FDSML CH 24

Chapter 24

The Emperor looked down at Nanael as if her tantrum wasn’t even worth his time.

“In the end, after all those years of engagement, you never won Duke Ainrook’s heart. That’s on you, Nanael.”

“….”

“The Duke used the Imperial Family quite thoroughly. And I… I am greatly disappointed in you, Nanael.”

His cold gaze pierced through her like an icy spear.

“I… I—”

She barely managed to force out a word—

When the Emperor suddenly seized her hand and said,

“If you can’t accept this outcome, then act on your own. As a member of House Barnard, you should be capable of that much.”

His hawk-like eyes left no room for argument.

Barnard society had its own rules.

Once you made your debut, you could join different clubs—from hobby circles to study groups.

The older and more prestigious the club, the harder the application process.

“Deli, just join my club already.”

Adrian, who insisted on tagging along while I submitted my application, was grumbling nonstop.

I ignored him and headed straight for the registration desk.

“Deeeliii~!”

I understood why he was whining, though.

Adrian belonged to the Zenus Club—the most prestigious club in existence, made up of the heirs of the four ducal houses.

Naturally, as a Ferris daughter, it would’ve been expected for me to join as well.

But that’s one of the key locations in the original story!

That’s where the love triangle really heats up. No way was I walking in there myself.

Besides, I already had the “Tall Lady” connection with Summer.

Adrian pressed on.

“Where exactly are you planning to join? At least tell your big brother so I can check out the guys there.”

“And what would you do if you knew?”

“Obviously, deal with them in advance—”

There it is. The sis-con radar again.

Would he finally calm down once Summer appeared? Honestly, she might be the only one capable of handling him. Poor girl.

Just as I was thinking this, Adrian snatched the application right out of my hands.

“Ah!”

“Mazia? What’s this club?”

“Give it back!”

I yanked it from him, fuming.

“Oh, wait—I remember. Isn’t that the new club? Something about magical plants and creatures? Deli, you’re interested in that? I always thought you were more of a sword type.”

“Please. You’re the sword type. I just dabble.”

“I was sure you’d go for swordsmanship…”

He clicked his tongue in disappointment.

We had trained together since childhood.

Ferris swordsmanship was elegant, like a dance—so fluid and graceful it was called the Dance of the Blade.

No one embodied it better than Adrian Ferris.

Me? I didn’t even have enough talent to awaken aura.

“What I learned was just for self-defense.”

“That’s not true. At the Academy, plenty are worse than you. As your brother, I can say this: when you wield a sword, you look amazing. Like a butterfly—”

“Please stop with the sis-con filter.”

“It’s the truth! Why don’t you ever believe me?”

He pouted, and I had to look away.

To be honest, watching a genius like Adrian all my life made his words feel empty.

There had been a time when I’d wanted to become a great swordswoman like him.

But geniuses will never understand what it feels like to be ordinary.

If not for my memories of my past life, I probably would’ve resented him like the original Rodelia had.

Anyway—Adrian was a genius, and I wasn’t. End of story.

I cut him off firmly.

“Anyway, I’m joining Mazia. And I’m done with swordsmanship.”

“Heeeng.”

The pathetic little whine that escaped him sent shivers down my spine.

“Don’t do that, oppa.”

“Fine, I won’t. But can’t you just join Zenus too? The others would be thrilled to have you.”

“Double membership isn’t allowed.”

“Then we’ll make it allowed!”

Unbelievable. I rolled my eyes.

“What would I even do in a room full of prodigies?”

Zenus was filled with eccentric geniuses, each one scarier than the last.

Even cheerful Adrian turned into something terrifying the moment he picked up a sword.

Then he gave me a strange look.

“Deli, you really don’t know your own potential, do you?”

His sudden seriousness made my chest tighten.

“…What do you mean?”

Could it be—did I have some hidden ability not mentioned in the original story?

My heart pounded with anticipation.

Adrian smirked.

“It means my little princess is the most beautiful in the entire universe. Your existence alone is extraordinary. So just sit tight—your big brother will pave your flower road.”

Then he made a finger heart and shot it at me.

I glared coldly.

And to think I almost believed him for a second. How could I make such a rookie mistake?

With exaggerated disgust, I mimed cutting his “heart” in half.

Ignoring his nonsense, I finished my registration and stepped outside—

Only to bump into someone familiar.

“Oh, Lady Rodelia.”

It was Lottie.

Ever since we’d stood against Nanael’s schemes together, we’d been exchanging letters.

Now, for the first time, we were meeting again in person since deciding to call each other by name.

“Lottie—did you come to submit your application too?”

In the original story, I didn’t remember her joining a club.

But since she came the moment registration opened, she must’ve had something in mind.

“Yes.”

Her cheeks flushed as she nodded.

Her blonde hair was neatly braided, her sapphire-blue eyes shyly darting to me.

She really does look less gloomy now.

Once, everyone had called her the “Ghost Lady,” trailing behind Nanael without a presence of her own.

But later, thanks to Summer, she’d regained her spirit and even grown popular.

Looking at her now—her soft, freckled face made her seem delicate and endearing. The type men would want to protect.

“So, you applied to the one you mentioned before?” she asked.

“Mm-hm. It’s a field I’ve always been interested in. And you? Decided on yours?”

“Y-yes, for now.”

She gave a faint smile, bowed politely, and walked off.

Adrian, who had witnessed the whole thing, lit up.

“A friend?”

It was the first time he’d seen me with one, and he looked ridiculously pleased.

I muttered casually,

“More like… the enemy of my enemy is my ally.”

I had no plans to get too close. Pen pals were enough.

Real friends? That was too much to hope for in this rotten society.

“…I just wish you were a little more sociable,” Adrian sighed.

“Don’t start sounding like Dad. Come on already.”

I tugged his arm, and of course, he followed easily.

“Yeah, yeah, I’m coming.”

He said it lazily, but his eyes were filled with worry for me.

And I, not understanding why he fussed so much, only grumbled inwardly.

I told you. I’ve already given up on finding real friends here.