Every time Stella entered Myuge Castle, she felt a strange sense of intimidation. It felt as if it silently pushed her away, saying, “Someone like you can’t enter here,” and Stella reluctantly moved her steps, feeling as if she were diving.

“Stella, it’s okay. We’ll be right next to you. If those ugly humans bother you again, we’ll scold them like last time.”

“Yeah! This time, we’ll throw an even bigger mud lump.”

“On their faces!”

“Yeah, on their faces!”

Seeing Stella’s expression darken, the earth fairies, eagerly making a sound, made Stella smile brightly. Even though they might not be visible to others, the fact that they were by her side was a great strength for Stella.

“Thank you. You guys are the best.”

In a whisper-like statement from Stella, the earth fairies, in a good mood, busily surveyed the garden, searching for the most suitable soil to form lumps.

Although Stella entered, no one came forward to greet her. Everyone was busy watching Princess Annette, and Stella, who had no intention of interacting with those who did not genuinely treat her, did not even turn her head in their direction.

Stella sat alone, quietly opening a book, resembling a solitary island.

“Oh, Margaret! Haven’t seen that necklace before?”

“My mother sent it to me. She said we should have jewelry suitable for the season. And look at Lillian, she got a new dress too?”
“Yes, I had it newly tailored this time. They sent high-quality silk from the homeland.”

“Not long ago, the seamstress went to Camellia Castle, and it was for that dress! The color is truly beautiful. It suits Lillian so well.”

“The ruby also matches Margaret’s eye color very well.”

The princesses praised each other’s dresses and jewelry, raising their voices as if urging Stella to listen.

“Dresses reveal the personality and dignity of the wearer. If someone continues to wear the same clothes like a mannequin, how ridiculous would it look to those below?”

“Well, in some castles, the princess mingles with servants, eats together without any distinction. When I heard that story, I was so surprised. A princess bringing disgrace upon herself by doing everything alone.”

“That’s right. I worry that those foolish ones below might get carried away with useless nonsense.”

“How can they dine at the same table as servants so vulgarly?”

“They probably haven’t learned anything. Or maybe they grew up that way from the beginning.”

“Ugh, seriously. Still, even if they are princesses in name.”

“Are all princesses the same just because they’re princesses? Gifts… don’t you remember?”

“Oh, right. That’s true.”

The princesses brought up past stories as if inviting Stella to listen, enjoying the conversation.

They laughed as if telling amusing jokes, whispered among themselves, yet strangely, Stella was not at all affected by their behavior.
Even without them, there were already enough people around Stella to enrich her heart.

No matter how much Lilian and Margaret threw out sunny remarks, Stella didn’t even flinch. When Lilian and Margaret, who were the first to speak, saw Stella indifferent, their faces turned red with embarrassment.

As if the conversation was irrelevant to her, Stella casually flipped through her book.

Lilian, looking puzzled, glanced at Stella and met Annette’s eyes. Annette’s expression was full of displeasure as she looked at Lilian.

When Annette sighed, as if finding Lilian pitiful, Lilian stood up, determined.

“Let’s start the class.”

However, the commotion inside quickly settled down as if nothing had happened when Crot entered. It was a calm class as usual. Crot quickly went through the history of the Credion Empire with a dry and monotonous voice, as there were questions and discussion times in between.

However, there was no special attention, separate conversations, or anything noteworthy directed towards Stella. This was because Stella had specifically requested it when Crot visited Verdura Castle.

She didn’t want more attention or scrutiny from the other princesses than she already had.

When Crot made eye contact with Stella, he wanted to pretend to know something urgently, but Stella consciously avoided eye contact. Crot tried hard not to show disappointment and focused diligently on the class.
If Stella had not received the advance notice through Daelun to visit Verdura Castle after finishing today’s class, she might have felt drained throughout the class.

“For the next class, please read Volume 1 of the Modern History of the Credion Empire.”

After giving the assignment in a voice that showed no emotion, Crot quickly left the classroom. Although his tone was as usual, his footsteps leaving the classroom seemed very urgent, as if he had some busy matters to attend to.