Chapter 4

The three months passed in the blink of an eye, and the day of the graduation party finally arrived.

The students had already left the dormitories and returned home.

After getting ready at home, they headed to the college hall, and with this party, they would no longer come to the college.

This was the day of farewell to the college, to their youth.

And this party was also, in essence, a debut into high society for the children of the nobility.

Although it was a student-led event, it wasn't necessary to be overly formal, making it a perfect setting for beginners in high society.

Still, many nobles were enthusiastic.

In particular, those without fiancés were not few in trying to forge connections with bloodshot eyes at this event.

Moreover, adults who used their children to gain business connections or strengthen their factions also participated.

It was quite a mixed bag of a party.

Even such a graduation party had its proper etiquette, and participants were required to bring a partner.

Usually, those who were engaged brought their fiancé as a partner.

Those without a partner asked a relative or a close friend to be their partner.

Although our relationship had cooled, I had Sebastian, so I would spend the evening with him from the moment we entered.

—Or so I thought...

"What... is this...?"

Just as I was about to leave home, dressed in my gown, a letter arrived.

The letter, delivered by a messenger in a hurry, contained something unbelievable.

'I, Sebastian Smith, have chosen Luluna Welburt as my partner for the graduation party.'

The letter was on a plain sheet of paper, with only a standard greeting, the content, and a signature.

I had sent a letter from my home to him, setting the meeting time and place.

Although I hadn't received a reply, it was common for him to be slow, so I hadn't worried too much.

I never expected such a reply at this moment.

I was stunned and read the letter five times.

"This can't be... Why would he send something like this on the day of the event..."

I doubted his common sense.

He must not have considered my situation at all.

I wanted to mess up my hair, which the maid had carefully styled.

There was no way I could find a partner among my family at this point.

My father had already gone to work, and my brother was out on business in the suburbs.

My relatives lived far away, and my younger brother was only eleven years old.

My mother, who knew nothing, was waving cheerfully, telling me to enjoy myself.

I crumpled the letter and threw it into the trash can.

With a flat voice, far from the dramatic tone I used when playing the villainous lady, I said goodbye to my mother.

"......I'm off......"

I felt I could maintain a cool, expressionless face, just like the priest I had encountered.

■

The carriage took me to the noble college.

The dress I wore was newly purchased for today.

It was a calm blue, adorned with delicate lace and organza, giving it a cool and refreshing impression.

Since Sebastian preferred navy blue, I had chosen a blue-themed dress to match his outfit...

The town, visible through the window, was about to be dyed by the sunset.

(... When I was thirteen, I used to look at this scenery with excitement, wondering what wonderful things lay ahead...)

I never imagined I would have such a chaotic college life.

The idea of body-checking someone was probably a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

I sincerely hoped that the opportunity to laugh maniacally would also be a one-time thing...

While lost in thought about my college life, the destination was already in sight.

(Well, this is the end, so I have to do my best, Melusia!)

I slapped my cheeks with both hands to muster my courage.

The square in front of the college's grand hall was bustling with carriages.

From simple to grandly decorated, there were all kinds, making for an interesting sight.

During our time at the college, we lived without the shadow of our families, so I hadn't been aware of the hierarchy among noble families.

Although it was said to be a relatively relaxed party, I felt nervous.

I got out of the carriage alone and stood in the square.

The coachman looked worried, but I forced a smile and parted ways with him.

The square was crowded with carriages and coachmen, but there were almost no people who looked like participants.

It seemed most had already entered.

(I'm late... I wanted to blend in with the crowd...)

I regretted the delay caused by Sebastian's letter.

I hurried to the entrance, careful not to mess up my dress.

At the entrance, where the doors were elaborately decorated, a receptionist was checking the guests.

It seemed they had to show their invitation and have their names announced before entering.

"—Lord, and Lady, have arrived."

The names were read out in a bright voice as the guests entered.

I felt a bit cold sweat.

This system...

(Not good... This will expose me as being alone...)

It was a public execution system.

(I should tell the receptionist that my partner couldn't make it and ask to be let in quietly between people...)

Yes, that's the best option.

In fact, it was the only option.

With renewed determination, I rubbed my aching stomach and walked towards the entrance.

But there, I was stopped by the last voice I wanted to hear.

"Oh? Lady Melusia? What are you doing here alone?"

"Melusia, are you here alone? Why didn't you ask your family to come with you? I sent you a letter."

The voices belonged to Luluna and Sebastian.

After ignoring me for three months, they now had the nerve to speak to me.

(Actually, this is all because of you two...)

A letter arriving on the day of the event isn't a letter; it's just a piece of trash.

I had many things I wanted to say, but I suppressed my anger.

I couldn't cause a scene in a crowded party venue.

It would become fodder for gossip among the nobles.

I maintained a calm demeanor and replied smoothly.

"Oh, both of you, good evening. Unfortunately, my father and brother are both busy and couldn't make it. Please go ahead without me."

I quickly stepped aside, but Luluna smiled sweetly.

"I'm wearing new shoes today, so I can't walk very well. So, Lady Melusia, please go in first!"

With a smile that seemed to have a sound effect, Luluna said.

I forced a smile.

They were going to let me enter alone and then enter together, making it a public execution.

The nobles' gossip tonight would undoubtedly be about our complicated love triangle.

Moreover, Luluna was wearing a dress that drew attention.

A pure white dress, so long it dragged on the ground.

The voluminous, cream-like white dress was more suitable for a wedding than a party.

Sebastian, too, was not wearing the navy blue I expected but a completely white outfit.

Matching outfits with a lover...

It was beyond inappropriate.

I held my aching head and turned away from them.

"...I see, I understand. I'll go in first, then."

I didn't care anymore.

I just wanted to get away from them as quickly as possible.

I stopped thinking and walked towards the entrance, trying to explain my situation to the receptionist and enter without my name being announced.

Just as I was about to do so, a high-pitched voice rose from behind.

"Hey, receptionist! You forgot to announce Lady Melusia's name! It's rude to her! She gets angry easily, so be careful! Lady Melusia! The receptionist will announce your name again!"

Murmurs and laughter rose from the nobles in the venue.

I bit the inside of my cheek to keep my composure.

My heart was making strange noises... My face must be red.

I just wanted to be left alone...

Without looking back, I continued walking.

As soon as I entered, the next names were announced.

"Lord Sebastian Smith, and Lady Luluna Welburt, have arrived."

They entered together, smiling broadly.

The murmurs from the nobles grew louder.

"It's like a wedding."

"Wait, were they engaged?"

"So, Lady Melusia's engagement must have been broken. That's why she's alone..."

They were already making it a topic...

(But unfortunately, I am still his fiancée... It's really strange, but it's true.)

Yes, I am still his fiancée.

But the one clinging to his arm and wearing a matching outfit is Luluna.

Amid the whispers of the nobles, I shrank and continued walking.

I planned to go to a corner and be a wallflower for the evening.

But...

—The content that the nobles were gossiping about became reality shortly after.

Sebastian suddenly raised his voice, loud enough for the entire venue to hear.

"Ladies and gentlemen, please listen! As of today, I, Sebastian Smith, am breaking my engagement with Melusia Arnol and will marry Luluna Welburt! With all of you as witnesses, I will now make a vow to the gods!"

Instantly, the murmurs around me turned into a storm.