Chapter 37

It has been five days since the ball ended in failure.

──I had been working hard for half a year as the novel's villainess, Grace Sentbury, to cruelly break up with my lover, Lord Zain, and create a setting for Charlotte and me to meet.

"To be rejected, let alone confessed to, right in front of me... This isn't just a failure; it's an irreparable disaster... Ohh..."

Everything has come to nothing, and I feel like crying.

Seeing me thrashing around on the bed, the guard knight Evan says, "You're very lively."

"Miss, another letter has come from the Duke."

"...I don't think I can read it right now, so just leave it."

"If you can't read it, shall I read it out for you?"

"Please don't."

Since the ball, Zain has contacted me multiple times. A few days ago, a letter arrived filled with straightforward words of love and a desire to meet soon.

Just thinking about Zain makes my face heat up and I want to scream. Of course, I haven't been able to reply to any of the letters.

'Even so, I still like you.'

'I have no intention of breaking up with you.'

His straightforward words, serious expression, and passionate eyes make me realize that he truly likes me.

And when Zain confessed to me, I couldn't help but feel a flutter in my heart. I even thought it was nice.

Still, it's only natural that no woman could remain unmoved by such a declaration of love. It's irresistible.

"...But still, what was that reaction?"

I recall how, at the moment Zain said he liked me, Charlotte looked shocked and covered her mouth with her hand.

Charlotte has always admired Zain, and encountering a scene where I, the worst villainess, resist breaking up with him could have shocked her.

Still, her unusually agitated appearance felt off, and it has been bothering me. It's probably just my imagination, though.

"Ah... What should I do from here?"

Squatting beside me on the bed, Evan says, "It's okay." His perfectly chiseled face is unusually close, but I don't feel even a hint of excitement around him.

"Originally, the plan to make the Duke fall in love with me was a complete success, right?"

"That's true, but..."

"Yes. It was just a matter of timing, and it will surely be fine. Cheer up."

Yana, who had been tidying up the room, also said, "That's right. You should cheer up," while holding a broom. Haniwa-chan, who had been by my side, occasionally patted me with her small hand. She's so cute.

"Thank you, everyone. ...That's right, there's still time before the war starts."

The war is supposed to start more than a year after the ball, after Zain and Charlotte's relationship deepens.

However, the ball was held six months earlier than planned because I saved Mariabel's life. The events to come may not follow the story's timeline.

Since I have shaken the foundation of the story by changing the meeting between Zain and Charlotte, it's even more uncertain.

"...Alright, I need to pull myself together!"

Encouraged by the two of them and Haniwa-chan, I sit up and slap my cheeks hard.

Despite declaring to Zain that I wouldn't give up, I have spent the past few days in bed, doing nothing.

I have been thinking about Zain all day and night, and my appetite has been poor. If Zain knew this, he would probably smile with satisfaction.

Reinvigorated, I get off the bed with Haniwa-chan on my shoulder just as a knock sounds at the door.

"Miss Grace, you have a visitor."

"Huh?"

Thinking there were no plans for visitors today, I ask for the guest's name.

After receiving an unexpected answer, I ask Yana to hurry and prepare me.

◇◇◇

After a few days, I finally look like a noble lady as I step into the parlor.

There, I see Ranhardt, who exudes a dazzling aura, holding a teacup and smiling elegantly.

"Sorry to keep you waiting."

"No, I'm the one who should apologize for coming suddenly. Besides, I don't mind waiting for a beautiful woman."

"...Thank you."

I sit on the sofa opposite him, thinking he hasn't changed. It's been since the night of the ball since we last met.

"So, what brings you here?"

"You said that day was the decisive moment to break up with the Duke. I came to hear the results..."

Ranhardt looks at me intently and then relaxes his expression.

"From the looks of it, you failed, didn't you?"

"...Not just failed, but failed miserably."

"Well, I thought that would happen. You seemed to be hiding no jealousy that day, and it would be impossible to break up."

Even as he says, "I'm sorry," Ranhardt looks unusually cheerful, clearly treating it as someone else's problem.

Of course, he can't believe the absurd story I told him before, that if I don't break up with Zain, my life and world peace will be at stake. It's a natural reaction.

Ranhardt probably sees everything as entertainment. I should be grateful that he helped me.

"Ahaha, your dejected face is cute. It really touches me."

"......"

"Since I promised to help, I share the responsibility for your failure. You haven't given up, have you?"

Nodding, I see Ranhardt, who had been propping his cheek, draw a beautiful curve with his well-shaped lips.

Many women must be enchanted by this smile.

"Let me help again. Let's work together?"

"But I haven't even thanked you for the last time..."

"I'm not the kind of man who demands a reward when the goal hasn't been achieved."

I can tell he's not worried about me but is enjoying our reactions. Still, I realized during our one date that Ranhardt is capable and reliable. In this dire situation, having an ally is better than not.

"Thank you, Ranhardt. I feel much stronger."

"You're welcome. Let's work together from now on."

──I used to think that even if I did nothing, Zain and Charlotte might naturally fall in love.

But now I know that the possibility is extremely low. I know that Zain is not the type to change his mind easily.

Since my actions have changed so much, I must take responsibility. Ignoring the stabbing pain in my chest, I clench my hands tightly.

I will do everything I can and will definitely break up with Zain. I reaffirm this with a firm resolve.