My Ruin to You - Chapter 21

“Don’t take it too hard. You have someone far more reliable than the Bureau to rely on, don’t you?”

“Exactly. We all know the Duchy offers the best treatment for awakened mages, even if it’s a warzone. And with His Grace’s special care for you? You’ll be more than fine.”

“Honestly, this might be for the best. Imagine if His Grace left for the Duchy and you stayed behind in the capital—who knows what vulgar women might throw themselves at him, like that Malsen girl?”

No one had asked for their comfort.

The moment the results were announced, a flock of young ladies descended upon Roseline’s seat, each offering their “consolation.” Not a single word of it was comforting. She’d have loved to tell them to get lost—maybe even toss salt at them for good measure—but social decorum and pride held her back. Instead, she forced a smile, baring her teeth in a grimace. They promptly praised how lovely she looked when smiling. Were they feeding off this?

“Speaking of Lady Malsen, haven’t heard a peep about her lately.”

“You didn’t hear? She’s set to marry Count Murglo.”

“Good heavens. The Count must be older than my father.”

“With her reputation in tatters, what family would propose? At least as an awakened, she’s landed a second marriage—Countess Murglo sounds better than rotting away as some rural baron’s wi—oh.”

The girl, too engrossed in her gossip, trailed off abruptly when another elbowed her sharply. Roseline’s expression had flickered.

“…My apologies if that upset you.”

The chatterbox’s eyebrows drooped guiltily.

“Why would I be upset? Don’t worry about it.”

She’d been upset for roughly two years now—what was one more sting? This time, she managed a tight-lipped smile, eyes crinkling with practiced ease.

“How generous of you.”

“No wonder His Grace adores Lady Celodienne so.”

Back and forth they went, whipping themselves into a frenzy. The topic soon shifted to graduation ball gowns. Roseline excused herself, citing exhaustion.

She nearly returned to her dorm but veered toward the gardens instead.

I’m screwed. What now?

Outwardly, she’d played it cool—but of course she wasn’t fine. Was this punishment for arrogance? She’d never once considered failing the Bureau’s selection, leaving her with no backup plan. Yet her confidence hadn’t been unfounded. Only a handful outperformed her academically, and most were firstborn heirs who wouldn’t bother applying.

There was exactly one candidate with top marks who wasn’t an heir: Lady Schnitzel. But she’d stormed out mid-interview, declaring, “This antiquated institution isn’t for me.”

But to everyone’s shock, the selected candidate was Lady Schnitzel.

When the acceptance was announced, the young lady had only one response: “Huh?”

For once, she looked genuinely bewildered. Roseline immediately regretted her restraint. Had she known the Bureau wanted someone with Schnitzel’s audacity, she’d have flipped the interview table instead of giving polite answers.

Without a proper position, she’d have to return to her family’s estate—an unthinkable outcome. With her stepmother waiting, she might end up like Lady Malsen, sold off to some ancient noble. However much she tried to rationalize it, the thought of a girl her own age shackled to a man decades older left a bitter taste.

Frustrated, she kicked a pebble at her feet. It sailed into the bushes—and a tiny cheep! followed.

Startled, Roseline rushed over. A plump little sparrow flapped its wings weakly on the ground. The pebble hadn’t hit it, but the bird was already injured, a gash between its wing and back—likely from a predator.

“How do you expect to survive in this cruel world being this defenseless? You’ve got to run faster, stupid.”

Grumbling, she knelt beside the trembling bird. Its wing twitched, revealing raw, bloody flesh beneath. Her brow furrowed.

“I didn’t mean now—pull yourself together.”

Before the pain could worsen, she cradled the sparrow and summoned her magic. White light pooled at her fingertips, knitting the torn flesh back together.