VCAM 48

Chapter 48 

 “After the Celebration”
(Kai and Rutia’s Summer Vacation Arc XVII)

The grand ballroom was slowly winding down. Laughter still echoed across the hall, and the clinking of wine glasses filled the air.
Yet the earlier engagement announcements and Rutia’s bold declaration still lingered in everyone’s minds. The nobles’ conversations were now entirely about the two newly formed couples.

“His Highness and Lady Filia… such a beautiful match.”
“Lady Rutia and Master Kai looked surprisingly natural together.”
“The kingdom’s future seems secure now.”

Hearing such words behind him, Kai escaped to a quiet corner of the hall and sipped his wine.

“Man, there was no way to run from that atmosphere… My opinion didn’t matter one bit, huh,”
he muttered softly. But deep inside, he couldn’t deny that there was a faint warmth in his chest.

“My dear husband, here you are.”

Turning around, he saw Rutia approaching, the crimson hem of her dress swaying elegantly.
Her eyes were tinged with pink, and her expression — usually so proud and composed — carried a shy, girlish smile.

“Y-young lady… after droppin’ that bomb in front of everyone, you still got the nerve to smile like that?”
“Why not? I’m happy.”
“Don’t say ‘happy’ like that… My heart’s still racin’, ya know.”

Ignoring his complaint, Rutia gracefully sat beside him and, as if it were the most natural thing in the world, entwined her arm around his.

“It felt wonderful to declare it before everyone. Now, no one can deny the bond between you and me.”
“Yeah, well… the one wantin’ to deny it right now is me…”

“Hehe. My dear husband, are you still resisting?”
“’Cause really, I’m just a teacher, y’know? Ain’t got the class to stand beside a duke’s daughter.”
“Then I shall vouch for your worth. — Because I’m the one who chose you.”

Her earnest gaze left Kai speechless.

Just then, a calm voice reached them.

“You two seem to be enjoying yourselves.”

It was Leon and Filia. Leon wore a gentle smile, and Filia stood beside him, shy but proud.

“Y-your Highness…”

Kai tried to stand, but Rutia held his arm tightly, keeping him seated.

“No need for formalities,” Leon said softly. “Let me thank you properly, Kai.”
“If not for your guidance — in sword, in magic, and in heart — I would never have come this far. It’s because of you that I can now stand beside Filia like this.”

“Your Highness…”

“You celebrated my engagement, and now my dear sister Rutia’s as well. I trust her judgment — and the man she has chosen.”

Leon extended his hand. After a moment’s hesitation, Kai firmly grasped it.

Filia smiled warmly.

“Teacher, I wish to thank you as well. I used to be someone who only waited to be protected… But now, I can stand beside His Highness. That’s all thanks to what you taught me.”

“Nah, I just taught you a bit o’ arithmetic.”
“That ‘bit’ was the first step toward everything I am now.”

Her clear gaze made Kai scratch his head awkwardly.

“Man… still ain’t used to bein’ praised by my students.”

Rutia puffed her chest proudly.

“You see? Even His Highness and Lady Filia recognize your worth. There’s no escape for you now.”
“Don’t say it like that! I ain’t a fugitive!”

Their banter made Leon and Filia laugh softly.

Soon after, the midnight bells tolled, marking the end of the celebration.
Guests began to leave in groups, and quiet gradually returned to the grand hall.

Kai exhaled deeply and drained the rest of his wine.

(What a night… full o’ chaos, but I guess it all worked out in the end.)

However—

In a shadowed corner of the hall, a few masked men watched intently.

“An outsider, standing at the kingdom’s center… how disgraceful.”
“The next move belongs to us.”

Their low whispers never reached Kai’s ears.

Outside, the night sky stretched wide, glittering with stars.
Under the moonlight, Rutia leaned gently against Kai’s shoulder.

“My dear husband… tonight truly made me happy.”
“My stomach still hurts from the stress…”
“Hehe. That’s exactly why I love you.”

Her words left Kai staring helplessly at the sky once again.

(Aw, hell… Maybe this time, there really ain’t no escapin’ it…)