Living in their own world makes them ignorant of what is problematic and what is unreasonable. Since the world they know becomes common sense and truth.

Yet, I didn’t dislike Princess Laratoo. I understood that her rudeness had no malice.

‘A bit tedious, though.’

Still, I pretended to listen attentively.

After all, she was the highest-ranking woman in the kingdom. There was a possibility she could become another ally.

While listening to the princess’s story, I felt someone’s gaze from somewhere.

When I turned my head, a captivating beauty was gazing at me with interest.

She had been amiably agreeing with whatever the princess said, her friend.

Of course, we were meeting for the first time.

‘Why is she staring at me?’

Countess Carsatuna, daughter of the Duke of Regatan.

In my previous life, she was the woman who received the princess’s title that Aris had refused and, not long after, took her own life.

Even as time passed, her gaze didn’t waver. It was an observing eye.
Even though I turned my head back because it was uncomfortable, I still felt her gaze on me.

I spoke to the princess, who was chirping like a nightingale as before.

“May I go wash my hands?”

The powder room of the princess’s palace had pink wallpaper, and a sweet and pleasant fragrance lingered.

‘Why do I feel so tired when I’ve just been sitting quietly and listening?’

I turned my stiff neck and turned on the water.

As I was washing my hands, I noticed a familiar gesture and raised my head.

Thunk.

Carsatuna, who had approached me, let out a sigh.

From her, a different, subtle fragrance, not the sweet smell in the powder room, emanated. It was a bitter and refreshing scent, as if from wildflowers.

‘Is this also a perfume?’

Our eyes briefly met through the mirror.

Like the royal family, she also had a middle name. Unlike the blond-haired, distinctive nobility, she was a slender beauty with black hair and a modest appearance.

Her slightly pale complexion and, in contrast, overly red lips created a strange atmosphere.

“Thanks to you, the princess seems to be enjoying herself.”

“I’m the one who should be grateful for your many kind words.”

“Yeong-ae seems humble and courteous.”

“Haha, thank you. And thank you for inviting me to this precious place.”

“You’re welcome.”

Carsatuna offered a pale smile.

“I wanted to meet you even before. You’ve received the princess’s title that I refused, and you’re dealing with the imperial prince.”

“Haha…”

Is this some kind of advanced sarcasm?

As I wiped my hands, I looked back. Belatedly, I turned off the tap, and Carsatuna handed me a handkerchief.

“Ah, thank you.”

She smiled at me.

It was a very faint smile, but just that made the expression that had been quite gloomy much brighter.

“I’ve always wanted to meet Yeong-ae. It’s fortunate for me to have received the princess’s title. That’s why I’m thankful. Sincerely.”

If I hadn’t received the princess’s title, she would have taken that place.

It was a well-known fact, but I pretended not to understand and tilted my head.

“Yeong-ae wouldn’t know. It’s my personal circumstances.”

A fleeting, precarious smile appeared on her lips.

“I don’t usually come out in such places. Originally, I was going to skip this reception, but I heard that Yeong-ae was coming. It seems like I made the right choice.”

Carsatuna’s gaze was gentle. It was a gaze filled with affection towards me.

“You’re really brave, Yeong-ae.”

Looking at her deeply impressed face, I felt a bit stung.

“Even during the party, no one stepped forward. But you said you rescued the princess first. After hearing that, I wanted to see you more.”

When I offered her the handkerchief after washing my hands, she declined and lowered her head.
“Would you come to my reception later?”

I blinked at the sudden suggestion.

As far as I know, Duke Regatan, despite his prestige, was not one to hold many receptions. Moreover, she often skipped family events.

Perhaps that’s why she earned the nickname, the sleeping princess of the Duke’s castle.

Expanding connections is good, but it was the first time someone showed this much liking towards me on a first meeting, and I wasn’t accustomed to it.

“It would be an honor, but…”

I was about to decline when Carsatuna spoke first.

“I don’t like people.”

“…”

“But, I like Yeong-ae even though I just met you today. This hasn’t happened since Princess Larratu.”

“…”

“I hope I seemed that way to Yeong-ae too.”

…This is immense pressure.

She made a face as if she might disappear at any moment, under such pressure.

‘I can’t refuse like this!’

“It’s an honor. If you invite me, I will definitely come.”

“Ah, I’m relieved.”

Carsatuna put her hand on her chest and sighed.

Seeing the cold beauty sincerely pleased like this erased the remaining discomfort.

“Lately, my heart has been quite heavy, but today, thanks to Yeong-ae, it’s enjoyable.”

“I haven’t done anything.”

“That’s not true. Ugh…”

Carsatuna, who was clapping her hands, stumbled and held her head.

I quickly reached out, and she, with a slightly wrinkled face, smiled and thanked me.

“Are you okay? Should I call someone?”

“No, it’s okay. It’s just a lack of sleep.”

“Lack of sleep?”

“I have nightmares every night.”

I supported her on the sofa. She sat down and quietly muttered her thanks.