Na-Isekai Ako
Chapter 27: Academy’s Got Talent (But Does It Have Taste?) pt 1

Chapter 27: Academy’s Got Talent (But Does It Have Taste?) pt 1

Katherine arrived at the symposium early in the morning, greeted by the princess and the other noble ladies: Camille, Rosea, and Shaya. Their conversation centered around their experiences in the marketplace, a place they had all visited in past years, with the princess expressing her happiness that Katherine was joining them this time.

According to the princess, during the symposium, everyone would gather in the grand hall, where students would showcase their skills, knowledge, and discoveries to the public. The ladies, too, were encouraged to participate, often displaying their talents in magic, embroidery, or music.

"Will you be participating, Lady Katherine?" Camille asked, her curiosity piqued.

Katherine smiled modestly. "I’ve prepared a simple presentation, nothing too grand."

She had been asked the same question when they arrived at the residence the day before by an attendant from the academia. She had brought along some items from the marketplace that she had spent the evening experimenting with.

"Oh, you will?" The princess’s eyes lit up at the news. "Is it one of your sweets?"

Katherine nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Yes, it can be sweet, though I hope I’ve prepared enough for the professors who will be watching us. I’ve made extra for all of you lovely ladies, too."

"Really?" The noble ladies seemed delighted by the offer.

"I’m looking forward to it, Lady Katherine," Rosea, the most elegant among them, said with a gracious smile. "I think preparing for such things is a lot of work, so I’ll be passing on participating this year."

Katherine learned that the symposium also served as an opportunity for nobles to get acquainted and find potential future partners. Since Rosea already had a fiancé, she wasn’t participating in that aspect and was instead focusing on the event as a social opportunity to interact with other nobles and enjoy the company of her friends, such as the princess.

"I’ll be participating," Princess Laura declared, a hint of nervousness in her voice. "I’ve practiced, but I’m still not sure if it’s enough."

"I’m looking forward to it, Your Highness," Katherine said warmly.

As the princess spoke, Katherine learned that the royal family possessed a unique light magic blessing, which explained Adolfo’s obsession with Laura. She had never encountered this information in the novel—another piece of the puzzle now revealed, as she was becoming more deeply entwined in this world.

"We should take our seats," Shaya called out as she entered the hall excitedly. "It’s my first time at the symposium, and while I’m not participating, I’ll be supporting you two."

The hall was vast, with high vaulted ceilings that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the heavens. Ornate stonework lined the walls, showcasing intricate carvings of past kings and legendary figures, each telling a story of the kingdom’s proud history. Massive chandeliers hung from the ceiling, their golden chains sparkling with countless crystals, casting a soft, warm glow across the space. The scent of polished wood mixed with faint hints of incense, creating an air of reverence and anticipation.

The seats were arranged in a grand semicircle, with the males seated on one side and the females on the other, creating a wide, open space in the center of the hall. The nobles, dignitaries, and professors were seated below, where an elevated platform had been set up. The stage, though modest in size, was adorned with banners bearing the kingdom’s crest. It stood in the center, waiting for the students to step forward and showcase their talents.

The audience murmured with excitement, the sound of soft conversation drifting through the hall as each individual sized up the others, hoping to make connections or, in some cases, scout out potential suitors. The atmosphere was a blend of competition, curiosity, and subtle intrigue, where every glance, every gesture, was carefully observed.

Katherine found herself swept up in the grandness of it all. It felt almost like an "America’s Got Talent" segment, where the eyes of the kingdom’s elite were fixed on the stage, awaiting the next contestant. Yet, this was not a contest of mere performance; it was a showcase of talent, of innovation, and of future potential.

"Look, there’s Florante’s master," Laura said, pointing to an elderly man taking his seat.

Katherine glanced around at the professors and notable figures, noticing a seat that had been left intentionally empty. Her attention shifted as the students began to file into the hall, taking their designated seats.

"Here come the students," Shaya observed nervously. "I’m so jittery, I don’t even know why."

The crowd settled, and Katherine could sense that everyone was here not only to showcase their abilities but also to make connections for the future. But Katherine wasn’t only focused on that. She wasn’t here for romance or partnerships; she was here for business, to impress and to learn. Though she couldn’t use magic like Princess Laura or Maestro Eldritch, her knowledge of the modern world was her secret weapon, and she intended to use it to her advantage.

Her gaze moved across the hall, landing on Adolfo, who had just entered and was now sitting with his classmates. As their eyes met, he flashed her a smile. Katherine felt her cheeks warm unexpectedly, and, almost reflexively, she returned the smile with a slight bow.

"Lady Katherine, are you acquainted with Adolfo?" Princess Laura asked, her voice low, almost protective.

"Not exactly friends," Katherine replied. "We met at a ball in Albania once, and he’s been friendly since. But aside from that, we haven’t had much interaction."

The princess frowned, her distaste palpable. "Be careful with him. I don’t trust him."

Katherine chuckled, trying to ease the princess’s worry. "I can tell."

"He punched Florante once," Laura added, her tone darkening. "Got suspended for two weeks because of it."

"Pun—punched?" Katherine was surprised.

"Yes. They had a disagreement, and Adolfo just... punched Florante. He’s so violent." The princess scowled, clearly frustrated. "And he doesn’t even need to act like that. He’s the youngest count in the kingdom, and he’s talented, I’ll admit, but his behavior is just... ugh."

"I see," Katherine replied thoughtfully, wondering about the true nature of their relationship. Adolfo’s behavior didn’t seem to match the image she had in her mind from the novel.

"Be careful around him, Lady Katherine," the princess warned again.

"I will, Your Highness," Katherine reassured, though she doubted Adolfo would openly attack her. "By the way, where is Florante? I haven’t seen him yet."

"Oh, he’s one of the first to present," Laura said proudly, gesturing toward the stage. "Look, there he is."

Katherine turned her attention to the stage, where Florante, with his striking brown hair and blue eyes, had just stepped up. He was everything the novel had described—handsome, noble, and exuding an aura of grace. Why would Adolfo punch him, she wondered?

Her eyes drifted across the room, landing on Adolfo seated across the hall. For a brief moment, their gazes locked, and Katherine felt a sudden tension fill the air. His eyes held hers a beat longer than she expected, and though his smile was small, it was unmistakable. Flustered, she quickly turned her gaze, her attention snapping to Florante on the stage below, as though she had forgotten how to breathe.

She tried to focus, and this time, her attention firmly returned to Florante. He was on stage, gracefully demonstrating his swordsmanship with a partner knight, his movements fluid and precise, captivating the audience with every strike.

"Florante is really good at swordsmanship, Lady Katherine," the princess remarked, her voice filled with pride. "He’s been showcasing his skills at Summer Symposium for years, and every time, it seems to improve."

So he does the same thing every year. "I see, your highness. I’m not well-versed in combat, but it does seem quite fascinating."

Florante’s performance on stage was a display of remarkable swordsmanship. He moved with speed and precision, dueling with a knight. Though younger, he held his ground effortlessly. His strikes were powerful enough to force the knight back, and after a brief clash, Florante finished the duel with a flourish, bowing to his opponent.

The audience cheered, and Florante waved in response, first to the princess, who waved back with joy, and then to Katherine, who was still sitting beside her. He seemed a bit surprised to see her there, but his smile was warm and kind.

He’s really good with a sword. Katherine mused, impressed.

As Florante finished his presentation, Katherine’s thoughts wandered again. In the novel, Florante and Adolfo had once been friends, though Florante never knew that Adolfo secretly resented him. Adolfo hid his jealousy and schemed behind Florante’s back. Eventually, Florante would learn of the betrayal, but by then, it would be too late.

Her musings were interrupted when Adolfo was called to the stage.

"Ugh, it’s him," the princess muttered, her voice tinged with clear displeasure.

Adolfo strolled onto the stage with a confident air, his smirk never wavering. With a casual flick of his wrist, he conjured a small object in his hand, immediately drawing the attention of the entire audience.

"He’s always so flashy," Laura sighed, rolling her eyes. "And of course, he has to perform right after Florante. I’m sure that’s intentional."

Katherine squinted at the object Adolfo was holding. "Is that..."

With a confident flourish, Adolfo addressed the audience. "Ladies and gentlemen, I have something truly special to present today. Over the past three months, I’ve been working on something that I believe will revolutionize how we capture the world around us. And today, I am proud to finally unveil it."

A professor near the front raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What is it you have for us, young Count?"

Adolfo’s lips curled into a playful smile as he held up the object for all to see. "What I have, my esteemed professors, is a camera."

Katherine’s eyes widened in surprise, her voice escaping before she could contain it. "A camera!"

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