Chapter 2

The hall was illuminated by the dazzling chandeliers, and the voices of the elegantly dressed guests chatting spread like ripples. On the tables, light snacks and drinks were arranged for the guests to enjoy during their conversations, but the wine poured into the polished glasses shone as if they were precious jewels rather than mere refreshments.

In the kingdom of Rendia, where the culture of magic flourished, the Bartsek family, a prestigious family of mages with multiple residences in the capital, hosted an evening gathering. The guests invited by the lady of the house were all of high social standing.

However, the main invitees this time were young people in their early to late twenties. Among them were nobles, wealthy citizens, mages, and non-mages.

The lady of the house had gathered these young men and women, hoping that by bringing together those whose worlds were usually limited by their status or talent, happy encounters might occur. The guests seemed to be filled with both anticipation and nervousness.

The atmosphere in the hall was generally warm and pleasant, but in one corner, a small dispute had erupted.

"…What do you mean, Joachim, Carolina?"

The woman who muttered this in astonishment was wearing a mature purple dress that matched her eyes. Compared to the noble daughters, her dress was simpler and less adorned, suggesting she was from the upper class of citizens, but the quality of the dress was excellent.

She herself stood with a straight back, and her dark blonde hair, cut just below her shoulders, was lustrous. Though she had a good build for a lady, she had a healthy physique typical of a girl from the citizen class.

She glared at the man and woman facing her, her face tense. It was understandable.

The man was her intended fiancé. And the beautiful blonde girl with green eyes, clinging to his arm, was her friend from school.

"Sorry, Laila. Carolina is pregnant. …You see, my brother and sister-in-law haven't been able to have a child, right? So my father was overjoyed and told me to marry Carolina…"

"I'm sorry, Laila. I really want to marry Joachim."

The man spoke as if in defense, but his expression didn't seem entirely apologetic. The woman, in a delicate voice, pleaded desperately, touching her abdomen with her free left hand.

Come to think of it, she was wearing a fluffy dress today, which was unusual for her.

Laila's lips twitched, and she quickly opened the fan she was holding to cover her mouth. If she didn't, her mouth, twisted with anger and humiliation, would have been visible.

"…So, this has the approval of Baron Cantor, then?"

"Ah, yeah. Besides, you know, we were only 'engaged' in a sense, right? We didn't sign a formal engagement contract, and in the first place, it was just a matter of convenience between our families, wasn't it?"

"Joachim had to marry Laila for money, didn't he? That's not fair. Joachim also said he fell in love with me for the first time when we met…"

Their words passed through Laila's ears smoothly.

Indeed, that was true.

Laila's family, the Kylka family, was a wealthy merchant family, while Joachim's family, the Cantor family, held a noble title but was financially struggling.

The Kylka family wanted a connection with the nobility, and the Cantor family needed money.

That's why Laila and Joachim's engagement had been proposed.

Marriages based on mutual interests rather than love were not uncommon and not something to be criticized.

However, it was also a fact that marriages based on love were more favorably received by society.

In terms of social status, even as a minor noble, Joachim's family had the upper hand.

If the baron said, "I'm breaking off the engagement," the Kylka family would have no choice but to accept it. Since the engagement was only a verbal agreement, there was little chance of winning a lawsuit.

Laila clenched her fists tightly.

Carolina was carrying Joachim's child. To the baron, who desired a grandson, Carolina was someone he couldn't let go of.

Laila and her parents couldn't stand up to the baron.

In that case—

"…I see. If that's the case… I understand."

"Laila…!"

"Thank you, Laila!"

The two of them beamed, but Laila's mouth only twisted in disgust.

She didn't agree for their sake. In fact, her eyes spoke volumes, clearly showing that she had no intention of blessing their marriage, but the two of them, lost in their happiness, didn't seem to notice.

"Ah, right. Your father is here, right? I'll formally decline the engagement."

"That's a good idea, Joachim. Oh, Laila, we're planning to have a wedding, so come, okay!"

Laila's lips, hidden behind the fan, silently spat out, "Who would go?" But she smiled and closed the fan.

"I'll think about it later. …Well, have a good evening."

"Ah, see you later!"

"Call us when you get married, Laila! Absolutely!"

Laila didn't respond to their voices and quickly left the hall.

On her way, she nodded lightly to the people she passed, apologizing for the unpleasant scene. Behind her, the whispers of those who had witnessed the entire incident followed.