The annulment of my engagement with Prince Freddie, along with the fact that Lula had awakened her power as the saint, immediately spread throughout the kingdom.

Thus, along with Prince Freddie’s birthday party, which had been postponed due to his illness, a party to announce Lula’s status as a saint was to be held promptly.

Apparently, Prince Freddie had an important announcement to make during that party.

Of course, most of the aristocrats in the kingdom had already guessed it—

—it was the engagement between the first prince, Prince Freddie, and the saint, Lula.

***

“Lady Daisy, shall we take a break?”

When I exhaled in the student council room of the academy, a duke’s son—Ryan, called out to me.

The student council president himself—Prince Freddie—was too busy with his prince’s education, and rarely appeared. As such, his work was delegated to the vice-president, Ryan, and other members. That included me and a certain count’s daughter, Becky.

“Let’s do that? Until now, Lady Daisy has been having to go to the royal palace as soon as her work finished. She’s barely had time for tea.”

“Becky—!”

Ryan reprimanded Becky who was smiling.

“Oh, I didn’t mean that. I’m sorry.”

Becky blanched.

…Until recently, I had to go to the royal palace to take the princess education. However, I no longer had to do so as I was no longer engaged with Prince Freddie.

I felt sorry for worrying the two.

“No, it’s exactly like she said. I haven’t had time to have tea with the two of you until now. I’d like to spend time with you again.”

From the princess education, I had learned how to smile flawlessly. However, when he saw that, Ryan was saddened for some reason.

I ordered tea from the café and had it delivered while Becky brought the sweets. To surround myself with warm tea and delicious sweets, along with two trustworthy friends—I felt truly comfortable.

…Until now, I’ve been so utterly busy, I didn’t even have time to realize that…

…Apparently, the world could also feel this peaceful.

“I’m sorry for making you worry.”

Once again, I apologized to the two.

“Don’t mind that. I’m honored to be able to work with Lady Daisy in the student council.”

“Thank you, Lady Becky.”

“…However, you seem to be going through a lot. Perhaps, we may be of help…”

“…Lord Ryan.”

Ever since my sigh earlier, he had been concerned.

“Thank you, but… it’s not a big deal.”

“There’s no need to force yourself to say it. In fact, it’s even more worrying when you do.”

Due to Ryan’s kind words and Becky’s concerned gaze, I inadvertently told them about what my father had said last night.

“…To be quite honest with you, there’s no one to escort me to the upcoming party.”

“The upcoming party, as in, the unveiling of the saint?”

“That’s right…”

“What about Marquis Astor?”

“My father is busy…”

At such a large-scale party, it was natural for unmarried aristocrats to attend with their partners—such as fiancées.

Now that my engagement with Prince Freddie had been annulled, I only had my family to escort me. However, since I didn’t have any siblings, the task should’ve fallen to my father. But last night, he told me, “I’m busy.”

…I couldn’t imagine participating by my lonesome. Besides, in this kingdom, it was well known that fathers would take time away from work to attend such events, even if it was to merely play the role of an escort…

“…How terrible.”

As such, it was only natural for Becky to say that.

“Then, I shall escort you.”

Without the slightest hesitation, Ryan declared that, making my worries since last night feel unfounded.

“But doesn’t Lord Ryan already have a partner?”

“I was planning to escort my sister, but I’ll let my father do that instead.”

“I don’t want to inconvenience you, especially considering how sudden this is…”

“Originally, my father had wanted to escort my sister. However, I won the right to do so because I don’t have a partner. Surely, my father will be happy to assume that role.”

“…Thank you very much.”

The kindness in Ryan’s smile spoiled me.

I didn’t realize that Becky was brightly smiling at us.

***

On the day of Prince Freddie’s 16^th birthday and Lula’s debut party, Sarah—my personal maid—took care of my outfit. Thus, I entered the party venue with Ryan.

I didn’t fail to notice the curious and disdained glances from some of the nobles. Perhaps, the annulment of my engagement with Prince Freddie was the cause. However, Ryan immediately shot a look at those nobles, protecting me.

“…I’ll make a list of the people who gave Lady Daisy a rude gaze later. In the meantime, think of the way you’d like to punish them.”

I couldn’t help but laugh when he uttered that with a straight face.

“Are you trying to make a joke?”

“Why? I’m being serious, though?”

“…Unexpectedly, is Lord Ryan a scary person?”

“I’ll show no mercy to those I consider as my enemy.”

Within Ryan’s sharp gaze, the figure of Prince Freddie as he walked into the splendid hall accompanied with orchestral music was reflected. Just like Prince Freddie, Lula—who stood beside him, had a brilliant smile.

Lula sat in the place I used to occupy until now.

Looking at how happy Prince Freddie was, my heart was in shambles.

---

***T/N: So far all the good guys in Faux is named Ryan.

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