So, this was all just a prank by the imperial crown prince.

Like a frog being hit by a stone thrown in jest by a child, the kingdom was merely swayed.

“If it comes to that, not just our family, but all of Liorssa will be dragged into war. It won’t just be a matter for the Lorenst family anymore, right? The king will have to help us.”

“Unrealistically optimistic,” scoffed Hubert. I flinched inwardly.

Did he see through my vague response?

I was nervous he might reject me at any moment, but Hubert instead gripped my hand firmly.

“But thanks to you, I feel like my head’s clearer. I was too panicked, unable to stay calm.”

Embarrassed, he shook his head and looked at me again. His eyes were warmer and more affectionate than before.

“I didn’t realize you thought so deeply.”

Coming from a scholarly noble family, that was the pride of the Lorenst household. Hubert, raised in that environment, valued those who could engage in thoughtful conversation.

I just listened to him. Even if I had an opinion, I couldn’t voice it.

‘I thought it was presumptuous.’

I was a thief-turned-maid, and kowtowing to nobles was our way of life. It wasn’t easy to change that, unless shocked to the brink of death.

“I’ve grown older. I can think this much.”

“Still, you always seem young to me. My lovely, adorable Eggy.”

I suppressed the urge to smirk at his sweet tone. Noticing my odd expression, Hubert looked concerned.

“Don’t you feel well?”

Seeing my chance, I touched my forehead.

“I feel a bit unwell. Perhaps I worried too much.”

“Shocked by today’s events?”

I had indeed used my brain a lot.

Pretending to stagger, Hubert quickly supported me.

Chills ran down my spine.

‘Disgusting!’

He didn’t leave my side, even guiding me to bed.

“I’ll wait until you fall asleep.”

“There’s no need. You must be tired too.”

“Not as much as you.”

‘Oh, just leave already.’

Despite my churning stomach, his concerned face seemed so gentle and caring that it was almost convincing.

Just then, a knock sounded.

Jenny, unaware of our conversation, looked happy. I felt nauseous. It was like being in another world.

Georgia, Aris’s maid, was the visitor. Jenny’s expression darkened as if sensing the impending conversation.

“Lord Lorenst.”

Georgia bowed deeply.

“What is it?”

“Miss Aris can’t sleep, probably upset from dinner. As you know, she can’t sleep well without you.”

“Again?”

Hubert rose, glancing at me, worried I might mind.

‘Mind? No way!’

I feigned a sympathetic family member’s face.

“Miss Aris must be shocked today. Go quickly.”

“Are you sure?”

“She’s frailer than me. She needs your encouragement.”

“Compassionate Eggy.”

He whispered lowly, leaning towards me.

I couldn’t dodge in time.

The soft touch of his lips felt like a caterpillar crawling over me.

I barely managed a strained smile, and Hubert whispered gently.

“Take care of yourself, my dear. Call me if you need anything.”

‘Would you even come if called?’

I feigned a light smile.
“Thank you, Hubert.”

Just leave already.

In the royal palace’s grand hall, a princess ennoblement ceremony was held—not extravagantly, but with just enough pomp.

The chief steward, with the king’s authority, announced solemnly.

“Iggy Lorenst, daughter of the Lorenst family, who has dedicated herself to serving the nation alongside Hubert Lorenst, is hereby bestowed the title of Princess and granted the royal family name.”

The steward sprinkled water over my head and placed a small tiara on me.

I tried hard not to roll my eyes upward.

‘Can I really keep this? It looks like real diamonds.’

The thought of how much I could get by selling it to a fence made my heart flutter with excitement.

“Isn’t this too hasty?”

“The king seems to be in a hurry.”

Whispers from around reached my ears.

‘It is a bit quick.’

Less than a month had passed since the idea of a honorary princess was mentioned and the ennoblement ceremony.

It was done at lightning speed.

In my previous life, the mood of the country was uneasy around this time due to the suicide of the duke’s daughter, but this time it was completely different.

Clap! Clap! Clap!

People clapped in celebration. I wasn’t particularly thrilled or proud.

It felt like finding an unidentified gold nugget while walking down the street.

Emmerun, the countess, was all puffed up with pride, more than me.

Everyone knew the purpose of the ennoblement ceremony, but a princess was still a princess.

The royal family, historically lacking in heirs, valued its princesses. Now my name was among them. Naturally, the Lorenst family’s status rose.

I chuckled to myself.

‘Wonder how long it’ll last.’

Prosperity of the Lorenst family was no longer my concern.

Thud! Thud!

Someone approached me.

“Lady Lorenst.”

It was the king’s chief steward.

‘Finally here.’

I expected someone to come and give me instructions on what to do next, and indeed he did.

He glanced at me, now adorned with a sparkling tiara and a red sash. A flicker of scorn passed in his eyes.

An Indifferent Woman is the One Men Desire the Most

One-line summary: The female lead is actually cold-hearted and extremely rational. She has stage-by-stage relationships and won’t two-time, but there will always be someone who secretly likes her.

This novel has the following triggers, so if you’re sensitive to these, please don’t read:

1. The female lead has had many relationships, but she treated each one seriously and broke up properly.

It’s just that the men unilaterally pestered her incessantly. For the female lead, when she doesn’t like someone anymore, she simply doesn’t like them.

(This applies to her relationships with Male Lead 1, 2, 3, and 4 as well, but she’s loyal in each 1-on-1 relationship!)

2. In this novel, Male Lead 2 and the female lead kiss in a car, and Male Lead 1 sees it and beats up Male Lead 2.

The female lead calls the police and sends both Male Lead 1 and 2 to the police station! Male Lead 1 begs the female lead not to break up with him.

3. Male Lead 1 has a gentle appearance but an obsessive personality.

Male Lead 2 has a delicate and soft appearance, slightly green tea-like (two-faced).

Male Lead 3 is a youthful college student and a smart person who has secretly liked the female lead for a long time.

Male Lead 4 is the female lead’s father’s special assistant, a business elite with deep, hidden thoughts.

4. At the beginning of this novel, the female lead has already broken up with Male Lead 1 (Chapter 4) and gotten back together with Male Lead 2 (ex-boyfriend).

5. Enter with caution if you have triggers!!!