Chapter 63

The evening brought a slight chill as the season approached autumn, despite it being a summer party.

Judith rubbed her hands over her arms as she walked, and suddenly, a coat draped over her shoulders.

“……?”

Axel, now in just a thin shirt, was looking down at her.

“It looked like you might be cold.”

“……I don’t need it.”

“Then, give it back once we’re inside.”

Axel smiled warmly as he said this. Seeing that smile made her feel as if they had returned to the days when they were close.

It was hard to look away for some reason, but Judith forced herself to avert her gaze and look ahead.

Before long, the academy hall, lavishly decorated for the party, came into view.

Bright lights spilled out from beyond the open doors, making it clear how much effort the Student Council had put into preparing for this event.

Judith squinted against the glare as she pushed through the crowd, stepping inside ahead of Axel.

The moment she entered, her eyes fell on a magical fountain in the center of the hall.

The sparkling water, as if sprinkled with jewel dust, shot out in various shapes, captivating the students passing by, who stopped to admire it.

As Judith’s gaze wandered, she noticed a booth behind the fountain, dimly lit with soft, indirect lighting, creating a cozy atmosphere.

Could that be the non-alcoholic cocktail bar Hannah mentioned?

Judging by the long table and shelves full of bottles, it seemed likely.

Of course, alcohol was strictly prohibited at the academy, as it was considered a place of learning. Many believed it could disrupt order on campus.

Still, a few students already seated there had flushed faces, whether from the atmosphere or the excitement of the party, no one could tell.

As Axel, a well-known figure at the academy, made his entrance, Judith could feel the attention of the nearby students shift toward them.

Even though she deliberately kept a few steps away from him, whispers followed them as they entered together.

“Where are their fiancés, and why are they entering together?”

“Exactly. Even if they’re close friends, walking around alone together seems inappropriate.”

Curious gazes turned toward them. But when Axel met those stares with a smile, the sharp looks quickly dissipated.

“……Well, I’m sure there’s a reason.”

Though the stares faded, the uncomfortable air remained. Judith hunched her shoulders under the oppressive atmosphere, but then someone waved at her from afar.

“Judith! Fancy meeting you here.”

It was Rodesha. Just as a smile began to form on Judith’s face, she spotted Rodein following closely behind her.

“Hello, Senior Judith.”

“……Hello.”

Judith, who hadn’t expected to run into him here, smiled awkwardly as she returned his greeting.

Of course, she had agreed to remain on friendly terms with Rodein, and as proof, he had even attended the recent supplementary class, the one where Professor Karel had been an observer.

But to be caught attending a party with Axel, after confessing her feelings for him to Rodein, was mortifying.

Given that Rodein had been rejected by her not long ago, she felt even more self-conscious.

While pretending not to care, she subtly checked Rodein’s expression. Meanwhile, Axel naturally greeted the two of them.

“Hello, Rodesha. Rodein.”

True to his sociable nature, Axel struck up a conversation effortlessly, even though he wasn’t particularly familiar with them.

He skillfully brought up topics related to the party, speaking as its host, and managed to create a friendly atmosphere. At least, outwardly.

Even if Rodein pretended to be unaffected, he must have been uncomfortable running into them like this.

While Judith hesitated to join the conversation and instead watched them nervously, Rodein unexpectedly made a suggestion.

“Since we’ve run into each other, why don’t we all go over there together?”

He pointed toward the non-alcoholic cocktail bar.

Glancing at Judith’s hand resting on Axel’s arm, he added playfully, 

“I feel like today’s a good day for a drink.”

Judith flinched, but Rodesha shot her brother a disapproving look.

“Wow, you sound like an old man. Where did you pick up that kind of talk?”

“I’ve picked up a lot of things here and there without you knowing, Sis.”

Watching the siblings bicker, Judith fell into thought.

It was embarrassing to let Rodein see her with Axel, but at least accepting his suggestion would prevent her from being left alone with Axel.

Judging by how naturally Rodein had proposed this, it seemed he had mostly moved on from his feelings. Perhaps it wouldn’t hurt to accept.

Having made up her mind, Judith spoke before Axel could respond.

“Sure. Let’s go.”

“Really?”

Rodesha looked at Judith in surprise.

She seemed to find it unexpected that Judith, a model student, would show interest in something like that. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Judith scratched her cheek and led the way to the cocktail bar.

Soon, the four of them were seated in a row at the long table. Rodesha, examining the empty bottles displayed on the shelves, remarked in wonder.

“Look at this. It’s written in the Teikan Empire’s language. Did they import these?”

“Looks like it, Sis.”

The siblings marveled at the well-decorated interior as they selected their drinks from the menu.

While waiting for their cocktails to arrive, Rodesha cautiously broached a topic.

“By the way, Judith, where’s Chase? Why are you here with Axel instead…?”

“Well, that’s because…”

Sensing Judith’s discomfort, Rodein answered on her behalf.

“Senior Judith and Senior Axel are close childhood friends. And since Senior Chase doesn’t like noisy parties, Axel must have come in his place.”

Rodesha nodded in understanding.

“True, it’s hard to imagine Chase at a party.”

Just then, their cocktails arrived, freeing Judith from the conversation.

Relieved that the awkward topic had passed, Judith thought no more trouble would arise. But as Rodesha took a sip of her drink, she turned to Judith with another question.

“So, you’re planning to spend the evening with Axel? What are you two going to do?”

“Well, um…”

Judith hesitated, unsure of what to say. She hadn’t planned anything for the evening.

At that moment, Axel smoothly stepped in and answered.

“We’ll explore some of the booths inside, then head to the garden. I know a perfect spot to watch the fireworks.”

Judith sighed in relief at his natural response, while Rodesha’s eyes sparkled with admiration.

“Wow, as expected of the Student Council president. Now that I think about it, you organized most of this party, didn’t you? Could you tell us where that perfect spot is?”

It seemed Rodesha was particularly interested in the fireworks display scheduled for later.

However, Axel declined her request with an apologetic smile.

“Sorry, but I can’t. I’d like to spend some quiet time with Judith tonight.”

As he spoke, he turned his gaze back to Judith.

Caught in the deep gray of his eyes, Judith awkwardly nodded, unable to look away.

Just then, Rodein’s disgruntled voice broke the moment.

“…Sorry, but I wasn’t planning to watch fireworks with my sister either.”

“What? After all the help I gave you, you’re just going to leave me hanging?”

“Honestly, your help wasn’t all that great to begin with.”

Amused by the siblings’ lively banter, Axel’s attention shifted to them.

Judith, feeling relieved, allowed herself a small smile.

Despite his words, Rodein cared deeply for his sister. He’d probably give in to her request eventually.

Judith sipped her cocktail, thinking so. She was surprised by the taste—it was unexpectedly delicious, with a perfect balance of fruity sweetness and fizzy carbonation. It wasn’t real alcohol, yet its complex flavors were intriguing.

No wonder so many people had gathered here. Judith glanced around the cocktail bar, impressed.

At that moment, the soft music filling the party hall shifted to a bright and lively tune.

It was a popular dance song in high society.

Excited by the change in atmosphere, Rodesha jumped to her feet, leaving her argument with Rodein behind.

“Oh, it’s my favorite song!”

She grabbed her brother’s hand and dragged him to the center of the hall.

In an instant, Judith and Axel were left alone at the table. Feeling awkward, Judith glanced at Axel, only to meet his gaze.

Axel’s lips curved into a slow smile as he spoke.

“Judith, if you don’t mind…”

He extended his hand politely, as if inviting her.

“Would you like to dance with me?”