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The Scorned Noble Lady Picks Up The Path of Alchemy in Her Second Life

The Fiancé's Cheating Scene

Translated by: S3

Treat me to a Ko-Fi to give me more motivation!!!

*****

The bell signaling lunchtime echoed through the Adventurers Guild, and a man approached me—Mia Hopewell, a viscount's daughter working here.

「I have something important to discuss tonight. Tell me your ring size, Mia.」

This was my fiancé, Zeel Voitos, the Count's son and an alchemist.

When a man like him hinted at a wedding ring, the workplace immediately brightened, as if spring had arrived.

A celebratory mood enveloped the Adventurers Guild, and my colleagues gave me warm smiles, saying, 「Congratulations」 and 「That’s wonderful」

It was, in truth, a loveless political marriage, but I was genuinely happy to be congratulated by everyone. This was such a comfortable workplace, I was almost reluctant to resign.

I had already submitted my resignation to the Adventurers Guild, where I had worked for three years, and it was settled: I would retire tomorrow to get married. All that was left was to let the current flow and begin my life as a newlywed… or so it should have been.

Until that night, when I witnessed my fiancé's affair.

As the beautiful starry sky spread overhead that evening, I noticed strange noises leaking from the Adventurers Guild warehouse.

Feeling suspicious, I checked inside the dark warehouse, and a silhouette of a man and a woman intensely kissing was projected before me.

Don't make love in a place like this, I thought … but in an instant, the two separated after their kiss.

Seeing the figures illuminated by the moonlight, my blood ran cold.

The person I saw in the secret rendezvous was none other than Lord Zeel, my fiancé.

Who could have predicted that I would witness my fiancé cheating with so little time left until the wedding? At the very least, I, who had been congratulated by my colleagues that very afternoon, never would have thought it.

I had endured his cold attitude, devoid of any affection, suppressed my own emotions, and devoted myself to him until now, so why would he do this…?

I feel like such an idiot for constantly forcing smiles to make our relationship look amicable to those around us.

「Catarina」

To make matters worse, his lover was my sweet junior, Catarina Medic, the Baron's daughter.

I had tried to look after her, supporting her with colleagues and clients because she couldn't fit in at work. When I decided to resign from the Adventurers Guild, I was worried about her clingy nature and even bowed my head to ask my colleagues to look out for her.

Why, then, could she do something like this? Now, I can only wonder if I was just being taken advantage of.

Feeling distraught, I was about to leave without saying a word when my hand unexpectedly hit a nearby object, causing a loud clang-clang sound.

Naturally, making such a loud noise immediately exposed my presence to the two people having their secret meeting—

「Mia… 」

「Senior Mia… 」

The atmosphere grew so awkward I could barely breathe, and I couldn't properly control my expression. A feeling of deep disgust welled up inside me, and I naturally gave them a look of contempt.

However, the two who had been meeting in secret were different. Without a hint of remorse, they were giggling innocently.

「Oops, we got caught」

「See? I told you I was busy today . I had to give Mia the wedding ring and take her out to dinner at a restaurant tonight, you know」

「But~, Lord Zeel, you were the one who said you couldn't be satisfied with just a lunch break . And didn't you say you just settled for a ready-made wedding ring?」

Looking at Lord Zeel, who wrapped an arm around Catarina's waist and pulled her closer, the scene before me told the whole story.

He had absolutely no interest in me, his fiancée, and saw no value in me. He must have preferred the more charming Catarina

「Well, it doesn't matter. I just need to clear up the misunderstanding」

「…Misunderstanding? 」

「Yes . You probably think this is cheating, Mia, but that's not the reality. This is just a bit of fun」

I couldn't even manage to utter the word, Huh? It was obvious at a glance that they had been secretly meeting.

「That's right~, Senior ♪ We're just in a relationship for physical needs, so please don't worry about it. It's quite common, isn't it~?」

「Exactly. Any respectable noble has two or three partners for their nocturnal escapades」

「But~, Lord Zeel, aren't you devoted~? After all, you only have eyes for me~, and you have been for a very long time~ 」

「Don't say that too loudly . I've been hiding it all this time for the sake of the overly serious Mia. You'll ruin my thoughtful consideration.」

Hiding it all this time? Thoughtful consideration for me? What on earth is this man saying? I thought he would make an excuse, but instead, he's completely refusing to take responsibility.

Doesn't Lord Zeel understand that a noble engagement is a contract with significant political implications?

I had the awful feeling that he genuinely meant what he was saying, and all I could do was stare at him in disbelief.

「I can't believe this…」

「Unfortunately, nobility doesn't need a marriage based on love」

He has no right to speak of noble marriage, given that he cut short his time with his fiancée to mess around with my junior.

It was nothing short of ridiculous that Lord Zeel, who had created a deep rift between our two houses, didn't understand the gravity of the situation.

「It's absurd to make a fuss over a bit of fun at night. Just cheer up already」

Lord Zeel finally took his hand off Catarina's waist and slowly approached me.

When I saw what he smugly pulled out of his pocket, all I could do was sigh.

「I arranged this for you, Mia. Isn't it a memorable occasion that my very first present to you is our wedding ring?」

Is he sane, giving me the wedding ring at this very moment? I would almost prefer it if he just admitted he was mocking me.

It makes no sense that the first present would be the wedding ring after an engagement that has lasted eight years since I was ten years old. He never even gave me a single flower for my birthday… no, I need to stop thinking about this.

I don't need to associate with a person like him.

「I cannot accept the wedding ring. It is unnecessary for us」

「Huh? What are you saying? This is a gift from me, the man you adore」

His delusion is extreme. I wish he would put his hand on his chest and ask himself if he was in any state to believe I held such feelings for him.

「Since you seem to be under a misconception, let me state this clearly: I have simply devoted myself so as not to bring shame upon my house, Hopewell. I harbor absolutely no affection for Lord Zeel. Not even an iota」

For someone who grudgingly carried out the chores imposed by the Voitos countdom and followed Lord Zeel's instructions against her will, there was no factor that could make her fall in love with him.

I had only endured it all this time to prevent a bad reputation for my family line. I told myself it was the fate of being born a noble and had no choice but to accept it.

But that ends today. I no longer have to obey his every word.

I was startled when I was suddenly addressed while crying uncontrollably.

I quickly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe away my tears, but it was too late. Standing there was Lord Clein Augusta, a Marquis's son whom I had handled requests for many times.

He was a handsome man with brown hair and bright, deep green eyes, and perfectly sculpted features. Despite being only twenty, two years older than me, he was hailed as a genius who had been selected as the youngest Court Alchemist.

He was reputed among the nobility to be difficult to approach, but I found that wasn't true. Unlike my fiancé, Lord Zeel, he was a kind person who taught me various things about alchemy, and I had a very good impression of his character.

「It's nothing. Please, just pretend you didn't see me」

「I don't mind, but… in exchange, could you please check this request for me ? I received the handover, but I suddenly felt the need to have you, Miss Mia, confirm it」

Seeing Lord Clein's gentle smile, I immediately understood that he was being considerate. He was trying to keep me company until I calmed down.

Lord Clein's kindness touched me deeply, and my tears began to flow again.