my hobby.

So in a slightly loud voice, I say, “…These are the clothes Grandfather prepared for me to wear on his birthday. I brought my own suit with me, but the servants asked me to wear this for Grandfather’s sake.” I make sure to emphasize the word “Grandfather.”

Then for some reason, Luzé’s brother approaches me, messy dark-brown hair tied loosely behind his neck. Multiple earrings adorn each of his ears, and his slightly droopy eyes give him the image of a playboy.

When he finally stands in front of me, he scoops my right hand and kisses the back of it. “Lian-kun. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me… You look like a prince from a fantasy land.”

Haahh?!

What’s with this bastard? He’s acting so creepy that I have goosebumps all over! Argh, I want to shake his hand off!! It’s within etiquette to at least shake him off, right?!

Just when I’m about ready to slap his hand away, unable to bear his creepiness anymore, Alfred pulls my arm, releasing my hand from the grasp of Luzé’s brother.

“T-thank you,” I manage to say.

Alfred nods before gently pushing me behind his back, away from Luzé’s brother.

“Ohh, well done, escort! You’re pretty good,” says Lian’s brother. “Hey, Dellet! Don’t touch my Lian with your cheap hands. He’ll only get dirty!”

“What? I don’t want to hear that from you, Robert!”

Then they shoot daggers at each other. They’re both the elder brothers in their families, yet they’re having such a childish fight.

Everyone, can’t we all just get along? We’re all relatives, you know… Really, don’t tire me out…

I have so many MIXED FEELINGS ABOUT THIS CHAPTER GHEFSIJSIHF

I’m AAAAAA that Lian is getting jealous and he doesn’t want to share Alfred, but then he has to apologize so much… Why… That’s why I’m a bit glad that Alfred gets a bit angry when Lian told him it’s okay for him to resign hehe~ .+:｡(ﾉ･ω･)ﾉﾞ (((smacked))) My darling Lian, please have more confidence on yourself…!!! If you can’t do the smacking, this onee-san will do it for you!!!!!! ୧༼✿ ͡◕ д ◕͡ ༽୨

Also big oof for me, this is the second time I forget adding the fanarts in the chapter aaaaa… Here’s Lian's fanart by Moss Piggy-san and sketches for kiss day by ten-san!

Also, give me more comments! I demand more comments!!! I haven’t been replying to the comments these days, but I read all of them, really!!! 《《o(≧◇≦)o》》

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