The looks were filled with jealousy, envy, and various emotions.

“…”

Owen immediately sensed the atmosphere in this place.

Knowing that the nobles disliked the Duke and Duchess who came from the north, Owen decided to change public opinion a bit.

If, by any chance, something unexpected happened in the banquet hall like before, the Duke and Duchess would feel greatly uncomfortable, and then the desire to stay in the palace would disappear.

‘I should save my useful pawns.’

Owen raised his champagne glass in a toast.

Immediately, many nobles raised their champagne glasses above their eyebrows, just like him.
“I extend my gratitude to Duke and Duchess Wellington for their assistance in finding ship No. 4.”

Initially, the nobles looked at the Duke and Duchess with stern faces.

It was a well-known fact that the relationship between the Crown Prince and Duke Wellington was not good.

However, for the Crown Prince to express gratitude to Duke Wellington was unexpected.

Many exchanged puzzled glances with each other.

It was heard that the Duchess, who was unwell, came down to the warm capital for treatment.

Moreover, there were rumors that she was playing the role of a princess in the palace.

Among some women, additional unfavorable rumors about Atia had spread.

Unverified rumors.

There were even strange rumors circulating, suggesting that the Duke and Duchess won the hunting competition by using tricks or other means.

Therefore, the nobles thought there must be another intention behind the Crown Prince’s words.

“…”

Atia diligently rolled her eyes to grasp the atmosphere around her.

Just by looking at their expressions, she could tell what everyone was thinking.

‘Surely, it’s not a friendly atmosphere.’

Everyone would be anxious to look good in front of the Crown Prince.

Among the numerous nobles, Atia looked for someone from the Harad family.

She had tried to find Countess Harad but couldn’t spot her for some reason.

Kasus held Atia’s small hand a bit more firmly with his large hand.

Many noblewomen glanced at them.

The appearance of such a Duke and Duchess was enough to quell the rumors that the northern women were savages.

Especially, as they shone more brilliantly than any other figure in the capital.

Owen, who was on the pedestal, walked slowly towards the Duke and Duchess, coming to a stop in front of them.

Noble ladies were captivated by his gracious face, mouths agape.

“Enjoy it slowly. A fun competition awaits later.”

Owen raised a champagne glass, lifting the corner of his mouth as he spoke.

While looking at Owen, Atia thought carefully.

Although in the original work, the Wellington family and the Duke were mortal enemies, she felt a strong confidence that if she handled him well, she could turn him into a friendly ally.

Somehow, even though he had not been confirmed, Atia found herself relying on him for even trivial matters.

Moreover, observing him closely by Owen’s side, she realized that all of his actions so far were influenced by his sense of inferiority towards Kasus.

‘All of Owen’s actions were due to his inferiority complex towards Kasus.’

If she knew his past and inner thoughts and approached him accordingly, she could distort the original work.

Already, the fact that Owen often called her to his office was evidence of his trust in her.

‘Now, would the Crown Prince be uneasy without me?’

Gently scratching Owen’s ticklish part made everything unfold so smoothly.

Owen, unaware of Atia’s inner thoughts, slightly tilted his head towards her.

‘Is he showing interest in me?’
Owen was aware that the nobles, regardless of age or marital status, were highly interested in him.

He pretended not to notice, but in reality, he held a significant interest.

Lady Harad also denied it outwardly, but Owen suspected that she might have some interest in him.

In fact, Owen paid more attention to his appearance than usual.

Although he was praised for his beauty with just a single towel, since Duke Wellington appeared, it seemed like his attractiveness was overshadowed.

To stand tall against him, Owen had to exert as much effort as possible.

So, Owen woke up early in the morning, putting effort into every detail from his hair to his toes, but no one knew about it except for Owen’s close aides.

“Try it. The palace’s liquor is particularly good.”

Owen offered the drink to Atia and Kasus.

Atia looked into the glass and shook her head.

“No, thank you. I’m fine.”

“The taste is amazing. I don’t understand why you’re refusing.”

“Drinking alcohol results in muscle loss.”

“Muscle, what?”

Owen raised his eyebrows with a puzzled expression, not understanding what Atia meant.

Atia tapped her forearm and said, “Drinking alcohol is like a poison for muscle growth.”

⭐️⭐️⭐️

En and Jay of the Harad family, who witnessed Owen talking to Atia from afar, opened their mouths in surprise.

“What? Is His Highness the Crown Prince showing interest in that kind of person?”

“The atmosphere doesn’t seem bad, does it? Am I the one feeling disgusted right now normal?”

Jay exchanged glances with En in shock.

“Anyway, if you want to tease His Highness, you have to get closer to that area.”