Muttering to himself, Klaus touched his forehead, leaning back in his chair.

His broad shoulders, left alone in the spacious study, looked particularly lonely that day.

Three days passed quickly, and it became the day of the grand welcoming banquet hosted by the Raphaellios envoy, which Icelia had been singing about so much.
Closet and Roselia, dressed in the Raphaellios-style dresses received as gifts from the Crown Princess, were riding in the Duke’s carriage, entering the palace.

Not only them, but also numerous carriages of nobles who had received invitations from the Crown Prince and Crown Princess were lined up all the way to the palace where the banquet was held.

“Goodness, Roselia. It seems like all the nobles in the empire have gathered for the banquet today.”

Closet, sticking to the carriage window, exclaimed at the endless procession of splendid carriages.

Roselia, looking at Closet like that, let out a deep sigh.

“I feel like I shouldn’t be attending such an event.”

“What are you talking about! You’re a distinguished guest who received an invitation from the Crown Princess!”

“Yes, but now I can’t really consider myself a noble.”

In response to Roselia’s listless voice, Closet argued with a determined expression.

“What does it matter if you’re a noble or not? If you received an invitation, you’re just another guest.”

Comforted by Closet’s straightforward words, Roselia looked at her and smiled brightly.

Closet, whom she had always thought of as just a haughty lady, occasionally spoke so maturely and beyond her age.

Perhaps, it was because she matured early due to not receiving much affection from her family and growing up quickly.

As Roselia’s thoughts reached that point, feeling heavy-hearted, she smiled even more brightly at Closet.

“You will be the most beautiful lady at the banquet today.”

Although it was Roselia’s sincere impression, Closet responded with a teasing smile.

“Roselia, you have no idea how beautiful you are today, do you?”

At Closet’s suggestive words, Roselia looked down at her attire with a determined expression.

In addition to the Raphaellios-style dress received as a gift from the Crown Princess, emerald jewelry adorned her wrists and neck, which used to be empty.

Moreover, unlike her usually richly flowing artificial blonde hair, today she wore a golden wig styled elegantly in the Raphaellios fashion.

Under the updo, her slender and white neck, round shoulders, and the emerald jewelry on top complemented her, making her stand out even more.

Unlike Closet’s proud expression, Roselia, with her exposed shoulders, only moved her arms with an indifferent expression, without any enthusiasm.

“Is the Duke coming separately?”

In response to Roselia’s attempt to change the subject, Closet replied bluntly.

“He seems to be at the palace first to welcome the envoy.”

Well, Klaus was not only busy with personal business but also, even in the noble class, he was a high-ranking noble within reach of just three fingers.

There would be many matters related to the palace that he would have to attend to, besides his business.

While thinking such thoughts, they, who had become the next in line to get off the long carriage procession, descended from the carriage with the escort of the coachman.
It wasn’t a simple gathering, but a reception welcoming an envoy from another empire, so the path leading to the banquet hall was so splendid that it could be described as dazzling, to the extent that it felt blinding.

Stepping on the sparkling red carpet under the lights, they entered the banquet hall.

“Closet Young Lady?”

At the familiar yet unpleasant voice, the gazes of Closet and Roselia turned.

The origin of the voice was Juiceed, dressed in a splendid red dress and covering her mouth with a fan while smiling.

For a while, she hadn’t been seen, making them somewhat relieved, but apparently, Delmont Juice was also present at this banquet.

“Long time no see, Miss Juiceed. Is your waist all right?”

As memories of the past where she was kicked and fell flashed back, Juiceed’s face turned reddish-blue with anger.

However, in a situation where she was caught doing something that didn’t fit the demeanor of a noble lady and was exposed, she could only grit her teeth inwardly.

While Closet laughed at her, looking at her like that, Juiceed, who had composed herself, casually spoke.

“It’s been a while. Miss Juiceed. Is your waist okay?”

After saying that, Juiceed’s gaze turned towards Roselia, standing next to Closet.

“This lady is…”

“My friend.”

With Closet’s confident expression as if saying, ‘Do you have a problem?’ Juiceed scrutinized Roselia once again.

“There’s no way there’s a noble lady I don’t know. Are you from a lower noble family?”

“What does my background matter? Roselia is a guest who received a clear invitation from the Crown Princess.”

At Closet’s confident words, Juiceed made a somewhat puzzled expression.

“Crown Princess? Unexpected. But…”

As Juiceed was saying that, she suddenly squinted her eyes and scrutinized Roselia’s face.

“I seem to have seen this face somewhere before. It’s strange; it feels familiar.”

At Juiceed’s words, Roselia’s spine chilled unexpectedly.