Unexpectedly, Ruela’s eyes widened at the sudden declaration of an engagement.

“I heard it during the conversation. Congratulations.”

“Are you happy about it?”

The red-haired woman asked again, furrowing her brows.

“Is it really okay? You have no feelings for Lord Valder?”

“Yes, whether it’s okay or not, I sincerely congratulate you.”

Upon Ruela’s response, the woman inquired, scrutinizing.

“Why did you go to see Lord Valder when you have no feelings for him?”

Tilting her head slightly, Ruela blinked her eyes.

“But what was your name? I can’t remember.”

In response to Ruela’s question, the woman showed a puzzled expression.

She tried to ignore it, thinking of giving a vague answer, but as Ruela persisted, she realized that she needed to know who the other person was.

“Not revealing your name and suddenly questioning me is too impolite, don’t you think?”

“Oh… I’m Mari Rosite. The daughter of Count Rosite.”

“I see.”

Ruela nodded and smiled brightly.

“Nice to meet you, Miss Rosite. But why are you so angry and questioning me like this just because I visited Lord Valder Kuran?”

“Va- Lord Valder, you say? Please be careful with the titles.”

In response to Mari’s complaint, Ruela offered a graceful smile.

“But you just referred to him as Lord Valder, didn’t you?”

“Th-that’s…”

“Oh, forget it. I’ll decide how to address whom, so don’t worry about it.”

Extending her hand with an arrogant posture, Ruela’s attitude made Mari, who was already angry, glare at her.

“Answer me, why did you go to see him?”

Abandoning her teasing attitude so far, Ruela responded seriously.

“Countess Camun is trying to kill me, and I went to ask if you know the reason.”

The onlookers felt a sense of disturbance after her words.

“T-that’s nonsense…”

Mari, with a shocked face, couldn’t finish her sentence. Looking around, she seemed afraid that others had heard their conversation.

Ruela lowered her gaze slightly and raised her fan with a graceful smile.

“Isn’t that right? It doesn’t make sense, does it?”

Amidst all this, Mari’s gaze was drawn to the small, cute fan.

Ruela gently shook the fan as if lifting it and winked playfully.

“Miss Rosite, could you please pass on a message? I sent a letter explaining why I went. Since I have no intention of mending our relationship, please convey that I don’t want her to cling to me anymore.”

“Ruela, should we go now?”

At the right moment, Kite extended one arm, stepping forward.

Grabbing that arm here would undoubtedly create another tremendous rumor about Kuran, but she didn’t care.

As long as it was not associated with Valder, she could do anything. So, willingly, Ruela placed her hand on Kite’s arm.

“Is it okay to leave already? The queen told me to enjoy the party enough before leaving.”
Heading towards the entrance, Ruela whispered in a low voice.

“In this crowded Grand Ballroom where people have gathered, openly announcing the end with Valder and admitting to a hostile relationship. Well, by now, isn’t it amusing to follow orders from that Queen?”

Despite the content of the words, Kite’s tone was filled with amusement.

“That’s true. Since Rosite Young Lady started the argument first, the Queen will understand, right? But since we’re here, how about exploring the gardens of the Grand Ballroom?”

“The garden? Not a bad idea.”

Kite looked back at the friends following them, who had already left the ballroom.

“You guys go back first. Ruela and I will join you shortly.”

“Why, can’t we explore together?”

Hazen protested, and Kite firmly replied.

“I’m looking for the residence of Duke Kuran. It’s too conspicuous if we all rush together.”

“Fine, understood. Ruela, you’ll bring out the carriage, right? You two can return once we’re done.”

Ruela walked towards the opposite side, which was different from before, nodding slightly.

“I’ll bring it out where people can’t see. It should be fine around here.”

“Miss Rosite, hello. It seems like it’s been a long time since we last met.”

Roy Gart approached with a drink in hand and greeted Mari, offering it to her.

“Lord Gart, hello. I couldn’t come to social gatherings due to some matters. How have you been?”

“I’m always doing well. Shall we have a chat together after a long time? We’ve known each other since we were young, after all. How about over there? The dance will start soon, and the chairs by the window seem empty.”

At Roy’s suggestion, Mari looked around before moving her steps.

Roy walked alongside Mari and asked.

“So, how was the conversation with Ruela Romine?”

“Why are you asking about that?”

Roy, with a polite smile, responded in a low voice.

“Isn’t it because those people we saw at the entrance are suspected to be them? The silhouettes looked similar.”

“Don’t pretend to know something with just the silhouettes you didn’t even see properly. Did you forget that you turned away from them at that time?”

Saying so, Mari, who sat down on a chair, stopped Roy from sitting next to her.

“You stand. I don’t want to give the impression of intimacy by sitting side by side.”