The academy attended by the nobility has many events that serve as practice for the social scene. These events usually involve participating with a partner of the opposite sex. If one has an engaged partner, they naturally participate together. If not, they participate with a family member or a close friend.
For high-ranking nobles like the Earl’s family, it is common to have their engagement arranged before entering the academy, so standing out while attending alone is already noticeable. Currently, Nicole Portret, the daughter of the Earl, is hanging out by the wall and observing the venue.
(How boring…)
The social gathering held in the hall of the academy is quite lively as students from all grades participate. Even though it should be lively, for some reason, mocking voices directed at them can be clearly heard.
“Look. She’s alone again.”
“Pitiful, isn’t it?”
“But it’s not surprising. She’s no match for Princess Caroline.”
Nicole sighed and gazed at Princess Caroline, who was surrounded by people in the middle of the venue.
Beautiful, intelligent, full of dignity—the perfect existence, Princess Caroline. Admired and loved by all the noble sons and daughters, especially adored by Nicole’s fiancé, Chaos.
Chaos seems to be captivated by Princess Caroline’s proud figure, his childhood friend, and he supports Caroline as the president of the student council in the academy, openly declaring that he will become a knight to protect the princess in the future. So, even now, he remains by the princess’s side.
It’s becoming sadder for Nicole, who is already getting used to it all.
No, it feels like it’s getting worse recently. Initially, when they were engaged, they used to exchange letters and set aside time for tea, but now even that doesn’t happen. No reply to the letters, and the tea time is being ignored.
At first, she felt sad and blamed Chaos, but eventually, she stopped hoping for anything from him because nothing she said would change him.
(He only thinks about Princess Caroline after all.)
Even so, it was fortunate for Nicole that it didn’t hurt her heart as much as it used to.
The next break, the town will have a peddler coming. As rare items are available there, every year, the young ladies look forward to going shopping with their lovers. Nicole also went to see the peddler with Chaos last year.
When she stopped in front of the accessory shop, she thought, “This hair ornament would look good on Princess Caroline.” Then, when she stopped between the bookstores, she heard a scolding, “Don’t get upset over something so small when we came here just for you. I actually wanted to practice swordsmanship for Princess Caroline.”
Thinking back, she admires how well she kept her tears at bay. In the end, she couldn’t feel the same with Chaos anymore, leading to a separation at the moment.
She really wanted something. A bracelet made of stones from a neighboring country, said to bring happiness when worn. It was a trend among the young ladies to buy matching ones with their lovers.
(Will that shop be there again this year?)
She was asked by her mother why she hadn’t invited Chaos yet, but honestly, she didn’t feel like inviting him. Even if she wrote a letter, she didn’t know if he would reply. Even if he went with her, she thought it would be better not to go if it turned out like last year.
(Exactly. If it turns out like that, it’s better not to go…)
But since it happens only once a year, she wants to see the peddler.
“…Maybe I should go alone.”
When she muttered the thought, it felt like a good idea.
“Yes. It’s fine to go alone.”
With that thought, she suddenly felt relieved. It felt like a weight off her shoulders. She could browse the shops at her leisure and not have unpleasant feelings. The more she thought about it, the more she felt that going alone was better.
“If I go alone, then Chaos can spend the time for Princess Caroline.”
Since they like each other, it might be better for her to do as she pleases.
Thinking that, Nicole relaxed and let go of the burden on her shoulders.
