Dear Ex-Fiancé, I Hope You Regret Everything - Chapter 26

Lord Skyford introduces me with what seems like full confidence and pride, but the surrounding gazes feel distinctly cold.

The engagement ceremony concluded without a hitch, and the solemn atmosphere shifted abruptly to the lively celebration party.

“I want to show the people of this country with my own hands,” I had insisted last night when Count Chaudan and Lady Starelesska invited me to join their imported goods processing and sales business.

“I’m proud of you. You should definitely give it a try,” they said, and honestly, I was taken aback.

(I thought they might oppose more or that I might have to storm Count Chaudan’s place, but to be approved so smoothly…)

Perhaps I’m more trusted than I thought. Or rather, it’s because of the trust placed in Count Chaudan above all.

That’s why Lord Skyford is whispering in my ear, “Iris, you’re not just cute—you’re a remarkable woman. Hold your head higher.” When he does that, my face turns even redder.

If anything, the sight of Lord Skyford, looking dashing and composed, proudly introducing me is rather endearing.

(You probably don’t realize how hard I’m stretching myself to be a woman worthy of you, do you?)

I can’t help but wonder if I’ve become a little less mismatched standing beside him.

The hushed whispers and piercing stares from the crowd continue unabated. It feels like walking on a bed of needles.

(Lord Skyford must be trying to dispel the bad impressions.)

Just as I resolved to keep facing forward with all my might—

Shiver

A murderous gaze pierces my back. Fighting the terror that freezes me, I desperately turn my head and trace it—it’s Lady Nia.

She’s wearing a white dress with a vivid cape. Even considering this is Haira, her outfit feels somewhat out of place.

A terrifyingly fixed smile and wide, staring eyes are directed straight at me.

As Lord Skyford acknowledges Lady Nia, he leads me forward. With each step closer to her eerie presence, my body refuses to obey, and my feet tangle several times.

“Nia, thank you for coming today.”

“…Brother, it seems you’ve misunderstood. Nia did not come to congratulate you, much less this woman.”

She takes a step forward in front of me, and I notice her shoes are pure white.

(Huh…?)

“Lovely dress, isn’t it?”

Removing the vivid cape, she reveals herself clad in a pure white dress.

(Gasp!!!)

Cultural differences aside, Haira and Isac share the same etiquette regarding dresses. A pure white dress is bridal wear.

I instantly understood: Lady Nia is using her dress to protest, deliberately making it clear to me.

She drapes the removed cape softly over me.

“Step aside? I don’t want you touching Brother. That’s not your place.”

Nobles who noticed the commotion begin to murmur.

Unaware of Lady Nia’s true intentions, Lord Skyford declares without flinching, “Are you that sad about your big brother getting engaged? Nia, you’ll always be my little sister, so don’t worry.”

“Brother, I…!”

He pulls her close, silencing her. Lady Nia’s cheeks flush brightly.

“Mm… Bro…”

“…Quiet.”

Lord Skyford’s voice is low and quietly furious. “You are, after all, royalty. Even if Nia held feelings for me beyond familial ones, I would never tie myself to someone who acts recklessly. Look at yourself now.”

Lady Nia’s flushed cheeks instantly pale.

He releases her abruptly, takes the cape from me, and drapes it back over her, saying loudly, “It’s a bit chilly today. Thank you for your concern for Iris. But without the cape, Nia, your dress looks just like a bridal gown. Thoughtfulness is good, but you should think of yourself too. You’ve still got growing to do, Nia.”

Spinning on his heel, he quickly leads me away from Lady Nia.

His lips close to my ear, he whispers only, “I’m sorry.”

“What was that?”

“Who knows?”

“Lady Nia must be feeling lonely.”

“Hehe, how adorable.”

“But wasn’t that a bit strange?”

“Really?”

The nobles buzzed with chatter but soon drifted to other topics.

Lady Nia stood frozen, head bowed, clutching the edge of her cape.