Chapter 8

Putting aside the previous comment, the head of the Albert family, Mary's father, is a man of great respect. Even if there are various motives behind it, he is beloved by many, and today's evening party was a grand affair with people gathering from all over the region.

"Um, I-I'm Alicia. I go to the same school as Lady Mary, and we are very close. C-congratulations on today!"

Despite her obvious nervousness—after all, to a commoner like Alicia, the head of the Albert family is a figure far above her—she stammered while still managing to offer her congratulations and a bouquet of flowers. The head of the family smiled warmly as he received them.

"Thank you. Are you Mary's friend?"

"Y-Yes!"

"I never thought Mary would have a friend as honest as you... She has a peculiar personality, but please be kind to her."

"Of course! I will!"

Alicia nodded happily, and the head of the family smiled at her as if watching his own child. Seeing this, Mary and Addy, who had been watching from the shadows, exchanged glances.

"Addy, did you see that?"

"Yes, of course I did."

They exchanged serious looks and nodded in unison.

"Father didn't notice that girl's true identity. Even though he regularly meets with the royal family... Is some kind of power at work to keep the game progressing as it should?"

"Sir is so generous and kind! Look at that loving gaze he gives Alicia! Truly, the head of the Albert family!"

...

"Addy, can you at least show me a fraction of the loyalty you show Father? If you did, I think we could have a much better relationship."

Addy, who was unusually enthusiastic, received a cold stare from Mary. The sight of Addy, in her late twenties, raising her voice to her father, who was in his forties, was quite unsettling, and Mary was particularly bothered by her father's previous comment.

"Father, why are you surprised that I have an honest friend? And what do you mean by 'peculiar personality' when talking about your own daughter...? And Addy, your hierarchy is still off, isn't it...?"

But now was not the time to dwell on these things. Addy's favoritism towards the head of the family was nothing new, and Mary herself had a few things to consider regarding her father's evaluation. Most importantly, the former was unlikely to change, and the latter, she had no intention of changing. So, thinking about it now would be pointless.

Just as Mary was about to resume her surveillance, she heard a voice behind her.

"Hey."

She turned around hurriedly to find Patrick. Dressed in formal attire befitting a noble's son, with the red rose crest on his chest, he looked like the ideal prince. ...If not for his puzzled expression.

"Oh, Patrick, good evening."

Mary immediately composed herself and smiled. The slight bow she made, gently pinching the hem of her skirt, was a perfect display of an Albert family daughter. Of course, considering she had been hiding and spying on her own father just moments ago, it was a bit too late to put on such a facade, especially in front of Patrick.

"Why don't you try to behave a bit more normally at your own family's party?"

"Oh, calling it 'abnormal' is quite rude."

Mary pouted slightly and turned her face away. This clear sign of sulking would likely be seen as "cute" by those who viewed her as just a noble's daughter. Some might even think her sulking was a sign that she wanted them to cheer her up or that she had a crush on them. Her pout, while cute, was undeniably adorable.

However, Patrick, who had known her for a long time, was not fooled by such gestures. He knew Mary well enough to recognize that her attempts to charm him were either teasing or a joke. Despite this, he sighed in exasperation, unable to grasp her true intentions.

"Oh, don't sigh at such a wonderful party. It's bad luck."

"If you behaved more normally, I wouldn't have to sigh."

"Then I'll just keep sighing. Go ahead."

Mary said this nonchalantly, causing Patrick to sigh again. Glancing at her side, he saw Addy chuckling at their exchange. Normally, Patrick would have reprimanded such disrespectful behavior towards two nobles of high standing, but he held his tongue in Mary's presence, knowing her well enough to avoid provoking her. If anyone else had been there, he would have scolded Addy for her rudeness, which would have angered Mary. Having seen this before, Patrick swallowed his words and sighed again, glancing at Mary, who was still observing her father.

"Really, Miss Mary is beyond my control. I wonder who could possibly match her. I'd like to see such a person, wouldn't you, Addy?"

"U-um..."

Patrick chuckled, and Addy stammered in response.

"You must think so too. Only a remarkable man could match Miss Mary."

"Y-yes... I suppose so..."

Addy's stammering made Patrick laugh again. Turning back to Mary, he bowed respectfully and offered his hand.

"Your father asked me to escort you tonight. I'm sorry, but will you accept me as your escort?"

"Such a line would make any woman faint. ...But, well... it's you, isn't it?"

"What's wrong?"

Mary looked at the offered hand, deep in thought. Patrick, curious about her hesitation, raised his head and looked at her quizzically.

The Dice family has a long-standing relationship with the Albert family and holds the second most power. It's not unusual for young men and women from such influential families to be paired as escorts. Mary, with her personality, can play the perfect noble's daughter when necessary, but she finds it easier to be herself with someone she trusts.

For Patrick, escorting Mary is more relaxed than dealing with desperate noble daughters who try to push for a romantic relationship. The noble society is full of complications, such as who to escort and who to ask to dance first. Escorting Mary would be accepted by everyone, and other noble daughters respect her. The parents of both families would also approve, as they are suitable matches, and the risk of any scandal is minimal. Even if something did happen, their status would mitigate any issues. For everyone involved, it makes sense for Patrick to escort Mary, and they both understood this well, usually complying without complaint.

However, today, Mary hesitated to take Patrick's hand. Her serious expression, furrowing her brow and deep in thought, was uncharacteristic of a noble's daughter but very much like Mary.

"Is something wrong?"

"Um... no, it's fine. Nothing. Will you escort me?"

"Of course."

Mary gently placed her hand in Patrick's. As they slowly made their way to the ballroom, some guests sighed in admiration, while others jealously whispered about Mary taking Patrick again. The beauty of the young and elegant couple was undeniable, a perfect picture of a handsome prince and a beautiful princess.

Originally, Mary had no intention of asking anyone to escort her tonight. In the original game, the character with the highest affection towards Alicia would be forced to escort her, but even if she aimed for decline, such a disgraceful act was out of the question. While Patrick, whom she had known since childhood, was acceptable, calling the student council secretary or a teacher would only tire her out. Besides, showing off her escort to Alicia might not even be considered harassment.

Even now, Alicia watched Mary and Patrick, her eyes shining with admiration, devoid of any jealousy. This made Mary feel a bit let down.

He must have come because he has the highest affection, Mary thought. Just as she was pondering this, Patrick took her hand again.

"Shall we dance?" This simple question ignited jealousy in some, but Mary paid it no mind. She returned Patrick's hand, thinking that those who only watched and envied without taking action would lose to a newcomer from the countryside. She couldn't feel sorry for them, and she held Patrick's hand firmly, facing the jealous glares.