Chapter 62

A few hours later, as soon as I arrived at the venue, I was surrounded by Grace's entourage of young ladies.

"Miss Grace, I've been wanting to see you!"

"I've been worried because I haven't seen you recently."

"I'm sorry, I've been very busy."

Dressed in a flashy dress, with heavy makeup and tightly curled hair, she looked every bit the villainous young lady.

By the way, I had intended to exude a villainous aura as well, but compared to them, I appeared rather demure.

Perhaps because I had gotten used to the plain attire and apron of the commoners in the dining hall recently, my senses had dulled. To at least follow the original story's flow, even if it was just for comfort, I resolved to improve in these aspects.

"Has anything changed recently?"

"Because Miss Grace hasn't been around, the young ladies of the Almen family have been making a big show in society. It's so infuriating!"

"Yes, it's really annoying. They act as if they have a great history and wealth!"

"Y-Yes..."

Their conversation, spent with the villainess Grace, was mostly filled with gossip about others or praising Grace, making me want to run away immediately.

"By the way, how are things with Duke Winslett?"

"Recently, that nouveau riche viscount's daughter has been trying to get close to the Duke, how ridiculous."

It seemed they didn't think highly of Charlotte, and everyone was talking with obvious irritation, getting more and more worked up. Charlotte must be a standout figure.

In the novel, there were no shortage of young ladies who spoke ill of Charlotte or bullied her due to the class difference.

Even the usually strong Charlotte would be hurt by excessive actions and sometimes shed tears. At such times, there were many scenes where Lord Zain would heroically come to her aid.

Thinking that it would be the young ladies like them who would cause a commotion, I was quite concerned about how to talk about my relationship with Lord Zain.

"Grace, you were here? I've been looking for you."

Lanhart appeared from behind and, quite naturally, pulled me into his embrace.

At the same time, the surrounding young ladies let out a high-pitched "Kyaa!" Their faces, which had been terrifying with constant gossip, suddenly turned into those of sweet maidens.

Although we had come together as partners, Lanhart had been caught by an acquaintance at the entrance, and I had entered the venue alone.

"So, Miss Grace has switched from the Duke to Lanhart, huh!"

"Yes, it's unthinkable for Miss Grace to be taken by such a woman. You truly are remarkable."

Feeling a bit troubled by the admiring gazes, Lanhart, seemingly reading the atmosphere, smoothly slid his hand to my cheek.

"But the popular Grace hasn't completely turned to me yet. Can we have a moment alone?"

When Lanhart asked this, the entourage of young ladies let out another high-pitched scream, nodded rapidly, and quickly left the scene.

I sighed in relief, thinking how remarkable he was. It was difficult to maintain "Grace's character," and I reflected on the need to be more careful in my daily life.

After that, I was introduced to Lanhart's friends, all of whom were very charming, and I had a wonderful time.

They treated the notorious Grace Sentbury without any prejudice.

"Lanhart is the most visionary, coming up with ideas that no one else can think of, making it both educational and reassuring to work with him."

"Of course, I've been bribed to praise him in front of you."

"Of course, this is all a lie."

"Hehe, I know."

Everyone genuinely respected and considered Lanhart a dear friend and companion.

I had thought he only appealed to women, but it turned out to be my bias. Learning about this unknown side of him, I felt a bit of joy.

"Lanhart! You look wonderful today."

"I wish I could dance with you just once."

Every time the women passed by him, they would look at him with intense admiration. I could understand their feelings.

Surrounded by beauties like Evan and Lord Zain, my senses had become numb, but Lanhart's beauty stood out.

As I gazed up at him standing next to me, he smiled beautifully and tilted his head. Such gestures were charming and made me feel flustered.

"I just thought you were handsome."

"You really think so? I thought you weren't interested at all."

"Of course not. It's impossible not to think anything when seeing such a level of beauty."

"Heh, that's great to hear. It's nice to know."

Lanhart seemed visibly pleased with my honest response.

Even though he must be used to such compliments.

"Since it's a ball, how about one dance?"

"I'm sorry, but I'll pass."

I was well-versed in manners and could dance, but thinking about how the original Grace would dance perfectly, I was afraid of making a mistake and wanted to avoid the spotlight.

"You always seemed like someone who loves to dance. There were even fights over who could dance with you, the mysterious and alluring one."

"…Y-Yes."

If I honestly told him about my memory loss and my anxiety, Lanhart laughed heartily, saying, "You, who always occupied the center of the venue, worried about not being able to dance well? Haha!" and offered to be my practice partner.

In the midst of this, I suddenly noticed a commotion in one corner of the venue.

"–Charlotte"

At the center of the commotion was Charlotte, whom I hadn't seen in months, and my heart skipped a beat.