Mia Isnt Living a Lie

The ball took place in Solecsudo Castles main hall. The beautifully designed room was packed with people at the moment.

Ludwig said in a quick whisper, Your Highness, in addition to Sunkland nobility, there are, as we expected, a great many foreign dignitaries. He looked around the hall.

Mia asked, Are you sure?

Yes. A number of people have been found who fit Balthazars descriptions.

Hm Well, I knew it wasnt going to be a normal party since Rafina-sama and Abel were invited

The royal family of Sunkland was hosting the event, and Esmeralda, a member of one of Tearmoons Four Houses, was one of the main guests. This meant that the party could not have been small.

However, I still do not understand what this party is meant to be about. What are we even celebrating about? As she looked around, she thought.

Hi, Mia.

A person came up behind her and stopped her from looking around. Rafina Orca Belluga walked up dressed for a fancy ball. Her hair floated softly behind her, smooth and silky against skin as clean as snow. Her dress was a light blue color with a shimmering sheen that made me think of the beauty of mountain streams.

Hello, Rafina-sama. Its great to see you again. Mia showed the greatest respect by bowing. Thanks for inviting me to lunch the other day. It was great.

That makes me so happy. As a food lover, I was afraid the food might not live up to your expectations

The lords around them started talking as soon as they started talking.

Hey That person talking to Lady Rafina

Yes, I understand what you mean, and youre most likely right. Its the princess of Tearmoon

Mia kept looking around until she found Abel on the other side of the room. She wasnt worried by the sudden attention she was getting.

Hey, Abel! This way! Right away, she waved her hand as far as it would go.

As soon as Abel saw, he walked over. Well, someone looks beautiful today, doesnt she?

Oh, Abel, you flatter me so much! Also, feel free to flatter me even more!

She forgot why she came here in an instant and started chatting with Abel, so it might have been a good thing that someone made an announcement and told them to stop.

Everyone! Welcome to this ball put on by our great kingdom of Sunkland. Thank you to everyone for coming. It was Count Lampron, meeting the guests in a proper way.

That brings to mind His job today is to be the master of ceremonies.

Mia did nothing but watch him give his speech. She found nothing interesting in it at all. Untilsomething unexpected happened

In fact, I have the honor of sharing some wonderful news with our esteemed guests here. The second prince of our country, His Highness Echard Sol Sunkland, is officially engaged to Lady Esmeralda Etoile Greenmoon of the Tearmoon Empire. A public announcement will be made soon, but for now Im announce to this.

People cheered when Count Lampron made his loud statement.

What?!

When Esmeralda noticed this sudden turn of events, she couldnt help but cry out in shock. Mia was also shocked by the news, but her shock was quickly replaced by a feeling of relief. Why? You may ask?

I see! Thats why this party is happening. I understand why they invited Rafina-sama, Abel, and all the other nobles but not me Its because they didnt want me to get in the way of their plans, not because Im disliked, nor they hate me, nor all my friendships are fake and Im really very, very alone Phew! Thats great!

It was finally clear to Mia what Count Lampron was up to. It was the old fait accompli trick: by saying ahead of time that the engagement was official, he made it hard for anyone to say otherwise.

Hes basically forcing Esmeralda to a position that she cant say no any longer. Hm, hm. He made a very smart choice here. Esmeralda can be a tyrant at home, but she can be such a wimp when shes outside.

Thats not to say Mia was a paragon of mental fortitude or anything, but anyway

Hes likely already talked this over with the Greenmoons. Its likely that only Esmeralda doesnt know. Oh, poor girl Mia felt bad for her friend and thought, They set her up. But hold on. Should I really do something about this?

Esmeralda didnt really dislike Echard. She even seemed to be fond of him a little.

I may miss her a little, but having Esmeralda marry into Sunklands royal family should make it easier to handle Sion and Echards bond.

After all, stopping tonights murder wouldnt make their relationship better. Echards problems with his brother were going to stay with him. So, she should have left someone she could trust with them, like Esmeralda

Someone talking next to her stopped her in the middle of her thoughts.

Congratulations! Rafina put her hands on her chest and said, I wish the bride and groom all the best, and I hope that this marriage will strengthen the bond between the two nations. I know that my good friend Mia Luna Tearmoon is also thrilled to witness this. Mia, isnt that right?

Mia whispered, Uh when she saw Rafinas smiling, polite smile that made her feel cold.

Mia realized at that moment that Rafina was doing what Ludwig asked. This was the countermeasure he had planned. It was playing out as they spoke. The problem was that it revolved around her.