Isolla spoke with a mixed expression of gratitude and apology, holding my hand.

“I’m really sorry for causing you so much trouble. I feel like I’ve accumulated a lot of debt.”

“It’s not like that, Isolla.”

“I mentioned it last time, but if anything happens, please contact me anytime. I’ll definitely repay this favor.”

While listening to Isolla’s advice that married couples should take the lead early on, I glanced around discreetly.

The Duke and Duchess of Violet wore uneasy expressions, engaging in conversation with high-ranking nobles. Elijah was surveying young men passing by.
Eliza was chatting with her acquaintances, and the second prince was seen holding a champagne glass.

Among the people with masked faces and those I was meeting for the first time, I finally found the face I had been looking for on the third day of the ball. As a middle-aged woman appeared for the first time in three days, I inwardly smiled with relief, and Isolla spoke.

“That woman is still wearing an unpleasant mask.”

Turning my head to where her gaze fell, I saw Floria conversing with the queen with an innocent face.

“It’s quite evident that she looks down on the queen.”

Isolla, who still had a keen insight, confirmed that the queen was moving away from Floria. I sought Isolla’s understanding and approached her.

Floria congratulated me with a beautiful smile.

“Congratulations on your marriage once again, sister.”

“Thank you, Lady Vee.”

We could feel the gazes on us.

The step-sisters, now marrying brothers, and one being a saintly girl known throughout the world as the epitome of kindness, while the other was the villain who tormented the kind girl. Whenever the two of us faced each other, curious and probing gazes naturally converged.

“I glimpsed a chance to talk with my sister but was disappointed because it didn’t seem appropriate.”

These were words expressing displeasure about being surrounded by flattery from noble young ladies.

Floria sent me a threatening glance, as if she expected me to engage in some malicious activity. However, considering Cahill and the future, I wanted to avoid any further damage to my reputation. I pretended not to notice and approached her.

“I have something to tell you.”

Floria tilted her head, responding to my low voice.

“Speak.”

“There are many eyes here. I would like to speak in a quiet place.”

With a suspicious glance, as if she thought I might be plotting something, Floria soon nodded her head.

I went out with her to the terrace and closed the terrace door to prevent any words from leaking.

“I’ve cast a soundproofing spell, Lady Vee.”

Floria’s expression relaxed as if a seal had been lifted when she heard Shanna’s words.

“What do you want to say? Honestly, I’m not feeling great right now. I keep feeling betrayed for some reason.”

Floria gave me a sharp look, as if she was suspicious of my betrayal. It seemed doubtful to her that, despite the intimate scenes between Cahill and me during the wedding and the entire ball, my intentions were not entirely clear.

“My sincerity hasn’t changed, so please believe me, Your Highness.”

“Well, things aren’t going the way I hoped. I asked to meet separately for this reason. I’ve obtained information that may be of help to you.”

Floria showed a relieved expression at my words.

“The First Prince never leaves documents in his bedroom. So, I secretly extracted information when he was asleep.”
“The First Prince never leaves documents in his bedroom. So, I secretly extracted information when he was asleep.”

“Even during the last mining incident, I can’t believe that the First Prince is so careless, Your Highness.”

Once again, Shanna took the lead, but Floria soon raised her hand to silence her.

“We confirmed that the mining incident this time was real. So, let’s continue listening.”

Floria gestured with her eyes, indicating that she wanted Floria to keep talking.

“Humbert Territory originally served as a trade route connecting the isolated northern and western regions due to the terrain, as you already know.”

“Please continue.”

“However, due to a recent major landslide, the entire road has been blocked. As a result, both the northern region, which needs to receive goods, and the western region, which needs to sell goods, are severely affected. One side is accumulating goods, and the other is experiencing scarcity due to the lack of supplies.”

I lifted the partially drawn terrace curtain and looked inside the ballroom. Floria and Shanna followed my gaze.

“Do you see the middle-aged woman in the red dress over there? The one swirling a champagne glass and looking around everywhere.”