Chapter 41

Our graduation party was, surprisingly, hosted by the royal family.

Therefore, it became a grand party with many nobles of high rank and the parents of the graduates in attendance.

Fortunately, the timing was right, and I was able to attend the party escorted by Lord Ash.

I had already graduated from the Royal Academy, and the academy-scale party, or rather, the networking event, had already concluded.

I had already met Lord Merk at that event.

"Lady Angelina. I... I don't know how to say this, but I am truly sorry."

"I don't think there's anything for Lord Merk to apologize for. Besides... umm..."

I had heard from my brother that she was a descendant of the Alstroemeria family.

However, it wasn't something that had been made public. It was very confusing how to treat her.

"Lady Angelina, the actions taken by Lord Leonhardt... half of the responsibility was mine."

"Half, you say?"

"Perhaps even more of the responsibility lies with me. That's why I wanted to apologize."

"Hmm. How so?"

"Lady Angelina, my words and actions lowered the evaluation of you. I didn't mean to, but... after being pointed out by those I met... my attitude had misled Lord Leonhardt.

It's something I can't make up for. I am truly sorry, Lady Angelina."

Hmm. Is this the current trend?

Even among nobles, some ways of speaking can be too obscure.

However, for Lord Merk, who seems so straightforward, to be using such evasive language in an apology...

Well, it's fine.

I'm not really bothered by it, and it seems he is genuinely reflecting on his actions.

"...Yes. Try not to dwell on it too much. You have a lot ahead of you. Do you understand that?"

"...Yes. I am prepared for it. And..."

"Yes?"

Lord Merk looked me straight in the eye and said:

"I liked Lord Leonhardt. Those feelings... they are not a lie.

I have always liked him. The him I met in reality might have been different from my ideal, but...

My feelings haven't changed.

...I will face many problems in reality from now on.

He might not be reliable, but...

I want to live without making mistakes this time.

No matter what. Even if I remembered everything. ...This is the first time I am becoming an adult.

It's scary, but I want to move forward..."

"...Yes. That's a good attitude."

I thought she seemed more grounded than I expected.

If she can handle the prince, maybe she can handle the situation.

Well, in the end, I don't really know much about either of them.

"Lady Angelina."

"Yes, Lord Merk."

"...Can we meet again after graduation?"

After pondering for a moment, I replied:

"Yes, I would like that."

Lord Merk smiled.

And so,

The royal family's party began.

I was escorted by Lord Ash.

Of course, people I had interacted with during my school life were also present at the venue.

Lord Carlos brought Lady Sandika as his partner.

They had officially become engaged.

Misha was with Lord Fried. They were also planning to head to Baltsrain with me.

The young boy from the magic tower, Shulk, was there with Mr. Drought.

He was going to start at the academy next year. It was good to see they were getting along well.

Aria was escorted by Elke.

Yes, Aria and the others were also enrolled at the academy.

Her personality hasn't changed, but I think she has become a bit more ladylike.

Ah, Lord Dennis is here too.

After that incident, he took a leave of absence from the academy for a while.

After some time, he returned, and by then, he seemed to have shed his burden.

Misha and I didn't interact with him much.

He was also told by the prime minister not to approach us.

Mr. Drought was also concerned about Lord Dennis...

I heard he took the civil service exam and passed it properly.

The prime minister, being who he is, probably didn't use any backdoor methods and let him take the exam based on his own merit.

He doesn't seem to have a fiancée, but as a civil servant, he might have prospects for a match.

And Prince Leonhardt...

He is... escorted by Lord Merk.

No, that can't be.

Lord Merk seems to have transformed from a sheltered young lady into a woman who can lead a man.

Perhaps she has seen the real world and the adult world first.

Even though the prince graduated before her.

When I glanced in their direction, I met the eyes of Lord Merk and Prince Leonhardt.

I only smiled and gave a slight bow.

Lord Merk seemed to understand and didn't come closer.

Prince Leonhardt still had an indescribable expression on his face.

I hope he will grow into a fine man, even if he doesn't become king.

As a duke, he still holds a significant position.

The territory he is supposed to receive is said to be modest, though.

Then,

The king bestowed words of congratulations to the graduates.

We solemnly received his words.

Furthermore, at the event, Prince Leonhardt's removal as crown prince and Lord Merk's true identity were revealed.

Lord Merk, under the watchful eyes of many nobles, proved her lineage as an Alstroemeria.

"...Now, everyone, please watch. I will now cast a high-level magic barrier."

In the center of all the attention,

a stream of light enveloped Lord Merk.

Paaaaa!

"Oh!"

"...Wow."

It was a beautiful sight. Soft petals danced in the light, falling in the party hall.

The color... was pink, like cherry blossoms.

"It's the color of Angelina's hair."

"Hehe. I thought so too, Lord Ash."

Flowers bloomed in the party hall. The holy flower's magic. Lord Merk proved her lineage as a member of the former Alstroemeria royal family.

She demonstrated her power and existence on her own.

"...She might become a 'duchess' instead."

"Indeed, that's true."

Merk Alstroemeria.

The orphan who proved her bloodline will become a duchess.

Though she didn't become a queen... I believe she will still be happy.

I can believe that.

"Blessings... to everyone!"

When the holy flowers bloom... we receive blessings and set out on our respective paths.

We graduate from our long student life and step into the world of adults.

And then,

Six months after graduation,

We were in the Baltsrain territory.

The guests had already gathered.

Held by my father's hand, I walked down the aisle.

Then, I stood next to Lord Ash.

"Angelina."

"Lord Ash."

We made our vows. Eternal love. Lifelong love.

With Lord Ash, I will surely be happy.

No, I will make myself happy.

And I will make Lord Ash and everyone in Baltsrain happy.

For now, this moment is...

"Lord Ash, I am very happy!"

～Fin～

Thank you for reading to the end.