I have a bad feeling about this…
My instincts are screaming at me to reject the invitation.
No one is forcing us to go, technically. But they make it seem like we have to.
I mean, I don't even have a gown! If I don't have a gown, then I can't go, right?
Maybe because I spent the whole day selling at the market, I didn't realize…
that I've already been "bought."
Mother said I looked beautiful, but I was terrified.
Father said he was grateful to have a pretty daughter going to the palace.
They looked so happy. Why?
Are they happy to let me go?
☄️ "Why are you so happy?"
🙍♀️ "What?"
☄️ "You're just going to let me go like this??"
🙍♀️ "W-What are you talking about, sweetheart?"
🙎♂️ "Isn't this what you've always wanted?"
☄️ "Yes! It was! Before they ruined my frie–"
🙎♂️ "Enough! They sent an invitation and this gown—it would be rude to refuse!"
☄️ "Father…"
I ran out of the house.
I don't know why, but it hurt.
Are they really going to turn a blind eye to what's happening?
It felt like they had sold me off to a royal official.
Like they were engaging in human trafficking.
I kept running. Somehow, my feet knew exactly where I needed to go—
To Renan.
☄️ "RENAN!"
🪐 "Yeah? Huh? Hey, what's wrong??"
I was out of breath. But I was glad to see him.
And maybe now… a little sad, too.
☄️ "I've been invited to the royal ball."
He froze.
His eyes locked onto mine.
My heart was pounding like a drum.
🪐 "I see."
That was it.
That was his response?
He turned away from me.
My heart burned hotter.
☄️ "Will you be going to the ball?"
🪐 "No. I wasn't invited. Um… what will you wear?"
☄️ "Well…"
I looked at Renan before answering.
I wanted to cry.
I clutched at my skirt, holding back my tears.
🪐 "Ah, so… they gave you a gown, huh?"
He turned his face away again.
Renan, I think I'm going to cry.
Can't you comfort me?
🪐 "That means you have to go, th– eh?"
Ah… it's already flowing, isn't it?
I couldn't hold them in anymore.
If my fate is the same as that older girl's, I don't think I'll survive.
Renan, please… save me.
🪐 "H-Hey… It's okay. You'll be fine."
He pulled me into a hug.
He gently patted my back, whispering that everything would be alright.
He calmed me down.
🪐 "The ball is still a month away, right?
Maybe you can convince your parents not to let you go."
☄️ "You're right..."
☄️ "Oh! If the gown doesn't fit, I can't go to the ball, right?!"
☄️ "I'll just eat more so the gown won't fit!"
🪐 "Yeah, sure, that could work."
☄️ "Thank you so much, Renan!"
After I felt better, I decided to go home.
By the time I arrived, the sky had gone dark.
But in the dimness of my room… I saw my mother.
🙍♀️ "Sweetheart."
☄️ "Mother..."
🙍♀️ "Listen… your father and I were heartbroken to hear what happened to your friend."
🙍♀️ "But… better opportunities are still out there."
🙍♀️ "You're smart, and you're beautiful."
🙍♀️ "You can't stay in the village forever."
🙍♀️ "You have to see the world."
☄️ "But–"
🙍♀️ "You need to see it for yourself. With your own eyes."
That was where the conversation ended.
But honestly, I had already made my decision even before it started.
I'm not going.
And I'll do anything I can to make sure of that.
I started eating more often—
Not too much, not enough to waste food or actually make me sick.
I just increased my portions and meal times a bit.
I think I'm starting to look chubbier.
Even Renan noticed!
🪐 "You're looking… 'full,' Sarena."
☄️ "What's that? A compliment? Don't bother me, I'm eating."
🪐 "Yeah yeah, whatever. Here—have some of mine too. My lunch is pretty good today."
☄️ "Thank you!"
I really, really hope… the gown won't fit!!