I marvel at the brilliant display that is the party in my house. As I walk down the steps of the entrance to the ballroom, all eyes are on me and I feel my stomach clench as a nauseous feeling overcomes me. Never before have I ever had so much attention on me, not even in my past life—at least, not so publicly.

Sitting down at the table with my parents, I take deep and even breaths. My mother takes my hand in hers, and I look up at her to find warmth in her eyes. “Happy birthday, my baby Nova. Mama is so proud of you.” She then hands me a small box wrapped in a delicate, pearl white bow.

Immediately, the uneasy feeling in my stomach leaves me and I accept her present. “Mama is the best. Thank you.” I open the present and find a light, solid metal bracelet with an unorthodox cuff clasp.

“If you ever need Mama or Papa, you can insert your mana into it. If ever it’s broken or activated, we will immediately know.”

Ignoring my image, I jump out of my chair and give her a hug. “Thank you. I love you and Papa so much.”

“Oh my, Duchess Allandis has truly taught her daughter well,” a voice says from the nearby. I turn around and see a lady with a dark green dress, covering her laugh with a fan. “I would most certainly be ashamed to give such a show in front of others.”

“If it isn’t the Marchioness Tabbernakis,” my mother returns, gently pulling me off of her and smiling. “How is Gideon doing? I heard that he recently found himself in trouble with his peers at the Royal Academy.”

Kalista Foliage, the wife of the Marquess Tabbernakis, who wished to wed her son to me, laughs in her high society fake laugh. “It was merely a quarrel between young children.”

My mother returns with her own laugh. “Is that so? I heard that he was suspended from his classes for a time, and this isn’t the first that it’s happened.”

I’m impressed by Lady Kalista’s ability to act. Her expression does not change at all as she deflects the attention back to me. “Don’t all young children do such things in school? I heard the current King himself said that if children weren’t allowed to fool around, they would never learn. On the other hand, I heard that the little lady’s acceptance to the Royal Academy was withdrawn. I wonder why that is?”

“That’s right,” another lady nearby says. “My husband is in the administration of the school and he one day said that the Duke Allandis’ daughter was withdrawn from the school.”

Kalista cuts in before anyone else can reply. “Indeed. If it were merely a mishap, Countess Chadon’s husband could help you sneak her back in within these two years that she has before she needs to begin school.”

I remember Countess Chadon, named Eris Flatteron, from the story, particularly because she tended to be super nosy. She would say things to affirm or deny facts, all the while pretending to take a neutral stance. Indeed, a person’s character cannot be denied.

“My, if I could be of help, I would love to, but my husband, as a pillar of the school, does not take bribes. I don’t know how I could be of help?” the lady replies.

Before my mother can respond, I say, “I thank you for your help, but I have no need to attend the Royal Academy.”

Kalista smirks. “I believe you don’t understand the prestige of the Royal Academy. All high society members send their children there to study for at least six years.”

“If Marchioness Tabbernakis believes that I would fall for your son while attending the Royal Academy, the Marchioness is sorely mistaken. Even if my parents were to agree to that marriage, I would definitely never agree.”

Kalista’s smile breaks for a second. “What do you mean marriage, Lady Nova?”

“Exactly what I have said. You are trying to pressure my parents into sending me there, in order for your son to woo me.”

“I have never met such an unruly young lady-”

“Then you should leave. Marchioness Tabbernakis, you and your family are not welcome at my banquet.”

Her smile turns angrier and her face reddens. “It was a mistake to come tonight, Duchess Allandis. If I had known your child was uneducated, I would never have come.”

“For insulting my daughter, you and your family will be banned from the entire Duke’s estate,” my mother says. “I wish you a safe journey back home, Marchioness.” Her words, said with such a cold voice, send shivers up my spine.

“Very good, Duchess. I hope you won’t regret today.” After saying her part, she spins on her heel and leaves. Indeed, the antagonists always need to have the last word.