Chapter 29:

Chapter 29: A Frenzied Party (Escape)

As the day wanes, the inevitable happens.

In the grand social gathering known as the Dukes party, there were pitiable souls who could not find a partner.

And those souls savored their solitude in a garden set up behind the Dukes residence.

Some call it the Garden of Losers.

Ah... I want to die.

From deep within, a voice filled with despair arised. It belonged to Lady Heria of the Barons family. She had hoped to find a partner today but was met with failure.

Oh. Life truly sucks.

The man beside her was Viscount Matteo.Though he appeared fine on the outside, he had yet to find a dance partner due to his habit of stuttering in front of women.Haha, Heria, you too?

Viscount Matteo, we meet again...

Their eyes meet.

Sometimes, miracles do occur in the Garden of Losers..

Yulia watched as the two disappeared beyond the garden.

Startled upon seeing Ascal, she wandered aimlessly and ended up here.

The cool breeze and the scent of flowers tickled her nose.

It wasnt so bad.

She thought of cooling her head here a bit and then returning to the hall.

Why on earth would you reject me when I was obviously perfect, curse you, curse you!But suddenly, a strange voice could be heard nearby.Yet, for some reason, this voice was not unfamiliar.

Yulia took a step forward.

The source of the voice came into view.Serena Barba.

The second princess of the empire and Yulias elder sister.Oh my. Meeting you here is unexpected, Yulia. Well, not like we ever exchange greetings. But, what brings you to this place? You, who rarely show yourself.Serena, as if nothing had happened, reverted to her princess-like demeanor and smiled.

Did you... hear?

Serena coughed awkwardly.

Coug... Everyone faces failure. And isnt it true that those who rise from such failures are the real strong ones?

Seriously! Say something for once.

Serena tapped her foot impatiently. Watching her, Yulia slowly opened her mouth.

Were you rejected by Ascal Debrue?

Going straight for the sore spot, huh? Yes. I asked that man to dance, and he turned me down right away. So, what about it?

Serena glared at Yulia. She had never liked Yulia, especially now when she was hurt.Im glad then.

Whats there to be glad about...Oh. Were you all gathered here?The one who appeared was the crown prince of the empire, Kain.Without any attendants, lost in thought and strolling through the garden alone, he chanced upon Serena and Yulia.Such an encounter was indeed rare.Since reaching adulthood, they had rarely gathered like this outside of official events.

It reminds me of old times. How long has it been since we three siblings gathered like this?

Excuse me. Were still young, you know? In our prime. Old man.

Serena pouted.Kain chuckled.

So, little sister, why were you sulking all by yourself?

With a sigh, Serena took a seat on the bench.

The night had deepened, and she felt weary. She was mentally exhausted from constantly seeking political advantage up to this point.I was rejected by a man.

Really? Who evil would dare reject my little sister? I should give him a piece of my mind.

...Ascal Debrue.

Kains smile froze.Thats quite a coincidence. I too just got rejected by that man.A momentary silence ensued.

Then, as if on cue, the two siblings turned their gaze to Yulia....I dont know who that is. Whos he?

Yulia averted her gaze.

The atmosphere deflated, much like air escaping from a balloon.

Does Yulia not know? Well, considering I did manage to snag a cookie, I suppose I can claim to be closest to him.

A cookie, you say?

Yes. I had a cookie made by Ascal Debrue himself. It was so dry it choked me up.

A cookie...

Yes, a cookie. It melted tenderly on the tongue.

Kain fantasized about the taste of the cookie.

Sweet and moist, it mustve melted instantly in the mouth. The only issue was the absence of a drink; had there been something to sip alongside, he could have devoured them all.

Yet, hearing this, Yulias eyes changed.

I didnt get to taste the cookie.

Cold sweat formed on Kains brow.The debut release of this chapter happened at Ñòv€l-B1n.

There are plenty of cookies in the banquet hall, Yulia.

And... Princess Serena is also looking for Lord Ascal.

Why the princess?

And... Princess Yulia is also looking for Lord Ascal.

...

Um.

Something seemed to be going awry.

He had a gut feeling that getting caught would land him in some serious trouble. Without further thought, Ascal decided to flee.

Ascal! Wait! Show me the horse!

It was the voice of the Crown Prince.

Ascal instantly took off running.

I knew youd come this way. Just as I predicted.

Upon heading to the right staircase on the 2nd floor, Princess Serena was waiting. She looked rather triumphant.

Ignoring Princess Serena, Ascal rushed up to the 3rd floor.

Hey! Wait! At least give me a cookie before you go!

Once he made it out of the lengthy staircase, he found himself at a dead-end. Escaping up the stairs and evading both Crown Prince Kain and Princess Serena was a feat, but now, upon reaching the 3rd floor of the mansion, Ascal felt like a cornered mouse.

Being caught was now only a matter of time.

What should I do?

But suddenly, the distant sound of approaching footsteps reached his ears.

Ascal glanced at the window.

...The night sky looked beautiful.

But this wasnt the time to admire it.

Even if I fall, I wont die, right?

If he lands properly, a fall from the height of 3 floors shouldnt be fatal. And he had legs trained from daily commuting. They should be reliable.

Or maybe not, considering Ive recently been commuting by carriage.

It was a moment of doubt.

I found you.

Behind him, he heard Yulias voice.

There was no more time to hesitate.

-WHOOOSH!!

Ascal jumped straight through the window with both arms pressed against his torso.

The window shattered immediately, and Ascal began his descent to the ground.

This feels much higher than I thought?

And worse, he was falling head-first.

This might be the end of him.

If there was a Darwin Award here in this world, hed surely win it this year.

At that moment,

A white horse appeared in the distance.

From the sky, a shadow of wings descended.

Fer!

The Pegasus, spreading its wings wide, was racing towards its master.

With a graceful move, it successfully let Ascal mount it.

Lets go home like this!

Hee-haw!

Fer flapped its wings.

****

Tha-thats... Impossible!

Raven was frustrated. Mired in a recent slump, he had hoped to find some inspiration by attending the Dukes party.

No matter how much he danced or took walks, inspiration eluded him.

Then, before Ravens eyes, an unbelievable sight unfolded.

Among the stars embroidering the night sky, a man was soaring while riding a Pegasus.

This is a miracle!

Raven hurriedly fetched his canvas.

He had to complete the painting before this inspiration faded.

<The Man on the Pegasus>

And the painting that Raven completed became one of the most renowned masterpieces in imperial history.

[TN: You can support the translation and read 5 chapters ahead of the release here on Patreon: /OracleTls]