“Ah, speaking of which, isn’t there a child among the hostages who became quite famous? Is that Princess Blanche?”

Of course, Berken knew it was Blanche herself. However, he had to pretend not to be interested in Blanche, showing only enough interest as if Liana mentioned her in passing conversation.

“She’s not a hostage but a peace envoy! Yeah, I think that must be Princess Blanche. Lately, there’s been a lively social gathering among the envoys, and she’s the talk of the town there. She doesn’t miss any event.”

“A social gathering?”

“Yeah. It’s natural for people who are far from home in a foreign land to come together, but the trend has been quicker than expected.”

“Really? That’s interesting. Do you have any idea why?”

Liana shook her head gently. Her loose hair swayed following the movement of her head.

“No, nothing in particular. Just a coincidence, I guess.”

“Well, that could happen.”

Contrary to his words, Berken had a guess. It was probably because of Blanche.

Of course, he didn’t think all this was Blanche’s plan. To think that a three-year-old intentionally created a social circle in the court, unaware that the one seated inside was a sixty-five-year-old man, would be not intelligence but delusion.

So, Berken thought the social circle originated from Blanche trying to win people over, meeting this person and that in her efforts.

There was a need to increase her allies to conquer the Emerald Palace, and so, by meeting various people seeking cooperation, frequent gatherings occurred, eventually leading to the formation of a social circle.

But even that alone made Blanche’s achievements more remarkable than what Berken had asked for. Better to be at the center of the hostages’ social circle than a three-year-old conquering the Emerald Palace.

And certainly, it must have been harder than winning over a few royals.

Berken was well aware of precocious children. He had searched far and wide for someone suitable to be assigned to Melchizedek.

However, he realized that a precocious and smart child isn’t necessarily cute. They might be convenient but not endearing.

Yet, Blanche quickly rose as the darling of the new social circle. According to what he heard, everyone seemed desperate to adore Blanche.

‘She seems to know how to curry favor better than I thought.’

That was a welcome development. If she knew how to ingratiate herself with others, she would likely do well in pleasing Melchizedek too.

And if she knew how to please a brother, then becoming friends was also possible.

Berken smiled contentedly. It seemed he might finally be able to make a friend for his brother.

Satisfaction was not just for the adults; however, there were no issues with the lunch plans. The Grand Duke attended with heavy sighs, and Blanche couldn’t refuse, given the situation.

“Is there anything uncomfortable for you?”

“Thank you for your concern.”

Responding to the Empress’s question, Blanche sneaked a glance at Melchizedek. Expecting to see the imperial couple trying to pair them up throughout the meal, as it was an occasion the Grand Duke also attended, she was surprised that the main character didn’t even glance her way.

‘Why did they invite me then? It would have been more comfortable just with the Empress.’ Trying her best not to look at the Emperor, Blanche felt puzzled inside.

“Well, we have to return to work now.”

“Sorry for leaving early. Stay as long as you like.”

“Melchi, please take care of Princess Blanche.”
Was this the plan from the beginning, or is the Grand Duke so uncooperative that he’s forcing an escape?

Watching the Emperor and Empress hastily leave their seats as soon as the meal ended, Blanche clicked her tongue internally.

“Then, see you next time, Princess.”

Perhaps thinking that the Grand Duke and Blanche would not even speak if she stayed, the Empress left her seat with a look of regret.

“See you next time.”

After smiling and sending off the imperial couple, Blanche felt a sense of déjà vu. Once, she had sat across from a troublesome boy in her family. Not just once, but many times. A lot.

“Shall we take a walk?”

Lost in thought, the Grand Duke spoke for the first time outside of greetings. He spoke smoothly despite being only two years older. Blanche envied him. When would she grow up? She thought blankly, watching the boy descend from his chair.

Then, instead of following the boy, she looked up at the flowers.

Judging by the boy’s behavior of not even looking her way, he probably wanted to put her in her place. If he walked ahead, there was no way Blanche could catch up with him with her legs.

Following someone usually makes one feel like a subordinate receiving orders, so that must have been his intention.

It’s a clever tactic for a five-year-old to come up with, but unfortunately, his counterpart was Blanche. She could read a five-year-old’s thoughts like the palm of her hand.

Sure enough, after waiting a while, the boy came back.

“Didn’t you hear me?”

Why She Is Still Unmoved (Female-dominant)

One-line summary: He uses various methods to seek her affection, but she remains unmoved.

Synopsis:

Si Qingyu is a doctor who has saved countless lives and enjoys tranquility.

Luo Shaoxuan is ruthless, deeply scheming, and the top young master in the capital. He admires Si Qingyu.

Luo Shaoxuan: I want to be the only one in your eyes and heart.

Features a cold and calm female lead vs A noble and scheming male lead.

There will be both sweetness and torture towards the male after their marriage.