The Knight Who Broke Off Our Engagement and Told Me to Never Show My Face Again Still Clings to Me Today, Even Though I Was Possessed and Turned Into a Villainess for Ten Years - 14 - The Ball

“Miss, you really look so wonderful…!”

“Yes, without a doubt, you are the most beautiful in the world!”

“Everyone, thank you.”

The day of the ball. I wore the dress Father prepared for this day—it was way too beautiful. The maids got so serious and did my makeup and hair with great care.

The dress even had pearls sewn into it, and it sparkled whenever I moved. I had done as I pleased, so I was a bit worried if everything was okay, but it seems my Arclight family is richer than I thought. We have a lot of income from our land every month, so I was told not to worry.

The light purple dress looked like the color of my eyes and also matched my silver hair well. Recently, I finally got used to how I look and even started enjoying fashion.

When I opened the jewelry box that I used, the gems inside still shined so brightly that they hurt my eyes.

“Um… I guess these two are good.”

It seems she liked red, because there were a lot of big ruby accessories. I took out a simple amethyst necklace and earrings and put them on.

Just thinking about how much all this costs makes me dizzy. I plan to sell most of it soon.

After I finished getting ready and went to the main hall, my parents and the servants gave me so many compliments it was a little embarrassing. Then I got into the carriage. Tim is with me again today on the way to the venue.

“Miss, listen. No matter how bad the rumors about you were before, if they see you like this, men will definitely approach. You must not follow them around, okay?”

“Okay, I understand.”

“After the broken engagement, you are definitely a target. And also, do not go anywhere outside the venue.”

“Got it.”

Until we arrived at the venue, Tim kept worrying about me. Ever since I returned to this body, he always stayed by my side when I went out. I guess he’s even more worried now because I’m going to a place where he can’t reach me. He’s really such a kind person.

…By the way, yesterday my tutor, Ms. Ramona, came to our house. She’s truly a wonderful person. In a short time, she taught me all the basic manners I should know in a social setting.

I’m really looking forward to learning more things like magic and studying from her. But still, I can’t help but wonder why someone like her agreed to be my tutor.

Eventually, we arrived at the venue. I got out of the carriage, took a deep breath, and slowly started walking. It’s my first time in public again since the engagement was broken. And it’s quite a big event.

I’m nervous, but I’ll just stay calm and quiet. While feeling sharp gazes pointed at me, I stepped into the royal castle. “Huh, is that Sadie Arclight…?” “I can’t believe she showed her face here.” I heard voices like that.

I told myself not to mind it, and kept walking with my head high. By the way, I practiced walking in heels a lot too. Then, just before entering the ballroom, I suddenly saw something black that looked familiar and stopped in my tracks.

“…Rufus?”

Down the long hallway, Rufus was talking to someone who looked like his coworker, and our eyes met clearly. I also recognized the man with him. He was wearing a knight’s uniform, so he must be working security at the castle today. He’s four years older than me.

Rufus opened his sharp eyes wide and looked at me in surprise. Even that expression looked like a painting to me.

I stopped walking without thinking, but I didn’t have time to just stand there. I gave him a small smile and nodded, then started walking again. I hope he read the letter I sent the other day. That’s what I was thinking as I walked past him—and then it happened.

I suddenly heard a loud thud behind me. I turned around quickly and saw Rufus’s head somehow stuck against the wall. It looks like he accidentally hit it.

I was worried, but the coworker next to him gave me a small smile and made a gesture that said, “He’s fine, go on.” So I nodded and walked away again.

Even someone like Rufus, who is a captain of the knights, can bump into things by accident. Strangely, after seeing his face, I felt a little less nervous.

And then, I entered the sparkling ballroom alone.

◇◇◇

“Oh, Sadie. I was waiting for you.”

“Eliza.”

“Hehe, you look so beautiful again today.”

As soon as I entered, Eliza came up and talked to me. But the moment everyone around her saw me, they clearly looked confused and stepped back from me.

“Lady… Sadie?”

“Yes, that’s right.”

“Your whole presence has really changed…”

I heard that I used to be really harsh toward young ladies of lower status than me. So of course, just a little change in appearance wouldn’t make people act friendly.

“…I’ll go greet some people.”

Of course, I didn’t know who I should even greet. And there’s probably no one who would be happy to be greeted by me anyway. But I felt sorry for ruining the mood of the place just by being here.

Eliza said she would stay with me, but for now, I decided to be on my own.

More than anything, I need to find Neil. Is he really here somewhere in this big venue?

I went to a corner of the hall and leaned against the wall. Still feeling those piercing stares, I was wondering how to find Neil, or what I’d do if he turned out to be a completely different person inside—when I heard a voice.

“There you are. I was looking for you.”

When I looked up, a handsome young man with soft brown hair was smiling at me. He looked so happy to see me that I could tell we must be close.

Maybe he’s someone I used to be close to. If so, this is very awkward—and scary. As I was wondering how to respond, he suddenly started laughing like it was funny.

“Haha, Sadie, you haven’t changed at all.”

“……Um,”

“Your face still shows everything you feel.”

Then he smiled like a child, all crinkled and soft.

“Nice to meet you, Sadie. I’m Neil.”