TLed by NolepGuy
Chapter 139
Inside the Dark Room.
Under the darkness where not even a sliver of light seeped in, Yuria was sitting with her head bowed, crying.
“No….”
“This isn’t me….”
“I don’t look like this…!”
The floor was littered with Broken Mirror Shards.
The mirror in the bathroom.
The mirror on the Dressing Table placed in front of the desk.
The Hand Mirror she used to carry in her Bag—all of them had turned into sharp fragments scattered around.
Amidst the sharp shards that looked as if they could cause a deep cut with a single misstep, Yuria was crouched in a corner of the Bed, sobbing repeatedly.
“Why me….”
Yuria felt wronged.
Her face changing overnight.
And the heartbreak and anguish of being betrayed once again by someone she had opened her heart to.
Was it a mistake to follow the friend who suddenly apologized? Was she a Fool for believing that this time might be different?
“I just wanted to get along with everyone.”
She should have realized something was off when they suddenly started talking to her. She should have noticed when people who normally wouldn’t even speak to her suddenly approached her.
Talking behind her back.
Ignoring her to her face.
Yuria thought she should never have looked favorably upon someone who had only ever given her Wounds.
If she had, none of this would have happened.
In the darkness, Yuria hung her head and poured out her sorrow.
Regrettably, Time continued to flow, and on the Bed lay two Dresses.
The White Dress gifted by Ricardo.
The Light Green Dress gifted by Ruin.
They were of no use anymore.
*
Under the Bright Chandelier, a large crowd was bustling about.
“You must present an Admission Ticket or an Invitation Ticket to enter.”
The voice of the Guards blocking the path of unfamiliar Guests and the laughter and chatter of students who hadn’t seen each other over the break filled the Banquet Hall.
The Protagonists of this Ball were the Academy students.
The Academy’s Ball, which only allowed entry to outsiders with special Invitation Tickets, was solely a gathering place for the students.
Held to renew their enthusiasm for academics before the start of a new school year and to strengthen friendships, the Ball was graced by the presence of many Academy cadets.
Student Council President Chartia.
“Disciplinary Committee! Get the lines in order. They’re a mess!”
The Swordsmanship Department’s second-in-command, Mikhail.
“I don’t get why we’re doing this bothersome stuff. I’d rather be swinging my sword right now.”
Disciple of the Master of the Tower, Ruin.
“Shut up, Bug. You want to swing a sword on a day like this? Ugh.”
The stars destined to lead the future Empire were shining brightly, making the Ball even more splendid.
And half of the Female Cadets’ conversations revolved around the Male Students.
After catching up on what they had missed during the break, the topic of conversation among the Female Cadets inevitably turned to the Male Students.
A Female Cadet wearing a Dress with Frills glanced at Mikhail, who was talking with Chartia in the center of the Banquet Hall, and said.
-Wow… Mikhail looks even more handsome.
-Right? As Time passes, he’s becoming, how should I say it, more captivating. You know, that… that….
-Beautiful Boy…!
-Yeah, that’s it. Mikhail has this Beautiful Boy vibe—he’s incredibly strong, but he looks as delicate as a woman…!
-Exactly, exactly!
The Female Cadets chatted with flushed faces.
They laughed and joked about how their eyesight had deteriorated over the break because they hadn’t been able to see Mikhail, the most Handsome Man in the Swordsmanship Department.
Mikhail, sensitive to sound, clicked his tongue and gave an awkward Smile.
“What’s wrong with everyone?”
“What do you mean? They’re complimenting you because you’re amazing, Mikhail. Though, you’re not really my type.”
“Please don’t tease me, Student Council President.”
“Hehe, but you’re enjoying it, Mikhail.”
Sipping his wine, Mikhail sighed as he looked at Chartia, who was playfully teasing him.
“By the way, hasn’t Yuria arrived yet? She’s always early, but I don’t see her today.”
Mikhail scanned the Banquet Hall, searching for his Close Friend. He couldn’t find Yuria, who usually arrived an hour early for every Ball.
Chartia, like Mikhail, turned her head and said.
“You’re right, she’s not here?”
“That’s strange. She’s not the type to be late.”
“Hmm. Maybe she’ll come a little later.”
Mikhail sighed with concern and tilted his wine glass.
In another corner, the voices of Girls talking about The Man with the sharp demeanor could be heard.
The Female Cadets, who sneaked glances at the Green Magician while he coldly glared at and brusquely treated the girls approaching him, giggled and let out delighted exclamations.
-Wow… Ruin looks even more handsome.
-Oh my God, look at that Decadent Charm. Even the Dark Circles under his eyes make him look so alluring.
-Right? It’s insane…!
-Sigh… I wonder if I’ll get to talk to Ruin this year.
-You’re dreaming big. Ruin is like an idol you admire from afar.
-Sigh…
Ruin, completely ignoring the chatter of the Female Cadets, tapped his foot as he checked his wristwatch.
“Why isn’t she coming?”
Ruin was eager to see Yuria.
What kind of Dress would she be wearing…. No, he wanted to see the beautiful sight of Yuria wearing the Light Green Dress he had gifted her.
Ruin was turning his head constantly, searching for Yuria, who was nowhere to be seen.
There were 40 minutes left until the Ball officially began.
Despite the ample Time remaining, the chatter and the heated atmosphere made it feel as though the Ball had already started.
People searching for someone.
Youth sharing stories they had postponed.
Whispers of affection for loved ones filled the Academy’s Banquet Hall as it raced toward a dazzling beginning.
About 30 minutes had passed.
Just as Yuria’s presence was beginning to fade from everyone’s memory.
-Click. Click.
The faint Sound of Footsteps echoed from the entrance of the Banquet Hall.
It was a sorrowful Sound of Footsteps.
A Sound of Footsteps so weak and melancholy that it drew everyone’s attention.
The Banquet Hall began to fall into Silence at the Sound of Footsteps coming from the entrance.
The chattering people stopped talking.
Those drinking wine briefly set their glasses down on the Table and turned their heads toward the entrance to see the Guest.
There were no more expected Guests.
It seemed like even more attention was being drawn.
-Click…
-Click…
-Cli…ck.
As the faint Sound of Footsteps drew closer, and everyone’s gaze focused on one spot, the delicate silhouette of a woman slowly began to emerge.
Who is that?
The Male Students held their breath as they stared at the distant silhouette of the woman.
Just from the Black Silhouette alone, they instinctively knew that the Guest walking toward them was a Beautiful Person.
The hesitant Footsteps of the Girl began to receive the gaze of everyone, illuminated by the brilliant light of the Chandelier.
The sound of Male Students swallowing their saliva spread through the Banquet Hall. The appearance of the last Guest of the banquet began to come into view.
Silence filled the Banquet Hall.
“…”
“What the…”
“Pfft.”
Seeing the Girl’s appearance, the Male Students let out sighs full of disappointment and began shaking their heads. The tense Female Cadets also covered their mouths with their hands, letting out a mocking “Pfft” mixed with laughter.
The Girl had a grotesque face.
Because of the clicking sound of her Shoes as she walked, she briefly drew attention, but as the Lady slowly revealed her face, everyone began mocking her in unison.
The Girl, who had shrunk back, extended her crumpled Admission Ticket and lowered her head.
“Here… my Admission Ticket.”
“Ah… confirmed.”
“Yes… thank you.”
The students didn’t know who the Guest attending the Ball was.
Her skin was covered in Freckles.
Her eyes were dull.
Her lips were dry—such a face had never been seen among the Academy students before.
Her Appearance was one that naturally elicited the word “ugly.” It seemed like a waste for her to be wearing such a Dress.
It was undoubtedly an expensive Dress, yet the Girl looked as if she had borrowed her Mother’s clothes, causing everyone to mock her.
-Wow, so tacky.
-No, it’s not that. She’s the weird one.
-Haha, I know.
The Dress the Girl wore was a Green Dress. It was elegant yet modest, adorned with subtle green Gems, designed to enhance the wearer’s Appearance.
At the same time, it triggered someone’s irritation.
Ruin clenched his teeth at the sight of the Girl wearing the familiar Dress.
‘I bought it because they said it was a One-of-a-Kind Dress. Damn it.’
The Freckled Girl, with her head lowered, headed toward the Corner of the Banquet Hall. Her timid, quick steps and hunched shoulders seemed oddly familiar, but Ruin was too preoccupied with his dislike of the Girl wearing the same Dress as Yuria.
‘Yuria will be here soon.’
‘Damn it.’
-Ah, damn. This is hilarious.
Laughter echoed from a corner of the Banquet Hall.
The culprits of the incident, who immediately recognized the Girl’s Appearance, felt satisfaction as they watched her shrink back.
“Thanks to the drug that Wizard gave us, I finally relieved some stress. It feels like a 10-Year-Old Frustration has been lifted.”
“Exactly, serves her right.”
“I’m glad we listened to that Wizard. Didn’t they say the effect lasts for three hours?”
“Yeah. Three hours is enough for the banquet to end. It’ll be a good experience for her too. Pfft.”
“She should’ve known her place.”
The Noble Ladies, smiling cruelly, gazed at the Girl crouched in the corner. Even when their eyes met the Girl wearing the Green Dress, who looked as if she might charge at them any moment, they lightly dismissed her with mocking laughter.
The Noble Ladies began walking slowly, determined to approach the Men they had harbored feelings for.
With the new year, they resolved to make a fresh start, deciding not to waste time worrying about an insignificant woman and instead to take a chance, even if it meant risking regret.
Ruin was also walking slowly toward the Girl in the Green Dress.
-Step. Step.
Ruin’s firm Footsteps were rough and unyielding. He was the type to act immediately once he set a goal.
Ruin approached the Freckled Girl.
The Girl, seeing Ruin walking toward her, began to tear up. Her expression was filled with emotion.
As if she couldn’t believe what was happening, she wiped her tear-streaked eyes with her hand and waited for Ruin to approach.
-Step. Step.
When the approaching Footsteps stopped in front of the Girl, she slowly lifted her deeply bowed head, wiped her eyes, and gave an awkward Smile.
“Ruin…”
At the Girl’s gentle call, Ruin responded in a Cold Voice.
“Hey.”
Hearing herself addressed as “Hey” instead of by her name, the Girl’s body began to stiffen.
The Freckled Girl’s trembling eyes started to quiver, as if an Earthquake had struck her gaze. Watching the Girl with tearful, shaking eyes, Ruin clenched his Fist and looked around.
“Sigh. I’ll say it since no one’s nearby.”
“…”
“Don’t take this the wrong way.”
Ruin, staring blankly at the Girl who was watching him, whispered in a Small Voice.
“Can you change your clothes?”
“What?”
“I mean… it’s just.”
Ruin ran his hand roughly through his hair and let out a Deep Sigh once again.
“It doesn’t suit you at all.”
“What do you mean…?”
“You and that Dress. They don’t suit each other at all. I’ve worn a lot of expensive clothes, so I trust my own taste, but you… no.”
In a trembling voice, the Girl asked Ruin. Seeing her pounding her chest in frustration and coughing, Ruin began to grow annoyed.
‘Yuria will be here soon…’
Ruin was certain Yuria would arrive wearing the Dress he had prepared for her.
That’s why he had decided to step in personally and say something harsh to a stranger.
He wanted the Gift he had prepared to be special.
He didn’t want to see Yuria wearing the same Dress as a Girl who looked like a Beggar.
So Ruin, growling, spoke to the Freckled Girl.
“I’ll give you money, so go change into a different Dress.”
Ruin’s tone was commanding.
His voice, not a request but a forceful threat, echoed in the Freckled Girl’s ears.
“…”
The Girl’s eyes began to fill with tears, as if they might spill over at any moment. With tearful Eyes that looked like they could burst with just a slight nudge, she stared at Ruin, who clicked his tongue in frustration.
“I know it’s rude, but I have my reasons, so please understand. I’ll pay you double the original price, so just go and change. It’s a good deal for you too.”
“…Ruin.”
“Don’t call my name. It’s irritating.”
“…”
In a trembling voice, the Girl spoke to Ruin.
Clenching her Bandage-covered Fist tightly, she shouted with a trembling voice.
“I… I’m Yuria.”
“What?”
Ruin looked at the Girl with startled eyes. His trembling gaze revealed dynamic Emotions.
Whether it was shock.
Or anger.
Or perhaps rage toward whoever had done this to her—it was unclear. But one thing was certain: the Emotion reflected in Ruin’s eyes as he looked at the Girl was one of shock.
“Hey…”
Ruin ran his hand through his hair once more.
And then.
“Say that again.”
“Huh?”
“Say it again.”
“This is what happened…”
“No… seriously, what’s wrong with you since yesterday…?”
Ruin, with burning eyes, spoke to the Girl.
“Yuria doesn’t look as ugly as you.”
“Hic… sniff…”
“How dare you carelessly move your lips.”
Ruin began reaching toward the Girl.
“I can’t let this slide. I’ll just burn the Dress Hem slightly.”
“…”
“It’s hard to watch someone trying so desperately to look pretty.”
Empty Emotions began to fill the Girl’s eyes.
Tap. Tap. The Girl’s tears fell to the floor, but Ruin, indifferent, reached out with an annoyed hand.
At the moment he created a Blazing Sphere to burn the Girl’s Dress Hem.
-Bang!
The sound of the Banquet Hall door breaking was followed by the clicking of Shoes echoing through the room.
Through the rising Dust Cloud, the Silhouette of The Man walking in began to appear, and all the students held their breath and stared.
The Man, receiving everyone’s gaze, lightly waved his hand in greeting.
“Hmm. Hello.”
As always, the Red-Haired Man greeted in a casual tone.
With his tall stature and Muscular Build.
The Man, with his handsome Appearance, lowered his head as if embarrassed by the overwhelming attention and said.
“I am Ricardo, serving Desmond Olivia Young Lady.”
The Man entered the Banquet Hall with a Bright Smile.
“I’m attending as a student on Leave of Absence. But I do have an Invitation Ticket, so if you have any complaints, feel free to challenge me to a Duel.”
And then, he began walking slowly toward the Freckled Girl. With unwavering eyes, he focused solely on her, causing the Girl’s tear-streaked eyes to tremble violently.
The Girl tried to hide.
Tears streaming down her face, she covered her face with her hands, attempting to disappear.
Even as all eyes in the room were focused on them, The Man’s steps led him to the crying, unattractive Girl.
Ruin frowned at the sudden appearance of Ricardo and roughly grabbed his shoulder.
-Thud.
But Ruin couldn’t overcome Ricardo’s Physical Strength, which felt as solid as a massive rock.
Instead, Ruin, who had placed his hand on Ricardo’s shoulder, was nearly pulled along by Ricardo’s unyielding strength. Frustrated, Ruin spoke in an irritated Voice.
“Damn it, what are you doing here?”
“Hmm… could you please shut your Mouth?”
Ricardo ignored Ruin lightly, then stood before the Freckled Girl and gave a Small Smile.
Ricardo slowly extended his hand, gently stroked the Girl’s head, and said.
“You are beautiful today as well.”