Chapter 26

In the novel, the ball was undoubtedly supposed to take place around next spring. Why is it happening now, almost half a year earlier? I inwardly felt a headache.

"Um, what kind of person is the Second Princess?"

"She is a year older than Mariabel, calm and reserved. I've heard she is her best friend."

From those words, I immediately understood. The future must have changed because I saved Mariabel's life.

Though it's only a hypothesis, perhaps in the original timeline, the engagement and the ball were supposed to happen at this time, but were postponed because Mariabel, her best friend, was lost.

Thinking that the future might change as a result, I feel very scared.

However, I have no regrets at all. The fact that Mariabel is alive now is more important than anything else.

"Grace? You look pale, are you okay?"

"Ah, I'm sorry! I'm completely fine!"

Lord Zain peered into my face, which had fallen silent, with a worried look. I hurriedly forced a smile, but Lord Zain's expression remained unchanged.

"Please, let me attend the ball with you."

"...Of course."

No matter what, I have to attend the ball with Lord Zain and, if Charlotte appears, I have to break up with her.

For now, my mind is a mess, and my face is pale. I decided to go home early.

"Lord Zain, I'm sorry. I don't feel well, so I'll go home now."

"Understood. I'll take you to the mansion."

"No, I'm fine, I don't want to trouble you."

"I'm worried. Please let me take you."

In the end, I couldn't refuse, and Lord Zain, always concerned about my health, took me to the mansion.

"Get a doctor to check you out, just in case."

"Yes, thank you very much."

"I'll contact you. Rest well."

He seems genuinely worried, and it hurts my heart. For such a kind Lord Zain, I must try my best.

"...I have to be strong."

The first time I decided to play the role of Grace was because I didn't want to die, I was afraid of war, and I wanted to achieve a happy ending as in the novel.

But now, I truly want the people I've met in this world, like Evan, Yana, and Mariabel, and Zain Winslett, to be happy.

"It must have changed for the better. Yes, it's fine."

Thinking positively, Mariabel is alive, and this is the shortest path to a happy ending.

From now on, I must absolutely return to the original story of the novel, and I gripped my palm tightly.

After that, I reconsidered my future. There's only one month left until X-day, so I have to act efficiently.

"First, I need to quickly get closer to Lord Zain and prepare a mistress... and I also want to make preparations for the dining room."

After that, I called Evan and Yana, saying I had something important to discuss. They sat across the table from me as usual.

I wanted to tell them the truth, the people who have always helped me. The main reason might be that I'm afraid they'll dislike me because of my future actions.

"Actually, I... can see the future."

"Wow, that's amazing."

"Is that so? That's convenient."

"Such a story, I can't believe it... huh?"

Surprisingly, they believed me so easily, leaving me bewildered.

After that, even when I told them the unbelievable story that I would have to cheat on Lord Zain and break up with him to avoid death and war, they believed me, saying, "That's tough."

"Why do you believe me? Doesn't it make no sense?"

"Miss, you wouldn't lie for no reason. Well, even if it's a lie, it's fine with me."

"That's right. I don't think the current Miss would lie."

"Evan... Yana...!"

I could feel my vision blurring as I heard their words, promising to help me in the future.

—I think I was always scared and anxious.

Even if I was putting on a brave face, I felt a kind of pressure, thinking that my actions might cause many lives to be lost.

That's why I felt a great sense of relief after talking to someone and being believed. I couldn't thank Evan and Yana enough.

"But, is it okay for you, Miss?"

"Huh?"

"You always seemed to enjoy talking with the Duke. And with Lady Mariabel too."

"...It's sad, but it can't be helped."

Grace Sentbury is a character with that role. I told myself that this is the right thing to do and smiled at them.

◇◇◇

"I'm happy. To be invited by Miss Grace."

"I'm sorry for calling you suddenly."

"No, don't worry about it."

A few days later, I was in the reception room of the Sentbury mansion, facing Lord Ranheart.

He still shone brilliantly, as always. He had his long hair draped over one ear, and a large earring dangled from it.

By the way, Evan was standing behind me, and Yana was preparing tea for us.

"You seem different today, your way of speaking and your aura."

"This is my true self."

"Really? I find it hard to believe."

Today, I have no trace of a villain, just being myself. I thought this would be the best way to gain an ally in the future.

"Actually, I have a favor to ask of you, Lord Ranheart."

"Sure, what is it?"

Lord Ranheart, with his sweet smile, tilted his head cutely. I took a deep breath and spoke.

"Would you pretend to be my mistress?"

The moment I said it, Lord Ranheart's amethyst-like eyes widened in surprise.

But he soon narrowed his eyes and said, "Tell me more about it," drawing a beautiful curve with his well-shaped lips.