Chapter 156, Opportunity and Danger in Places Unbeknownst to the Boy lover(:Grey)

Translator: Xini

Proofreader: Silavin

 

POV: Gray

 

“It’s probably better to avoid drinking spirits with Kriemhild. I had been wanting to have a drink with her for sometime though. Do you think we’d be able to find a non-alcoholic drink that tastes similar to this champagne?”

“Good question. This is delicious and sweet. Has to be sweet… when drinking with friends I guess… so…”

“Speaking of which, the taste lingering in my mouth is…”

“Well…”

“Ri…ght…”

 

Something is wrong with Lord Clo and Lady Violet.

Kriemhild is pretty drunk, so we had to move her to a rest area while I returned to the venue along with Mr.Burnt, who tagged along for some reason. We got back just in time to hear the principal of the academy bring down the curtain on the festival but…

 

“Mr.Burnt, correct me if I’m wrong, but I feel like ever since they came back, Father and Mother have been avoiding direct eye contact.”

“I noticed that as well.”

 

I’m not sure how to describe it, but both of them are acting very awkward around each other.

I whispered into Mr. Burnt’s ears so they would not be able to hear me and he agreed with my assessment in an unusually courteous manner. So, I knew I was not wrong. Others could see that something was not right with my parents too.

I could not sense any anger or hate, which means they are not quarreling, but I just can’t shake off the feeling that something feels off.

 

“Please quell your worries. I have assessed the situation by analyzing various different sounds, and I believe they have simply grown closer.”

“Sounds? I’m afraid I’m simply too ignorant to understand how sounds can tell you the nature of someone’s relationship.”

“Sounds carry a lot of information(taste). You can gain insight into someone’s emotion(flavor), secrets(tone), past(hue) and present(color) as long as you can analyze their sounds.”

 

I have no idea what Mr. Burnt is talking about.

While I couldn’t make head nor tail of what he was talking about, I do hold him in high regard. So I’m sure he must have an amazing ability.

Also I was not sure if it was just in my head but I saw him make a face just like Mr. Bligh’s when he struggled to maintain composure after I whispered in his ear.

 

“I’m sure you too will soon be able to do the same through other means, Master Gray.”

“Is that how it works?”

“Indeed.”

 

Will I really be able to sense others’ emotions someday?

I hope so because then I’d be able to assist Lord Clo, Lady Violet and Lady Apricot. I should do my best so I read people’s emotions through their sounds like Mr. Burnt. Come to think of it, I think Ms. Amber can do the same thing with scent. I should observe them to learn their techniques!

Now that that’s decided, I should request Lady Apricot’s help. Hmm… I wonder if an embrace would be a good way to learn about a person’s sound or scent? That way, I can discern Lady Apricot’s scent and her sounds, like that of her heartbeat. First off, I should start with prominent sounds and scents. After which, I can ask others for help and gain more experience on the subject. Maybe I’ll ask Ms. Cyan or Mr. Bligh.

 

“Well, ladies and gentlemen. The time has come for this fest to come to an end.”

 

Lost in thought, I heard someone unfamiliar address the crowd from an elevated platform inside the venue.

Everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to his speech.

 

“Thank you for making yet another festival memorable. As the principal of this academy, I feel my heart swell with pride.”

 

Ah, it’s the principal, Lord Noir.

He was an esteemed gentleman, who has been governing the academy for almost thirty years or so I’ve heard.

He had dark hair and eyes. He also possessed a kind of strange charisma that drew people in and I found him quite charming. I felt like the ladies in the room were also captivated by him.

 

I have to say, he looks incredibly young for his age. I believe he’s human and should be over sixty but he looked no older than someone in his 20s. Maybe he’s got some Elf blood in him? I heard Ms. Amber and Mr. Burnt also have some Elf blood in them which makes them appear younger than their actual age. I wonder if the principal is the same as them?

 

“Well, then. Let’s bring the festival to a close. Beloved students and everyone gathered here, let’s continue to do our best to help our kingdom and the Azalea Academy prosper in the future as well! Haha!”

 

The venue echoed with applause after he finished his short speech. The uproar continued until the principal took a bow and left the venue, out of everyone’s view.

For some reason, it felt like he looked at me at the end of his speech. Maybe I’m just being self-conscious?

Anyway, if the festival was over, there was only one thing left to do.

 

“Come on, then. Let’s make our way back to the inn, Lord Clo.”

 

Yes, we have to get back as soon as possible to celebrate Lord Clo’s… no, Father’s birthday.

Lady Apricot and Ms. Cyan should be making the necessary preparations. There’s still time until the day’s over but if we don’t hurry, it might be too late.

Not to mention, I have to make sure Lord Clo stays none the wiser. I really can’t wait to see his face when we surprise him.

 

“Hmm? Gray, you don’t want to swing by anywhere?”

“No, let’s go back. A lot of shops seem to be closed since it’s late.”

“Still… the whole capital is celebrating the academy festival. I’m sure it’s all decked out with pretty lights. You sure you don’t want to check it out?”

 

Hm. That is very tempting.

I’m aware that the capital does not quiet down at night unlike Shiki. Moreover, with all the people still frolicking about and the pretty lights, it certainly makes me want to take a peek…

 

“It’s alright. Let’s go back to the inn. Aren’t you the one who’s always telling me it’s dangerous to be out and about after dark?

“Ahh. Sure. Should we head back then?”

“Yes, let’s celebrate by going to bed early.”

 

I’d love to take a look but Lord  Clo’s birthday is more important than anything else.

So, I can hold myself back. Also, if we were going to go around the capital I’d want Lady Apricot by my side.

 

“Celebrate?”

“…Yes. I-I wouldn’t say the whole day was without adventure. We also did manage to settle all our affairs. Does that not deserve a toast? A sign to wrap up the party?”

“Haha! Play. Let’s do that then. Celebrate with everyone!”

“Yes!”

 

Phew… that was close. I almost let it slip. Saved by a hair’s breadth.

I’m sure Lord Clo and Lady Violet felt ill at ease at the academy so I’d like to shift the setting and have fun with our friends soon. Hehe, I’m already getting excited.

 

“Hey, Gray, what’s got you so chipper?”

 

He’s not wrong, I am in a good mood right now. I didn’t like the atmosphere at the academy. And I feel like I can breathe freely now that we can leave it behind. So, of course I’m happy.

Isn’t this kind of feeling described as…

 

“If we’re talking in terms of dominant and submissive roles, I want to be dominant right now. I want to dominate you and you’re not allowed to flip the tables on me. Mr. Burnt and I intend to sandwich you between ourselves.”

“Hey, Gray! Who taught you those things?”

“A noble lady who was apparently once friends with Mr. Bligh during their orientation days in the academy. If I remember correctly, you aggressively pursue the sub, am I right?”

“Argh. I’m going to grill you once we get back.”

 

I wonder what brought that on?

Was it something I said?

 

“I can’t understand most of what Gray had said. Did he say something weird? But I have to admit that you don’t hear something like that everyday. The way of phrasing is unique to say the least.”

“Apologies, Lady Violet. I find myself baffled as well…”

“Lord Clo, what was Gray talking about…”

“Alright, let’s get moving! We can meet up with Ms. Amber and get back to the inn before the crowd swallows us up.”

“Erm, okay?”

 

“Oh? Is something wrong, Mary?”

“It’s… nothing. I felt like I heard some familiar terms but maybe it was just my imagination.”

“Oh?”

“Yes. Let’s go back home, Vermillion.”

“Vermillion…?”