“Well then, I’m off.”

Finally, the day of graduation has arrived.

The graduation commemoration ceremony and the subsequent party will be held within the academy.

Having finished dressing up in the mansion’s dressing room, I bowed to my brother before trying to leave the entrance hall.

“Wait, Mireille. Do you intend to go alone?” My betraying elder brother asked with a surprisingly curious expression.

Is he pointing out that the crown prince isn’t coming to pick me up? Even though I already mentioned that the relationship has broken down, asking such an obvious question is truly mean.

Ever since the day I witnessed the wall slam, I’ve been avoiding my brother. I averted my gaze and answered curtly, “Prince Judrich will not be coming to this mansion, and there will be no escort during the ceremony. So, I will go alone. Farewell.”

As I tried to pass by my brother, he lightly grabbed my wrist and stopped me.

“What is it?”

“Is it your intention to go without an escort, bringing shame to our family? I cannot overlook that, Mireille.”

“It can’t be helped, can it? It’s the prince’s wish.”

“Why don’t you ask me for an escort?”

“…”

He seriously looked like he was going to take me to the attic, so I lost my nerve and begged him to come with me.

My brother, who was in a good mood, led me to the carriage, and the carriage was finally able to leave.

What is really going on inside this person’s head…?

With my head full of question marks, I arrived at the school.

Whether this world is on the crown prince route or the Milerd route, I don’t know, but I can’t trust my brother, who flirts with Isla either way.

As I pondered how to respond, my other wrist was also caught. He approached me persistently.

“I’ve been waiting for you to ask me for an escort. Why won’t you rely on me?”

“Well…”

Behind that beautiful smile, a strange pressure oozed out.

“Now say it, Mireille. ‘Brother, please come with me.'”

“What? Are you trying to make me say something disgusting? I don’t want to. I’m going alone.”

“I’ll never let you go alone. If you insist on going, I’ll lock you up.”

“Huh? Wait a minute…”

In the end, I yielded to being taken to the attic room and ended up pleading, “Brother, please come with me.” My brother, who became uncharacteristically cheerful, led me to the carriage, and finally, the carriage departed.

What is going on in this person’s head?

With my head full of question marks, we arrived at the academy.

Arm in arm with my brother, we entered the venue of the graduation ceremony.

My brother, famous for his beautiful appearance, drew the heated gazes of all the young ladies in the venue.

And when those gazes shifted from my brother to me, they turned into awkward expressions. It seems they pity me for not having the crown prince as an escort and instead being accompanied by my family.

As we were escorted to the seats for graduates, my brother, instead of going to the parents’ seats, disappeared from the venue. The venue was filled with students and parents, but my brother never returned. That brother is truly incomprehensible…

Rustling.

All eyes were drawn to the entrance.

Entering in a dignified manner was Crown Prince Judrich in royal attire. He was escorting Baroness Isla Donovan. Her sky-blue dress matched the color of the crown prince’s eyes and was an extravagant piece suitable for standing alongside royalty.

With a solemnity reminiscent of a wedding ceremony, the two proceeded to the back of the venue, cuddling together. Isla had a charming smile on her face.

Whether they felt my gaze or not, Isla glanced back, seeming to say, “Isn’t it frustrating not to have the prince’s escort?” She smiled as if she wanted to say that. I returned a ladylike smile:If you want a cheating man, go ahead. But if you intend to belittle me, I won’t forgive you.

With silent smiles exchanged, our showdown was about to begin.

* * *

With the orchestra’s music, the graduation ceremony began.

It was usual for the king not to attend, as represented by Duchess Camilla Meldel, the dean of the academy, who sat in the guest seat.

The ceremony, including speeches from the Dean and guests and the orchestra’s commemorative performance, proceeded smoothly.

Thump. Thump. My heart was pounding.

My palms were sweating.

In my head, the sound of an hourglass echoed smoothly.

Even though there were two years of preparation, today was the decisive battle.

Can I win?

Eventually, the ceremony concluded, and it was time for the graduation party.

Everyone left the ceremony venue and headed to the adjacent party hall.

According to the information, the party would start with a meal and conversation time, followed by dancing.

I expect Prince Judrich will come to me with the annulment of our engagement during the dance.

… Interrupting the dance music to annul the engagement is a cliché in these games.

Either way, the showdown was imminent.

As I took a deep breath to calm my nerves, a server poured wine into my glass.

Everyone’s glasses were filled with drinks.

The customary toast before the meal is usually led by the highest-ranking student among the graduates. In this case, it would be Crown Prince Judrich—

“Everyone. Before we start the graduation party, let me make a ‘significant announcement.’ Listen up!”

Ah!?

Is that idiot choosing this timing!?

“I, Crown Prince Judrich Floren, hereby declare the annulment of the engagement with Mireille Gasstark, the daughter of the Marquis!”

announcing the annulment before the toast!?

This is supposed to be the moment when everyone cheers and raises their glasses!?

Everyone is frozen, not knowing what to do, and holding their wine glasses. Some are so surprised that they spilled their wine. Poor them…

At this crazy timing, the fuse of our battle was finally lit—