12 O’Clock Marionette

Did he think I was saying that because I wanted to?

I glared at Cruello in sheer disbelief.

He only laughed.

“Alright, alright. I’ll take this seriously. For now.”

With a flick of his hand, my clothes transformed into a pale blue dress.

My disheveled hair was neatly arranged, and even an ornate hairpiece appeared in place.

Cruello’s outfit had also changed, now identical to what the dummy had been wearing.

Magic was ridiculously convenient.

“And now…”

With another snap of his fingers, the lights in the ceremonial hall went out.

The guests stirred in confusion, but I only blinked a couple of times.

This felt… familiar.

“…A poltergeist trick?”

“The main characters need a grand entrance.”

He grabbed my hand again and snapped his fingers.

The world flipped upside down.

Blinding darkness swallowed my vision.

And in the next instant—

Our positions had switched with the dummies.

I forced myself not to look toward the window, where the discarded dummy had been relocated.

Taking a deep breath, I steadied myself.

The lights flickered back on.

Count Goldenstove stood before us, scowling deeply.

But judging by his expression, he hadn’t noticed anything.

“…Your Highness, I must ask that you refrain from playing games during the engagement ceremony.”

“Hmm, I was just a little bored. My apologies.”

“…How much time is left?”

The Count grumbled a few more times before letting out a short sigh.

Then, as if choosing to let it slide, she eased the tension in her brow.

“Very well. We shall conclude the ceremony with the Oath’s Kiss.”

…What?

I furrowed my brow.

A kiss?

This was only an engagement, not a wedding.

I must have misheard.

I turned to look at Cruello, but he only smiled, clearly amused.

Then, in an exaggerated motion, he mouthed the words:

“Can’t do it?”

His expression was downright provoking.

But I had no choice but to take the bait.

Can’t do it?

Please! There was nothing in this world that I couldn’t do.

Yeah, that’s right.

It wasn’t like this was a funeral.

A little kiss during an engagement ceremony—so what?