Chapter 151
The Third Day of the Academic Festival
Time flew by in the blink of an eye, and before anyone knew it, the final day of the academic festival had arrived.
Early that morning, Selina and the members of the Astrology Club gathered to prepare to welcome their guests.
“Alright, everyone! I know you’re tired, but if we just push through today, the overnight pass is ours!”
Zenon shouted loudly to lift everyone’s spirits.
“Oh, come on, senior. That overnight pass is basically guaranteed for us already.”
“No, we still can’t let our guard down. There are quite a few strong clubs competing.”
As Zenon and Mie chuckled happily, the Hailers siblings—who had stopped by briefly—stared at the sales ledger in shock.
“Wow, all of this is what you earned just yesterday?”
“Goodness… what on earth happened while we were gone?”
“Hehe, impressive, right? They said that after deducting a fixed commission, the rest can all be used as our club funds.”
Becky said proudly.
Sylvester looked pleased, yet uneasy at the same time.
“Still, that means Selina and Asta-senior must’ve had a really hard time.”
“I’m fine! The customers were happy after their readings, so it made me happy too!”
Asta replied clearly and confidently, without stuttering, as she prepared for fortune-telling alongside Selina.
Silvia, who had been distracted by Asta’s red hair, finally asked,
“What’s with your hair? Is that a wig?”
“When I wear Selina’s necklace, it turns out like this.”
Only then did Silvia notice Selina’s necklace hanging around Asta’s neck. For a moment, she wondered why such a magical item was being used, but she quickly brushed the thought aside as something else came to mind.
“Oh, right! Selina, is it possible to make a reservation for a reading?”
“A reservation? It’s possible, but why?”
“Well, my parents arrived late yesterday, so they didn’t really get to enjoy the festival. I was thinking of showing them around today.”
“Ah, your parents are coming. Then what time slot should I reserve for you?”
“Hmm… I’m not sure about the timing. Maybe it is better to set a time in advance.”
As Silvia looked a little discouraged, Selina thought for a moment and then showed her today’s schedule.
“These are my reading time slots. I’ll tell Becky for now—just come by at a time that works for you, and I’ll make sure you can get a reading right away.”
“Really? You’re the best, Selina!”
Silvia exclaimed and hugged her.
“But… will Father really like it?”
Sylvester asked, recalling Arnold’s rigid personality.
“It’ll be fine! I’m sure Father will change his mind after getting a reading.”
“Hmm… I’m still a little worried.”
Judging by his reaction, it seemed that Marquis Hailers didn’t have a very positive opinion of astrology, like many others.
Selina quietly resolved to do her best to change his perception.
* * *
As the final day of the academic festival began, far more visitors arrived at the academy than on the second day.
Among them were Marquis Hailers and his wife.
“This place feels new every year. It really does seem like a wonderful place to spend one’s youth.”
“It would’ve been nice if you had attended the academy as well.”
Arnold said lovingly as he looked at Anais. She smiled awkwardly.
“I was just a commoner. And it’s not like I had any outstanding talent.”
“Still, I wish I could’ve met you here.”
“Oh my, that would be disrespectful to your late wife.”
“…I suppose so.”
Arnold smiled bitterly, though he didn’t miss how she watched his reaction. Fortunately, she didn’t seem bothered at all—that was one of the things he liked about Anais. Even though he was widowed, she always showed respect rather than jealousy when his former wife was mentioned.
“Mother. Father.”
A soft voice called out from the crowd. Turning around, they saw Silian.
“Silian!”
“Good thing I found you quickly. Silvia told me why you arrived late yesterday.”
“Oh, did she?”
“Sylvester and Silvia are busy, so I came to greet you in their place.”
As Silian naturally walked beside them, Anais held onto Arnold and rested her other hand on his arm.
“Where are your siblings now?”
“They’re probably extremely busy. Committee work turned out to be more demanding than expected.”
“Come to think of it, this is the first time you’ve been with us like this during the festival.”
Silian, who had once served as the president of the Royal Family club, had spent the past two years overseeing the festival like Silvia and Sylvester—so even when his family visited, he hadn’t been able to join them.
Now, as a third-year student, he finally had the time.
“Since it’s the last day, I’ll guide you properly. Just follow me.”
His rare joke made Anais laugh lightly.
Guided by Silian, the marquis couple toured the academy.
Arnold, having experienced the festival several times, felt indifferent, but Anais looked around with sparkling eyes as if it were her first visit.
Despite this being her third time, her fresh reactions always amazed him.
Without Anais and Silvia, the Hailers household would surely have been cold and lifeless.
“Oh, an exhibition.”
Anais noticed an art exhibition as they wandered.
“You’ve been interested in art lately, haven’t you?”
“Yes. There were many wonderful works last year, so I’m curious what this year will bring.”
“Then shall we go in? If you find something you like, we can attend the auction.”
“Really? I’d love that.”
The three entered the exhibition hall quietly. As expected, there were many excellent pieces, and Anais’s gaze wandered eagerly. Arnold, too, examined the works with interest.
Then Anais stopped.
The painting that captivated her was “The Lady of the Veil.”
“This is…”
“…Isn’t this you?”
Arnold stepped closer, clearly startled. The woman seated by the window with pale lavender hair looked just like Anais.
Though her face was partially hidden by her hair, the overall silhouette was unmistakable.
“Who on earth painted this…?”
“It says here—Mie.”
Arnold repeated the artist’s name thoughtfully.
“Silian, do you know who painted this?”
“Mie.”
“Someone you know?”
“Well… she’s a friend of Silvia and Sylvester.”
“Really?”
“Yes. She was with us at the villa before. She was always drawing, but I didn’t realize she was this talented.”
Silian tilted his head as he studied the painting.
“It does resemble Mother… but she shouldn’t have ever met her.”
“Then how was this painted?”
“Maybe Silvia was the model?”
Though Anais nodded at the idea, Arnold narrowed his eyes.
It doesn’t feel like Silvia.
At that moment—
“Oh? Senior, fancy seeing you here!”
A cheerful voice rang out. It was Mie herself.
“Do you like my painting?”
“It resembles someone I know—and it has a strangely captivating pull.”
“Thank you! But who does it remind you of?”
“Either Silvia… or my mother.”
“My—your mother?”
Silian calmly introduced his parents.
“Mie, this is my mother and father.”
Only then did Mie realize she was standing before the Marquis and Marchioness of Hailers.
“Ah—hello! I’m Mie! Silvia and Sylvester’s friend!”
Arnold studied both Mie and the painting.
“You painted this?”
“Yes!”
“Is the model Silvia?”
“No… it’s not Silvia.”
Then—
“Did you imagine it without a model?”
“There is a model… but I promised not to reveal who it is.”
“…Interesting.”
Arnold smiled faintly.
“This will be in the auction, correct?”
“Yes.”
“Then let’s win this piece.”
Mie nearly stumbled in shock.
“…Actually, someone else already said they want to buy it.”
“So it’s not sold yet.”
“…No.”
Anais gently intervened.
“Don’t worry, dear. No one knows who will win an auction.”
“…That’s true.”
Mie gave up internally.
It’s out of my hands now.
At this point, all she could hope for was that the painting would sell for a good price.
