My Ruin to You - Chapter 142

Schnitzel grabbed Roseline’s wrist firmly. She even picked up the wand rolling on the table—it was Roseline’s. A wand with a luminescent stone at its tip, an essential tool for today’s event.

“Use your eyes and look. Everyone’s gathering, see?”

As Roseline turned her head to where Schnitzel pointed, she saw her classmates, wands in hand, lining up neatly on both sides of the pathway in the distance. A memory from the past suddenly surfaced. Perhaps, back then, Schnitzel had also come to fetch her. And she hadn’t even realized it.

Even after the first banquet, she had been severely criticized. At the time, she had left her seat to sober up, but instead, the intoxication hit her harder, leading her to do all sorts of foolish things before eventually passing out—that was her perspective.

Looking back, she had done things worthy of criticism. She came to the banquet under the pretext of participating in the event, drank heavily, and then wandered outside only to collapse in front of the Grand Duke, whom everyone had their eyes on. It was no wonder she was criticized.

“Thank you so much. If you hadn’t helped me, I would have been in big trouble.”
“……Hmph. Well, not exactly big trouble.”

Schnitzel pouted her lips and said, “Here,” handing Roseline her wand. As she took the wand, Roseline thought: Alright, let’s get through the ceremonial event perfectly and then leave.

It wasn’t a difficult task. The stars of today’s banquet were the envoys from Belhar, and all she had to do was raise her wand and channel a bit of magic when they entered. The luminescent stone, reacting to the magic, would then burst and emit light—not exactly a spectacular sight, but those watching always marveled at it.

“You smell like alcohol.”

It was just as she had discreetly slipped into the line and found her spot. Right next to her, Lady Malsen looked Roseline up and down with disgust, pinching her nose. The two young ladies who followed Malsen around like bodyguards also made faces and fluttered their hands in unison.

They whispered among themselves, loud enough to be heard, suggesting that she hadn’t even had her debutante ball, or that her territory was so poor she must be tasting wine for the first time. Since it was all true, it didn’t faze her, and having experienced a terrifying man, the gossiping young ladies seemed rather cute in comparison.

“How childish, really.”

But unlike Roseline’s indifference, Schnitzel looked as if she were offended on Roseline’s behalf, raising her eyebrows. She seemed ready to snap at any moment, so Roseline tightly held Schnitzel’s arm and turned to face Malsen.

“I’m sorry. If it’s very bothersome, would you like me to change spots?”

She asked gently, revealing a neat row of teeth. Instead, Lady Malsen’s eyes darted around, seemingly flustered.
“……That wasn’t exactly what I meant, but I’d appreciate it if you did.”

Even her flustered, speechless expression was cute. This is what seeing things twice does. My goodness, who knew Lady Malsen could be this adorable?

“It’s my first time drinking, so I went a bit overboard. I’ll be more careful from now on.”

Roseline’s smile deepened. Not only Lady Malsen but also the other young ladies who stuck to her like shadows watched Roseline with wide eyes. The meaning behind their rapidly shifting gazes was clear: Why is she acting like this all of a sudden? Is she still drunk?

By this point, even Roseline found herself reflecting on her past. She had thought she’d endured fairly well during her academy days. But given how strongly they reacted to even a little kindness, it seemed she had treated them more coldly than she’d realized.

Roseline smiled wryly and moved to the back of the line. Schnitzel grumbled, saying things like, “You’re too soft,” and “Why move just because they said something?” but she willingly followed Roseline and changed her spot. Malsen, standing in the front row, occasionally glanced back with a puzzled expression.

When the protocol officer appeared, the murmuring line fell silent at once. He straightened the disordered rows and delivered a few short words of instruction. Soon, the door connecting to the podium opened, and the Emperor entered. Roseline’s heart raced for no reason, as if she’d committed some crime.

It didn’t take long for her to regret her decision. The moment she remembered that Valen was next after the Emperor, anxiety surged sharply. Why did I do this? Why did I stay? She should have just run first and left the cleanup to her future self.

“I can’t do this, Young Lady. I’m going to go ahead.”
“Go where? It’s just starting.”

She tried to turn away to correct her mistaken decision, but Schnitzel grabbed her arm and wouldn’t let go. I need to go. No, you can’t. They were in the middle of this struggle when—

“His Royal Highness, the Grand Duke, is entering!”

A booming announcement echoed, and the door swung open.