Following the messenger's announcement, dinner ends quickly. After all, we were already at dessert, and following the warning about the demon king, all the guests are eager to get up and gather in small groups to discuss the topic. The monarchs, seeing the general tension in the air, declare dinner over and are the first to stand, allowing the rest of us to do the same.

My mother wants to go to one of the parlors they've set up with refreshments so we can continue the evening until the ball.

"If you'll excuse me, I'd like to take a stroll through the gardens with your daughter," Marco says, as if reading my mind, because that's exactly what I was about to suggest.

"Of course, take Berta with you," my father responds. He's practically ready to pat Marco on the back and call him son.

Oh, my mother is going to be thrilled about the prince, but I think the count is going to be disappointed. From what I've seen, he really values Marco, and seeing how hard he's working to improve his barony only makes my father hold him in even higher regard.

"Berta and the bodyguard, Mother."

She nods, satisfied.

The fact that her daughter has a bodyguard while the princes don't only seems to fill her with pride rather than concern.

I mean, Mother, I'm a bigger target than Vincent or Lily because of a certain sword. You could show a little interest, I think.

But seriously, thank God she's not my real mother. I almost feel sorry for Bianca if she had to put up with her until I arrived. No wonder she considered the maid a warmer, more appropriate maternal figure. Assuming that's not a lie, of course.

Anyway, here we go—time to do something unpleasant that I'm not particularly looking forward to.

I don't look at Marco as we walk toward the gardens. Vincent sees me pass and I nod slightly, confirming that I'm going to break up with Marco now. I see the soft smile Vincent gives me, and also notice Karina, who's near him, saying something to get his attention.

Marco and I navigate through the guests and head out to the gardens, which are less crowded but still have visitors. We find a secluded corner and sit down. I notice Marco is looking at my wrist, the one not wearing his bracelet.

Well, I have it in my pocket. I'll give it back to him later.

"Didn't you like my gift?" he breaks the ice, getting straight to the point.

Now I do look at his face. He's serious, and I can't tell if he's confused or hurt.

"It's not that, Marco. It's a beautiful bracelet."

"But you're not wearing it. Maybe because it's too simple and doesn't match your dress?"

Oh, poor guy. He probably had to save up to buy it, and maybe, since this dress is so elaborate, he thinks I didn't consider it something suitable for a count's daughter.

"Not at all. It's very elegant and would be perfect if it weren't..."

I hesitate. If this guy has somehow fallen in love with Bianca, I'm going to break his heart. He can't be in love with me—with Elisa—since he doesn't know me. Bianca is another matter. They've been engaged for years and have met on several occasions.

"If it weren't?" He looks increasingly worried, even sad.

He knows what's coming, doesn't he?

"I'm going to tell you a story—one that doesn't involve you, but affects you and is my reality."

This story originates from Royal Road. Ensure the author gets the support they deserve by reading it there.

I admit I'm sometimes inconsiderate, since I wasn't planning to give him much explanation. However, seeing him so serious and downcast, I'm going to try to soften the blow. At least now I know I did the right thing by breaking up with him in person.

"Do you remember when we met near my parents' country house? I had gone there to review for the academy entrance exam and you came to see me."

"Yes, I remember."

"Well, that day I accidentally discovered a newly created novice dungeon that no one else had found, and I don't know why, but I went inside. There I took a serious hit to the head," I explain. This makes more sense than continuing to talk about a blow I took at some unspecified time. "And I thought I was going to die."

I see him pale.

"I've always been studious and probably somewhat superficial," I admit. From what I saw of Bianca in the otome game, saying 'somewhat' is an understatement. "That experience... made my life flash before my eyes. By improvising a torch, I was able to save myself from the slime that attacked me. But the experience deeply affected me—having been so close to losing everything, realizing that all my studying didn't prepare me for such a dangerous situation..." What a story I'm making up, but I think it's believable. I certainly can't tell him about my magic, which I used as an excuse with my parents. "I changed. The experience made me reflect, and since then, I've been training both my magic and my physical abilities."

Marco is studying me and I see him nod. It's as if what I'm telling him explains some things. Poor guy...

"I'm sorry, but I'm no longer the girl you once knew."

"I'm so glad you told me, Bianca, because when I saw you and spoke with you, you were completely different. I can confirm that you've changed, and honestly, you seem much more interesting now."

Oh, shit. This is the last thing I wanted.

"In fact," he continues, "when I came to see you, forgive me, but I wasn't entirely sure about our engagement. Now, however, I'm eager to get to know the new you better."

Yeah, at this rate he would've broken up with her that day, and that's why Bianca didn't have a fiancé in the otome...

"I'm sorry, Marco, but this brings us to why I'm not wearing the bracelet."

His expression hardens.

"Is it because of that guy? The necromancer, the one they say knelt before you and declared his love?"

They say what?

Oh my gosh! Are there rumors about the day he asked to be my vassal?

"No, it's nothing like that. Ronan and I are just friends."

Why am I talking about Ronan instead of the prince?

"Then what? If it's because I'm just the heir to a barony, you can see I'm working hard to make it more prosperous."

I put a hand over his. He's clenching his fists and might hurt himself.

"Marco, I'm sorry. I no longer feel what I used to feel for you. I've spoken with my parents, and I want to end our engagement."

"Your father...?" He seems surprised.

"My father adores you, but both he and my mother will comply with orders from above. I'm sorry—they'll contact your family. I just wanted to tell you in person, to apologize, to let you know that I feel terrible about it and that it's not because of you. I've simply changed, and not just in personality. I've also become stronger, and that opens up new opportunities for my family."

He pulls his hands away from mine as if they were on fire. His face turns serious. I imagine this is what pain and rejection look like, but fortunately, not a broken heart. He wasn't in love with Bianca.

"I understand about your new opportunities. I accept the breakup. However, that doesn't diminish my determination to improve, and who knows—maybe I can compete for your hand again in the future."

"Thank you for understanding." I hand him the bracelet.

He takes it with his gloved fingers. I can tell he wants to return it to me, but I wouldn't accept it.

Actually, I don't want to give him any false hope. If the rejection motivates him to try to win me back, once he learns about my engagement to the prince, he'll have to give up. I'd rather crush that hope now.

"Marco, I don't want to lie to you," I add. "There is someone else. It's not Ronan," I quickly clarify when I see his reaction. "I didn't seek it out, but it happened. You can't give orders to the heart."

I hadn't planned to tell him, but I don't want him to think he has any chance.

I don't know if this guy enjoys challenges, but I'm completely beyond his reach. And not because he's unattractive or I don't like him—simply because I'm no longer a side character in this world. I'm someone who doesn't want to become the next demon queen.

Marco studies me sadly, stands up, says goodbye, and leaves.

I remain there, sitting on the bench, feeling guilty about the poor guy and, at the same time, relieved because I'm finally free. Free for my prince. And that makes me feel like an even worse person.

Damn light affinity...

At least now Marco is also free to find himself a better partner.

So there I am, wondering whether I did the right thing, when a maid approaches. She doesn't look familiar at all.

"Miss L'Crom," she says, "the queen wishes to speak with you."

Oh, is this about the kiss?

I follow the maid. Looking more closely, her uniform is immaculate and she has a small shield embroidered on her cap—the royal crest. She's not young like most of the servants the students brought to the academy. She looks about ten years older than the queen. She leads me to a small room where only the queen is present.

"Your Majesty," I greet her with a curtsy.

"Come in, Bianca. Have a seat."

"Thank you."

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