My Ruin to You - Chapter 143

As always, men possess something that allows them to dominate the atmosphere.

If the Emperor’s entrance evoked awe for a monarch, the Grand Duke’s mere presence created a suffocating tension. With each step his black boots took on the carpet, everyone—from the most distinguished nobles to the lowliest academy students—instinctively bowed their heads.

But no matter how tense they were, it couldn’t compare to Roseline. The moment she realized she was sharing a space with Valen, her heart began to pound wildly as if being struck by a hammer. It was anxiety. She was terrified that the ruthless man might approach her.

Pale-faced, Roseline hurriedly bowed her head.

Upon reflection, the idea that she could avoid encountering Valen was a foolish delusion from the start. Her avoiding him wouldn’t change anything. If Valen also remembered the past events, he would undoubtedly find her.

If that man also retained his memories, then this second life would be utterly meaningless. It would only mean the same excruciating pain repeating like a spinning wheel.

Roseline tightly closed her eyes, clasped her hands together, and prayed desperately. Why are you doing this to me? I’ll try to live better this time. So please, make it so that man remembers nothing. Please, have mercy on me.

It was just as Roseline was reciting this desperate wish in her heart.

“I greet His Majesty, the Emperor. May the light of glory follow you.”

Valen, having stopped before the imperial throne, bowed his head in respect. As always, his voice was low and even, but the banquet hall was so quiet that it carried clearly even to Roseline’s ears from afar. The tips of her tightly clenched fingers turned cold. So tense was she that she could barely even hear the Emperor’s voice welcoming Valen.

“Why are you shaking so much? Are you cold?”

Schnitzel whispered to her. Only then did Roseline realize she was trembling.

“Huh? Ah, no……”

As she gave a short reply and turned her head, her eyes met the man’s on the podium. Her heart, which had been precariously hanging on, plummeted to her feet. Roseline, unable to control her miserably contorted expression, bowed her head deeply. Then, she tried to gauge the man’s briefly met gaze and expression.

There was no affection or madness in his sharp eyes. Just an indifferent, weary look, as if he were bored to death. Does he not know?

A small hope bloomed. But Roseline shook her head. Relying on a mere glance for reassurance was foolish—her opponent was Valen. She should have learned her lesson by now.

“Oh my, doesn’t it seem like His Highness is looking at the Young Lady?”

Lady Ruav whispered, tapping Malsen’s arm. Malsen glanced back at the podium. Just as Ruav had said, the Grand Duke’s gaze was clearly directed their way. Struggling to suppress a rising smile, Malsen smiled shyly.

“He’s not looking just at me, but at all of us.”
“No, he’s still looking right now, isn’t he?”
“Oh dear, why are you all being so embarrassing?”

They’re making a fuss over nothing, Schnitzel muttered under her breath, also turning her head to observe the Grand Duke on the podium. It was true that his gaze was directed their way, but it seemed he was looking at Roseline, not Malsen in the front. Pretending to stretch her sore wrist muscles, Schnitzel subtly looked back and forth between the Grand Duke and Roseline. Then, she moved close to Roseline’s side, covered her mouth, and whispered.

“In my opinion? I think he’s looking at you.”
“It’s just your imagination.”
“No……”
“It. Is. Just. Your. Imagination. Understood?”

Roseline, who had been trembling like a wet sparrow just moments ago, now glared with intense eyes, clenching her teeth. The atmosphere was so tense that it seemed if Schnitzel mentioned the Grand Duke one more time, things would escalate. Uncharacteristically cowed by Roseline’s intensity, Schnitzel nodded. She quickly forgot the thought that Roseline’s phrasing sounded familiar.

“The delegation from Belhar is entering!”