My Lover Isn't Interested With The Female lead!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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My Lover Isn’t Interested With The Female lead!

✽ CHAPTER 35✽

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Emerging from the drawing room, Letticia walked down a long, decorated hallway. After what felt like several minutes, she finally arrived at the audience chamber where the Empress awaited.

 

Standing before the guarded door, Letticia took a deep breath.

 

‘I must do my best. Even if the Empress chooses me, I must ensure there’s no question of fairness.’

 

Judith, who often visited the Count of Sharon to see her friend Lenoa, always looked at Letticia with a childlike admiration, as if she were a princess.

 

Over the past year, Judith had watched Letticia prepare for her debut, often following Lenoa to see Letticia try on dresses and adorn herself with jewels. She would frequently mention the Empress’s expectations.

 

‘The Empress said she hopes Letticia will dance the minuet with Matthias next year.’

 

‘I’m a bit worried if I can meet the Empress’s expectations.’

 

‘No, Letticia, you certainly can do it!’

 

The Empress and the Princess’s expectations added to the pressure.

 

Even though Letticia was working hard to ensure there would be no accusations of favoritism towards the Count of Sharon’s family, she didn’t want to disappoint them.

 

However, she wanted to avoid dancing with Matthias, which put her in a dilemma.

 

‘Is this what they call a poisoned chalice…?’

 

Since Ariette had not debuted yet, Matthias hadn’t become a stalker, but if his past were true to the original story, the seeds of obsession were already there.

 

She wanted to avoid clichés like ‘You’re the first woman to make me feel this way’ or ‘After saving the original male lead, trying to pair him with the original heroine only to be tied down again.’ Living with a possessive husband was not something she desired.

 

‘I can’t stand men who obsess over me.’

 

She didn’t want a life where she was constantly monitored under the guise of protection, or where any interaction with another man was seen as a threat.

 

So, she decided to do her best at the audience. If she had to dance with Matthias, she would act as someone he would find boring.

 

At that moment, the door began to open. Letticia stepped forward before it was fully open, having been warned that being late would result in a deduction of points.

 

“Debutante Letticia of the Sharon family, entering with the introduction of her mother, the Countess of Sharon!”

 

As the royal chamberlain announced her, Letticia entered the audience chamber and slightly bowed her head toward the Empress seated at the end.

 

One must not make eye contact until permitted by royalty, so she walked with her head bowed, but not too low, maintaining a perfect angle she had practiced over time.

 

She walked gracefully and elegantly on the red carpet towards the Empress, ignoring the whispers evaluating her.

 

“Tsk, her gait is flawless.”

 

“The angle of her head… not too humble, but not too bold either.”

 

“But what’s with that dress? How could they let her wear that to court?”

 

“She’s the Countess of Sharon’s daughter. Perhaps some will foolishly copy that dress.”

 

Ignoring the critical whispers, Letticia stopped five steps before the Empress and bowed, gracefully positioning her leg and slightly bending her knee—a pose that could look awkward if not done correctly.

 

She had practiced this pose numerous times.

 

‘Perfect,’ she thought.

 

It seemed she wasn’t the only one who thought so.

 

“…An excellent greeting.”

 

“Her posture is impeccable. With such a thin dress, any flaw would be apparent.”

 

The dress Letticia chose was thinner than most, moving with her every motion, leaving no room for clumsy techniques hidden by thicker fabric.

 

It was a perfect way to demonstrate her well-practiced etiquette. Only then would there be no complaints if she were selected as the diamond of the season.

 

As the rustling of the dress fabric signaled the Empress’s approach, her voice was filled with satisfaction and joy.

 

 

“…That’s perfect, the Sharon’s daughter.”

 

With those words, the Empress did not extend her hand but instead leaned forward to kiss Letticia gently on the forehead. This action caused a further buzz among the people.

 

“The Empress kissed the Count of Sharon’s daughter!”

 

“The diamond of this season is practically decided…”

 

“Of course, the Empress seems to favor the Sharon family.”

 

“But still, to choose a debutante dressed like that…”

 

“Why? It looks fresh and vibrant. The count’s daughter has an excellent sense of style.”

 

Amidst the murmurs, Letticia maintained her composure and elegantly stood up, slowly retreating backwards to join the empty space she had noted earlier among the onlookers.

 

Due to the strict rule that one must never turn their back on the Empress, she had practiced walking backward for months.

 

Who knew if they were training debutantes or creating historically notable dancers? Yet, she would do anything for the title of diamond.

 

‘If I were to return to my previous life like this, I could set a world record for walking backward…’

 

Demonstrating her skill at hiding her true thoughts behind a composed expression, Letticia maintained her dignity throughout the rest of the audience. She keenly observed the other debutantes.

 

Fortunately, none displayed etiquette noticeably superior to hers or made more impressive greetings.

 

“Ouch!”

 

There were those who stumbled while walking.

 

“Eek-”

 

Or those who, upon finishing their bow, bumped into the person behind them, inadvertently showing their back to the Empress.

 

“…You’ve worked hard.”

 

Many, perhaps from over-practicing, had legs trembling so much that they couldn’t maintain their balance during their greeting, failing to receive even a customary compliment from the Empress.

 

After about thirty more greetings, the Empress finally rose and declared,

 

“Everyone has worked hard preparing for this audience. Therefore, take some rest for tonight’s ball. You are dismissed.”

 

The nobles standing to the sides began to move only after the Empress had left. In the rush of people eager to rest, Camilla subtly squeezed Letticia’s hand and made eye contact.

 

“Walk gracefully, without haste.”

 

It was a point Camilla had emphasized before they came. Many nobles, tired of waiting too long, tended to forget it: the examiners observed debutantes until they left the palace grounds.

 

“Mother, let’s go quickly!”

 

“Yes, let’s go redo our hair.”

 

“Ah, there’s still the ball. I want to take this off soon.”

 

“You must remain still until we’re out!”

 

Some debutantes rushed out, practically running, while others felt suffocated by their high-neck dresses. Mothers either controlled or sympathized with them.

 

Camilla had repeatedly reminded Letticia that the attendants and maids, who could deduct points, watched everyone sharply until they left the palace.

 

Additionally, the second test awaited at the grand staircase: the numerous reporters waiting below.

 

“There’s Countess Camilla Sharon!”

 

“Then, that debutante next to her must be?”

 

“Yes, that pink hair! It’s Sharon Pink!”

 

“Lady Letticia Sharon! Quick, take her picture!”

 

Amid the flurry of camera flashes, Letticia felt like a celebrity from her previous life.

 

Hiding her daze with a smile, Letticia descended the stairs confidently and elegantly, posing for the cameras.

 

Her posture was graceful, her expression lively, and her jewelry conspicuous.

 

Today’s concept was exactly that.

 

‘Is this a photo zone? Why not roll out the red carpet?’

 

Inwardly questioning this spectacle reminiscent of her previous world, Letticia kept up appearances.

 

“Lady Sharon, look this way, please!”

 

“Did you choose the dress you’re wearing today? Please, say a few words!”

 

Though some reporters addressed her directly, Letticia only returned their questions with smiles, without speaking.

 

Thanks to Camilla’s advice, she knew that many debutantes lost points for inadvertently answering reporters’ questions here.

 

The camera flashes did not cease until she climbed into her carriage. Once it started moving, Letticia could finally drop the pretense, collapsing into her seat with a sigh of relief.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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To Be Continued…

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