Chapter 8

Holding a drink in my hand, I stood by the wall with Lady Dianne when a familiar man approached through the crowd.

"Adele, it's been a while."

"Lord Joseph."

Lord Joseph Fulbright, the heir of the marquis family who proposed to me, stood before us.

"I was worried when I couldn't see you."

"Thank you. I'm sorry for causing you concern."

"You have nothing to apologize for. By the way, do you know this lady?"

As Lord Joseph turned his gaze, Lady Dianne smiled gracefully.

"I am Dianne of the Calens family."

"Calens family... I see."

Lord Joseph's expression stiffened as if he had just realized something. It seems he knew Lady Dianne's family. I also had a vague memory of the Calens family, but I couldn't quite place it.

"Excuse me. I am Joseph of the Fulbright Marquis family."

"Oh, no need for formalities. My family doesn't hold a title."

To my surprise, Lady Dianne was not a noble. However, her dignified demeanor and grace made her look like a high-ranking noble's daughter.

As we enjoyed our conversation,

"Ah! Lord Joseph!"

An unwelcome voice interrupted us.

"It's been so long! I've missed you!"

Lilian clung to Lord Joseph's arm forcefully.

"Princess Fezandic, please let go."

Lord Joseph spoke in a cold tone.

"Hehe, I'm just so happy to see you, Lord Joseph."

"Is that so? Please let go."

Lilian looked up with reddened cheeks and teary eyes, but Lord Joseph remained firm.

"I'll say this one more time. Let go. It's not proper for a lady to touch a man so freely."

"That's right. Lilian, you're being rude to Lord Joseph. Let go."

Feeling sorry for Lord Joseph, I scolded Lilian. However, she glared at me and clung to Lord Joseph even more tightly.

"What! You're just jealous because I lost Lord Joseph to you!"

"How can you say such a thing..."

I was speechless. Even though the engagement to the Fulbright family was nullified, and I was the one who was proposed to, why does she talk as if Lord Joseph belongs to her?

Lord Joseph roughly pulled Lilian away.

"Kyaa... That's mean!"

"Who's being mean? It's an insult to me and Adele."

"I'm, I'm so sorry, Lord Joseph!"

"Adele has nothing to apologize for."

When I bowed my head, Lord Joseph spoke kindly to me.

"I have no intention of causing a scene, so I will take my leave."

As Lord Joseph left, I stood in front of Lilian to prevent her from chasing after him.

Just as Lilian opened her mouth to say something, the Emperor's voice echoed loudly throughout the venue.