“I’m hosting a ball! A ball!”

Rune, who had been quite disappointed about the cancellation of the National Unity Day ball, rolled her feet with a girlishly adorable face.

“Yeah. I’m happy it’s to celebrate the end of the epidemic.”

Indeed. Overwhelmed by feelings that couldn’t be expressed in words, Ermeldine was choked with emotion.

In the original story, thousands, even tens of thousands of people would have had to sacrifice themselves, but it ended much faster than expected. The main reason the epidemic ended was the absence of the original Ermeldine, who could strengthen the weakened curse magic. However, the current Ermeldine was unaware of this fact.

Nevertheless, due to the policies she implemented, the end of the epidemic was accelerated by several months, saving many lives in the process.

“I’m looking forward to it! The weather has become quite warm! The central garden is said to be filled with flowers. How splendid would that be?”

“Exactly. They say they’ll even hang lanterns made of light magic.”

Originally, the Spring Welcoming Ball was always held indoors since it was hosted in early April. However, due to various events, the schedule was confirmed only in mid-April. Therefore, considering the weather at the end of April when the ball would take place, it was decided to host the event in the central garden of the royal palace.

“Will Her Majesty the Queen be preparing for this ball?”

Ermeldine, who had been dreaming of a Fromm party she had seen in foreign romantic movies, returned to reality at Rune’s words.

“Oh, do I have to prepare? That’s bothersome.”

“Bothersome? This is such an important event! It’s a commemoration of the end of the epidemic!”

“Preparing for such events doesn’t suit me. Besides, the people suffered more from the epidemic. We should also think about events for the people, not just the ball.”

Ermeldine’s sensible words left Rune frozen, as if she had been hit on the head with a hammer.

“Why? Did I say something strange?”

“Oh, no. It’s not like that.”

“Then?”

Ermeldine urged Rune, who hesitated with her eyes.

“This person is so good; it’s unfair to hear people whispering about witches and demons. That’s why it’s unjust.”

Rune’s words brought a bitter smile to Ermeldine’s face. Although decisive evidence had not been found due to the early possession in the novel, doing a little good didn’t erase all the misdeeds. Rune, who had not experienced the previous Ermeldine for a long time, had no prejudice. While Margo still seemed wary, Rune trusted the human ‘Yoon Hye-young’ within Ermeldine.

To prevent Ermeldine from shedding tears, Rune stroked her head gently.

“It’s okay. You know me. Who I am, what kind of person I am. That’s enough.”

‘Yeah. I just need to do what I can!’ If you think it’s bothersome, you can’t change anything. You need to find something you can do first.

Having changed her mindset, Ermeldine headed to Henri’s office.

“What’s the matter?”

“I came to discuss the Spring Welcoming Ball.”

“The ball?”

Henri, who was sitting and handling paperwork, looked up at Ermeldine with a wary look.

‘Right. I’ve been patient for a long time. It seems she wants to openly boast about her achievements at the celebration for the end of the epidemic.’

“Yes. Since it’s going to happen anyway, I wanted to add a few opinions.”

“Speak your mind.”

Henri raised his head slowly, staring at Ermeldine with a condescending and beautiful demeanor.

‘Right. That’s true. I’ve endured it well. I wanted to openly boast about my achievements at the celebration for the end of the epidemic.’

“Yes. If it’s going to happen, I’d like to add a few opinions.”

“Speak your mind.”

Henri, who had been seated and handling paperwork, slowly raised his head, gazing at Ermeldine with a gaze that was arrogant and beautiful beyond words.
“I heard the National Foundation Day event was quite splendid. I hope Viscount Belleran takes charge of the palace ball.”

“Hmm. Even if it’s not your opinion, has the event not been hosted by Valier in the past? Why did you come to say that?”

Henri’s intention, which originally intended to entrust Ermeldine with the preparation of the ball considering the ominous public sentiment, froze rapidly.

“Yes. The person who has been doing it will prepare better. I just wanted to express that I would like to be in charge of preparing an event for the people since the people have suffered enough from the epidemic.”

After speaking, Ermeldine, who is still not accustomed to taking the initiative, closed her lips, lowered her head slightly.

The content of her words was meaningful, but Henri was more distracted by Ermeldine’s face and expression, feeling a strange familiarity. He suddenly felt his mind empty when he saw her face and expression, as if he had seen them somewhere before.

After Henri remained silent for a while without saying anything, looking at him, Ermeldine misunderstood it as a polite rejection.

“Maybe I overstepped. Pretend you didn’t hear it…”

“No! No!”