“The person who was with us at the last garden party was Lord Lotrie, right? What did you talk about?”

In response to Floria’s question, I gave a meaningful answer.

“Your Highness, do you know who his wife is? It’s Lady Sophia.”

“Of course. His reputation is quite famous.”

Floria’s eyes carried a slightly disdainful look, as if questioning what connection I could have with such a person. I replied with a loyal expression.

“Do you remember Lady Ancel, whom I rescued before? Turns out, she is a lady from Lord Lotrie’s household.”

“Really?”

Floria frowned slightly. It seemed like she was wondering if I had somehow put a mark on them with that incident.

“He expressed a desire to meet me because of that incident.”

“Will you meet him?”

Floria raised her teacup and smiled.

“Yes. It’s a very good opportunity.”

I smiled back at Floria’s cold gaze.

“I’m planning to arrange a meeting with Lady Lotrie soon. It will be a great opportunity for Your Highness to build a strong connection with Lady Lotrie in the social circle.”

As I revealed my plan, Floria scrutinized me with a cold gaze, then glanced at Shanna standing nearby. When Shanna nodded slightly, Floria’s lips curved up satisfactorily.

“I’m glad that my sister thinks of me so much.”

Watching Floria’s smiling face, I hid my smile behind the teacup. The silence, filled only with the sound of teacup clinking, was interrupted by Floria’s voice.

“You will visit Syed Province soon, won’t you?”

“Yes, the First Prince wanted me to accompany him.”

“He seems to care a lot about Your Highness. Is there any chance that your feelings may develop even a little?”

At the baiting words, I raised an eyebrow.

“Not at all. He’s not my type at all. I’m suppressing my feelings now only because of the succession to the throne. He’s a man who is as uncontrollable and violent as the rumors say, and it’s not easy to handle him.”

I turned my head, as if implying that married life with Kahrin was not smooth.

“I only wish for the Second Prince to ascend to the throne soon, and for Your Highness to become the Queen. As soon as that happens, I want to quit married life.”

Floria laughed. It was a mocking expression, as if she didn’t believe the topic at hand.

“Anyway, since you are staying at the residence of Count Syed this time, I will look for the ledger that Lady Syed is said to have. It would be better for Your Highness to have that ledger, even if it means framing the First Prince with it.”

“Alright. I trust you, sister.”

However, Floria, with a face suggesting that she might be up to something, touched the red gem hanging on her neck. I watched her hand carefully, feigning a frightened expression.

“Sigh.”

Though I continued to flatter Floria with flattering words, meeting her always left me feeling drained.
It was the moment I happened to hold the title of Lady Lotrie, and I had decided to endure until the tea party.

As soon as we left the Second Prince’s palace, someone wrapped their arms around my waist. There was no need to look back.

“Were you waiting?”

“Of course. You went to a dangerous place with just a servant; I couldn’t just stand still. Is the conversation finished well?”

“Even though you were listening anyway.”

I shook the bracelet on my wrist, and Kahrin chuckled.

“Am I really that uncontrollable?”

The breath, whispering into my ear, tickled, making me shudder.

“You are definitely uncontrollable. But aren’t you busy? There are piles of documents in the study.”

“Even if I’m busy, I have plenty of time for my wife. You seem stressed just by looking at your expression. How about taking a break and going for some fresh air? The gift I promised you just arrived.”

“Check the expressions of the people behind you before saying that.”

I whispered, and Kahrin turned around. Although it seemed like the subordinates were looking at him with resentful eyes due to excessive work, he shrugged indifferently.

“If it’s this much, it’s bearable. Come on. After a run, you’ll feel better.”

Since it was not someone who would easily change their mind, I nodded obediently. After all, it was true that my stomach felt stuffy as he said.

Most of the people invited to the tea party were nobles who had conversed with me at the garden party, and some were malicious individuals, that is, noblewomen supporting Floria.

Therefore, it was natural that the atmosphere was tense from the beginning.

“It’s an honor to be invited to the tea party, Your Highness.”

“It’s so colorful like spring in this winter; it’s exciting.”

Noblewomen and noble daughters who liked me praised the flower-decorated reception room and thanked me for the invitation, but

“Prince Consort seems more modest than I thought.”

“I haven’t seen these decorations in a long time; Your taste is old-fashioned.”

The noblewomen supporting Floria, using the typical language of nobles, were unable to criticize me directly. Lady Lotrie just sat quietly, watching without participating in the nerve-wracking exchange.