Chapter 19

After Mary took a leave from the academy, as if on cue, Alicia began to suffer from despicable harassment.

Tearing up textbooks, soiling uniforms without notice, and even dousing her with water unexpectedly—these were acts that were far from the behavior expected of a noble lady. Understandably, the student council, concerned about the academy's reputation, began to search for the culprit.

In particular, the student council president, Patrick, must have been enthusiastically—yet feigning calmness—searching for the perpetrator.

And the name that came up was Mary Albert.

"Her engagement to the student council president was broken off, and she harbored resentment. That must be the motive, right?"

The vice president, speaking matter-of-factly, received a response from Mary: "Yes, that did happen."

—Incidentally, Alicia, feeling unjustly suspected, gasped, but Addy patted her shoulder, saying, "Don't worry about it."

"Besides, you often engage in behavior unbecoming of a noble lady."

The treasurer, usually mild-mannered, now wore a stern expression as he spoke.

In response, Mary calmly and deliberately expressed her dissatisfaction, "Oh, how rude." ...There were countless instances that came to mind.

"The harassment of Alicia began after you took leave. Could it be that you, while at home due to illness, used your servant to carry out these acts?"

The treasurer's gaze turned to Addy.

In response, Addy pointed to himself, surprised, "Me!?"

Mary, also feeling the same way, "What on earth is the treasurer saying?" while still observing Addy's reaction. His expression, stunned and almost comical, was understandable given the situation.

"Indeed, I was at school even when Miss Mary was on leave. But I went home immediately after classes and had no time for such harassment."

"But according to the information we have, you didn't go straight back to the Albert household; you stopped somewhere else."

"Well, that's true..."

Not fully understanding their point but sensing that he was being treated as an accomplice, Addy responded with a strained expression. The uncomfortable atmosphere, being interrogated by the student council, which consisted of prestigious nobles, must have been unbearable.

"Perhaps you pretended to go home and then returned to the academy to set things up. Some students think that's what happened."

"Really! Why would I go through such trouble?"

"Then just be honest. Where did you go and what did you do instead of going back to the Albert household?"

"I bought croquettes in the city because Miss Mary wanted to eat them."

...

...

The air grew silent, and Mary's casual exclamation, "A source of nutrition!" echoed loudly.

"Is that your reason for coming home early?"

"Yes, that's it."

"Do you expect us to believe that?"

The vice president, sounding exasperated, made Addy look to Mary, as if asking, "What should we do?" Mary shrugged, acknowledging that it was all true.

Addy went to the city every day after school to buy croquettes for Mary. Of course, it was for her, and while greasy food might not be the best for a sick person, it was her wish, so there was no choice.

However, it was unreasonable to expect the noble student council to believe this, with some even tilting their heads, asking, "What are croquettes?" The fundamental difference in their dietary levels made it understandable that they didn't know about this common food.

—That the daughter of the Albert household enjoyed eating croquettes was also a problem, but it wasn't the time to focus on that. After all, personal preferences can't be changed just because someone tells you to.

In any case, Addy was about to explain in detail to prove his innocence...

"Why don't you just admit the truth and be done with it?"

The vice president's exasperated tone made Addy swallow his words.

It seemed they had no intention of believing him. They even seemed to think all his explanations were stubborn lies, and the gazes directed at Mary and Addy became even colder.

Mary nodded calmly, understanding that it was unreasonable. Who in the world would have a servant bring croquettes to a sick master? ...Well, it did happen. And there was also a noble lady who ate croquettes while sick.

But there was no time to explain or prove this, and Mary furrowed her brow, trying to figure out what to do.

If this was following the "DraSchool" condemnation event, they must have solid evidence that everything was the work of the villainous lady, Mary. Of course, it was all fake, but the evidence was clever enough to deceive them.

In the game, the condemned Mary would make various excuses, displaying a stubborn and ungraceful attitude. In other words, no matter what Mary said here, it would be seen as just another excuse from the villainous lady.

Troubled, Mary sighed deeply.

Being forced into this farce while still recovering, her limited patience was wearing thin.

But the student council, mistaking her sigh for resignation, smiled triumphantly.

It was at that moment that her patience ran out.

"Finally ready to admit it? The punishment for you will be decided by us, the student council."

"Meaning, you all..."

"..."

Mary's words cut off the vice president, and everyone turned to look at her.

She lowered her head, sighing deeply, as if exhausted. Then, she slowly raised her head...

...and she was smiling.

A smile so cold and beautiful that it sent shivers down everyone's spines. The student council and even Alicia were wide-eyed. Only Addy, who knew Mary Albert well, remained calm, and Patrick, with his head bowed, was shaking his shoulders.