The classroom buzzed with excitement, an unusual liveliness filling the air. With exams finally behind them and only three days left until the long-awaited Blessing Ceremony, Class F was basking in a rare moment of relaxation.
Students gathered in small clusters, their conversations bubbling with anticipation about the futures that awaited them. Some lounged about, relieved to be free from the burdens of studying.
At the back of the room, Javier was sprawled out in his chair, arms crossed, head tilted back, fast asleep. His chair leaned at a precarious angle, yet somehow, he managed to maintain his balance.
Meanwhile, Liana and Gloria stood near the escorts’ section, casually chatting with the other maids and bodyguards who had accompanied their noble charges throughout the school year. The usual nervous energy had been replaced by a calm, eager anticipation. For many of these noble children, the Blessing Ceremony would determine their paths—warriors, mages, or something greater.
But for Javier? He was still blissfully asleep. Experience more tales on freewebnovel
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, and he stretched lazily, letting out a long yawn. "Yaaawwwnnnn~"
Liana, who had been engrossed in conversation, immediately noticed and gently tapped Gloria’s arm.
"Excuse us," they both said politely, leaving their discussion behind.
They made their way to the refreshment corner, preparing tea and a plate of snacks for their young master.
Javier blinked a few times, still groggy from his nap, when he noticed three girls standing awkwardly before him. Their faces were uncertain, clearly gathering the courage to speak.
"Hmmm? What do you want?" he asked, tilting his head lazily.
One girl fidgeted, avoiding direct eye contact. "You know… there are only three days left before the Blessing Ceremony, and there will be a grand… umm… ball…?"
Javier raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Yeah? So?"
The second girl nudged the first one forward, whispering, "Just say it already!"
Taking a deep breath, the girl’s face flushed red. "I was hoping… umm… you know… maybe… umm…"
Javier narrowed his eyes slightly, his curiosity piqued. "Umm-umm what?"
Before the girl could muster the courage to respond, a sudden commotion drew everyone’s attention.
"Javier-sama!!!" Amethia, the Duke’s daughter, rushed forward and hugged him tightly. "Ohh, Javier-sama! You will be my dance partner tomorrow!"
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Javier’s surprise was palpable, but before he could protest, another voice cut through the classroom, laced with amusement.
"Oho~ The Duke’s only daughter really has no shame, forcing a gentleman to be her dance partner," teased Princess Kliatana, her playful smile brightening the room.
The three girls stiffened, their faces paling as Amethia clung to Javier, who was now visibly uncomfortable.
"O-Oi, what the—" Javier attempted to pry her off, but Amethia held on tight, rubbing her cheek against his shoulder.
"Javier-samaaa~! It’s already decided!" she declared proudly, her arms locked around him like a vice.
Kliatana’s presence commanded attention, and the entire class froze. "I was planning to extend an invitation myself, but it seems you’ve thrown yourself at him first. How unsightly."
Javier sighed, rubbing his temples. "Haaaa... Why am I involved in this?"
Amethia turned sharply, still clinging to his arm. "And what does Her Highness want with my Javier-sama?" she asked with a smug smile.
Kliatana stepped forward, a glint in her eye. "Oho~ ’Your’ Javier-sama? How bold. You do realize he hasn’t agreed to anything yet?"
Amethia tightened her grip on Javier’s arm, puffing out her cheeks defiantly. "Hmph! It doesn’t matter if he agreed or not! I already claimed him as my dance partner!"
Kliatana’s smirk widened, and she gracefully walked closer, her royal presence demanding respect. "Oh? Claimed? How desperate. Last I checked, a lady of noble standing waits for a proper invitation, not clinging onto a man like a lost kitten."
Amethia flinched but refused to back down. "Hmph! And what about you, Your Highness? You planned to do the same, didn’t you?"
Kliatana feigned innocence, placing a delicate hand on her cheek. "Oho~ I wouldn’t have to resort to such measures. You see, unlike you, I have confidence that Javier would accept my invitation willingly."
Javier sighed dramatically, leaning back in his chair. "Why does this feel like a trap either way?" He glanced at Liana and Gloria, his last hope for salvation. "Can I please skip the ball?"
Liana placed a warm cup of tea in front of him, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "No, young master."
Gloria, ever the mischievous one, chuckled behind her hand. "Ara~ young master, you’re quite popular, aren’t you? Maybe you should enjoy the attention?"
Javier groaned, slumping in his seat. "I hate this…"
"Now choose!! Me or the Duke’s daughter here! I command thee!" Princess Kliatana declared, her voice firm and unwavering, resounding in the classroom.
"Ugh... again, Princess? Haaa... I don’t care about commands or anything," Javier moaned, clearly frustrated by the unfolding spectacle.
"Now choose!! Me or her!?" Amethia echoed, determination burning in her eyes as she clung to his arm.
Javier rubbed his temples, exasperated. "Haaa… Why do I have to choose? Can’t you both just leave me alone?"
Amethia pouted, tightening her grip. "No! You have to pick! Me or the princess! Who is your dance partner!?"
Princess Kliatana crossed her arms, her composure unwavering. "That’s right! As a nobleman, you should understand the significance of these events. You can’t just ignore us!"
Javier took a deep breath, looking toward Liana for support. "Liana?"
"Yes, young master?" she replied, maintaining her serene composure.
"Can I pick you instead?"
The room fell silent. Amethia and Kliatana’s faces froze in shock. Gloria burst into laughter, covering her mouth as she tried to suppress it.
Liana, unfazed, calmly poured another cup of tea. "I’m afraid I am only your maid, young master. I don’t think a humble servant like myself is qualified to be your dance partner at such an important event."
Javier slumped back in his chair, sighing in defeat. "Tch. Then I refuse to go. Problem solved."
Amethia and Kliatana shouted in unison, "You can’t do that!!!"
Javier groaned again, rubbing his forehead in frustration. "Haaaa... You ladies are really persistent, huh?"
Inside his mind, he thought, Damn, they are cute, but I can’t see myself in a ball with them… Ugh, but technically, I’m a kid too. This whole situation is annoying…
He sighed deeply and leaned back in his chair, overwhelmed. "Alright, alright. Let me think, okay?"
Amethia stamped her foot, her frustration palpable. "No! You have to choose now!!"
Kliatana’s smirk widened, flipping her hair with an air of superiority. "What’s wrong? Afraid to upset one of us? A real noble wouldn’t hesitate, Javier."
Javier squinted at them both, his annoyance growing. "Tch… You two are really making my life difficult, huh?"
Gloria chuckled, her eyes bright with mischief. "Ara~ young master, it seems you’ve become quite the topic of conversation."
Liana sighed, pouring yet another cup of tea, her gaze contemplative. "I have a bad feeling about this."
( End of Chapter )