The look of disdain returned as she asked, “What’s the big deal with that woman?”

“You’ve probably heard of the Heitz Upper Class,” I replied.

“Heitz Upper Class, isn’t that one of the prominent upper classes in the kingdom?”

“Yes, that’s correct. The head of the Heitz Upper Class is that woman.”

“The head of the Heitz Upper Class is a young man named Mihail. Why would you give such misinformation to Her Highness?”

Shanna furrowed her brows, ready to interject, but I quickly cut her off.

“No, that man is just a scarecrow presented on the surface. The actual owner is the Countess Mayl Sis, that woman.”

“So what? Why is that important information?”

Floria, sitting in a chair on the terrace, seemed uninterested. However, her eyes betrayed strong curiosity.

“Humbert Territory, being isolated by rugged terrain and valleys, connects to another region, which is the Sis Territory. However, due to the 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 pulled back the terrace curtain, revealing the inside of 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.”
“That’s one of the things the First Prince was considering. However, with the current hustle and bustle of the wedding, it seems unlikely to proceed now. Perhaps it will happen after they return from their honeymoon.”

I drove a wedge into Floria’s contemplation.

“If you promise the permit and offer a commission, Your Highness can make a considerable amount of money without lifting a finger. With that money, you could even buy the mine.”

Floria seemed very interested. Given the current state of the king’s illness, it wouldn’t be an easy task for the Second Prince to coax him into obtaining a trade permit.

“Move before the First Prince takes the lead. In fact, I saw him talking to the Countess Sis just a while ago.”

I provoked her anxiety like a show host rushing through the finale.

“Your Highness, take your time and examine it carefully. It’s not too late.”

Although Shanna spoke, it was unlikely to resonate with Floria.

With the embezzlement scheme in Humbert Territory, diverting money to buy the mine was not progressing as smoothly as planned. Moreover, the mine auction was nearing its end.

Floria looked at me and pursed her lips.

“I was worried that you might have a change of heart, seeing how close you are to the First Prince, even making it to the newspapers like a knight. But you’ve obtained quite valuable information.”

“He’s deeply in love with me, so please understand even if he shows some annoying behavior in the future. Thanks to his complacency, I could gather this information.”

“There’s nothing more foolish than a man in love. It seems the First Prince is no different.”

Floria, who had been murmuring, suddenly glanced at me with a penetrating look.

“Why do you think the First Prince likes you so much?”

What’s with that look? I felt a slight blow to my pride, but I smiled.

“Could it be that the First Prince has feelings for you?”

“I swear, absolutely not. I only wish to assist Your Highness in any way I can.”

“Why is that? The First Prince, and further, if things go well, you could become the Queen. I remember you had ambitions in the past.”

“That’s a story from my naive childhood. Now, all I hope for is Your Highness’s trust.”

“Is that what you want to regain?”

Floria smiled, rolling the red jewel around her neck with her hand.

“If I get that back, it will be proof that I’ve truly become Your Highness’s person.”

Even as I said that, my eyes sent a yearning look towards the jewel. In response, Floria’s lips twisted into a satisfied smile.

‘Ah, my throat hurts.’

I had spoken too much at once, and my throat felt scratchy. I glanced back at the terrace I came from, where Floria and Shanna were. The terrace curtain was drawn, hiding the two of them from view.

‘I should trust her.’
Floria seemed to have completely given in, but Shanna had her complications. I fervently wished that Floria would maintain her clear and unwavering judgment.

“It seems like Cahilern hasn’t returned yet.”

As I wandered around, searching for Cahilern, I spotted nobles approaching me with greetings. I inwardly groaned because, having just strained my throat from talking so much, I lacked the stamina to deal with them.

While contemplating where and how to discreetly escape, I paused when I saw a man approaching. Unusually, Matthias, who normally wore glasses, was walking towards me without them, drawing surprised gazes from noblewomen.

Since my days as Cahilern’s maid required me to be constantly by his side, and I had been busy with wedding preparations, it felt like I hadn’t seen him in a long time.