But apparently, some unspoken exchanges had taken place without my notice.

The next day, Princess Isolde visited Floria’s room. Contrary to her calm demeanor at the dinner, she now seemed more aggressive as she scrutinized Floria.

“Do you have something to say?” Floria asked with a smile, the one that had fooled everyone but which Princess Isolde openly mocked. Leaning forward with crossed legs and a tilted chin, Isolde spoke.

“Lady Floria. I have a good eye for people.”

At Isolde’s words, Floria’s face momentarily wrinkled.

Even though she was a princess, it was quite rude of her to act this way towards Floria, who was about to become a princess of the kingdom herself. Especially since she was here to celebrate her.

“I saw it at first glance. The mask you’re wearing. I was curious about you because of the rumors, but you’re not as simple as I thought.”

Caught off guard by the sudden confrontation, Floria’s jaw tightened.

“Princess, please show some respect,” Shanna stepped forward, but Isolde shrugged her shoulders and backed off.

“Well, whatever kind of person you are, it’s none of my business. But if I really marry the First Prince and come to this kingdom, I think we’ll have quite an interesting relationship, don’t you think?”

Isolde laughed, as if amused. After she left, having thrown a stone into the calm waters, Floria clung to me and complained.

“Sister, I think Princess Isolde dislikes me.”

“Nonsense. How could she dislike Lady Floria?”

“You saw her just now. She was glaring at me all through dinner yesterday too. I was so scared I could hardly eat. I’m worried about getting close to her if she marries the First Prince.”

It was obvious what Floria wanted by bringing this up.

Although Princess Isolde was a guest who came to celebrate the royal wedding, strictly speaking, it was the Second Prince’s side that had hosted her, as well as all the other delegations. Therefore, taking care of them was the Second Prince’s responsibility.

So, Floria wanted me to keep an eye on Isolde, to monitor her every move. As always, if she asks, I have to do it.

I sighed inwardly and played along with Floria.
“Actually, I think Princess Isolde might have some cunning aspects to her. I was concerned by the sharp way she looked at you, Lady Floria. I didn’t mention it earlier because I didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily.”

I exclaimed as if a good idea had just occurred to me.

“Ah, what if I go to the palace where the diplomatic delegation is staying? That way, if she’s up to something, I can immediately inform you, Lady Floria.”

“But wouldn’t that be like spying?”

“Lady Floria, you must be firm. You can’t be too kind-hearted in this situation. If Princess Isolde does marry the First Prince, she won’t leave you alone.”

Floria nodded at my words and clasped her hands.

“You’re right, sister. Let’s do as you suggested.”

“Yes, trust me, Lady Floria. Now that it’s come to this, I’ll try to find a way to thwart her marriage to the First Prince by finding her weaknesses.”

Though I said that, what could I really do? Since I ended up working in the outer palace, I thought I might as well frequently visit the library to learn about magic.

That was, of course, until Princess Isolde sought me out.

“So, you’re the infamous wicked stepsister from the rumors.”

Having seen her interact with Floria before, I knew she wasn’t ordinary, but facing her directly was disconcerting.

Moreover, unlike her look at Floria, her eyes held more fascination and curiosity than hostility when she looked at me.

“I think half of those rumors are nonsense. Would you tell me what really happened? I love a good dramatic story.”

What an unusual character. I was taken aback, unable to hide my surprise at Isolde’s twinkling eyes earnestly asking for the truth.

“You dislike the Second Princess, don’t you? Am I right?”

Isolde grinned knowingly. It seemed her claim of being good at reading people was true after all.