Chapter 39

Wearing a sky-blue dress just like in the game, and a tiara that, though small, exquisitely crafted, Alicia stood there. Her usually lively and cheerful expression, which often changed from hurried to smiling, now exuded a dignified and resolute air, making her seem more elegant and beautiful than ever.

The regal presence she exuded, almost to the point of being intimidating, caused a stir in the hall, but it was to be expected.

Even if the students knew the fact that "that country girl was actually a princess," the image of the country girl Alicia, who ran around energetically and laughed brightly, was deeply ingrained in their minds. The Alicia who now ascended the podium and solemnly surveyed the audience was far removed from the country girl they knew.

Indeed, Addy, despite having been informed beforehand, stared at the podium in astonishment.

"...Alicia, you look beautiful."

"Yes, for someone who's just pretending, she's doing a pretty good job."

"Not just pretty good, it's impressive. Her walk, her bow, everything is so refined, it's as if..."

Addy glanced at Mary, who, amidst the commotion, sat calmly in her chair, listening to Alicia's speech with a composed demeanor. Her expression was somewhat self-deprecating, yet satisfied...

"As if... as if she's a lady."

"Oh, stop it. Don't compare her to a country girl like that."

Mary chuckled, and Addy sighed, shrugging her shoulders. The idea that she would be ousted, yet still maintain such pride, was truly twisted. Moreover, Mary even said, "If you're going to oust me, you better be good enough to do it."

Addy found herself both exasperated and understanding of Mary's twisted and stubborn nature. She even thought that this was what made Mary Albert so charming, and she gave a small, self-deprecating smile.

After finishing her speech, Alicia said, "Finally, there's someone I want to speak to," and called out Mary's name. Surprisingly, even this line was exactly as it was in the game. Addy, who had been briefed, looked troubled, wondering if it was really happening.

It was hard to imagine the current Alicia ousting Mary. However, the fact that everything was unfolding exactly as Mary had predicted was undeniable. From Alicia's appearance at the graduation ceremony, the color of her dress, the design of her tiara, to the content of her speech, everything was just as described in the final stage of "DraGak."

Yet, it wasn't entirely as the game had predicted. The student council members, who were supposed to despise Mary, had greeted her warmly before the ceremony. The game's predictions and deviations were intertwined. If that was the case, how would the game's ending, where the Albert family fell and Mary was exiled to the northern lands, be classified?

Unable to decide, Addy looked at Mary with concern. Mary, however, remained composed, stood up as if in response, and elegantly adjusted her skirt before turning to face the podium. Her eyes met Alicia's with no fear or hesitation, exuding an elegance that matched Alicia's.

"Lady Mary, what do you think of my speech?"

The hall fell silent as if water had been poured over it. Everyone's eyes darted between Mary and Alicia, waiting for the next words. Despite the tense atmosphere, Mary's lips curled up slightly, as if she had expected this. It was just as predictable as the game.

This question was also the last chance for redemption that the game's Alicia offered to Mary. If Mary had acknowledged her mistakes and apologized, Alicia would have forgiven her. Although this never happened in any of the game's endings, Alicia believed that Mary was a "bad habit" and a victim, and that she could still change. It was a remarkably compassionate story.

Of course, this didn't mean that Mary's past actions as a villainous lady could be overlooked. That's why Alicia had asked her to acknowledge her mistakes in front of everyone, given her selfish and arrogant nature.

However, the game's Mary, unaware of Alicia's compassion, had answered her question with dissatisfaction:

"How amusing, a country girl's country ideas."

In response, the game's Alicia would have given up on Mary, sighed, and completely abandoned any compassion, condemning her.

So, it was impossible for her to respond with a cheerful:

"Yes! Thank you!"

"...Huh?"

"I'm going to continue being myself and do my best as a princess. I thought you would understand, Lady Mary!"

"...Wait, just a moment."

"I've been able to think this way thanks to you, Lady Mary! Even when my status changed, you treated me the same. That's why I gained confidence in myself. I realized that it was okay to be myself."

"Y-Yes, that's good, congratulations... but wait a moment..."

"I'll do my best!"

"Go ahead and do your best... and about my speech..."

Believing that Mary would support her, Alicia declared her love for Mary loudly and happily. Patrick, who had stepped out from the side of the podium, placed a hand on her shoulder. The scene was exactly as it was in "DraGak," but Mary was too stunned to notice.

She had braced herself for criticism for her past rudeness to Alicia, but instead, she was being thanked. Moreover, the couple on the podium looked at her with warm, supportive eyes, inviting her to "support the country together."

Even the composed Mary was at a loss, overwhelmed by the sudden applause and the force of the situation. She slumped into her chair, her expression one of shock and disbelief. The unexpected turn of events left her mind reeling, and she was too stunned to even complain about Addy's laughter beside her.