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My Lover Isn’t Interested With The Female lead!
✽ CHAPTER 46✽
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“I heard that Sir Achilles joined the Knights. Moreover, he was promoted to Vice Commander in just three years.”
“…I still have much to learn.”
Surprised by his formal tone, Letticia glanced at Achilles over Kenneth’s shoulder. She had never imagined that Achilles could interact with someone so politely.
‘No, he’s a human too, so he could improve. He has a brain, so surely he won’t be incompetent his whole life.’
Though her evaluation of him had started in the negatives, she thought it might be fair to give him a few point for changes in his behavior.
While Letticia slightly adjusted her evaluation of Achilles internally, Alexander, noticing Letticia, spoke with a genuinely congratulatory tone, enough to be misunderstood as sincere.
“More importantly, Lady Sharon, congratulations on being chosen as the Diamond of this season. It’s a nickname that suits you well.”
“…Even Sir Averil says so. I’m really glad that I didn’t embarrass my mother, who introduced me to society.”
Letticia responded with a bright smile, though her words carried a hidden sharpness.
Five years ago, she had denied harassing Ariette, only to be accused of trying to oust her competitor to claim the Diamond title.
Alexander’s face briefly cracked at this, but he quickly regained his composure.
“The Countess is famous for her keen eye, so she wouldn’t make a mistake. By the way, may I request a dance to commemorate seeing you again after such a long time?”
“………”
Letticia turned her head towards Camilla, who gave a silent nod instead of a rejection. Refusing would signal that the two families still had a bad relationship.
‘And they would paint me as a petty person who can’t forgive.’
Letticia reluctantly nodded to accept the dance request. Camilla glanced towards the tea room adjacent to the ballroom and smiled.
“It’s about time to have something to eat in the tea room. We’ll be there, so please join us after the dance, Sir.”
“Of course, Countess. Lady, please give me your hand.”
With a forced smile, Letticia took Alexander’s hand as he extended it with a mask-like grin. Thus began the farce where they hid their true feelings but were fully aware of each other’s.
At least the fact that it wasn’t a waltz was some consolation.
Alexander’s dancing skills were quite good, befitting the heir of a duke.
Recalling how the three men in the original story nearly dueled to be Ariette’s dance partner, it was no surprise that he could dance well.
Still, witnessing him dance in society was likely unfamiliar, and she couldn’t believe she was dancing with him.
Nevertheless, they tried to show they were on good terms, occasionally conversing with another couple while dancing the quadrille.
The conversations were brief exchanges of recent events when they held hands.
Except for extreme cases like Matthias, who danced without speaking, this was normal.
“I heard that Sir Lenard Sharon is working as the deputy manager at the main store of Sharon Jewelry. I’d like to visit sometime.”
“That’s good news. Sir Averil is always welcome.”
Whether he would actually visit was unknown, but such a reply was expected.
Knowing what those people did at the store in the original story, Letticia hoped they wouldn’t come. Customers were welcome, but troublesome ones were not.
“I haven’t seen Lady Averil since then. How is she?”
After a turn, Letticia asked, and Alexander responded without hesitation.
“She’s doing well. She passed the civil servant exam for the royal court.”
“Civil servant exam?”
“Yes. She graduated from the public administration department and took the exam immediately. People usually study for three years, but she passed in one go. This time, the competition rate was 50 to 1.”
Alexander proudly spoke of his sister, showing genuine pride beyond his usual social smile.
‘…Well, passing such a difficult exam is worth boasting about.’
It just felt annoying coming from Alexander.
But at least he limited his bragging to three sentences, better than her previous dance partners.
“I heard she transferred to the public administration department, but I didn’t know she passed the civil servant exam. Will she debut in society in the fall?”
“No, Arie won’t debut in society. Not all noblewomen have to.”
Alexander answered firmly to Letticia’s question.
In the original story, the three Averil men vehemently opposed Ariette’s debut in society, claiming she was ‘still young,’ so it wasn’t strange.
“So, Lady Averil had no intention of debuting even before transferring? Then why did she enroll in the liberal arts department? She could have enrolled in the public administration department.”
“Sometimes people change their career paths when things don’t go as planned. That’s all.”
Alexander’s response wasn’t a direct answer, implying not to ask further, and Letticia didn’t press. She guessed it was related to their tutor issue and had no desire to continue the conversation.
The purpose was merely to show that the two families held no grudges, and the message seemed conveyed.
“Look, over there! Sir Averil and Lady Sharon are dancing!”
“Lady Sharon? I remember it was Sir Achilles Averil who…”
“I heard they reconciled, but how can you forget something like that? Especially at such a young age.”
“No, look at them. If there was still any resentment, would they be dancing so harmoniously?”
Although Letticia heard the murmurs in the expected tone, her expression remained unchanged.
She appreciated that this charade was working, but she couldn’t shake off the feeling that she was missing out on the opportunity to find a romantic partner because of him.
‘No, there haven’t been any decent men anyway.’
Reflecting on the men she danced with today, Letticia suddenly missed the comfortable conversations she had with Ezkhiel.
As she resolved to pressure Lenard into arranging a meeting with Ezkhiel again when she returned, the dance finally ended with the last step.
“Lucinella’s praise of the Lady’s dancing skills was very accurate.”
“I’m very proud of my efforts to meet Sir Averil’s standards.”
Though Letticia spoke politely, glad the ordeal was over, she found herself missing the dance when they had to walk to the tea room together. She realized only then that she would have to talk even more than during the dance.
‘I really have nothing to talk about.’
Letticia quickly recalled their earlier conversation. She had asked about Ariette, mentioned Achilles vaguely, and now…
“…Come to think of it, I haven’t asked about your well-being, Sir. Are you staying in the capital?”
Letticia squeezed out a topic, and Alexander answered calmly.
“It seems you haven’t heard. I’m currently working as an aide to Count Freke, the Prime Minister.”
This part was the same as in the original story. Countess Freke was a distant relative of the Averil Duke, and thanks to that connection, Alexander became the Prime Minister’s aide right after graduating from the academy to gain experience and build connections in the capital.
‘The main reason was that he didn’t want to be separated from Ariette, though…’
Getting the position of the Prime Minister’s aide with such impure intentions, it was indeed a society that prioritized bloodlines.
However, Letticia didn’t show her displeasure and laughed cheerfully.
“Then all three of you are staying in the capital. The Duke must feel quite lonely.”
“He mentioned that he would come up to the capital during the fall season. It seems he also wants to get some fresh air in the capital.”
“Then I hope he visits the Sharon estate when he comes. The freesia you sent five years ago is still blooming well in our garden.”
Alexander’s expression slightly twisted at the mention of the Elrey Freesia, but it returned to normal too quickly to discern his thoughts on the flowers sent to the Sharon estate.
“Some might think the garden is too full of roses for freesia to bloom, but I’m glad to hear it’s still well-kept.”
“No matter how it started, we wouldn’t neglect the Duke’s kindness. Besides, you even gave us a letter of introduction to the Marquess of Brie. The Sharon estate wouldn’t disregard the Duke’s friendship shown with such sincerity.”
“Hearing that from the Lady herself is very reassuring. I also hope the friendship between our families continues.”
“I think so too.”
The exchange of seemingly friendly words ended when they reached the tea room.
Letticia gently released Alexander’s hand and sat next to Kenneth, trying not to be too obvious.
“Did you enjoy the dance, Sir Averil?”
“The Lady’s dancing skills were so excellent that I had to do my best not to be embarrassed, Countess.”
While Alexander and Camilla engaged in their scripted conversation, Letticia checked out the snacks available. Before she could decide, a bowl of strawberry ice cream was placed in front of her.
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To Be Continued…
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