Grace had immediately assessed the situation upon entering. She took one step at a time, approaching closer.

“His Majesty couldn’t leave the birthday celebration, so I’ve come as a royal representative.”

With those words, Grace kneeled before Dekar. Everyone in the room stood up at Grace’s action. Dekar’s eyebrows also rose.

“What are you doing?”

“As the princess of the Helium Empire, I humbly petition the Emperor of the Lunen Empire.”

“I’m not the emperor yet.”

“Though the coronation has not yet occurred, it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say you’ve already ascended to the throne. Therefore, I petition.”

Grace now was entirely different from the woman Delina had seen in the garden. Despite being on her knees, the aura she projected was strong. Delina dumbly watched her.

“Do not take Her Highness away.”

“……”

“Of course, I’m aware of the promise between you and my father. However, I beseech you to choose a different coronation gift.”

Dekar remained silent. Grace added another sentence.

“In the Helium Empire, it is legally forbidden to treat people as mere commodities.”

“……”

“The same goes for the Lunen Empire, as far as I know.”

Her tone suggested that she knew whatever rebuttal Dekar might have. Finally, Dekar, who had been silent, tilted his head and spoke.

“Tell me, why do you know the laws of another empire?”

“……”

“This is why princesses are boring.”

Dekar, who had been leaning back, looked at Bellion.

“Why do you even bother with her?”

Curious, Delina also listened. Bellion, who had been quiet, finally spoke.

“Because it would be boring otherwise.”

Silence enveloped the room at Bellion’s straightforward statement. Dekar broke it.

“Figures.”

“……”

“At least you’re honest.”

Wham!

Delina was lifted into the air and then dropped again. This time she landed in Bellion’s arms.

“Take her away.”

“……”

“The mood’s gone.”

Dekar, handing Delina over to Bellion, spoke again.

“Clown, no, was it Her Highness Delina?”

“……”

“I haven’t given up, you know? My offer still stands. Come to the Lunen Empire whenever you want. You’ll be welcomed.”

Bellion’s arms tightened around Delina at his words. When Delina urgently patted his arm, his grip loosened. Meanwhile, Dekar left the reception room, laughing.

“……”

“……”

The carriage was filled with silence. Of course, Delina wasn’t riding alone. Bellion sat opposite her, but neither spoke. Delina just sat there, looking completely drained.

‘So much has happened. So much…’

The kidnapping was just the beginning. Exposed at the party, wig and mask off, Delina had to answer all the questions from Aelie and Gideon.

She had no choice but to explain that she was receiving sponsorship from the Duke’s house and about her life as a performer. Gideon’s face when he found out why she was sponsored was quite something to behold.

Regardless of those two, rumors would inevitably spread now that her face was exposed. That Her Highness Delina Floren was sponsored by the Duke’s house and even worked as a performer. For the time being, Delina seriously considered not attending any social events.

‘Well, that’s one thing…’

Delina glanced at Bellion, who was sitting right in front of her. Bellion, who had been staring out the window, turned his head when he felt her gaze.

“What is it?”

“It’s nothing.”

‘Because it would be boring otherwise?’
Remembering Vellion’s casual remarks about why Delina was needed, Delina’s lips puckered.

‘I didn’t really expect much in the first place……’

Supporting and being supported.

Yes, wasn’t that the extent of their relationship? Therefore, she should have been unaffected by Vellion’s words. However, Delina’s heart wasn’t.

“Um……”

Just as Vellion was about to speak upon noticing Delina’s unhappy expression, another voice interrupted.

“We’ve arrived. Please get off.”

The carriage came to a stop, and Felix showed himself through the window. Only then did Delina ask him with a curious expression.

“Where have we arrived?”

She had left the palace in such a rush that she had no idea where the carriage was headed. Felix then pointed to a distant place with a smile.

“It’s the square festival.”

“Festival?”

“You couldn’t fully enjoy the banquet because of the performance, right? His Majesty suggested that we go to the square festival.”

‘His Majesty?’

Surprised by the fact that it was Vellion who had suggested it, Delina turned her gaze. In the meantime, Vellion had swapped his mask for one that Felix had brought.

“The theme of this festival is a masquerade, you see. This way, both of you can enjoy the festival.”

Felix extended a mask to Delina as well. Putting on the mask, Delina looked around in wonder.

‘Wow……’

People wearing various masks were each enjoying the festival at the square entrance. The colorful scene naturally lit up Delina’s eyes.

“His Majesty will wear this.”

Felix handed a small bottle to Vellion. After opening the bottle, Vellion poured its contents onto his hair, and soon, the color of his hair began to change. Delina, surprised, asked,