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~Chapter 31~
“Ah.”
Only then did I understand what Eric meant.
Thinking about it, Eric had little connection with Irene.
“Before I possessed her body, Irene’s bad reputation must have been quite high.”
Also, since Eric was close to Albert, he might have heard bad things about me.
It was natural Eric did not expect much from my personality.
“It was surprising and a little touching that you said we should tell the people of Sinks about the situation.”
Eric muttered, bowing his head slightly.
“You seemed… different, Lady.”
I looked at Eric with an unreadable expression and thought,
“Maybe that incident made me look better to Eric.”
“Anyway, thank you for helping me, Eric. I’m sorry for putting you in danger because of me.”
“No. Even if you hadn’t asked, I would have acted as a holy knight in that situation.”
Eric smiled at me.
“Thanks to you, the bears of Sinks will no longer die.”
“Really?”
I tilted my head in doubt.
Hadn’t we left without telling the people of Sinks what really happened?
Seeing my confused look, Eric explained:
“Albert heard everything and decided to officially inform the Sinks local representatives. Poaching on unauthorized land is against continental law.”
“Ah, really?”
My eyes widened in surprise. Albert himself would inform them?
“Yes. As royalty, Albert has the duty to protect the continent with other leaders. He has the right and responsibility to do so.”
“I see…”
That was a good plan.
After waking up, I thought about sending a messenger, but my messenger was meant for emergencies and communication with my family, so I couldn’t use it now.
I thought informing them was impossible after leaving Sinks…
But there was a way.
“Well, with Albert handling it, the matter will be settled easily.”
“Thank you, Albert,” I sighed softly, remembering his silent back as he left.
I entered my room and called Deon.
“Can you give this bear doll to Finn, Deon?”
I handed him a small bear doll.
I had bought it myself in Sinks as a gift for Finn.
“It would have been better to give it in person…”
But for safety, I had to avoid visiting third-class directly.
And it was awkward to call Finn and Harry out without reason.
So, I decided to send the bear with a note through Deon.
Note:
Hello, Finn.
This is the Lady Hartmann. How is your trip?
I thought of you in Sinks recently, so I bought this bear doll for you.
I hope you like it.
Thank you for helping me before.
Say hello to your brother for me.
I hope we meet again on the journey.
“Make sure to deliver it well to Finn. And say hello to Harry too.”
“Yes, understood.”
Deon bowed respectfully and took the note and bear doll before leaving.
“I hope Finn likes this…”
Watching Deon leave, I prayed quietly.
After he left the room, I sighed deeply.
“Now, Albert is next.”
Among the three male leads, I had a good relationship with Eric.
I was building positive feelings with him.
But my relationship with Albert was worsening.
Misunderstandings had piled up too much.
It was time to clear them.
But since I lied about liking Eric…
Albert barely talked to me.
“It’s complicated…”
How should I fix this misunderstanding?
Should I just say the lie about liking Eric was false?
If I fix the misunderstanding, will Albert start caring about me again?
But the relationship was too tangled to leave alone.
“If this continues, Albert and Eric’s relationship will be destroyed. I must cancel my claim about liking Eric.”
At that moment, there was a knock, and the door opened.
An employee peeked in.
“Excuse me, I came to deliver something.”
“What is it?”
Sophie took a small envelope from the employee.
It looked like an invitation.
“Wow!”
Sophie gasped opening it.
“Miss, it seems the famous Ramier Express Ball is about to be held!”
“Really?”
I looked at Sophie with wide eyes.
She nodded eagerly and handed me the invitation.
Elegant cursive was written on the fine paper.
Invitation
You are invited to the Ramier Express Ball.
Location: Second-class central banquet hall
Time: Today from 6 PM until arrival at the next station
Enjoy the ball exclusively for travelers!
The so-called “Ramier Ball.”
Anyone interested in the Ramier Express had heard of it.
It uses three banquet halls in the second-class central car.
A social and meeting place to interact directly with nobles from other countries.
“Technically, all passengers can attend.”
But ordinary people rarely came because of the dress code.
Usually, only second-class or higher could attend.
Travelers built connections here.
Though social clubs could do the same, it was hard to talk to others while traveling with a group.
So, the train openly made this event.
“I heard some couples met and married here.”
Anyway, this was a special social event only on the Ramier Express.
“The ball happens only once during the continent crossing. I thought it would happen while we were on the train… I’m glad we prepared.”
“Hm? Prepared what?”
“Dresses and makeup, of course!”
Sophie’s eyes were wild with excitement.
“Do you know how many dresses, cosmetics, and accessories I brought for this ball? You have to go.”
She pointed to a heavy suitcase in the corner.
“Who knows, you might meet your match here.”
Yes, Sophie’s words were true, but…
“But I’m dying soon.”
Looking at Sophie’s hopeful eyes, I thought.
What good is finding a match if I’ll soon die?
But I didn’t want to ruin the mood.
Anyway,
“Well, both Eric and Albert will likely attend this ball…”
Maybe I could use this chance to fix my relationships with the male leads.
