Mia Isn’t Living a Lie
The ball took place in Solecsudo Castle’s main hall. The beautifully designed room was packed with people at the mont.
Ludwig said in a quick whisper, “Your Highness, in addition to Sunkland nobility, there are, as we expected, a great many foreign dignitaries.” He looked around the hall.
Mia asked, “Are you sure?”
“Yes. A number of people have been found who fit Balthazar’s descriptions.”
“Hm… Well, I knew it wasn’t going to be a normal party since Rafina-sama and Abel were invited…”
The royal family of Sunkland was hosting the event, and Esralda, a mber of one of Tearmoon’s Four Houses, was one of the main guests. This ant that the party could not have been small.
However, I still do not understand what this party is ant to be about. What are we even celebrating about? As she looked around, she thought.
“Hi, Mia.”
A person ca up behind her and stopped her from looking around. Rafina Orca Belluga walked up dressed for a fancy ball. Her hair floated softly behind her, smooth and silky against skin as clean as snow. Her dress was a light blue color with a shimring sheen that made think of the beauty of mountain streams.
“Hello, Rafina-sama. It’s great to see you again.” Mia showed the greatest respect by bowing. “Thanks for inviting to lunch the other day. It was great.”
“That makes so happy. As a food lover, I was afraid the food might not live up to your expectations…”
The lords around them started talking as soon as they started talking.
“Hey… That person talking to Lady Rafina…”
“Yes, I understand what you an, and you’re most likely right. It’s the princess of Tearmoon…”
Mia kept looking around until she found Abel on the other side of the room. She wasn’t worried by the sudden attention she was getting.
“Hey, Abel! This way!” Right away, she waved her hand as far as it would go.
As soon as Abel saw, he walked over. “Well, soone looks beautiful today, doesn’t she?”
“Oh, Abel, you flatter so much! Also, feel free to flatter even more!”
She forgot why she ca here in an instant and started chatting with Abel, so it might have been a good thing that soone made an announcent and told them to stop.
“Everyone! Welco to this ball put on by our great kingdom of Sunkland. Thank you to everyone for coming.” It was Count Lampron, eting the guests in a proper way.
That brings to mind… His job today is to be the master of ceremonies.
Mia did nothing but watch him give his speech. She found nothing interesting in it at all. Untilsothing unexpected happened…
“In fact, I have the honor of sharing so wonderful news with our esteed guests here. The second prince of our country, His Highness Echard Sol Sunkland, is officially engaged to Lady Esralda Etoile Greenmoon of the Tearmoon Empire. A public announcent will be made soon, but for now I’m announce to this.”
People cheered when Count Lampron made his loud statent.
“What?!”
When Esralda noticed this sudden turn of events, she couldn’t help but cry out in shock. Mia was also shocked by the news, but her shock was quickly replaced by a feeling of relief. Why? You may ask?
I see! That’s why this party is happening. I understand why they invited Rafina-sama, Abel, and all the other nobles but not … It’s because they didn’t want to get in the way of their plans, not because I’m disliked, nor they hate , nor all my friendships are fake and I’m really very, very alone… Phew! That’s great!
It was finally clear to Mia what Count Lampron was up to. It was the old “fait accompli” trick: by saying ahead of ti that the engagent was official, he made it hard for anyone to say otherwise.
He’s basically forcing Esralda to a position that she can’t say no any longer. Hm, hm. He made a very smart choice here. Esralda can be a tyrant at ho, but she can be such a wimp when she’s outside.
That’s not to say Mia was a paragon of ntal fortitude or anything, but anyway…
He’s likely already talked this over with the Greenmoons. It’s likely that only Esralda doesn’t know. Oh, poor girl… Mia felt bad for her friend and thought, They set her up. But hold on. Should I really do sothing about this?
Esralda didn’t really dislike Echard. She even seed to be fond of him a little.
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I may miss her a little, but having Esralda marry into Sunkland’s royal family should make it easier to handle Sion and Echard’s bond.
After all, stopping tonight’s murder wouldn’t make their relationship better. Echard’s problems with his brother were going to stay with him. So, she should have left soone she could trust with them, like Esralda…
Soone talking next to her stopped her in the middle of her thoughts.
“Congratulations!” Rafina put her hands on her chest and said, “I wish the bride and groom all the best, and I hope that this marriage will strengthen the bond between the two nations. I know that my good friend Mia Luna Tearmoon is also thrilled to witness this. Mia, isn’t that right?”
Mia whispered, “Uh…” when she saw Rafina’s smiling, polite smile that made her feel cold.
Mia realized at that mont that Rafina was doing what Ludwig asked. This was the counterasure he had planned. It was playing out as they spoke. The problem… was that it revolved around her.
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