And so the graduation ceremony arrived.
At the prom, there was an air of excitement everywhere. Many graduates and current students were looking to make their move on this occasion.
Dressed-up young gentlemen and ladies exchanged furtive glances, called out to each other, and disappeared somewhere together.
And amid all this, Lutz was proposing to Miana.
“Miana, I promise you a lifetime of never running out of meat dishes! I’ll work hard to make them, with Prince Shafsgil’s efforts!”
“Aw… does that mean I can still eat Prince Shafisgil’s hamburgers…?”
“Miana, I’m Prince Shaf’s aide. As long as Lady Eliade’s picky eating doesn’t get cured, Prince Shaf will be stuck in the kitchen forever!”
“I’m so happy! I can eat that delicious turkey again!”
Hey, why is this such a food-obsessed proposal? Where’s the emotion? Hey, why did you splash some unnecessary stuff over onto me?
I mean, why is he holding out a meatball towering croquembouche-style on a plate instead of a ring or a family heirloom accessory? And you proposed to her with that!? Something is oozing out, it’s not romance but meat juices!
Who the heck made that thing do you ask? Of course, it was me! I even wondered why I made it!!
Look around! People are gawking! Right!? Normally you don’t propose something like that, do you!?
Ellie’s clapping, but it’s not something to be moved by.
“Uh… Ellie? Can I talk to you for a sec?”
I escorted the nodding Ellie to the gazebo in the rose garden. Every balcony was occupied. Today is perfect for proposals after all. With the graduation party in full swing.
Perhaps that delusional girl also making her move at this moment.
I clear my throat and face Ellie.
Ellie looks very beautiful today. Her glossy flax hair is tied up and adorned with fresh flowers and hairpins. The light makeup accentuates her charming features, the reddish lip color giving her a slightly more mature look. The shimmering yellow dress is the color of my eyes. The classic princess line flatters Ellie’s petite frame. The neckline is cut a bit low, but the material itself is thick enough to avoid looking cheap. Instead, it highlights her pearl-like glowing skin for an innocent look. Delicate gold embroidery and diamond accents. The refined, intricate black lace is from a royal dressmaker in a neighboring country. With ample draping, a gorgeous silhouette emerges with every movement. Water pearl and yellow topaz hair ornaments, with a matching pearl necklace and earrings set. I worked part-time jobs nonstop at Grandpa Kilstein’s place to afford this dress made especially for today.
I escorted her through the lit garden into the gazebo, then kneeled before her.
Here, the party’s clamor cannot reach us.
“Ellie, I love you. If I am to walk through life, I want it to be with you by my side. Trite as it may be, will you marry me?”
“Huh? Why are you asking that?”
Eh, did I just get rejected…?
I feel like I’m about to turn into sand. Crumble away. Disappear into the wind.
Paper Surgery 