I, the Female Lead, Ruined the Original Chapter 133

Selleana chuckled inwardly and asked slyly, “Your Highness. Do you still believe the feelings you had for me were love?”

 

“What?”

 

Pavellian’s face contorted. He groaned, sighing afterward. Remembering what he had said, his expression turned uncomfortable. Despite the lively dance music starting, making their feet move constantly, his expression didn’t relax.

 

Good grief, he’s such a small-minded person. Selleana knew that look on Pavellian’s face well. She had spent years trying not to upset him.

 

“The saintess played quite a nasty trick, didn’t she?”

 

“Having experienced it myself, I can’t say it was all nonsense… I was really wrong back then. There’s no way I could have liked a strong-willed woman like Lady.”

 

“See? I was right. The way Your Highness acted nervously and impulsively around me was simply due to anxiety.”

 

Pavellian frowned. It hurt his pride to admit Selleana was right, but he couldn’t argue that his feelings were anything different. He chose to change the subject instead.

 

“Come to think of it… what about your commoner lover? Was it just a disguise?”

 

“Ah, that was the fifth prince.”

 

“What?” Pavellian’s face showed visible surprise. “You were definitely with a brown-haired man at the harvest festival night market… Even if he used magic to change his appearance, did he really agree to go to such a place?”

 

Selleana giggled, knowing exactly why he was flustered. Pavellian frowned at her laughter. In the past, Selleana wouldn’t have dared to laugh out loud in front of him.

 

“That’s one of the many reasons I love the fifth prince.”

 

“What…?”

 

“He doesn’t question or judge my choices but simply follows, believing I have my reasons.”

 

“What if it’s a foolish thought?”

 

“Why judge what’s foolish or not? For example, I find it a bit ridiculous that Your Highness go hunting every weekend.”

 

“What?”

 

“Just for example.”

 

Selleana’s feigned regretful expression revealed her true feelings under the guise of an example.

 

“That’s why we should discuss and logically agree on why we do what we do.”

 

“…”

 

“If Your Highness were more open to suggestions… it would be good to learn this from your brother.”

 

Just then, the dance music sped up, and it was time to switch partners. When the music finally ended, Pavellian still looked bewildered, clearly not understanding Selleana’s point. She wasn’t expecting him to.

 

Selleana let go of his hand and stepped back, bowing as was customary. “Thank you for keeping me company.”

 

“…I hope you find happiness with my older brother.”

 

* * *

“Wow, it’s my first time dancing at a ball. It’s more fun than I thought. Thank you for asking me, Milord.”

 

“It’s my pleasure.”

 

Another participant in the recent lively dance was Michi, who had decided to stop hiding behind her glasses. Her honey-blonde hair was elegantly styled, and in a light blue dress, she looked like a Disney princess.

 

“Who is that lovely young lady?”

 

“I haven’t seen her before….”

 

“Is she associated with the Elard family?”

 

“Could it be that Lord Elard is secretly in love?”

 

Her debut was a success. Theonis had even asked Michi for a dance, piquing everyone’s curiosity. Though everyone was curious about her identity, there was no formal introduction since she had debuted three years ago.

 

“Here, have a drink.”

 

“Won’t you dance, Milord?”

 

“If I dance, it will look like a military drill.” Peredo, calling over a passing servant, handed sparkling wine to Michi and Theonis.

 

“Is this wine good?”

 

“It’s made in the unique style of the Rodenyu region, so it’s called Rodenyu. It has a slightly earthy aroma compared to other sparkling wines.”

 

Michi accepted the glass Peredo handed her and sipped elegantly. People watching from afar were captivated by her delicate neck.

 

“Earthy…?”

 

“Take a whiff. Can’t you smell it? This yeast aroma.”

 

“I don’t understand what I’m supposed to smell…. Anyway, who drinks alcohol for the taste?”

 

“I think I get it.”

 

While Peredo and Michi bickered, Theonis sipped the wine seriously.

 

Due to Prince Erenst’s affair, Theonis had become close to Michi while taking care of her on Selleana’s behalf.

 

“She’s close with Sir Peredo too?”

 

“Come to think of it, didn’t Lady Elard’s maid have hair that color?”

 

“She always wore glasses, so I didn’t know her face….”

 

“Does the Branto family have vineyards?”

 

With a demeanor that suggested familiarity with the Elard siblings and a charm that hinted at expertise in wine, many were intrigued by the new beauty. They glanced at their cheerful time together.

 

Lady Branto…

 

Among them, looking at her with a distant, longing gaze, was Tiel Orelli, Michi’s male lead. Having heard the details from Selleana when she was taken away, he felt immense guilt towards Michi. He never imagined his old friend, Prince Erenst, could be so coercive… It was also why he testified about Prince Erenst’s collusion with the empress, aiding in his banishment.

 

I need to apologize.

 

The problem was that too many people were trying to approach Michi now that she was no longer hiding behind glasses. She was undeniably the star of the night.

 

Regardless of the interest, there was also a sense of irritation. It was because of the people who kept glancing their way.

 

“Honestly, these sh*tty men here have no loyalty….” Cursing them with her eyes, Agnesia gulped her wine.

 

The ones she was referring to were the same men who had eagerly tried to win Rosalli’s favor by showering her with gifts.

 

“All the fake friendship those sh*tty said just to avoid rejection, where did it all go?”

 

With Eirene’s arrival and Rosalli’s subsequent disappearance, it had become widely known that Rosalli was an adopted daughter. Despite her still being Duke Glen’s daughter, the way people changed their attitude so easily was sickening.

 

“What does it matter? They’re drooling over Michi, not her. Thought it might be tough for Michi…”

 

“True.”

 

At Rosalli’s remark, Agnesia glanced over her wine glass at ‘her.’ It was Eirene Glen, dressed up in the gown and accessories taken from Rosalli. Compared to Michi, that side was rather quiet. Only a few desperate old bachelors and married men, blinded by Glen’s influence, hovered around her.

 

“Didn’t you say she was a kind of Pied Piper in your original story?”

 

“It seems like our Michi has stronger reverse harem power.”

 

Watching this, Agnesia and Rosalli chuckled.

 

Recently, Agnesia had been staying at Rosalli’s apartment, deepening their bond.

 

“Anyway, I’m fine. You always said it. All men here are b*stards.”

 

“Just saying it and experiencing it are different.”

 

With another curse, Agnesia downed another glass of wine. Watching this, Rosalli gently took the glass from her.

 

“Nesia, let me give you some advice. Making courage with alcohol just leads to saying things you don’t mean. It’s pointless.”

 

“W-What courage.” Agnesia’s face reddened as she reflexively denied it.

 

It was her first time attending a ball as Lady Merlin after leaving the temple.

 

“F*ck, I’m so nervous.”

 

Even though she pretended otherwise, this place was a bed of thorns for Agnesia. Fortunately, Margrave Gotenfrid didn’t appear at the ball. Because the northern regions he ruled had long winters, he couldn’t leave his territory for long, even though he hadn’t gotten his money back from Baron Merlin. Baron Merlin, avoiding Gotenfrid’s henchmen, wasn’t in a position to attend such an event either. Thus, Agnesia, who had previously dreaded social gatherings, attended the imperial ball for one reason.

 

“Should I call her over?”

 

“No, damn it, wait. I’m not ready.”

 

“Will you be ready today?” Rosalli laughed as Agnesia grumbled.

 

While they were bickering,

 

“Um, Lady Agnesia…?”

 

Seeing who approached them, Agnesia almost spat out her wine.

 

“Si-Sister Mellisa…”

 

It was Mellisa Rondell.

 

The reason Agnesia attended the ball was to meet Mellisa’s group and apologize for everything.