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 moment.
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 Esmeralda, a member of one of Tearmoon’s Four Houses, was one of the main guests. This meant that the party could not have been small.
However, I still do not understand what this party is meant to be about. What are we even celebrating about? As she looked around, she thought.
“Hi, Mia.”
A person came 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 shimmering sheen that made me 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 me to lunch the other day. It was great.”
“That makes me 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 mean, 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, someone looks beautiful today, doesn’t she?”
“Oh, Abel, you flatter me so much! Also, feel free to flatter me even more!”
She forgot why she came here in an instant and started chatting with Abel, so it might have been a good thing that someone made an announcement and told them to stop.
“Everyone! Welcome to this ball put on by our great kingdom of Sunkland. Thank you to everyone for coming.” It was Count Lampron, meeting 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. Untilsomething unexpected happened…
“In fact, I have the honor of sharing some wonderful news with our esteemed guests here. The second prince of our country, His Highness Echard Sol Sunkland, is officially engaged to Lady Esmeralda Etoile Greenmoon of the Tearmoon Empire. A public announcement will be made soon, but for now I’m announce to this.”
People cheered when Count Lampron made his loud statement.
“What?!”
When Esmeralda 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 me… It’s because they didn’t want me to get in the way of their plans, not because I’m disliked, nor they hate me, 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 time that the engagement was official, he made it hard for anyone to say otherwise.
He’s basically forcing Esmeralda to a position that she can’t say no any longer. Hm, hm. He made a very smart choice here. Esmeralda can be a tyrant at home, but she can be such a wimp when she’s outside.
That’s not to say Mia was a paragon of mental fortitude or anything, but anyway…
He’s likely already talked this over with the Greenmoons. It’s likely that only Esmeralda 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 something about this?
Esmeralda didn’t really dislike Echard. She even seemed to be fond of him a little.
I may miss her a little, but having Esmeralda 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 someone she could trust with them, like Esmeralda…
Someone 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 moment that Rafina was doing what Ludwig asked. This was the countermeasure he had planned. It was playing out as they spoke. The problem… was that it revolved around her.
