VCAM 46

Chapter 46

 “The Ball Without a Villainous Noble Lady”
[ Kai and Rutia’s Summer Vacation Arc, Part 15 ]

The ballroom was at its height when a commanding voice echoed through the grand hall.

“Everyone!”

Standing upon the stage was none other than the first prince of the kingdom, Leon.
He was clad in a jet-black formal suit, and beside him stood Philia, dressed in a gown of pale blue.

“Before you all, I wish to make a formal announcement,” Leon declared.
“I, Leon, hereby announce my engagement to Lady Philia Abend!”

A wave of astonishment rippled through the hall.

“What—!?”
“But wasn’t His Highness long betrothed to Lady Rutia since childhood…?”
“What in the world is going on?”

The nobles’ murmurs swelled, confusion and surprise mixing in the air.

And then—

A crisp sound of applause cut through the commotion.

Clap, clap.

All eyes turned toward the woman in a crimson dress—Rutia. She stepped forward with elegance, her expression bright and confident.

“As for that matter,” she began with a graceful smile, “allow me to explain!”

The room fell silent.

“His Highness and I were engaged merely due to our parents’ arrangement when we were children,” she said clearly. “But now, each of us has met someone truly dear to our hearts. Therefore, our engagement has been dissolved.”

And in that same moment—

She unhesitatingly wrapped her arm tightly around Kai’s.

“And the one I have found,” she announced with pride, “is this gentleman—Kai Cross, my beloved teacher!”

“Wha—!? O–Oi, Ojou!!”
Kai’s face turned crimson as he desperately tried to pry her off, but Rutia’s grip was unyielding—like iron.

On the stage, Prince Leon smiled and gently pulled Philia close.

“That’s right,” he said warmly. “Rutia and I are childhood friends, and now we’ve each found someone who truly understands us. That is how it should be.”

Philia smiled softly, her hand resting over Leon’s.
“And I am honored to walk this path with His Highness,” she said.

Applause burst forth across the ballroom.

“How splendid!”
“Lady Rutia stepped aside of her own will—how noble!”
“A perfect resolution!”

Everyone applauded—except for one man.

“This is bad! Ain’t no way I can talk my way outta this now!!”

Kai squirmed in panic, trying to free his arm, but Rutia only held tighter, her smile unwavering.

“Husband dear, trying to run away at a time like this would be terribly rude, don’t you think?”

“I ain’t your husband! I’m just a math teacher!!”

“No, to my people—and to me—you are the one and only husband that matters.”

“O–Ojouuuu!!”

The crowd watched their exchange with warmth and amusement.

“They truly are a perfect match, aren’t they?”
“Lady Rutia and Professor Kai will bring stability to the realm!”
“Hail to the new son-in-law!”

“I said I ain’t no son-in-law!!!”

But his protests were drowned out by the cheers and applause.

Rutia, triumphant, rested her cheek against Kai’s arm, her smile radiant.

“Fufu… Now, no one can deny it anymore.”

“I definitely deny it!!!”

The ballroom was filled with joy and laughter—

And the title of “Villainous Noble Lady”… had vanished completely.