Chapter 42

However, Sophia showed not the slightest trace of surprise. While most people, including Adeline, were being deceived, she knew well enough that this was his true face.

“You’re worse than Mireille ever described. So it’s finally Adeline’s turn, is it? I imagine everyone at the Academy knows you’ve had your sights set on her.”

Ah, no. Maybe Adeline herself is the only one who doesn’t know?

As Sophia sneered, the chill in Millein’s blue eyes deepened.

“Leave Adeline out of this. I’m more curious about why you’re doing this, Sophia. What exactly did Mireille Leroux tell you?”

“What do you think she said? She told me everything you did. Don’t tell me you’ve forgotten that as well.”

How you toyed with Mireille!

Sophia ground her teeth, her anger spilling over as she railed about what had happened between Millein and Mireille.

“Milleinberg. You acted as if you’d give her your very heart, and yet when she asked you to be with her, you turned her down? If that was the case, why did you even ask her to be your partner in the first place?”

“Why do you sisters always mix up the order of events? It wasn’t that I turned her down when she asked to be with me. I only corrected the rumor after she started spreading rumors about us dating first.”

It was only after he set the rumor straight that Mireille had finally sought him out to confess.

—I… I thought we were together. That’s why I said it like that… But even now, couldn’t we make it official? I like you, Milleinberg.
—I’m afraid not, Mireille. I don’t care much for people who can’t keep their mouths shut. Still, I enjoyed our time together. You’re a good person, so I’m sure you’ll find someone better than me.

Only then did Mireille burst into tears and confront him about everything that had happened between them.

Exactly as Sophia had just recounted.

—T-Then why did you ask me to be your partner in the first place? You were always kind to me. Every time I asked if you could spare me a moment, you agreed so readily. How could that not mean we were together?
—Ha. Of course it could mean nothing, Mireille. You really are rather naïve, aren’t you?

Especially in believing that kindness must always spring from affection.

Millein’s reasons for treating her well had been simple. He needed someone with an invitation to attend a banquet where he had to openly establish connections, and Mireille happened to hold that very invitation.

Surprisingly, that had been all there was to it.

“I never thought that matter would still come back to trouble me…”

And if asked whether he had truly been unaware of Mireille’s feelings, well. He would have to admit he had known. But just as kindness didn’t always mean affection, was there ever a reason why feelings for someone had to be repaid?

At those words, Sophia looked at him with eyes full of contempt.

“You really are irredeemable trash, Milleinberg.”

“I know. Thank you. So, is that the end of our conversation?”

Wearing the same gentle smile as always, he left her with a final warning.

“I’d prefer it if you never brought up Mireille’s matter again, Sophia.”

“…You’ll pay for everything you’ve done, every last bit of it. No, perhaps sooner than you expect.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

When Sophia snapped her fingers as if suddenly remembering something, Millein arched a brow.

“Do you know why I came to see you today?”

“As if your wandering from banquet to banquet were anything new.”

“That’s true, but not today.”

I came at someone’s request.

“They said their lover had gone to a banquet with another man, and asked me to find out who he was.”

“…What?”

Millein’s straight brow furrowed at once.

Seeing his reaction, Sophia burst into peals of laughter.

“You trash bastard. So you really were trying to seduce Adeline? But what will you do now?”

She already has a lover.