The person with ashen eyes was emotionally desolate to the point of bleakness.

To him, for whom marriage was not suitable, an unreasonable partner was pushed upon.

A messy illegitimate child born from an affair. Entirely to cover up her own mistake, the disgrace of her son, and the Crown Prince.

Not satisfied with that, Katrina once again pressured Johann, who had recently divorced.

This time, it was for Londos. The opponent was the princess of a vassal state who was once the lover of her son.

There was no sense of guilt. As one born into royalty, wasn’t it only right to fulfill the appropriate duties and responsibilities?

“I heard you were planning to go to Ritten.”

The queen, Katrina’s gaze deepened.

“It’s not because of the princess.”

The queen’s voice sank even further.

“Surely not. Is it because of that child?”

Johann raised his eyebrows at the piercing gaze that seemed to penetrate his core.

He was well aware that it was an unmistakable threat.

Johann, who knew better than anyone the queen, who could be compassionate but turn cruel when needed, his aunt’s temperament.

He didn’t want her showing interest in Olivia.

“I’ll stand in as regent until Mikhail returns. That’s it.”

Johann replied nonchalantly as he stood up and left the office after a courteous farewell.

The sunlight, rising from the edge of the Great Garden through the arched elongated windows, pierced his eyes.

As if by habit, Johann glanced at his wristwatch.

8 AM. It was almost time for Olivia’s second match to begin.

“There’s a launching ceremony for a warship in Whalelo. Your Highness.”

The prince’s aide, who had been waiting outside the door, reported today’s schedule.

Johann took out a poem from his pocket, put it in his mouth, tilted his head to light it, and then took a step. The aide followed, and the briefing on today’s schedule continued for a long time.

The scene in the early stages of the tournament waiting room resembled a ladies’ tea time.

Chattering and laughter could be heard here and there.

However, only the bench where Olivia sat was as quiet as a glassed space.
“That unfortunate attire doesn’t seem embarrassing, does it? I feel embarrassed just looking at it.”

“If I had known it would be embarrassing, I wouldn’t have chosen Jean Valbert in the first place.”

Athletes from prestigious families, in the manner of noble sports, gathered in threes and fives, consistently casting disdainful glances at Olivia.

Because of this, Evangeline and her maid, who had to switch the drugged water, found themselves in a very awkward situation.

Olivia sat in an orderly posture, checking the racket strings.

Despite explicit mocking words circulating and the hostile gaze of Hilnan, her face, bathed in the morning sun, remained calm.

By her side, a maid with a reddish aura in her hair was keeping watch.

Evangeline’s restless gaze turned towards the clock on the waiting room wall. There were barely 30 minutes left until the start of the match, and there was no more time to delay.

Can she perform well?

She discreetly sent a signal to the maid with a slight glance.

Certainly, Miss.

The maid nodded her head discreetly.

Evangeline stood up. As she calmly walked past Olivia, suddenly, she clutched her stomach and screamed.

The attention inside the waiting room immediately focused on Evangeline, and murmurs began, asking what was happening.

“Ahh!”

Evangeline lay flat on the floor near Olivia’s feet, screaming.

“Are you okay?”

A greatly startled woman
“Ah, miss. Why are you suddenly acting like this?”

Only then did the maid exclaim with a pondering expression.

When Evangeline tightly closed one eye, the maid blinked her eyes rapidly.

Evangeline’s screams gradually subsided as a signal announcing the success of the mission.

Even the excessively gasping breath quickly quieted down.

“…I think it’s okay now. Can you help me up?”

She rose with the support of the maid.

“Really, are you okay?”

Olivia asked with concern.

“Yes. Thank you for worrying, Miss Blanshet.”

Evangeline said while soothing her disheveled hair. A white water jug on a secluded bench behind the girl’s shoulders became visible.

Now, if only I drink that water.

The golden logo of Lancelot Corporation sparkled with golden dust in the sunlight streaming through the window.

It’s over.

“Thank you so much.”

Evangeline smiled brightly.

The preparations for joining the Royal Tennis Club to ascend to the upper class were now complete.

Edgar’s prediction was accurate.

Except for Princess Annblin’s match, the seats that had been mostly empty were now filled day after day.

Among them, Olivia’s match was particularly talked about, to the point where even secret deals about the betting odds were taking place.

Well, she did defeat Sarah Pavlova, who was a strong contender for victory.

Her skill was now clearly proven for everyone to acknowledge.

Henry looked around the packed spectator seats filled with nobles in glamorous attire and smiled contentedly.

“Goods are goods. Your words, Lancelot. She truly is extraordinary.”