AMLA 19

Chapter 19

It was clear that as soon as Troy appeared, Tallin would be completely mesmerized.

In the game, every time she saw Troy’s face, Tallin would fall into a hopeless crush. This time would be no different.

“What’s so important about looks? What matters is the wealth of the Bayren family.”

“Still… And there are even rumors that he’s mentally unstable.”

‘There really are all kinds of rumors.’

Simply because he didn’t appear in social circles, Troy was always surrounded by wild stories.

They were baseless, made up by gossip-loving nobles…

“Tallin, just think about the wealth you’ll gain by becoming the Marchioness of Bayren.”

“……”

“That’s how your father’s business will flourish and the family’s status will rise.”

“Well, that’s true, but…”

“Besides, if he’s a monster and mentally ill, all the better. He won’t live long, right? Then all that wealth becomes yours.”

At those words, Tallin turned to look at the mansion.

“Alright… I’ll do my best today.”

“Good, that’s the spirit. Since it’s his first time at a social gathering, Troy’s probably clueless. If you make the first move, he’ll fall for you easily.”

“Of course. Someone like him will be a piece of cake.”

Father and daughter smiled with ambition, not knowing what the future truly held.

‘Yes, both of you. Do your best.’

Please, seduce him hard and take Troy away with you.

As I secretly cheered on Lady Tallin’s attempt at seduction—

“Young Master Troy Bayren is entering.”

Troy walked out from the mansion located on the left side of the banquet hall.

He wore a dazzling white formal uniform, decorated with gold accents, and pinned to his left chest was a large rose-shaped brooch encrusted with blue sapphires.

Troy crossed the hall and walked toward the central podium.

“What? He’s not a monster at all.”

“He’s actually really handsome…”

The guests murmured, astonished by how different he looked from the rumors—no, how much better he looked.

Especially the young ladies, who stared at him, spellbound, before hastily adjusting their dresses and hair.

“Father, I must marry Young Master Troy.”

Still gaping in awe, Tallin quickly fixed her hair and looked at her father with fierce determination.

“Do whatever it takes to marry him. I’ll help in every way I can.”

Their greedy gazes met in midair.

Meanwhile, Troy had climbed up to the podium in the center of the hall and bowed politely to the crowd.

“Good evening. I’m Troy Bayren. Thank you all for being here today to celebrate my birthday.”

Troy spoke more fluently and confidently than expected.

“I have some people to thank who helped me debut in society and stand before you today.”

Troy gestured toward the Marquis and Marchioness of Bayren standing next to the Count of Luchellonia.

“My always-supportive and respected grandfather and grandmother, who have been a guiding light to me.”

At his words, the Marquis and Marchioness hugged each other, visibly moved.

The audience clapped warmly at the touching sight. Troy smiled and lowered his hand.

“And…”

He paused and smiled.

That smile made Lady Tallin, who was standing near the front, gasp strangely and stare at him, forgetting even to breathe.

‘No way… He’s not going to mention me, is he?’

There was something ominous about Troy’s smile.

If he were in his right mind, he wouldn’t mention me at such an important event…

“My only friend.”

‘It’s me…’

The moment he said “friend,” I knew instinctively—he was about to say my name.

Desperately hoping he wouldn’t, I slipped behind Tallin.

But Troy’s eyes, sharp and unwavering, found me despite my efforts.

“I also want to thank Lady Felice Luchellonia.”

He didn’t point like he did with the Marquis couple, but his eyes were fixed right on me.

Following his gaze, everyone turned to look.

‘This is the worst.’

Seeing Tallin’s face glaring daggers at me right in front of me, I could already envision the path of hardship ahead.

“Lady Felice!”

Troy stepped down from the podium after a few more words and came straight toward me.

Curious, the guests glanced sideways, eager to know what our relationship was.

“Lady Felice, thank you for coming to my birthday banquet.”

Troy stood in front of me, practically wagging his tail like a happy puppy.

My stomach churned.

“Yes. The Marquis of Bayren insisted, so I had no choice.”

‘Be cold. Don’t give even a sliver of hope.’

I replied as bluntly as I could.

“Whatever the reason, the important thing is that you came.”

Troy smiled brightly without flinching in the slightest. I sighed inwardly.

“Lady Felice…”

Troy fidgeted with his fingers, looking shy.

“What is it now?”

“I heard you like the color blue, so I wore this blue rose today. What do you think?”

He bashfully pointed to the large brooch pinned to his chest.

‘Oh my God. Seriously.’

To be honest, it did suit him well, but it was too big and flashy for a man in this world. And to wear something like that just because I liked blue?

The intention was too obvious, and I didn’t like it.

“It’s awful. What kind of nobleman wears such a big gem? It looks undignified.”

I really tore into him with the most unfriendly tone.

‘Wait… was that too much?’

After all, he was the richest man in the Empire…

Would I be punished for insulting someone like him?

I started to regret it, but it was already too late.

I checked Troy’s face, expecting him to be hurt.

“To think… you’re even considering my dignity. Truly… No one I asked today said it looked bad…”

“What?”

“They all just let me do whatever I wanted… but you thought about my dignity. You’re the only one who cares, Lady Felice.”

Contrary to expectations, Troy wasn’t hurt at all.

Instead, he looked touched, the corners of his mouth lifting gently.

‘This is dangerous.’

A siren blared in my head.

‘If this keeps up, his affection score is going to rise again.’

Sensing danger, I scanned the area and saw a crowd of people behind Troy wanting to talk to him.

“Young Master, it looks like there are a lot of people eager to speak with today’s star.”

“I’d rather not talk to anyone—”

“What? Did you just say you do want to talk to them, Young Master Troy?!”

I raised my voice loud enough for the people behind him to hear.

Eyes sparkling, they rushed toward Troy.

“Well then, I’ll be going now.”

I bowed and slipped away, while Troy still wore an amused smile.

“Young Master Troy, I’d like to discuss our family…”

“There’s something I must say, urgently.”

People swarmed around Troy in an instant.

“Your brooch looks absolutely wonderful.”

From a distance, I heard a young lady’s nasal voice praising him as I quickly walked away.

‘I need to go home soon.’

Enough time had passed since I arrived in the carriage with Count Luchellonia.

Now that I could finally go home, I looked around to find my family, but they were nowhere in sight.

“Where did they go…?”

As I was searching the area, I suddenly heard an unbelievable voice.

“Oh? That’s Young Master Dustin Spencer!”

I turned to look where a nearby lady had pointed—and there he was, Dustin, just arriving at the banquet.

‘Why are you here again?’