Chapter 35: Do you like Amos?

Karina and Aresia had to alter their dresses to fit properly, but since they were at school and sending clothes to the tailor wasn’t convenient. They asked the dorm staff that had some skill to fix some things.

Karina selected a dress along with matching jewelry, leaving it for the next evening’s change: “In case of emergency.”

Karina suspected the dress that was sent for alterations might not finished in time. If the tailor couldn’t make it in time, they’d simply wear it another time since Aresia promised to lend the dress to her.

Soon after the dorm supervisor’s assigned servants arrived along with the altered dresses.

The attendants helped with preparations for the banquet, such as hairstyling. Aresia intended to follow the latest styles favored by the noblewomen of Holy Lotean. However, achieving such elaborate styles required heavy, uncomfortable hairpieces, not in line with their comfort.

Karina attempted one, but the attendants couldn’t manage it, and she eventually gave up. The attendants settled on suitable styles and quickly prepared a preview.

As Aresia and Karina sat side by side for hairstyling, the attendants’ skill surpassed their expectations. Despite minor discomfort, Aresia’s hairstyle, a modified classic, accentuated her accessories.

Aresia’s hair took longer due to its length. Maintaining noble children’s hairstyles required considerable effort.

Estimating the time needed for the elaborate styles, Aresia scheduled with the attendants. She paid, adhering to the dorm’s customary agreement.

As the attendants departed, Karina removed her elaborate hairpieces and bid farewell.

….

In the study building. Aresia found herself surrounded by other students asking questions. Despite their casualness, these weren’t typical questions, hinting at why she took absence. The magic student’s questions are just out of curiosity, while other courses were more demanding, making their questions odd.

Soon, she realized the true intent behind these inquiries. The questions eventually circled back to yesterday’s absence, showing an unusual interest in the reason for the absence and, indirectly, what her father, the Duke were up to.”

The situation was delicate, words carrying multiple layers of meaning. A single sentence could be a veil for countless intentions. Aresia suspected they were prying into something.

Although Karina didn’t understand the context, she quickly grasped the situation. When others came probing Aresia, she intervened, diverting the conversation. They fabricated reasons to excuse Aresia, evading questions during breaks until class, where no one dared to ask again.

“These people are not to be taken lightly; Aresia needs to stay alert.”

Seated at the staircase corner, the two conversed, cautiously hidden.

“Why are they suddenly seeking information? Is it related to the Gryphon Legion’s actions?”

Aresia nodded. Karina, rather than inquiring about the legion, focused her attention on someone else.

Karina knew that Aresia had sent a gift to Amos in the Gryphon Legion.

Struggling with embarrassment, Karina timidly asked, “Is… Is Master Amos okay?”

Karina wanted to ask Aresia about Amos sinced yesterday, driven by curiosity but masked out of fear of others’ judgment she can’t have the courage. Now, with no people around, Karina couldn’t resist asking.

“Yes, he’s been busy with the Legion.”

Aresia knew of Karina’s interest in Amos. There wasn’t a clear stance, but Amos never acknowledged Karina’s significance, being just a regular friend or even less in his eyes, not retaining any memory or recognition.

Even in her memory of the previous Aresia, there was no trace of Amos acknowledging anything about Karina.

Seeing Karina’s reaction, Aresia intervened, deciding to be direct: “Karina, do you like Amos?”

Karina, initially shy, suddenly blushed intensely and appeared very nervous, faltering in her response.

She couldn’t possibly admit to liking Master Amos. Amos was the Duke’s sole heir, an utterly unattainable figure in Karina’s eyes.

Uncertain of Aresia’s stance, if it was contradictory, admitting would likely affect their relationship. Although Karina was drawn closer to Aresia, she didn’t wish for a rift, especially if Aresia changed significantly. Not wanting the relationship to rupture, Karina was in a dilemma.

After much hesitation, her lips pale, she nodded faintly, not daring to voice a single word.

“I won’t tell anyone, but the chances of brother Amos reciprocating might be slim.”

Karina’s face turned even paler. Although she knew this might be the case, being exposed made her feel ashamed.

“Well, it’s not about status. Besides my mother, few care about this.”

This wasn’t a made-up statement; it was the truth. Karina was a countess, and although her family had fallen, her title remained. Marrying the Duke’s heir would involve some social climbing, but it wasn’t impossible. Moreover, the previous Duchess was a countess herself, chosen as the future wife by the former Duke based not only on her magical prowess but also her husband’s preference.

The current Duke was clear on one thing—Amos liking someone with a considerable status mismatch wasn’t acceptable.

The Duchess’s attitude was somewhat compromising regarding the matter, showing genuine affection for her child. However, the likelihood of compromise was minimal. Unfortunately, Amos seemed to have a peculiar taste and wasn’t swayed easily.

No, it wasn’t that he wasn’t open to compromises. In Aresia’s memories from the previous memory, there had been a joking tone in Amos’ preferences for a spouse.

Aresia intervened, sensing Karina’s unease about identity concerns: “It’s about brother Amos; he has high standards for his future wife.”

Karina’s expression changed, mentioning high standards—wasn’t it about identity?

Continuing, Aresia explained, “My brother, dislikes delicate girls. He seeks someone strong, matching or even exceeding his prowess, a partner in battle.”

Though it might sound like a joke, if Amos indeed admired this type of resilience, it would genuinely lead him to look for someone powerful, considering his idea wasn’t differentiating between a companion and a combatant—a nuance that didn’t seem clear to him.

Aresia perceived that if not warriors, then the closest would be mages.

Karina, possessing magical abilities, wasn’t entirely off the mark. Her abilities weren’t lacking; she had been striving to improve, growing stronger.

Aresia sternly advised Karina, now looking lost: “Karina, if you truly believe Amos isn’t for you, try harder. He wouldn’t settle for a fragile girl without combat capabilities.”

Aresia loved magic and strived for its ultimate pursuit, knowing not everyone shared her enthusiasm. In this noble circle, the norm was aristocratic children learning magic, but it wasn’t necessarily their passion.