Chapter 93

Even though it was an exchange program, Mary's life at the University of Karelia wasn't supposed to change much...

Indeed, her friends were here, and she was prepared to be sought out for interactions with the students of the University of Eresiana as the daughter of the Albert family. She was ready to build connections for the expansion of the migratory bird business and even considered implementing plans for overseas expansion at this opportunity.

Her life would become a bit more lively and a bit busier than before. That was Mary's expectation.

However, in reality,

"Miss Mary, let's have tea today! Parfait too!"

"Ah, to be invited by the princess herself, I am so honored that I could cry..."

"Miss Mary, Parfait and I want to make croquettes next time! Right, Parfait?"

"Though it's an unknown food, I'll do my best to make it suitable for Miss Mary's taste..."

Alicia, full of energy, grabbed Mary's right arm. On the other side, Parfait, trembling and teary-eyed, clung to Mary's left arm.

One was as bright as the sun, the other always teary-eyed. To make matters worse, Alicia sometimes shook Mary's arm, and Parfait continued to vibrate slightly.

Caught in the middle, Mary was in a difficult position. She didn't know whether to scold or comfort either of them, and the different vibrations from both sides made her dizzy. All she could do was cry out, "Someone, help me!"

But no one came to her aid, and no one even acknowledged her cries. Realizing that no rescue was coming today, Mary turned around. There she saw...

"Miss Mary, I'm sorry. Parfait has been looking forward to meeting you, and I can't stop her..."

Gaines, apologizing for his helplessness.

Next to him,

"Thinking that it's not just Alicia who causes trouble for Mary makes me feel better,"

Patrick said with a cheerful smile.

And,

"Sure, you can take her at school. I've given up. It's a good thing that Miss Mary's life is more lively. But only while at school! At the latest, until dinner!"

Adi, asserting his right to spend time with Mary.

"Understood!" Patrick and Gaines emphasized, implying that they would retrieve Alicia and Parfait by evening, assuming that they would continue to drag Mary around.

Seeing their desperate efforts, Mary couldn't help but smile and say, "So possessive."

But her moment of affection was quickly shattered when a loud voice cut in,

"Good afternoon, everyone. Adi-sama!"

A familiar voice. Turning around, she saw Bertina.

Adorned with a large white ribbon, she stood proudly, embodying the image of a young lady. Her posture, slightly leaning back, was either due to her haughty nature or an attempt to appear taller.

Incidentally, the other young ladies, her followers, watched her from a distance, maintaining a certain distance and observing the situation.

"Isn't it too noisy, even for students of the University of Karelia? Miss Mary, there's a limit to acting as if this place is yours."

"I agree."

"I'm often told by the teachers to 'learn from the seniors and become a proper lady,' but I can't bear to learn from such behavior. Miss Mary, I'm not wrong, am I?"

"That's true..."

Mary lowered her eyes at Bertina's barbed words.

How spiteful. The way she kept using Mary's name made it clear that she disliked her.

Thinking of how to counter, Mary glanced at her right arm, then turned around. Facing Bertina again, she said, "You're right."

"But will you file that complaint with the princess who won't let go of my arm and the Marquis' daughter? And with the crown prince and the heir of the Eldland family for their lack of supervision? I, as the daughter of the Albert family, am just an innocent bystander."

She emphasized her family name and status. Bertina let out a small groan.

Using family names was uncharacteristic of Mary, but it seemed to be very effective. Bertina's followers, judging the situation as unfavorable, urged her to retreat, "Bertina-sama, let's stop here for today..."

After all, the Bartez family, while prominent in a neighboring country, was only moderately influential. They were above the Marquis family but below the Eldland family. Of course, they couldn't compare to the Albert family or the royal family.

Aware of this, Bertina glared at Mary with a resentful expression but couldn't counter.

Finally, she turned away with a huff,

"I don't have the time to bother with Miss Mary. Excuse me!"

She left in a hurry, her followers following her.

It was a clear retreat. Bertina's white ribbon seemed like a white flag, and Mary couldn't help but shrug her shoulders.

Watching Bertina leave, Mary shrugged.

What a spiteful attitude and words. It was clear that she disliked her.

Of course, considering that she had been called a weirdo for a long time, the sharp words from a younger lady were almost cute.

...But,

"I can't forgive that attitude towards Miss Mary!"

Alicia, clinging to Mary's right arm, showed her anger. In the world of the anime, Alicia would have been admired by Bertina and treated her like a younger sister.

But now, there was no trace of that, and she glared at the direction Bertina had left, pouting.

"That insolence towards Miss Mary... I must tell Father and Mother!"

"What are you saying so casually? Your parents are the king and queen. Don't casually escalate this into a national issue!"

"I would move the country for Miss Mary's sake!"

"Stop it!"

Mary, concerned for Alicia's well-being, gently tapped her forehead to calm her down.

But the next moment, her left arm was pulled. Parfait, teary-eyed, looked at her with a determined gaze.

"I will also fight for Miss Mary! But I can't move a country like Alicia-sama as the daughter of the Marquis family."

"I don't want you to move a country."

"In that case, I will marry Gaines-sama and become the lady of the prestigious Eldland family to fight for Miss Mary!"

Parfait showed a resolute expression. Inspired by her passion, Alicia urged, "Let's fight together!"

Caught in the middle, Mary sighed and raised her arms...

"Don't involve the country in personal matters!"

She scolded them and tapped their heads.

Seeing this, Patrick praised her, "You've resolved an international issue. Truly, the daughter of the Albert family."

Next to him, Gaines pleaded, "Miss Mary, please forgive them with one tap..."

Adi glared at them, "You two should have stopped them."