The Marquis' Daughter, a Research Enthusiast, Fails to Notice Her Junior's Devoted Feelings After Her Engagement is Broken. - Chapter 1.21

Time passed smoothly, and by my third year, I had deepened my relationships with Ernest and the other romance targets.

It seemed that Professor Emil had resigned at the end of the second year. Since he had only been a temporary teacher, the original instructor had returned. Maybe Emil left because I failed to complete his events…

It was disappointing that I couldn’t win Emil over, but as long as I secured my place as queen in Ernest’s route, my future would be safe. I just needed to keep pushing forward a little longer.

The bullying events, which were crucial for Frederica’s condemnation, had intensified. No matter where I walked in the academy, someone would bump into me and make me fall. Each time, I was met with mocking laughter and snide remarks from a distance.

My desk was often filled with ruined food, and aside from Josette, no one would speak to me. The female students all regarded me with cold, contemptuous stares.

On the surface, I played the part of the sorrowful victim, only to be comforted by one of the romance targets, just as always. Ernest was particularly furious, swearing to uncover the culprit.

Since I knew this was just an event, the bullying actually made me happy. But if I weren’t aware, I probably would’ve been miserable. Without the handsome guys showering me with attention afterward, I wouldn’t have been able to endure it.

Seriously, Frederica was so petty. She never showed herself, only orchestrating these events from the shadows. She was even more insidious than in the game! I couldn’t wait for the final condemnation scene.

Then came the last and most crucial bullying event—the push down the stairs.

I was shoved hard, nearly tumbling to my death, but William immediately cast a healing spell, and the pain disappeared completely. William was a magical prodigy, so he could use the highest level of healing magic.

Ernest arrived in an instant, raging on my behalf and holding me in a princess carry as he took me to the infirmary. Naturally, there was no one else there.

With a deliberately hesitant tone, I suggested, “Maybe… it was Lady Frederica…”

Ernest’s face darkened with anger. “To think someone like her was meant to be my queen… It’s unforgivable.”

Feigning admiration, I murmured, “But still, she’s so lucky to be engaged to you, Ernest.”

At that, Ernest hesitated, his expression softening with embarrassment. Then, after a brief moment of silence, he spoke.

“Would you… no, I want you to be my queen.”

He was proposing.

Overcome with joy, I threw myself into his arms, tears shimmering in my eyes. Ernest, looking absolutely elated, gently pressed a kiss to my lips.

With my ending practically set in stone, the day of the engagement-breaking summer party finally arrived.

✶ ✶ ✶

“Frederica Lorenz! I hereby annul our engagement!”

Ernest’s voice rang out in front of the gathered nobles.

But something unexpected happened—Frederica accepted it without protest.

In the game, this was the moment where she was supposed to break down, wailing and screaming. Where was my “serves you right” moment?!

Ernest seemed just as surprised. He pressed further, demanding answers about the bullying.

Yet, Frederica remained unshaken and simply said, “I don’t know anything about her.”

I felt a wave of unease.

She was still denying everything, even at this stage?

Anxious, I insisted, “We know everything.”

Frederica calmly replied, “I was never even at the academy.”

…What?

What was she saying?

How was that possible?

What about her condemnation?

I turned to Ernest, who also looked rattled. But then he took a deep breath, looked into my eyes, and whispered, “Trust me.”

His words calmed me down, and he immediately stepped in to protect me.

Meanwhile, Frederica simply bowed her head, accepted the engagement annulment, and left the ballroom.

…Wait.

That’s it?!

The engagement was annulled, so technically, my ending was secure… but something didn’t feel right.

Looking at Ernest, I could tell he felt the same. He turned to the gathered nobles and began recounting everything Frederica had supposedly done to me.

The audience seemed uncertain, listening in silence.

To make it more convincing, I let a few tears slip as if recalling my suffering.

Ernest immediately embraced me, murmuring, “You’ve been through so much.”

I giggled internally.

Now, I was definitely going to be Ernest’s queen!

It was strange, though. None of the noble sons’ fiancées had shown up. Had they broken off their engagements on their own?

In the reverse harem route, they were supposed to remain single and devoted to me. Maybe, even without Emil, this was still leading to that outcome?

Whatever. All’s well that ends well.

Now, it was time to enjoy the world after my happy ending.

After the party, I spent the night at the royal palace with Ernest.

This was an R18 development I never got to see in the game!

I really couldn’t have asked for a better reincarnation…!