Of course, although they hadn’t openly revealed their animosity since the last gathering, Sylvia always wore an expression of resentment as she gazed at Delina.
Even after several years, Delina always responded calmly to Sylvia’s consistently resentful attitude. In fact, with many young nobles gathering around Delina and continuous questioning, she had little time to pay attention to Sylvia.

“Excuse me, young ladies.”

As young noblewomen gathered around Delina, young noblemen naturally started approaching as well. Among them, Delina noticed one young nobleman who walked straight toward her.

“Marquis Floren?”

Originally familiar with the family, Delina also knew basic information about the Floren family. This was because the young noble approaching her was one of the suitors who had sent an engagement proposal to Delina.

“It’s been a while, Lady Floren. Since the last party, isn’t it?”

“Yes, indeed. It’s been a long time.”

Marquis Jean Floren.

With a status as a marquis and a family that was growing by expanding its recent businesses, Jean exuded confidence in his appearance.

“You seem even more beautiful than last time. I can recognize you from afar with this appearance.”

“You’re flattering me. Young nobles are like that. Especially the jewels on your clothes look splendid too.”

Smiling in response to Jean’s praise, Delina spoke. Jean, proud, then showed off the jewel he had in the center.

“Indeed, you have a discerning eye. This is the famous ‘Song of the Forest’ jewel. It’s a gem that’s not easily found anywhere. Do you happen to know about this watch? It’s also crafted with a similar kind of gem as this one…”

A single compliment was followed by ten boasts. Delina felt a sudden exhaustion. It was apparent that displaying numerous jewels was a request for praise. Therefore, just as she made a brief comment, it turned into a heavy conversation.

“Ah, and did you receive the engagement proposal I sent?”

“Huh?”

Delina’s eyes widened at Jean’s continued engagement proposal talk.

“Of course, you mentioned that you would consider it, but my thoughts are a bit different. If it’s okay with you, I hope we can meet alone later. How about it?”

While sending engagement proposals was quite common among nobles, openly speaking to everyone about it was unheard of.

Especially when the engagement was not confirmed.

“…Well, let’s talk about that later, shall we? It doesn’t seem like the right place for that discussion here.”

“Yes, of course, but since it involves the important matters of our families, I thought we should proceed quickly. Or how about this? I’ll visit the Ducal family once.”

“What?”

Even though she declined, Jean seemed to have no intention of backing off. Instead, he deliberately spoke loudly, drawing attention from those around. Due to this, people’s attention became focused.

“Yes, let’s talk about it later…”
“Oh, then should we talk in a completely different place? It’s still fine.”

As he suggested discussing it later, Marquis Jean seemed intent on taking Delina elsewhere. As Jean reached out towards Delina, seemingly determined to take her away, she instinctively flinched. It was at that moment.

“I came here, wondering whether people wear jewels or jewels wear people. Turns out, something amusing is happening.”

Jean paused at someone’s remark. The young noble men and women who saw his face started buzzing with excitement. Delina, too, widened her eyes, looking at the familiar face that made her smile.