Chapter 4.2

Ophelia’s thoughts about Cedric’s strange behavior didn’t last long. She had to devote all her time to creating her medicine. 

After spending two full days in the laboratory, she finally completed an upgraded version of the painkiller. How many years had she suffered working on this one medicine? 

With herbal medicine, the ingredients were important, but so was the formula. Additionally, the process of preparation could drastically change its effectiveness. 

It had taken 12 years to refine the medicine she had first created at the age of eight. 

Although she could now say she had surpassed the “genius girl” she had been back then, Ophelia couldn’t truly call herself a genius. She hadn’t discovered a new formula; she had merely improved the medicine she had made as a child. 

The fortunate thing was that Ophelia could now proudly announce the medicine under her own name. Furthermore, the medicine she had created at eight years old would now be officially attributed to her real name, which was a good thing. 

“Ophelia, congratulations. Your name will soon be added to the list of certified pharmacists.” 

After verifying the medicine’s efficacy, her mentor, Violet, offered her congratulations. 

“Thank you. It’s all thanks to your guidance, Professor.” 

“All that’s left is to get it approved. You’ll have free time until graduation. What do you plan to do?” 

There was no longer any need to stay up all night in the lab. While she still needed to attend school, she now had the freedom to use the lab as she pleased and could choose which classes to attend before graduation. 

“I plan to attend all the events I couldn’t go to before.” 

“All of them? In this heat?” 

Events were usually held outdoors, and Violet, who hated sweating, looked at Ophelia with a puzzled expression. 

“Once I graduate, I won’t be able to eat Tom’s desserts anymore. I’m planning to indulge while I still can. I can endure the heat for that.” 

Recently, Ophelia had been so focused on her studies and thesis that she hadn’t been able to attend any events. However, in the past, she rarely missed school events—even ones meant exclusively for couples. 

People might wonder why she would attend such events alone, subjecting herself to judgmental stares. But Ophelia had a compelling reason for enduring such discomfort: the academy’s chef, Tom. 

A former royal chef, Tom was in charge of desserts, and his skills were so exceptional that it was nearly impossible to find desserts better than his. 

However, since Tom was employed by the academy, his desserts could only be enjoyed there. Given this, Ophelia felt she had to indulge in them as much as possible while she still could. Moreover, Tom often introduced his own unique creations at event venues, making it impossible to skip them. 

Having shaken off the burdens weighing on her heart, Ophelia planned to start attending various events with a light heart the very next day. 

Just imagining herself enjoying Tom’s desserts brought a smile to her face. 

* * * 

This oppressive heat is unbearable. 

The summers in the Siren Kingdom were always hot, but this year’s heatwave was particularly relentless. Perhaps that was why this moment, sitting under the blazing sun, felt hotter than ever. 

Even though she wore breathable gloves, her hands felt sticky. The sweat-soaked fabric against her skin only added to her discomfort. 

Ophelia unfolded the fan in her hand. The breeze it created was somewhat refreshing, but it wasn’t nearly enough to cool her down. The heat was so intense it felt as if even the surrounding air was drooping. 

Sitting alone under the scorching sun, it was only natural that she would feel exhausted.  

As Ophelia absentmindedly stared at the sky, her gaze shifted to her surroundings. Everyone except her was paired as a couple, their faces full of laughter and smiles. 

Seeing the happy couples brought a bitter smile to her lips, and at the same time, Cedric came to mind. 

Why am I thinking about that cold-hearted man? 

It must have been because this event was exclusively for couples, so it was only natural he would come to mind.

Though it left her feeling a bit bitter, Ophelia reminded herself that she had attended such events alone before without any issues. With that thought, she carried herself with confidence. 

“Isn’t that the Young Lady of Granville over there?” 

“Judging by how she’s been eating dessert non-stop without any regard for decorum, it must be her.” 

“Well, it’s obvious when you see that black, unruly curly hair.” 

Now that she no longer had to stay up late working in the lab, the dark circles that had extended down to her cheeks had vanished, and her dull complexion was now fresh and bright. She had even traded her gloomy lab coat and glasses for a vibrant dress, making her appearance at the event draw curious stares from many. 

However, since she attended alone, people’s interest quickly waned. She had attended so many events that she was now dismissed as a party fanatic. But events like today, which were specifically for couples, were different. She had to endure the looks of ridicule and pity. 

Let them think whatever they want. 

To Ophelia, desserts were far more important than her fiancé. She had already come to terms with everything, so Cedric’s presence wasn’t necessary. She could attend perfectly well on her own. 

In fact, being with him was uncomfortable. It was better to be alone than to awkwardly endure his company.

She thought it might be more accurate to say she had simply grown used to being alone. 

At that moment, the announcement rang out. 

“Today’s featured dessert is now being served.” 

Ohhh! 

The moment the maid placed the dessert on the table, Ophelia completely erased Cedric from her mind. Her full attention was now on the lemon cake in front of her. 

It’s so delicious! Yes, this is the taste! This is what I’ve been waiting for! 

After savoring the lemon cake, she received a slice of blueberry cake from the maid. Just as she was about to enjoy it, three young ladies approached her. 

“Oh my, are you here alone again today?” 

“Ah, yes. Well, I suppose so.” 

She knew they were speaking to her just to mock her, but she couldn’t ignore them entirely, so Ophelia responded appropriately. Of course, while she smiled sweetly on the outside, she was cursing them in her head. 

“Is the Young Duke of Bristol not here again today?” 

Why are they asking about Cedric when they know full well about the rumors of him being romantically involved with Young Lady Somerset? 

Their intentions were obvious, and Ophelia had no intention of falling for their games. 

“He must be busy with something.” 

Ophelia replied with a calm demeanor, as if it didn’t concern her. 

In truth, she had no idea about Cedric’s schedule. Even so, having to lie made her feel suffocated, even though the conversation had only lasted a few moments. 

“Tsk. You keep attending these events alone despite your poor relationship. Isn’t it about time to give up?” 

“Exactly. What good is it to play the role of a devoted fiancée when the other person has no intention of doing the same?” 

Why don’t they mind their own business instead of picking a fight? Let them chatter all they want. 

Being gossiped about was nothing new to Ophelia, so she wasn’t surprised. She could just ignore them, but today felt different. She sensed that the atmosphere was not the same as usual. 

Typically, the mocking remarks and sneers would continue endlessly, but they didn’t. 

Why did it feel like the attention was being diverted elsewhere? 

As she pondered this, the startled voices of the crowd echoed through the venue. 

“The Young Duke of Bristol is here.” 

The sudden commotion in the hall indicated that the atmosphere had become chaotic, but Ophelia couldn’t believe what she just heard. 

A man who had never attended a single event before was here, without even notifying anyone? How could that be possible? 

She thought someone must have been mistaken. Cutting a piece of the blueberry cake on the table, she was about to take a bite when an unwelcome voice rang clearly in her ears. 

“So, you’ve been attending these events alone all this time?”  

Turning her gaze towards the direction of the voice, Ophelia saw Cedric looking at her with one corner of his mouth slightly raised. His tone suggested he was unaware that she had been attending the events alone, which made her feel upset. Surely, the rumors must have spread, so how could he not know? 

She was so taken aback that words failed her. However, with so many eyes on them, she had to say something. No matter how much she disliked Cedric, maintaining decorum was a noble’s duty. To avoid cutting off her nose to spite her face, she needed to be polite.

“I was invited.”

“You should have contacted me. I would have escorted you.”

He once ignored her, and even when she sent letters, he didn’t reply. Now he was lying. Cedric’s sudden show of manners because of the many onlookers felt insincere to Ophelia.

“It’s fine. I’m perfectly happy on my own.”

Her lips were smiling, but Ophelia’s eyes were not.

Can you leave now?

She sent him that look, but Cedric pretended not to notice.

What is he trying to do? Is he pretending to be a kind and courteous fiancé? Does he think I’ll play along?

With an attitude that suggested she had nothing more to say, Ophelia picked up the plate she had momentarily set down on the side table.

“You still love desserts, I see.”

Cedric’s lips curled slightly, as if to mock her. Because his actions seemed insincere, Ophelia couldn’t view Cedric’s behavior with innocent eyes. Without responding, Ophelia stabbed a small piece of cake with her fork. As she put it in her mouth, the tangy juice burst forth, making her smile brightly, forgetting Cedric was there.

Chew, chew. She savored the taste, while Cedric continued to watch her.