The three had been friends for some time, and it wasn’t unusual for them to eat together. Today, Shiller had come to Emma and Margit’s classroom to invite them to lunch.
“How did the test go?” Shiller asked, starting the conversation.
“I didn’t have any problems,” Margit replied confidently.
“I’m not so sure,” Emma said hesitantly.
Both Shiller and Margit looked at her. Considering the events of the previous week, they understood her uncertainty.
Margit suddenly brightened. “Why don’t I talk to His Highness? It might speed things up.”
Shiller had made a similar offer before, but Emma didn’t want to use connections to crush her opposition.
“There’s no need to worry. The matter is already settled between our fathers,” Emma assured them.
“The engagement is annulled?”
“Yes, it’s officially annulled. Compensation will be paid as well.”
“That’s it?” Shiller and Margit exclaimed in unison.
Emma explained that she had been present for the discussions and was satisfied with the terms.
“But Emma has suffered so much… No matter. If the engagement is annulled, then I have no reason to hold back,” Shiller declared.
“Finally! This might actually be a good thing!” Margit exclaimed cheerfully.
“Huh?” Emma tilted her head, confused by Margit’s reaction.
Margit laughed, clearly enjoying the situation. “I’m sorry, but I’ll be rooting for Shiller. This way, I can stay friends with you for a long, long time.”
Emma didn’t quite understand, but if Shiller, who had never wronged her, and Margit, her trusted friend, both agreed on something, she would support it.
“I’ll root for you too, Shiller!” Emma said, though she still wasn’t sure what she was supporting.
Margit’s joyful laughter drowned out her question, and Shiller simply smiled, saying, “If that’s the case, I feel like I can give it my all.” Neither offered any further explanation, leaving Emma in the dark but strangely reassured.
As the dining hall bustled with people during lunch, the noticeable space around Emma and her companions seemed to attract attention. A pair of students—a man and a woman—approached, searching for a place to sit. Upon recognizing Emma, the woman greeted her with exaggerated friendliness.
“It’s been so long, Lady Emma! I was so worried about you this past week!”
It was Muir. Though etiquette dictated that those of lower rank should not address high-ranking nobles so casually, the academy prided itself on equality under its rules, where social status ostensibly didn’t matter. Yet, such behavior was rare unless genuine familiarity existed—and Emma and Muir had only met briefly during the recent soirée. This was outright disrespectful.
“I had a wonderful time at the soirée,” Emma replied with a polite, noble smile.
Muir’s face instantly darkened.
“I heard your engagement was annulled while you were away. Isn’t it tough without a fiancé to marry into your family?”
“Thank you for your concern, but everything has been resolved smoothly.”
“That’s good to hear! Oh, we’ll sit here. There aren’t any other seats.”
Without waiting for permission, Muir settled two seats away from Emma and waved to someone carrying a tray. Naturally, it was Nick.
Nick’s face twisted into a smug grin when he saw Emma, but upon noticing Margit seated beside her, his expression soured. Even someone as shameless as Nick understood the danger of offending the future princess.
“Let’s not sit here, Muir,” Nick muttered.
“But there’s nowhere else to sit!”
“Tch. Looking at that gloomy girl will ruin my appetite.”
“Oh, you’re right! Let’s eat on the benches outside instead!”
Emma caught a glimpse of Shiller’s lips curling into a smirk.
“Gloomy? Who are you talking about?”
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