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Chapter 11
‘As if I’d know.’
Sighing at my inability to make jokes, I carefully flipped the hat that held the duke inside. When I set it on my head, the hair the maids had so beautifully styled came tumbling down my shoulders.
“Ugh, heavier than I thought.”
I groaned softly and rolled my neck once, tightening the chin strap of the hat so it wouldn’t slip.
“Alright then, Your Grace. Shall we head out?”
I was ready — the perfect avatar for the Grand Duke himself. I gripped the grand ballroom’s doorknob with determination when a low voice stopped me.
“Irel Blandiche.”
“Yes?”
“Don’t tire yourself out today. Endure — and assist me well.”
…What was that?
It still carried his usual chill, but there was something encouraging in his tone. Feeling a spark of strength return, I pushed open the doors.
“Oh, wait— Your Grace, did you take your shoes off?”
“Good heavens, what is that fashion?”
“The Lady Blandiche— why on earth is she wearing such a ridiculous hat?”
My confident entrance faltered when I caught sight of the crowd filling the radiant ballroom.
“Obvious, isn’t it? She’s desperate to catch the eye of the guest of honor— His Grace, the Grand Duke of Epenterion.”
The murmurs spread like ripples. Dozens of nobles whispering, snickering.
Of course, I’d expected this.
Lady Irel Blandiche was infamous for her temper — hated by many, yet still the shining centerpiece of society.
A noble-born beauty everyone loved to hate.
I even remembered a story: in the original, the heroine Seria had once copied Irel’s dress and was humiliated for it.
‘Well, that’ll never happen now.’
This hat certainly wasn’t going to start any trends. If anything, people would start doubting my taste from today onward.
Still—
‘What a strange world this is.’
They scorn the villainess, envy her, loathe her, and yet can’t look away.
I straightened my back and clenched my fists.
Yes. I am Irel Blandiche.
“So I won’t lose.”
Rishid told me to endure, didn’t he?
“If I retreat now, it’s death.”
And there’s nothing scarier than dying.
The mantra pulsed in my head. And miraculously— it worked.
“Lady Blandiche! You look radiant tonight!”
A group of debutantes appeared and greeted me with forced smiles.
“Are they talking about my hat?” I asked smoothly, tapping it with one finger.
Please, Rishid— if you remember this moment someday, think ‘well, at least she tried for my sake.’
“Ah— y-yes, the hat… of course!”
“Haha…”
The girls exchanged helpless smiles. And somewhere in the crowd, a whisper floated—
“The lady’s tormenting someone again.”
Unfair! I didn’t even do anything!
Suppressing the urge to cry, I left them and moved on.
“Three o’clock,” murmured Rishid’s voice from within the hat.
“Roger,” I replied quietly.
But it wasn’t only young ladies who crossed my path.
“Lady Blandiche. What a pleasure to see you again.”
“Oh! High Priest!”
I smiled brightly. His white hair shimmered under the chandelier as he bowed politely.
“It’s an honor to meet you again,” he said.
“The pleasure’s mine. It’s wonderful to see you here!”
We’d only met once before, but the High Priest had been my savior — the reason I could sneak the Duke out in the first place.
“Truly, thank you for that day,” I said sincerely.
“There’s no need for thanks. The temple should be open to all. It was my mistake to deny you entry.”
“I was the one in the wrong. You merely gave me the chance to make things right.”
He smiled softly at my response.
“You’ve changed, Lady Blandiche. It’s the first time I’ve seen you smile like this— it’s… beautiful.”
“Really?”
“Truly.”
Ah, an angelic man indeed— his words filled me with warmth.
My mood soared.
“Thank you for the compliment.”
“I only spoke the truth. I would hardly dare flatter you.”
“What’s wrong with flattery? You can just call me Irel, you know.”
He chuckled. “A tempting offer, but only if you’ll call me by name first.”
This man— smooth.
‘He must be wildly popular with women.’
Handsome, polite, gentle— and that voice? Melted butter.
I forced my smile back to something neutral and nodded.
“Then next time we meet, I’ll call you by name.”
(Which was, of course, because I didn’t actually know his name yet.)
‘I’ll ask Jenis later,’ I thought smugly.
“Anyway, it was great seeing you again, High Priest. I should get going.”
“As was meeting you, my lady,” he replied with a courteous bow.
I nodded lightly and turned toward the direction Rishid had indicated—
When a bright voice cut through the music.
“Ah! High Priest! There you are!”
I froze.
“Were you looking for me, Saintess?” he replied kindly.
“Yes, it’s my first ball, and I had a few questions…”
The noise of the hall faded away.
That title.
Saintess.
My blood turned cold.
‘Seria?’
My instincts screamed don’t turn around, but curiosity whispered look.
In the end, I swallowed hard— and turned.
And there she was.
“Ah, h-hello…”
Round, sky-blue eyes like glass. Silky pink hair like cherry blossoms.
The heroine — Seria.
‘…Wow.’
It was really her.
I stepped back without realizing it. I’d known she would attend, but I never expected to meet her so soon— and so directly.
“Lady Blandiche? Are you alright?”
The High Priest took a step toward me, concern in his tone.
“N-no! I’m fine!”
Before Rishid could catch sight of Seria, I twisted my neck sharply, blocking his view with my hat brim.
They were the destined couple of the original story— one glance could spark fate itself.
‘I don’t plan to stop their romance… just not yet!’
Seria blinked, confused by my bizarre pose.
“Um… are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes! Absolutely fine!”
Just please— don’t come closer!
I waved my hands frantically, shuffling backward.
Rishid tapped the inside of the hat, his voice puzzled.
“Lady, what on earth are you doing?”
I quickly shook my head, saying nothing.
I couldn’t exactly tell him “the woman you’re destined to fall in love with is right behind me.”
Almost there— just a few more steps and I’d be out of danger—
“Excuse me, my lady.”
A warm, gentle hand caught my wrist. Not tight— just enough to stop me.
“Y-yes?”
I looked up. The High Priest smiled softly, extending something toward me.
“You dropped this a moment ago — a rose.”
A single, perfect silk rose lay in his palm.
