Pride and Sanctimony

Chapter 62 | No Show

* * *

[—] “Where is Miss Valentia?”

Despite the cold weather of the season, the man to whom this question was asked felt a cold sweat run down his back.

[—] “I don’t think she’s arrived yet.”

[—] “What do you mean she isn’t here yet?”

The voice who asked sounded shocked.

[—] “I don’t know. She sent in confirmation that she would certainly attend, and she should’ve been here two hours ago, but I haven’t heard a word from her yet.”

The fact that she had not been in contact yet either was a very telling detail. It proved that she had not shown even a little bit of her face yet.

[—] “If she takes too long, we’ll need to visit her home. How could you fail to follow through with such a simple thing!”

[—] “N, no, I was just busy and I was so certain she’d come on time, so I didn’t even think twice about it……”

[—] “You call that an excuse?”

[—] “I’m so sorry.”

[—] “Your apologies are of no use here. What are we supposed to do now?”

[—] “It can’t be helped. Is there anyone around who can accept the accolades on behalf of a senior student?”

[—] “We’ll just have to ask whoever took the number two spot.”

And so in a panic, they rushed out, attempting to locate the student who had placed just below Valentia.

[Second] “So you want me to accept the award on her behalf?”

[—] “Yes. You took second place, so you are indeed qualified enough to do so…..”

[Second] “Not interested.”

And obviously he refused.

For this student, it felt unfair that no matter how hard he tried, he could never take that top seat in all his time at the Academy, and so the idea of having to accept this award on her behalf felt like an insult since it was not his award to take.

Everyone already knew who the top student was, and they wanted him to go up and accept the award for her? What a joke.

That was when their panic continued, rushing to find number three. The man who was running around in delirium was certain he’d be rejected again and was ready to pass out and die right about now. But when he explained the situation, the third place student gladly accepted, to his surprise.

[—] “A, are you sure?”

[Third] “Yes, of course. It would be an honor.”

[—] “I’d really appreciate it if you thought so. You may continue to sit here, you’re in the front row anyway.”

[Third] “But is the first place seat empty?”

[—] “Sorry? Oh, yes, that’s right.”

[Third] “Then I’ll just sit there. It would be strange to keep it empty.”

[—] “Oh, then do that. Once you’re called, you can come up and accept the award. If you’d like to speak a few words, you may.”

[Third] “Very well.”

But after hearing that the third place student would be accepting the awards as a proxy, the second place student chased after him.

[Second] “Have you lost your mind?”

[Third] “Why are you suddenly cursing me out?”

[Second] “I heard you’re going to be accepting that award on behalf of the number one student. Why on earth would you do that!?”

[Third] “Is there a problem?”

[Second] “Everyone already knows who the number one student is, and yet you’ll still accept it like this? Have you no pride?”

[Third] “You see, you seem real smart but other than that, I don’t think your brain is very good at all. But I suppose this is why academic intelligence and social intelligence are two different things.”

[Second] “What’s that supposed to mean?”

This person really did have a good head on his shoulders. Although he never managed to take the top seat, the second seat was one that always fell into his hands with ease.

However, for all his intelligence, most who tried to compliment him about it would end up saying, ‘You have a very brilliant mind, but….’ and he was not adept enough to understand the hidden meaning behind their phrasing and tone.

[Third] “Think very carefully about it. Do you think anyone in this crowd is going to know who sits in the third place seat?”

Likely not, and so if he were to go up to the podium and accept the accolades himself on behalf of the number one student, there would be plenty who would misunderstand and remember him as being in that coveted first place spot.

This was a very fortunate opportunity for him, considering in times like these, it was usually the second place student who would be meant to accept the award instead.

[Second] “……..!”

And upon that realization, the second place student’s face turned pale.

* * *

The graduation ceremony was a quiet and professional affair.

After the Empire’s anthem was sung, everyone took their seats, following which was a speech regaling the audience with the story of the Academy’s founding and base ideology. After that came a very basic and boring speech from the dean.

And by the time the excitement for the graduation ceremony started to fade into boredom, next came the most important part.

[Dean] “Next up is to present a certificate of accolade to the student who consistently achieved high marks.”

So she’s here, Lexus thought with relief.

[Dean] “Though it’s unfortunate, the student in question could not come due to various circumstances, so another will be receiving the award on her behalf.”

Just then, Lexus nearly threw himself from his seat without a second thought. He kept his hand on his leg, digging his fingers into his flesh just to keep himself from jumping up and running out there.

The student who accepted the award as a proxy spoke a few words before standing down from the podium, and then they mentioned something about sending the scholarship and award to the proper recipient at a later date.

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[Dean] “…..Congratulations to all graduates. May your future be ever shining.”

With that, the dean concluded his speech, starting off a round of applause. One by one, students began to join in before eventually, raucous cheers began to spread. Some students, exhausted by the hard work they’d put in as they attended the Academy, wiped away their tears.

[Dean] “Now that everyone has settled their emotions, let us move on to the prepared closing banquet.”

As the voices amidst the crowd died down, the dean ushered people onward. The people quickly gathered and pulled themselves together, moving on with his words.

And now that the ceremony was over, Lexus stood up from his seat. The world around him was moving as the students began to make their way outside, but he couldn’t move an inch—all because he wasn’t really sure where to go right now.

Where should I go? The Baron’s mansion?

But he couldn’t do that.

He didn’t technically have any formal relationship with her family, and more than that, he was a very noticeable person. He couldn’t suddenly visit a lady’s home, which was why he’d been relying on sending Yusef or other people in his place.

It took no deep thought to know what sort of rumors would spread if he went there however he pleased. The funniest thing was that, in the past, he never wanted to be misunderstood as being in a serious relationship with the women he saw, so he never bothered trying to get close.

But now, he couldn’t move an inch because he was afraid of Valentia getting hurt because of him.

By now the room had almost entirely cleared out, leaving behind only a few students.

[Aigis] “Lord Lexus.”

[Lexus] “Miss Aigis.”

Across the faces of these three ladies were expressions of deep concern.

[Aigis] “It’s too strange to think she wouldn’t come to the graduation ceremony. You didn’t happen to hear anything from her, did you, Lord Lexus?”

[Lexus] “No. I sent someone to go get her, but I haven’t heard anything from him either.”

[Aigis] “Perhaps we should head to the banquet hall first. Maybe she’s just running late.”

If they left now, there was the chance they would run into her on the way there. Being given no choice, Lexus headed off towards the hall where the closing ceremonial banquet was being held.

Right when he was thinking about what might be wrong, he noticed someone approaching him—a group consisting of Tex, Arthur, and Ruth.

[Tex] “Oh, if it isn’t our most coldhearted friend, the Imperial Prince himself. I saw another student accept the accolades and scholarship on behalf of the top student. Where is the number one, Miss Valentia today?”

[Ruth] “That’s right. Valen—ugh.” (1)

Looking at Tex, Aigis curiously tilted her head. Realizing things much faster than one might think, Tex jabbed Ruth in the side with his elbow, causing him to quickly cease his grumbles and look around at the people around him with an awkward expression.

With confusion and curiosity still in Aigis’ eyes, Tex wiped the smirk off his face, and asked with just one look what was going on. All Aigis could do was shake her head, for she too had many questions.

And in response to all the tension that had built up in the air, Tex awkwardly changed the subject.

[Tex] “Anyway, why not introduce me to the lady next to you?”

[Aigis] “I am Aigis, second born of House Ayli.”

Lily and Red also took the opportunity to introduce themselves.

[Tex] “Ah, my apologies. It would have been more appropriate if I were to introduce myself first, but I ended up making such a simple mistake. I am called Tex, first born and heir to Duke Langbell.”

[Aigis] “I am aware of who you are.”

[Tex] “Oh, so you already know……I would hope you’ve only heard good things about me.”

Their smiles were awkward as they exchanged their hellos. Their conversation was brief and quiet, but Lexus didn’t bother intervening. He couldn’t be sure Valentia wouldn’t show up just as the banquet started to reach its peak.

But he couldn’t understand what was happening. Why wasn’t his messenger coming back?

That was when he remembered what she told him before—about wanting to stop. Was she trying to end things this way because she didn’t even want to look at his face?

But even if she wanted to stop, this wasn’t the right way to go about it. It would be better if she came up to him so they could talk about things properly, face to face.

[Messenger] “Your Highness.”

Just as his thoughts started to spiral, that was when he finally heard the voice of that very same messenger calling out to him as he entered the banquet hall. Naturally, Lexus’ eyes turned to look at him, but the sight before him was a difficult one to trust.

For starters, this messenger seemed far too relaxed for someone who failed to do his job.

After confirming Valentia was nowhere to be seen, he glanced at the messenger, speaking to him in hushed whispers about what he’d been doing all this time while simultaneously not doing the one thing he was supposed to do.

[Lexus] “I thought I told you to bring me someone. Why did you come alone?”

[Messenger] “I’m sorry……? D, did she not attend the ceremony?”

That didn’t sound right.

[Lexus] “What are you talking about?”

Then, Lexus’ already stiff expression turned even colder.

[Messenger] “It’s as I said. When I arrived at the Baron’s mansion, I was told she wasn’t home.”

[Lexus] “She wasn’t home? Explain.”

[Messenger] “She was already gone by the time I arrived. The stable workers told me she’d gone out for a walk with her dog, so I decided to wait for a little bit. But she didn’t return, even after the time for the ceremony came and went. That was when I asked again where she went.”

[Lexus] “And what did they say?”

[Messenger] “They said she must’ve gone straight to the graduation ceremony herself. We didn’t contact her ahead of time to let her know I was coming, so I thought that might be a possibility. Then I went to La Vie en Rose to pick up the dress meant for her to wear, as well as a couple of staff members to help her change.”

There was no flaw with the way the messenger spoke. Even Lexus had to admit that he’d done all he could in this situation, and it was commendable for him to have even gone the extra mile to bring in some staff to help with the dress.

But the problem was that Valentia was still nowhere to be found. Where could she have gone if not the hall for the graduation ceremony?

By this point, he knew Valentia wasn’t going to be coming, but he still couldn’t move a muscle. He  and Valentia weren’t even technically in any kind of relationship with each other, and so he didn’t know where he could go to look for her.

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And that was how the banquet ended.

The person he was waiting for never came.

* * *

T/N: (1) Normally, it would be appropriate to address a lady one is not close to with the honorific of [양], which is just a common way of saying “Miss”. Ruth was about to refer to Valentia without this honorific, hence why Tex jabbed him in the side.

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