“I don’t usually believe rumors, but this time, there seems to be no exaggeration. No extreme celebrity would be as beautiful as Miss.”

“Oh my, you embarrass me, madam.”

Aris covered her lips with a fan. As her pretty eyes lowered, the young nobles watching her couldn’t help but admire.

Aris, who captivated others with her gentle demeanor and beauty, surpassed even the experts in the field.

“Oh, Lady Dorensia! Long time no see. You’ve been hiding so well until now! I was worried if something was wrong.”

“I’m fine. Thank you for the bouquet of roses you sent not long ago. I’ve decorated it nicely in the prettiest vase in my room.”

“Thank goodness there’s nothing wrong with your health. Now, tell me. What enjoyable things have you done alone?”

“It would have been nice if there was something to brag about, but unfortunately, no.”

Aris stuck her tongue out slightly.

“I had the honor of having something glorious happen in the Lorenst Gai I’m managing. They told me to make sure nothing harmful happens. Since I’ve been staying inside, I took the opportunity to do a lot of reading that I had put off.”

Opening a secret party and then saying it was for reading. If someone hears this, they might think I forbade her from going to the party.

Sure enough.

“Really, for that reason? What would Lady Dorensia, who knows culture, cause harm for?”

Aris pretended not to know me. It stung a bit when followed by the gazes of the nobles behind her.

Aris, who flaunted her social skills without regrets, was the most splendid flower in this place.

She was surrounded by people, and laughter bloomed around her.

Although she had been forced to refrain from attending parties after the imperial envoy’s reception, Aris was originally popular in social circles.

Beautiful face, friendship with Count Lorenst, and the special position of a priestess.

Aris was receiving plenty of attention in the social scene.

On the other hand, aside from the unusual background of having enrolled in the Lorenst Count’s family, I, who had nothing special, did not attract much notice.

Now, I didn’t particularly want to attract attention again. It was just a bit of a waste of time.

‘Since I came, might as well fill my pockets.’

Perhaps because it was a princess’s tea party, the attire of the attendees was quite splendid. Just by swiping a few decorations, my pockets could be quite full.

With my arms folded, discreetly observing people, suddenly, a glass was extended in front of me.

“Would you like a drink?”

With jet-black hair and a royal emblem on her chest, Karasatuna wore a floor-length blue dress that clung to the floor.

Her pale skin due to illness partially obscured her beauty, but it was still a very beautiful sight.

Without saying a word, I belatedly realized, looking at her staring at me, that my glass was empty.

“Thank you. I was already thirsty.”

As I accepted the glass, Karasatuna smiled faintly.

Somewhere, a sigh of admiration could be heard.

“That lady is smiling…”

‘Hmm.’
Without thinking, I emptied the glass. Another glass was extended in front of me.

“……?”

When I looked at Karasatuna, she nodded her head.

“Would you like some cake too?”

There’s no need for her to take care of me like this.

Receiving the hospitality of the Duke’s daughter was both new and burdensome. I took the glass she offered and shook it to show I had enough.

“This is sufficient.”

Karasatuna smiled again.

“You smiled again!”

I sighed inwardly at the new sigh.

‘How much did I not smile?’

“If you just drink beverages, you’ll get thirsty. Don’t you need cookies?”

Contrary to her cold appearance, Karasatuna was very affectionate.

It felt awkward to be cared for by someone I felt I should take care of like a bird due to my past life.

‘This is a bit awkward.’

I unconsciously drank all the beverage. As soon as the glass was empty, Karasatuna offered another glass.

“…….?”

“Do you not like it? Should I get you something else?”

… I should probably hold onto it without drinking.

It was a time when I was constantly plagued by persistent and annoying offers.

“Eigrain!”

A small woman came running with a loud shout.

It was Princess Laratu.

Wearing a relatively short pink dress that came down to her knees, Princess Laratu came up to me and stood there.

“Your Highness.”

I quickly picked up the hem of my skirt and gracefully bowed my knees. Others also followed suit in showing courtesy toward the princess.

“Don’t be so uncomfortable! Anyway, you were here. I’ve been looking for you since earlier.”

A gasp of surprise was heard.

Princess Laratu glanced around without caring about the reactions and lightly swept her gaze over me.

“Why didn’t you come to me right away!”

“I thought you were having a serious conversation with others.”

Princess Laratu nodded with a darkened face.

“Ah, it was an important conversation.”

“What was it?”

“It’s about the dry land that started in the west. Have you heard about it?”

I nodded. Whether she wasn’t interested in external circumstances or not, Karasatuna only blinked her eyes.