Reasons for Contract Marriage - Chapter 52

So, she tore the dress. She wanted to make Brianna feel even worse. It might not compare to the pain of being driven out of her hometown overnight, but it was something.

“Now, you and I have completely switched places. In Harzen, everyone liked you, but it’s not the same here.”

Margot had done everything she could to make the people at the count’s estate dislike Brianna. Unlike in Harzen, Margot had arrived here first and already built relationships, so it wasn’t difficult to turn people against Brianna. Besides, the duties of a governess and a maid were different, so they had never been close to begin with.

“Here, there are far more people who dislike and envy you. How does it feel to be hated by everyone?”

Margot wanted Brianna to experience the same feelings she had endured. She had felt so frustrated watching people praise Brianna no matter the situation.

In Harzen, everyone was on your side, but not here. You no longer have Mrs. Fisher or Madam Leona by your side.

However, Brianna, who had been quietly watching Margot, let out a soft sigh.

“It’s not a question worth answering.”

With that, she turned and left.

Margot stared in disbelief as Brianna silently opened the door and walked out.

Is that it? She expected Brianna to react with anger and frustration, just like she had once done. Why wasn’t she reacting?

Margot wanted to chase after her and demand an explanation for why she was leaving so calmly, but the door had already closed, and Brianna had disappeared from sight.

After returning to her room, Brianna collapsed onto her bed. She glanced at the torn dress lying beside her.

It’s over. I can’t go to the ball.

There wasn’t enough time left to buy a new dress, and even if there were, purchasing an expensive gown for just one event was beyond her means. Besides, the dress shops would likely be closed by now.

I’ll have to explain things to Florian later. I hope he hasn’t waited too long…

His excited words echoed in her mind.

“You know this will be the first time we officially dance together, right?”

Thinking of his face filled with anticipation, Brianna felt a wave of guilt and sadness.

He’s going to be so disappointed, isn’t he? He was so excited. What will he think when I don’t show up at the ball?

Florian had done everything he could to make sure she could attend without feeling pressured. He had planned for a masquerade and even bought her a dress to wear to the event.

No matter how much she thought about it, she couldn’t come up with a way to attend the ball now.

Where am I going to find a white ball gown at the last minute…?

This wasn’t a fairy tale where magical creatures would appear to help her. Hoping for someone to suddenly show up and save her was nothing more than a fantasy.

“…Something good will follow something bad. For example, you might find the lost item…”

She remembered the words that person had told her when she had faced trouble. For some reason, those words had stuck with her, popping up in her mind again and again.

Words like next time, hold the gun with the intent to kill or good things follow bad things.

Good things and bad things…

Staring up at the plain ceiling, Brianna suddenly realized something important.

Whether something good or bad happened, nothing would change if she just stayed still and did nothing.

Brianna picked up the dress and examined it. The tear was long, but it looked like it could be repaired with some sewing. Changing the back of the dress to a low-cut design might actually improve the overall look. She didn’t have much time, so the stitching would have to be quick, but she could cover the sewing with lace decorations. She could also bring a shawl in case it didn’t turn out well.

After contemplating for a moment, Brianna made up her mind and grabbed a pair of scissors. She boldly cut through the fabric.

“Alright, let’s do this.”

She quickly sewed up the edges of the fabric, then took the lace from the hem of the skirt and layered it on top. The result was a surprisingly decent dress, considering the rushed job.

Checking the time, she saw there were only 30 minutes left until the ball. Brianna hurriedly put on the dress, tied her hair back into a simple style, threw on a long coat over the dress, and headed to the ball.

***

By the time the ball was about to begin, Florian had experienced an unbelievable situation. Lady Kirchner, who had promised to return his clothes after they were cleaned, confessed that the servant had lost them.

“I’m so sorry. I don’t know how it happened…”

Adelheid immediately turned to the servant beside her and began scolding him harshly.

“Didn’t you say you’d take responsibility and deliver them? How could you make such a mistake?”

The servant looked frustrated, but soon lowered his head deeply, bowing several times. “I’m so sorry. I truly apologize!”

Before the servant could drop to his knees, Florian quickly waved his hand. “It’s fine. There’s no need to apologize anymore. You can go.”

The servant glanced at Adelheid nervously before leaving with a sigh of relief after she gestured for him to go.

Florian was so stunned by the situation that he couldn’t help but laugh. Missing the ball because he didn’t have proper attire? He had never even considered such a possibility.

No matter how much he thought about it, it was obvious this had been done on purpose—from the juice spill to the disappearance of the clothes. While she probably thought she had handled it naturally, it was clear that Adelheid didn’t want him to attend the ball for some reason.

The real issue was that Lucius, who was far more perceptive than Florian, had already noticed. Though Lucius’ expression didn’t change, Florian could tell that he had also picked up on Adelheid’s deception.

Oh, sweet girl, no matter how hard you try to scheme, it won’t work on him.

“Florian, you can wear my clothes.”

Lucius, who had been watching the situation unfold, offered to lend his coat. Immediately, Adelheid’s expression shifted. She clearly hadn’t expected this outcome. Her face was so transparent that Florian almost burst into laughter.

“No, that won’t do. What about your partner?” Florian chuckled and patted Lucius on the shoulder. As irritating as Adelheid’s actions were, Florian couldn’t ruin Lucius’ graduation ball over it.

“You should go ahead with Miss Adelheid. I’ll figure something out. If worst comes to worst, I’ll just punch some guy I don’t like and steal his clothes. Oh, and…”

Florian whispered in Lucius’ ear, “If you see Brie at the ball, please tell her I’ll be there soon. I’d appreciate it.”

It was a masquerade ball, so it would be difficult to find someone with their face hidden, but he wanted Lucius to pass along the message, just in case.

Florian waved them off with a smile, sending them on their way.

“Well, we should be going then.”

A short while later, Lucius and Adelheid boarded the carriage to the ballroom.

As the carriage sped along, Lucius, who had been silent until now, spoke up. “Is that servant known for making such mistakes?”

Adelheid nodded slightly. It seemed more natural to agree. “Yes, but since he’s been with the family for a long time, we’ve kept him on.”

“But you have plenty of other servants. Why send someone prone to mistakes to accompany you?”

“……”

Lucius spoke in a low, calm voice, “In the future, it would be better to keep more reliable people around. I’ll inform the countess of this.”

“Ah, yes…”

Adelheid clenched her skirt tightly. If Lucius mentioned this to her mother, she would surely investigate. That could lead to some very uncomfortable situations.

I’ll have to take care of the matter before he talks to Mother. Adelheid made up her mind to dismiss the servant as soon as she returned to the estate.