The exchange ball had finally begun, and at last I could enjoy the food. Tisna and I hurried toward the spread that looked absolutely mouthwatering.
I picked up a plate and a pair of tongs, hesitating over what to try first. Everything looked delicious. In the end, I decided to take a little of everything.
Meanwhile, other students had already started dancing. Maldizer was being continuously invited by female students, one after another without a break.
While Baravina Brantes was constantly approached by male students. They were both incredibly busy.
As for Miss Kate, the male students only watched from a distance, too intimidated to approach. With no one stopping her, she walked straight up to Tisna and me, her expression stern.
"Lixia Ethe, Tisna Aerlian. Explain why you were late."
Since it was my fault, I quickly responded.
"Dorm Supervisor, I was too tired after coming back from the dungeon and fell asleep as soon as I returned to my room. But Thysena was only late because of me. Please don't punish her."
Tisna had done nothing wrong. I couldn't let her be punished because of me. Even if I had to write double the number of reflection reports, I'd accept it.
"I told you to know your limits, didn't I?"
"I'm sorry."
"Be more careful next time. Submit a reflection report tomorrow."
"Yes."
After saying that, Miss Kate picked up a plate and tongs and began selecting food. What a relief—at least Thysena didn't have to write one. Otherwise, I would've felt terrible.
Thysena then pulled me aside—not far, just enough to be out of Miss Kate's immediate presence.
"Lixia, did the dorm supervisor know you were going to the dungeon?"
"I ran into her on the way out."
"She didn't scold you, did she?"
"No. She just told me to know my limits and not push myself too hard."
"That's good. Still, the dorm supervisor is scary—so cold. No wonder her chest is so small."
Miss Kate really did have a small chest, which made her look very slim. I understood Thysena was joking about thermal expansion and contraction—that because Miss Kate's personality is too cold, so nothing could "grow."
But this topic was exactly why Miss Kate could be terrifying sometimes. Tisna was being way too bold.
"..."
"Lixia, why aren't you saying anything?"
I didn't dare respond, because Miss Kate was standing right behind Tisna, eyes wide with anger. Tisna was doomed.
"Uh… Tisna, look behind you."
"Hm? What is it? …Dorm Supervisor…"
Tisna turned around casually, but the moment she saw Miss Kate, her voice trembled with fear.
Miss Kate spoke in a tone filled with unmistakable emotion.
"Tisna Aerlian. Submit ten reflection reports before breakfast tomorrow. No exceptions."
"Yes…"
Tisna replied in despair—not just because of the ten reports or the deadline, but because Miss Kate had dropped the "student" honorific when calling her name. That meant until the next rest day, Thysena would be constantly assigned extra tasks by her.
There had been a frivolous male student before who went through something like hell. Afterward, he became completely serious—even his tie was always perfectly straight.
There was nothing I could do. All I could do was cheer her on.
"Tisna, I'll be rooting for you."
"Thanks… but I don't feel like attending the ball anymore. I'll eat and go back to write the reports. At least I can sleep a bit more that way."
Her eyes and tone were completely lifeless. She didn't even have the energy to think about finding Harus Somare anymore. As for me, I didn't feel like dancing with anyone either. I only came because Miss Kate said attendance was mandatory. Honestly, I wanted to go back and sleep too.
"Then I'll go with you—"
"Lixia."
My sentence was cut off by a very familiar voice. I turned around, and sure enough, it was Shien.
"Shien…"
I couldn't help sounding a bit annoyed. What did he want? Still, he had actually styled his hair neatly today, even used wax to show his forehead… he looked kind of handsome.
But where were Hera and Sicilia? Why weren't they with him? Honestly, now I had to deal with Shien, very trouble.
Shien scratched his cheek, looking a little shy as he spoke.
"Lixia… um, you look really beautiful today."
"Thank you."
I replied flatly, unsure whether his compliment was sincere or just polite. I had only done a simple look—I couldn't compare to the other girls who had clearly put in much more effort.
Shien then looked at my dress, his expression turning nervous and slightly hurt.
"But… why aren't you wearing the dress I gave you? Was the size wrong? Or… you didn't like it?"
"The dress?"
His words caught me off guard. When had he given me a dress? I didn't remember anything like that. And why would he give me one?
"You didn't receive it? I asked Aerlian to pass it to you."
"Tisna, is that true?"
"Yeah."
Still downcast, Tisna gave a weak but certain answer. Shien immediately turned to her, a bit upset.
"Erlian, did you give the box to Lixia?"
"A blue box?"
When he mentioned a box, I suddenly remembered seeing an unfamiliar blue box on my desk. But I had been too tired at the time to pay attention to it.
"Yes, a blue box."
So that was it. Then why hadn't Tisna told me?
"Tisna, why didn't you tell me?"
"I was going to, but you fell asleep. Then we were short on time, and I forgot. Infellet, I'm sorry."
So it was my fault again. Not only had I made Tisna late, now she had to apologize to Shien too.
"I see. It's fine, really."
Shien was easygoing. After hearing her explanation and apology, he shook his head and let it go.
Then suddenly, he extended his hand toward me. His face was slightly red, and he looked nervous.
"Um… Lixia, would you like to dance with me?"
Being invited to dance should've been a happy moment. But I felt nothing. Which was getting even hungrier thanks to all these interruptions—all I wanted right now was to fill my stomach and then go back to sleep.
I raised my plate, piled high with food, in front of him and replied with mild annoyance.
"Can't you see I'm eating?"
"I-I'll wait. Will you… say yes?"
He didn't give up. His voice was hesitant, but determined. If I refused again, it would be rather unladylike. So I decided to accept.
"Okay."
"That's great."
Shien smiled brightly. Was my agreement really enough to make him that happy?
By the way… where were Hera and Sicilia? Why hadn't they shown up yet?