I Was Reincarnated as a Duke as a Matter of Course, So I Bought a Slave on a Whim and Now There’s No Turning Back - 27

Chapter 27: The Party in the Corner

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Since that exam, the seasons had turned many times. I was now a first-year in the middle division. I’d gained plenty of underclassmen, but I still hadn’t interacted with any of them. Honestly, it was kind of sad. I’d grown quite a bit taller, and since I often read books and gazed off thoughtfully, the “intellectual character” image was starting to stick. Well, it was better than being called “the former hero” all the time. Anyone who still said that got smacked with the Law Encyclopedia.

As usual, I was still indebted to the Long-Haired-Sensei for my magic power measurements, and I was somehow scraping by in my other exams too. Honestly, thanks to Elysia and Serena teaming up with me every time, the group exams were nothing but easy wins. And so, well…

…Ah, it was about time. I was currently in a dazzling chamber of the royal palace. To put it simply, a party venue. Of course, I was living in my usual corner. In the center, today’s main figure was apparently dancing. Yuka wasn’t here today. Entry was restricted at this party, so it was mostly nobles themselves in attendance. Just look, ducal houses dressed in gorgeous gowns and tuxedos had gathered.

I couldn’t see well through the crowd though. Sorry, Nii-san. Tell me your impressions later.

“Luka-sama.”

At that voice, I turned around to see Elysia standing there. Her long silver-white hair flowed straight down her back, faintly glowing in the light. Her clear blue eyes, like ice, were as calm as ever. Her dress was a pale water-blue. It was a color that seemed to embody her transparency itself.

“As always, I see. You’re in the corner again.”

Elysia laughed softly and elegantly. Beside her stood another familiar figure.

“But it’s relaxing, isn’t it, Luka?”

Serena shrugged as she said that. Her long hair was silver as well, though slightly darker than Elysia’s. It was loosely curled and swayed at her back. Her eyes were a golden amber, almost gold, sparkling in the light. Her deep green dress suited her perfectly. When those two stood side by side, they were truly picturesque.

“…You two really stand out.”

“That’s because we’re next to you.”

That’s not what I meant. I’m not that noticeable.

But Elysia gave a small nod at Serena’s words.

…These two, are they testing my mental fortitude or something?

As we continued chatting about the academy and other trivial things, a murmur spread. All eyes turned toward the center. It seemed the dance had ended. The crowd parted slightly. And then, I could finally see him clearly.

Today’s main figure, Noin-niisan. His ash-tinged platinum hair was neatly arranged behind him, and his deep blue eyes quietly surveyed the surroundings. He was even taller than I was now, standing with perfect composure. As always, despite being from a ducal house, he looked like a prince straight out of a painting. Beside him stood his fiancée, the Second Princess.

Arianna Celestia. Her soft golden hair reached her waist in gentle waves. Her eyes were a translucent blue. Her features were almost too perfectly arranged, unique to royalty. Like a doll, flawlessly balanced. I’d seen members of the royal family a few times before, but their facial perfection was honestly on another level. Elysia and the others were the same. If you kept looking at beautiful people all the time, your standards started to get warped.

Their gazes turned toward us.

…I’ve got a really bad feeling about this.

“Luka.”

Noin-niisan smiled. The Second Princess gracefully lifted her skirt and walked toward us. The crowd parted to make way.

“It has been a while, dear brother-in-law.”

Her voice was gentle.

“It has indeed been a while, Your Highness.”

I bowed my head. Even if we were to become relatives, she was a princess and I was from a ducal house. There was an absolute difference between us. Still, seeing her up close, she was truly beautiful. As I found myself momentarily captivated, those blue eyes quietly peered into mine.

“I heard you entered the middle division this year. You’ve grown taller.”

“Ah—yes. Thank you very much.”

Noin-niisan placed a hand on my shoulder.

“How have things been lately?”

From behind his platinum hair, his blue eyes looked at me and for a brief moment, he looked like my older brother rather than a noble.

“Same as always. Barely scraping by.”

“So I’ve heard.”

We laughed together as brothers. It felt peaceful. At that moment, an even softer voice interjected.

“Brother-in-law, Big Sister.”

I turned around and standing there was the Third Princess of this kingdom, Mireille Celestia. Her pale golden hair swayed gently at her shoulders. Her eyes were a soft young-leaf green. Though slightly younger-looking than the Second Princess, her features were equally refined. Elegant, gentle, with a smile that felt as though it embraced you.

“Luka-kun, it has been a while.”

She was two years above me in the middle division, but we’d only met once when we were little. Even if you didn’t want to hear about the royal family, news reached your ears. Mireille-sama was apparently known in high society as “kindness personified.”

“It has been a while, Your Highness Mireille.”

She turned her gaze toward Elysia and Serena.

“I’ve heard rumors about you both, that you’re very talented.”

Elysia gave a quiet bow. Serena proudly puffed out her chest and smiled. In the corner of the splendid palace… Royalty, nobility, and us. What a strange sight. I wanted to run away immediately. Perhaps sensing that, Noin-niisan spoke quietly.

“Luka. Stand a little more confidently.”

“…That’s impossible. Please return to the center already.”

At that, Noin-niisan said in exasperation that conversations with his retainers were dull and uninteresting. Perhaps she overheard, because the Second Princess let out a soft laugh. For just a moment, her blue eyes seemed slightly sharper.

“—Dear brother-in-law, please take care of Mireille.”

A meaningful remark. For a second I didn’t understand what she meant… but somehow, I felt like I did.

“Sister, please stop!”

Your Highness Mireille pouted indignantly. Was this sisterly love? (A new door was opened.) When I got home today, I’d draw this. It would be a picture overflowing with happiness just by looking at it.

We ended up chatting like that until the party concluded. It was supposed to be a celebration for Noin-niisan’s appointment as Vice Captain of the Royal Knights… though by the end we were just talking about our favorite sweets…?

Well, even though I’d stayed in the corner, it turned out to be a surprisingly fun time. When I got home, I’d tell Yuka about it too.

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