Volume 5 Chapter 56 No One is Unharmed
The welcome banquet opened by Rolf was, in a way, as Randy and the others expected.
Only 3 attendees from the Waldner side: Rolf, Airen, and Eirenn.
The conspicuous empty seats were clearly meant for someone who should have been there.
But the Waldner side continued the meal without mentioning it.
As if it were perfectly normal, they acted, leaving Randy and the others unable to say anything.
Thus began the meal, but the atmosphere was very cheerful.
Starting with the recent rise of Cedric and the Braubelg, words of sympathy for Liz, and praises for Randy and Harrison's skills, the topics were endless.
The meal was lively, but the youngest, Eirenn, approached her bedtime and said her cute goodbyes to Randy and Cedric before leaving.
At the same time, the conversation stopped, and a brief silence enveloped the dining hall.
"Well..."
Rolf's voice broke the silence, sounding somewhat heavier and more rigid than before.
"...I believe you all have something you want to ask."
At Rolf's words, Randy and Cedric exchanged glances...
"Your Excellency──"
"I'm sorry."
Catherine's apology blew away the words that the two were about to say.
Everyone turned their gaze to Catherine, who, with her head down, began to apologize to Rolf and Airen about Arthur.
It was a near ambush for Randy and Cedric, as well as Rolf.
After all, their minds were filled with matters concerning the current state of the Marquis family.
Still, Randy and Cedric immediately exchanged glances and decided to listen silently to Catherine's apology.
It was likely important for Airen and Catherine, and above all, they thought this could serve as a good opportunity.
The reason Waldner had been quiet amidst that scandal.
It was closely related to the situation at today's banquet.
This was a common understanding for both Randy and Cedric.
So, Randy decided to listen silently to Catherine's apology...
(Oh right, that did happen)
He completely forgot about their existence and that it's an extension of an otome game.
While listening to Catherine's confession, Randy looked a bit distant, recalling Arthur and Edgar.
He wonder where they are now and what they're doing.
They are probably studying for the end-of-year exams in the royal capital, but in Randy's mind, even the fact that they are classmates feels vague.
While Randy was lost in thought about them, it seemed Catherine's apology had also come to an end, and she was bowing her head again to Rolf and Airen.
Was Catherine's apology at this timing unexpected for Waldner as well?
Rolf and Airen, who received Catherine's heartfelt apology, exchanged glances and froze for a moment.
On the contrary, Catherine seemed to be curious about their attitude.
She was casting glances as if checking, but from the two who were frozen, even Randy couldn't tell what they were thinking.
The silence that returned was broken by Airen's smile, which let out a "Hehe."
"No, I'm sorry. It was indeed a *story I brought up*."
Airen, shaking her shoulders, smiled at Catherine and said, "I had forgotten."
"Forgotten...?"
"Yeah."
Airen nodded vigorously and looked up at the ceiling, saying, "To be honest, when I confess──"
They don't know what is reflected in Airen's eyes, but there is no cloudiness in her profile.
"──I don't care about my fiancée."
Facing everyone, Airen laughed cheerfully, causing not just Liz and Catherine but also Rita and Harrison to involuntarily exclaim, "Huh?"
"We weren't on bad terms. No, rather, I think we were on good terms, but in the end, it's still a political marriage. It might be closer to say that we were both making concessions."
Airen turned her gaze back to Catherine and smiled mischievously.
"It seems that such a partner was deceived by a selfish and narrow-minded young girl. I thought, 'Ah, as expected.'"
Airen shrugged and said she hadn't received the proper lady education because she played with boys since she was little.
She preferred to wear training clothes and run around with a wooden sword rather than put on a dress.
Because of such a childhood, it's said that there were no romantic stories at the academy.
"Well... it was good that I had Miranda and Cedric there."
Seeing Airen laugh as she said this, it seemed she really enjoyed her academy life.
"After graduating from the academy, just when it seemed like there would be encounters... the engagement talk with the Knight Captain's son came in."
Nobles protecting the borders and nobles guarding the center.
It was the engagement of the young lady and the young master.
Understanding the political significance, Airen nodded without hesitation.
In any case, there wouldn't be any suitors as things stood now.
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