Over time, rumors began circulating about Adeline having a romantic interest. Naturally, the source of the rumors was none other than my mother, who twisted the truth about our outings with Freddie. Irritated by her behavior, I sent a letter apologizing for any inconvenience she caused.
Freddie’s response, likely written in a manner to avoid my mother reading it, reassured me in a roundabout, aristocratic way: “It’s of no concern.”
I graduated as the valedictorian and secured a position in the royal palace. At the ceremony, both graduates and underclassmen shed tears, making it a poignant and bittersweet occasion.
Amid the heartfelt goodbyes, I raised my voice to ensure everyone could hear me.
“My fellow graduates, if there’s anything I can do to assist you, please don’t hesitate to reach out. To the underclassmen, I’ve donated final versions of my reference books to the library. While they’re only available for borrowing and copying, I hope you find them helpful.”
The graduates exchanged smiles, while the underclassmen’s sorrow turned to cheers of joy.
…Well, that’s how it always is, isn’t it?
* * *
After returning home, I prepared for the graduation party. I had no suitable dress, so I considered wearing my uniform. However, Freddie unexpectedly sent a beautiful dress as a congratulatory gift. Smiling wryly at his thoughtfulness, I borrowed some jewelry from Adeline, dressed quickly, and headed to the party by carriage.
At the venue’s entrance, Freddie was chatting with a small group. When I called out to him, he turned, saw me, and widened his eyes in surprise.
“…Lady Amanda?”
“Yes, indeed. Sorry to have kept you waiting.”
“Ah… well… um…”
“Is it a case of ‘clothes make the woman’?” I teased.
“No, no! You look far more stunning than I imagined. It’s so breathtaking that words fail me,” Freddie admitted, flustered.
“My, how flattering. It’s my first time wearing makeup—I look like a different person, don’t I? Even I was surprised.”
I lightly patted my cheeks for emphasis, and Freddie, seemingly at a loss for words, let out a wry laugh. With a faint blush coloring his face, he extended his arm and, with a playful grin, said, “Shall we, milady?”
Feeling a flutter of amusement, I lifted my chin slightly, responding with mock formality, “Certainly,” and linked my arm with his. Together, we entered the graduation party venue.
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