NOVEL SIMPLE Chapter 76 – Fatigue
As the dance with Kaera ended, Althea found herself surrounded by several male students, all eager to ask her for the next dance. However, she politely declined all invitations from anyone who wasn’t a third-year student.
Despite her efforts to limit her dance partners, Althea still ended up dancing with a considerable number of students. Finally freed, she moved to a corner of the room where Kaera handed her a drink.
"Well done, Lady Althea. As expected, you were very popular," Kaera remarked with a smile.
"Whether it was expected or not, I’m just glad I had a chance to eat some snacks earlier," Althea replied with a sigh of relief.
"Snacks? Oh, right, you found that resting spot. Didn't you eat anything before the farewell party started?"
"I got so caught up in helping that I ran out of time."
"Helping? What do you mean?"
"I happened to see Madame Precious struggling with a shortage of help, so I offered my assistance."
"Even though you had your own preparations to do?"
"Yes, but at that moment, I had some free time, and she genuinely needed the help. I do feel bad for dragging Laila into it, though."
"Laila would gladly help with anything you asked of her, Lady Althea. But you really are too kind sometimes," Kaera said with a slightly exasperated yet fond smile.
"It's nothing, really. I had some free time and Madame Precious needed the manpower. It was a win-win situation."
"I suppose, but it did delay your own preparations."
"...I know, I’ll be more mindful next time," Althea admitted, shrugging her shoulders.
As Kaera laughed at Althea's candidness, she noticed Siegfried approaching them. She pointed it out to Althea, who turned and greeted him with a warm smile.
"Welcome back. Are you done dancing for now, Your Highness?"
"I wish I could say yes, but I can’t refuse any requests today. I just needed a brief break," Siegfried said with a sigh.
Kaera handed him a glass. "Your Highness, you must be tired. Here, have a drink."
"Ah, thank you," Siegfried replied, downing the glass in one go. He then glanced at a small clock placed in the hall.
"Two hours... still another hour to go..." he muttered.
Noticing his fatigue, Althea asked with concern, "Are you alright?"
"Yes, I’m fine. Sorry to make you worry. But how about you, Althea? Are you holding up okay?"
"...?"
Surprised by the unexpected question, Althea didn’t respond immediately, but Laila quickly answered, "She’s fine."
Kaera added, "We’ve been turning down all requests from underclassmen, so she’s managing. Though some persistent ones still try to ask, Laila and I have been handling them."
"That's reassuring," Siegfried said, laughing. He then stretched and gathered his resolve. "Alright, I better get back and finish my duties."
With a final wave, he headed back to the dance floor.
As Siegfried returned to his responsibilities, Duke Fulank approached.
"It’s been a while, Lady Althea."
"Good evening, Your Grace. I should have come to greet you sooner."
"No need for such formalities tonight. This is the academy’s party, after all," the Duke said, his gaze appraising Althea’s attire.
"Is something the matter?" Althea asked, slightly self-conscious.
"No, no, just admiring how much you’ve grown. Three years have transformed you into a fine young lady. You were charming before, but now you are truly beautiful. I look forward to seeing what the future holds for you."
"Thank you for the compliment," Althea responded with a polite smile.
After exchanging pleasantries, the Duke asked for a dance. They enjoyed one dance together before he returned to the guest of honor’s seat.
The party continued without incident, and eventually, the graduation farewell party came to a successful close.
On their way back, Althea, along with Regalus and Siegfried, stopped by the gazebo next to the fountain. There, Althea presented them with graduation gifts she had prepared—magic stones imbued with special enchantments. The two were delighted with the unique accessories and promised to keep them close always.
As Regalus and Siegfried graduated from the general education course and advanced to the magical studies course, Althea, along with her friends, progressed to their second year.
While there were frequent reports of unsettling events such as the appearance of monsters in the world, the academy itself remained a peaceful haven, with days passing by serenely.
Another year was now drawing to a close.
