Episode 26: The Party Begins
Before I knew it, the Great Hall (Saloon) was enveloped in silence and tension.
Atty will be here soon.
Thinking that, I became incredibly nervous.
This tension is nothing compared to the Sword Tournament. I was actually excited and giddy back then. I couldn’t stay still, eager to test my skills! That was fun.
I was assigned the task of clearing away used dishes. It wouldn’t be suspicious for me to approach people. Score!
I waited in the corner of the room.
I was given a party cracker to hold.
And I focused my attention on the entrance to the Great Hall (Saloon).
I could feel the servants holding their breath.
The silence made the clacking of shoes walking down the hallway audible.
Here it comes.
I held the string of the party cracker. I’m so nervous, I might pull the string before Atty even enters!!
I’m also nervous about whether my hand will slip—in a different way!!
The footsteps stopped in front of the door.
I held my breath.
The door slowly opened.
There stood Atty, looking puzzled.
At that moment—
“Happy fourth birthday, Ati-sama!!”
Along with that cheer, party crackers were set off here and there.
Glittering confetti and streamers rained down on Atty.
I timed it perfectly and pulled the string of my party cracker.
A satisfying “pop” echoed.
“…”
Atty froze with a surprised look on her face.
She probably never expected something like this to happen.
She’s completely stunned! Her eyes are wide open! Atty looks so incredibly cute like that!! She looks like my cat back home when it unexpectedly encounters its nemesis (me)!!!
Atty was frozen and unable to move, so a strange silence descended upon the Great Hall (Saloon).
Everyone was waiting for Atty’s reaction. No one could utter a word.
At that moment,
“Happy birthday, Atty.”
The Marquis gently placed a hand on Atty’s shoulder, who was still frozen, knelt down, and peered into Atty’s face.
Atty, who had been frozen for a while, looked at the servants gathered in the room, the beautifully decorated room, and then at the Marquis’s face beside her—her face crumpled.
“Father…”
Atty clung to the Marquis’s neck, making a soft, whimpering sound.
Those were tears of joy. She was surprised, happy, and her emotions had exploded.
The Marquis gently embraced Atty.
Ah, I’m so jealous!!
I wanted to be the one she hugged!!
But.
I saw Atty’s happy face with my own eyes, so I’ll let it slide. Even if it’s from a bit far away.
I started clapping.
Then, drawn in by that, applause rose from here and there, eventually turning into a great ovation.
“Now, let’s take our seats. Let us celebrate both the successful engagement and the birthday of Miss Atty!”
Appearing from behind the Marquis was Duke Andreu, the master of this mansion.
Next to him was Eric, his cheeks flushed red with excitement.
And behind them was the figure of the Obsessive Boy, Ilias.
At Duke Andreu’s words, the people at the entrance entered the Great Hall (Saloon).
Now, the real show begins.
Once the main figures and guests were seated, drinks were served one after another.
Amidst the bustling servants, I remained motionless, staring intently at one point.
Ilias, the Yandere Capture Target, the man who would later kill Atty.
He was sitting next to Eric—almost directly across from Atty.
Out of reach.
But in a place where he could check Atty’s every move.
I focused on Ilias’s every action.
And, he moved!
He spoke to a nearby servant—and stood up from his seat.
He turned his back in front of his seat and waited.
For what?
Ah, I see, that’s it.
I moved to a place where I could see Ilias, but my figure was hidden in the shadows and difficult for him to see.
And I focused on his hands.
Amidst the Champagne Glasses and Champagne bottles coming and going, Ilias received a purple drink.
Juice. For children.
He took two glasses, holding them from above, placed them on the table, readjusted his grip, and then placed one in front of Eric.
Eric was about to drink it immediately, but Ilias whispered something to him, stopping him from drinking. Good job, Eric, you endured well.
Then, he approached Atty and placed the other glass in front of her.
Atty hugged the glass with both hands and pulled it towards herself.
At that moment, Samuel (tutor, he), who was sitting next to her, and Maggie, the Head Nanny, who was standing behind her, whispered something to her.
They must have told her to wait until the toast.
Atty released the glass, but still kept her eyes on the juice and sat quietly… Good girl!!!
As the drinks were being served, silence descended.
Then, Duke Andreu, holding a Champagne Glass, stood up.
“Thank you for gathering on this auspicious day—”
He started giving some pompous speech, but I wasn’t listening to any of it.
I concentrated on Ilias and Atty’s movements.
Without taking my eyes off the two of them, I picked up a Champagne bottle that was placed on the serving table and moved.
I moved casually and went behind Maggie, the Head Nanny, and Samuel (tutor, he).
And I whispered softly behind their backs.
“Listen without turning around. Please don’t let Atty drink that juice. After the toast, exchange the drinks. Don’t get rid of what you exchanged, keep it with you.”
At my voice, the two of them flinched. But they didn’t turn around as instructed.
“Samuel-sama, if you can hear me, take a sip of your champagne.”
When I said that, Samuel (tutor, he) took a sip of his Champagne Glass. I poured more champagne into the glass.
And then I moved even further.
“—Now, everyone.”
Duke Andreu’s words were reaching their conclusion.
I reached my destination and waited for the right moment.
“Cheers!”
“Cheers!”
The people raised their glasses and chanted.
At that moment—
Thud!
“Whoa!”
Ilias, who had been bumped into by me, spilled his drink and panicked.
The surroundings were filled with the cheers of the toast. Few people noticed what was happening.
I stopped the maid who was about to rush over with my hand.
Then, I knelt down and dabbed at Ilias’s cuffs, which had been stained with juice, with a handkerchief.
“I’m so sorry, Ilias-sama.”
I wiped his wet hands.
However, he looked anxious and was paying attention to Atty, not me.
Glancing over there, Atty, who had been whispered to by Samuel (tutor, he), was sitting quietly at the table, receiving a new juice from Maggie, the Head Nanny.
The glass before the exchange was firmly in Samuel (tutor, he)’s hand.
“Tch.”
I didn’t miss the Obsessive Boy’s click of his tongue.
“Ilias-sama, let’s get you changed.”
I grabbed Ilias’s hand and urged him to stand up.
“That’s not really neces—”
He started to say, but he gasped when he saw my face.
“You’re—”
“Ilias-sama, come this way.”
Overlapping his words, I grabbed his hand and made him stand up without giving him a chance to refuse.
Looking up at him, who was taller than me as I knelt,
“I saw everything you did. I could make you drink that juice here and expose what you were trying to do. What do you want to do?”
I whispered that in a voice that only he could hear.
Then, he gritted his teeth, but didn’t resist.
I stood up with a smile.
“Please, this way.”
I pushed his back and led him out of the Great Hall (Saloon).