Chapter 141
She had no time or patience to spare for Rosia, and a sigh escaped her lips.
But even if she disliked it, the letter had to be read.
If that girl causes trouble again, it’ll be a headache.
With an indifferent face, the Empress began reading the long letter.
Soon, however, her lips parted in shock at what was written inside.
Eila Blanche was involved in founding Yuriette Cosmetics?
A small suspicion snowballed into a great realization.
Now that I think about it… Piony only began changing after she became close to Eila.
The Empress bit her lip. Her mind churned with uneasy thoughts.
But… could she really have accomplished so much right after being cast out by her family?
She slowly closed her eyes, then opened them again, reaching a conclusion.
Rosia’s hostility toward Eila was extreme. Believing her words at face value would be foolish.
Above all, Eila was still the person who possessed what the Empress needed most.
There are suspicious points, yes, but I can’t abandon her just because of unproven rumors. I’ll give her one last chance.
At the Emperor’s birthday banquet, Eila’s choice would decide everything.
If, as the Emperor predicted, she chose Piony—then the Empress resolved to cut her down without hesitation.
No matter how strong Eila was, if threatened with the lives of those close to her, could she remain unscathed?
A cold smirk curved the Empress’s lips.
That’s what you get for staying close to Piony.
Soon after, she scribbled a brief note on clean paper and muttered quietly,
“If that girl doesn’t stand with us… there will be no reason to let her live.”
From early morning, the academy’s square buzzed with excitement. Today was the announcement of both the semester’s final exam results and the graduation exam results.
Students crowded in front of the bulletin boards, faces full of tension and anticipation.
The area was packed with bodies, whispers rippling across the square.
“They say there are two early graduation applicants this time.”
“Yeah, I heard. Eila and Felix, right?”
“To graduate early, they’d have to rank high again.”
“Well, with their skills, maybe it’s possible.”
Even as they chatted, their eyes kept drifting toward one group—Eila and her friends.
“Eila, aren’t you nervous?”
At Piony’s question, Eila just shrugged.
“I did my best. If I fail to graduate, then so be it.”
Unlike her calm expression, Felix’s face was slightly tense.
He was confident about his practicals, but the written exam still worried him.
Eila noticed his stiffness and offered encouragement.
“It’s alright, Felix. You worked hard, so the results will follow.”
At her words, Felix forced a shaky smile.
“If only things always went the way you say, Eila.”
“Even if we fail, it doesn’t matter. We can graduate next year.”
“…That’s true, but… I don’t want to be apart from you that long.”
Felix muttered like a child pouting. Piony gave them a sly grin.
“Ahem. You know I’m standing right here? Save the affection for somewhere more private.”
Eila and Felix flinched, looking embarrassed.
Fortunately, the awkwardness didn’t last long. The results had just been posted.
“Wow! The top ranks haven’t changed again!”
Students rushed forward, buzzing with chatter.
Though it was crowded, Eila and Felix squeezed through the crowd until they finally found their names.
Both had taken the top spots in the semester’s exams.
“And the graduation exam…”
As Eila turned to check, Felix rushed up to her, his face beaming.
Then, without warning, he lifted her high into the air in his arms.
“Eila, we did it! I passed too!”
“What? Really?!”
Before she could even look at the board, Felix spun her around joyfully.
When her feet finally touched the ground again, Eila’s cheeks were burning red.
“Wow, they really are close.”
“Maybe they’ll marry right after graduation?”
“So jealous.”
Of course, their public display came with a price—whispers from all directions.
Piony clicked her tongue beside them.
“Honestly, keep the love show for private. All this attention is embarrassing.”
“Ah… sorry, Piony. Guess we got too carried away.”
“Well, still—congratulations. You both earned it.”
Piony crossed her arms, smiling primly.
“Thanks, Piony.”
Eila smiled shyly, but she couldn’t hide the heat of emotion rising in her chest.
Her long-held dream of graduating safely from the academy had finally come true.
In the original story, I couldn’t even graduate. I had to leave in disgrace, mocked by everyone…
But now, everything around her had changed.
I really am graduating.
Felix, seeing the tears welling in her eyes, leaned closer.
“Why are you crying, Eila? On such a happy day?”
“It just feels… overwhelming.”
Felix slid his arm gently over her shoulder.
“Instead of crying, let’s think about where to go celebrate. All the hard work is finally over.”
“Haha, you’re right. I’ll have to think about it.”
Everything was perfect.
Piony’s sincere congratulations, Felix’s warm support at her side, and the students smiling at her from across the square…
Wiping her eyes, Eila blinked. And in that moment, she saw a familiar figure in the distance.
Kadin?
It had been a long time since she’d seen his face.
He still looked as handsome as ever, though the dark shadows under his eyes stood out.
Since the day Eila rejected him, he had avoided her, so she hadn’t seen him in ages.
Piony muttered with irritation,
“Ugh, why is he coming over here again?”
Sure enough, Kadin walked straight toward them.
Eila inhaled sharply. If he said something strange again, she was ready to walk away without hesitation.
But this time, Felix stepped smoothly in front of her.
“What business do you have, senior?”
Kadin didn’t answer him. His eyes were fixed solely on Eila.
Then, in a flat voice, he said:
“…Congratulations on graduating, Eila. That’s all I came to say.”
That was it.
He gave a small bow toward Piony and Felix, then turned and left.
Eila narrowed her eyes, watching his back retreat into the distance.
…What’s he thinking? Did he really come just to congratulate me?
Beside her, Piony muttered in disbelief,
“Strange. Since when does he walk away without picking a fight?”
“Maybe he truly just wanted to say goodbye.”
“That’s what’s strange.”
But Eila had no time to dwell on Kadin’s intentions.
Other students were passing by, calling out to them.
“Congratulations, Eila, Felix!”
“You’re both amazing! Early graduation, wow!”
“Don’t forget us after you leave, alright?”
Amid the flood of congratulations, Eila only smiled quietly.
It was a moment so full of happiness that her chest ached.
