Chapter 69

Everyone turned around, and their faces showed a variety of expressions. A loving smile, a burning passion, and a sorrow that had to be resigned to... Receiving such varied gazes, he still didn’t notice and called out, “Alicia, were you here all along?” with the name of his beloved, her name alone.

“Sir Patrick, what’s wrong?”

“The dance is about to start, so I was looking for you... Oh, Mary is here too?”

“Isn’t that a bit harsh to the guest of honor today?”

Mary glared at him jokingly, and Patrick apologized with a wry smile.

It was Carina, who approached Alicia with a tense expression, who stopped their idle chat.

“Alicia...” Her voice, which usually had a firm tone, was now hesitant, and her eyes, which glanced sideways at Patrick while bowing her head, showed confusion. After all, given their current status and their positions in the game, it was understandable that Carina would feel hesitant in front of Alicia.

“With all due respect, may I ask Sir Patrick to dance with me?”

Carina’s modest request made the young ladies gasp and widen their eyes.

But it was only natural, as she had asked to dance with the princess’s lover, who, though not officially announced, was still her lover. Normally, she would have been reprimanded, punished, and possibly banned from the social scene.

But Alicia narrowed her eyes and smiled, nodding deeply in response. “Of course.”

Upon hearing this, Carina’s face lit up. She slowly approached Patrick, and he, who had been out of the loop, seemed to understand the situation and turned to look at Carina.

“Sir Patrick, I’ve... I’ve always, ever since a long time ago, admired you. Always...”

Carina, who was desperately trying to form her words but still seemed to be holding back, was watched by everyone. Everyone must have thought, “Ever since a long time ago...”

But in reality, Carina had been in love with Patrick since much, much longer ago, since her “previous life.” The frustration of not being able to reveal this made Carina momentarily falter, her eyes darting around... and then, as if making a decision, she looked up at Patrick.

“To make this long-held admiration a memory, to carry the memory of my feelings for Sir Patrick as a ‘good memory’ and move on, please, could I have one last dance with you?”

The tremor in Carina’s pleading voice was likely because she had resolved that this was the last time, and the fear of being rejected was overwhelming.

If her long-held feelings, which had been burning since her “previous life,” were rejected, she wouldn’t be able to move on. She would regret, suffer, and be unable to let go of her feelings.

There was another reason why Carina was hesitant with Patrick.

In her mind, Patrick was still the Patrick from “Drag Academia.” He was handsome, excelled in both academics and martial arts, and had a prince-like appearance that captured women’s hearts, yet his aloof attitude was what truly struck them. He was strict with himself and others, and showed a gentle expression only to his lover, the protagonist.

She didn’t know that he was actually considerate, often acted his age with those he trusted, was surprisingly sarcastic and joked around, and often tried to maintain his composure while his shoulders shook with suppressed laughter. Because she only knew the game’s Patrick, she couldn’t imagine these traits.

That’s why she feared that her invitation, coming from someone who wasn’t the protagonist, would be rejected.

To such a timid request, Patrick smiled gently and took her hand.

“If it’s me, I’d be happy to,” and he escorted Carina to the dance floor. Her delighted expression was indescribable.

As they watched the two leave, a murmur spread through the room. Needless to say, it was because Patrick Dice was leading a woman other than the princess. However, no matter how much the room buzzed, Patrick didn’t hesitate, and since the princess had given her approval, there was no issue.

What was more interesting to Mary was the change in the young ladies’ expressions as they watched Carina leave. Gradually, everyone began to murmur, “I want to...”

Some followed the two, determined to dance with Patrick, while others, tired of waiting, went in search of their own love interests. As each pursued their own desires, only a few remained in the courtyard.

Mary and Alicia, who watched the young ladies leave, and Parfait and Gaius, who couldn’t move, remained.

...And a young lady who grabbed Mary’s shoulder from behind.

“Lady Mary, I’m going to go for a bit.”

“Why does your ‘I’m going’ sound more like ‘I’m hunting’? I thought you’d be the first to go.”

“I don’t take other people’s prey. I’ll wait and see what the others do.”

“You’re a sensible hunter. If you need any help, just say so. I actually don’t mind your ambitious side.”

“You can call me your sister-in-law if you like.”

“Don’t say such terrifying things.”

“Not a chance,” Mary muttered, and the ambitious young lady laughed and headed towards the party. Mary sighed at her retreating figure and turned to Parfait, who had been stunned by the exchange.

From the moment Carina approached Patrick and the other young ladies followed, Parfait had been in a panic, probably worried that someone would approach Gaius. Meanwhile, Gaius was anxiously watching to see if Parfait would go to another man.

Neither could say, “Don’t come” or “Don’t go to anyone,” but their feelings were so obvious that no one would dare to intervene.

“So, what will you do, Parfait? If there’s someone you’re interested in, I can help. Of course, I can call your brother...”

As Mary started to say, “I can call your brother,” she quickly turned around, knowing that the ambitious young lady would grab her shoulder.

Of course, when she turned, no one was behind her. It was natural, as the young lady had already gone to the party. Mary reminded herself, “Excuse me,” and apologized for interrupting the conversation.

“Lady Mary, I... I’m not...”

“Then, why don’t you take a look at our garden? The Albert family’s garden is quite famous around here.”

“Yes, that’s a good idea! I’ll do that!”

Parfait’s face brightened at Mary’s suggestion. She announced, “I’m going alone!” perhaps to avoid further teasing from Mary, or to show that she had no intention of going to anyone.

In any case, as Parfait left with determination and Gaius followed, Mary smiled and said, “What a handful,” as she sat down in a chair.

Left were Mary and Alicia.

A pleasant breeze carried the music from the hall, gently blowing through their contrasting hair. As Mary exhaled, Alicia chuckled.

“What’s so funny?”

“I’m just happy because Lady Mary looks happy.”

“