Chapter 10

Thaddeus’ POV:

After recovering from the devastating reveal, the venue reclaimed its gorgeous atmosphere. His Highness and Lady Arkwright were dancing their first dance, a waltz, while being accompanied by the court orchestra.

I felt happy for His Highness. Finally, after twelve years, His Highness’ first love came true. Albeit, obsession might be a more precise term…

Back then, the more Lady Arkwright’s misunderstanding grew, the hollower His Highness’ gaze became. It was challenging, but to my relief, everything had settled down. Honestly, I was anxious about how His Highness would deal with Lady Arkwright.

His Highness and Lady Arkwright were on a different wavelength. The situation became even more difficult because they were both stubborn. Thus, I was glad that they finally saw eye to eye.

Why were those two so upset?

From my point of view, no matter how I looked at it, they definitely thought of each other. Still, who would’ve thought that Lady Arkwright was so dense?

Who would’ve thought she was unaware of her love for His Highness?

Regardless, the storm had passed. As such, I had no complaints.

By the way, the first song was about to end. I looked around for my fiancée, Sylvia, to invite her. Then, I saw her surrounded by Lady Dunning, Ezekiel, and Lady Fairfax.

“—When I heard about it a few days ago, I thought it was difficult to believe. However, it’s certainly as Lady Dunning said.”

“To think His Highness and Lord Ezekiel would go behind our backs… While I may not be able to forgive them yet, I appreciate that His Highness did everything for Lady Emmeline’s sake.”

“I agree with you, Lady Seraphina. By the way, Lord Thaddeus is the most annoying of all. It’s as if he’s looking down on us.”

“Indeed. To be honest, before this graduation party, I was ready to annul my engagement.”

“Eh, but Seraphina—”

“Well! What a coincidence! I was about to do the same!”

Oi, oi, oi—! Wait, please—!? I’ve never heard of this—! If I was a day late, would Sylvia have dumped me—!?

“—Syl… Sylvia…”

“Why, if it isn’t Lord Thaddeus. What’s with that miserable expression? Did something happen?”

Oh no… I know where this is going…

Why was Sylvia still mad despite having explained the circumstances and apologized so much? As a symbol of apology, I even bought as many pieces of jewelry and ornaments as I could. Moreover, I went on as many dates as possible with Sylvia so that she’d be satisfied.

Is it still not enough? You have to be kidding me. Won’t you please forgive me?

“Uhm, I’m truly sorry, but please understand. I was having a hard time, too. To not be able to touch you was hell for me.”

“Seraphina, let me apologize once again. All I want is you. I can’t bear the thought of you leaving.”

“Lord Thaddeus…”

“Lord Ezekiel…”

When our lips were about to overlap, Lady Dunning burst into laughter. Almost immediately, the atmosphere was destroyed.

“You’re both sissies.”

“Lady Dunning…“

“Eeep! Don’t stare at me like that. Even if you’re both handsome, it’s still scary.”

Haaa…

—Ezekiel and I sighed heavily. For the root cause to speak that way…

However, I thought that she was morally bankrupt, but apparently not.

“It’s as if you’re a different person.”

“Ahhh~ Well, when I realized that I can’t reset, I just gave up. I don’t care about anything anymore.”

“I don’t care—you said…”

Both Ezekiel and I spoke simultaneously. Well, regardless of anything, I was happy that Sylvia reciprocated my feelings. I couldn’t speak for His Highness because I was also at a terminal stage.

“This is my honest opinion, so please listen to it properly.”

Lady Dunning would still talk about ‘Reset’ and other incomprehensible things, but her personality was still salvageable.

“When the church acknowledged you as a saint, I had my doubts at first. But you certainly can see the future. When we were offered a deal a week ago, I thought it was a sham. But now, I have to say this—you have contributed immensely to this case.”

“I’m no clairvoyant. I only know what’ll happen up until today’s graduation party. Besides, even that knowledge has become useless when His Highness chooses Emmeline. Because of that, I’m no longer familiar with the plot. It’s just that I’m still familiar with a few tidbits…”

“That still sounds a lot like clairvoyance to me…”

“No, I just cheated a little and know what’s going to happen.”

—It’s basically the same.

“Is that why the church recognized you as a saint?”

“That’s correct. I made a display of guessing some future events correctly and got myself accredited. By the way, what’ll happen to the church in the future? Only the church’s upper management was involved in the case, but those of lower management shouldn’t be affected?”

“The church itself will remain. The government inspectors will examine the place, but there won’t be any other change. Those who aren’t related to the case will be safe.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. Originally, I was raised in the church’s orphanage. I was wondering what to do if said orphanage were to be demolished. After all, I’m indebted to them.”

“Until now, the orphanage has been hanging on a branch under the church’s authority. But in the future, the government will improve its welfare.”

“Then, that’s good. Oooh, I’m so glad~”

…What a mysterious woman.

Why would she act like such a crazed woman when her true self was much more attractive?

“—Lord Thaddeus?”

Just then, I felt a murderous aura.

Sylvia, you misunderstood! There’s nothing between Lady Dunning and me! C, calm down, Sylvia! That’s right, your hobby is playing with a riding crop, isn’t it!? I don’t want to be hit with it!!! No, wait!!! In the first place, why would you bring such a thing to the graduation party!? Where did you get it from!?

“Any… Anyway, Lady Dunning, what’ll you do after graduation?”

“Well, since I’m a certified saint, I’ll stay in the church. Hence, I’d like to ask you something.”

“What is it? His Highness also told me he’s considering your reward for this case. I think he can offer you some leniency.”

“Yay! Then, tell His Highness, I’d like to meet Lord Ralph Armitage, one of his shadows!”

“…Sir Armitage? The one currently assigned to Lady Arkwright? Why? Have you met him before?”

“No?”

“…Huh?”

“It’s true. We’ve never met each other before.”

“Then, how did you know about Lord Armitage…? Oh! Is it because of your clairvoyance again?”

“I just know that Lord Ralph’s route can be unlocked after clearing the Crown Prince’s route! He’s a hidden character! The rarest amongst the rare! Since I obtained the Universal End, I’m aiming for the hidden character! Actually, I have no problem with that at all! Spoiler ahead, Lord Ralph is actually my favorite character~”

I didn’t understand the content of her outlandish explanation in the slightest.

Thus, I decided it’d be easier just to nod and smile.