The Marquis' Daughter, a Research Enthusiast, Fails to Notice Her Junior's Devoted Feelings After Her Engagement is Broken. - Chapter 1.3

The research institute in this country operates under the Ministry of Magic. While most of its members are government-employed researchers, individuals like Lady Frederica, who have no plans to work for the Ministry in the future, also belong to it for academic purposes. The institute offers advanced knowledge in specialized fields, and it even accepts scholars from foreign countries, though the admission process is highly selective.

While the institute is open to individuals of all social classes, the majority of its members come from lower-ranking nobility, with commoners being a rare exception.

As for high-ranking nobles, they are more likely to be assigned to administrative roles within the Ministry of Magic, making their presence in the research institute quite uncommon. Given that, Lady Frederica—being both a high-ranking noble and a woman—must be an extremely rare case.

It had been six years since I last saw Lady Frederica.

I had kept up with her whereabouts through friends in this country, but nothing compared to the anticipation of seeing her in person.

How much had she changed? Had she grown even more beautiful?

Would she be happy to see me?

I couldn’t wait to share everything I had learned in my homeland with her. While she likely had a general understanding of the latest advancements, there were hidden insights and nuances that hadn’t been conveyed through secondhand information.

I wanted her to be excited—to smile when she heard what I had to share.

Of course, I had changed as well. She might not recognize me immediately, but if I reminded her of our promise, she would surely remember.

I had come all this way to fulfill the vow we made back then, and I couldn’t wait to tell her.

Finally, the day had arrived.

My first day at the research institute.

With my heart pounding in anticipation, I maintained a composed expression, carefully wearing a polished smile as I stepped into the institute alongside the professor.

Click.

The door opened, and the familiar scent of the laboratory filled the air.

It was a distinctive blend—a mixture of potions used as mana catalysts and the oil from precision tools. A scent unique to places of magic and research.

Inside, the laboratory was already bustling with activity. Researchers were seated at their desks, engrossed in their work.

I wanted nothing more than to search for Lady Frederica immediately, but I forced myself to remain composed.

“Alright, listen up for a moment. We have a new researcher joining us today, so pay attention.”

At the professor’s words, all eyes turned toward me.

There was a moment of tension, a mixture of curiosity and wariness.

I was used to these kinds of stares—particularly from other men.

My noble status and appearance often made others instinctively guarded around me.

A quick glance around confirmed that nearly all the researchers here were male, dressed in white lab coats with little concern for fashion. Many wore glasses, their expressions serious as they focused on their research.

It wasn’t any different from the magic engineering and magical mechanics labs in my own country—quintessential magic scholars, through and through.

“This is Emil Fitzgerald, a scholar from the Duchy of Viehert. He specialized in visual-based magical research back in his home country. Treat him well.”

“Thank you for the introduction. I am Emil Fitzgerald. I have been looking forward to studying alongside all of you. I appreciate your guidance.”

I delivered my introduction with my best polite smile, maintaining the perfect external demeanor I had refined over the years.

Then, as I scanned the room, my eyes finally found her.

There she was.

Lady Frederica.

Her long amethyst hair was tied back in a simple, loose ponytail, and she wore a plain white lab coat over her attire.

She had grown taller, her figure more graceful than before.

But more than anything—she had become even more beautiful.

I felt an overwhelming wave of emotion, tears almost welling up in my eyes.

But I clenched my teeth, biting the inside of my cheek to hold them back.

I had finally returned to her side.

“Ah, your desk will be here. As for the lab’s procedures and general guidelines… ah, well, I need to step out for a while. Lady Frederica, could you show him around?”

Lady Frederica looked slightly surprised at being assigned this task but nodded in agreement.

Good job, Professor!

You’ve already created an opportunity for me to interact with Lady Frederica!

I swear my loyalty to you from this day forward!

As I silently celebrated, she turned to me with a warm smile and extended her hand.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Frederica Lorenz. I’ve been part of this lab for two years now.”

“N-Nice… to meet you…?”

Wait.

Did she forget about me?

Well, I suppose it’s possible. I have grown and changed over the years, so maybe she didn’t recognize me right away.

Convincing myself of this, I briefly reminded her of our past meeting, hoping it would jog her memory.

But she only tilted her head in confusion.

“Hmm… I’m not very good at remembering people, so it seems I’ve forgotten. Sorry about that.”

“N-no… It’s… totally fine… Looking forward to working with you…”

I forced out a polite response, but my soul crumbled into dust and was carried away by the wind.

Still, I maintained a smile, shaking her hand.

Her hand was soft.