With great difficulty, Chloe opened her eyelids, which wouldn’t open easily. Even after resting, her eyes were still quite stiff with fatigue.

Stretching out her arms and yawning, Chloe rang the bell. Soon after, numerous footsteps followed.

Maids in a row came into the room to help her get ready. Following their guidance, she headed to a separate powder room inside the room.

“My goodness! Your hair is just like silk.”

“And what about her skin, white as jade? I’ve never seen such clear and white skin.”

One after the other, the maids responsible for her hair and makeup praised her beauty.

Although the continuous flow of compliments made her slightly embarrassed, the unbroken conversation kept any boredom at bay.

“How about we dress you in a lovely manner?”

“No, while that would be very pretty, I think something elegant would suit her better.”

At that moment, a battle of nerves broke out between the maids choosing her clothes and those helping with her makeup. Both had to match perfectly, and they were sharply divided over the decision.

“What do you want, Madam?”

“Hm?”

“I think we should go with what you want.”

With the conflicting opinions not narrowing down, the decisionmaking power was passed on to her.

‘Me… speak it myself?’

Loveliness or elegance. Chloe had to decide for herself which suited her better.

In fact, she didn’t care what she wore. However, with all the expectant gazes gathered around her, she felt she had to choose.

“……Could I ask for something elegant?”

At her mere words, the two groups exchanged glances of triumph and defeat.

“Of course! Just leave it to us!”

The maids, confidently promising to dress Chloe very prettily, were quite adorable.

Whether it was because she was the Emperor’s guest, but the maids acted more kindly than necessary.

Enough to remind her of life in the palace.

‘I was happy then, too.’

Happy memories became nostalgic scents of the past. Now, she could no longer accept the goodwill of the palace’s people sincerely.

Having been abandoned in both the duchy and the palace, she had nowhere to lean on.

Thinking of that made her feel a sudden bitterness. Chloe concentrated on her preparations, barely holding back tears welling in her eyes.

“You can open your eyes now!”

Afterward, as she kept her eyes closed, a maid’s excited voice awakened Chloe.

Mirrors placed all around reflected Chloe’s face from various angles.

With radiance added to her complexion, her clear and white skin stood out even more. The harmony of soft colors did not obscure her features but created a mysterious ambiance.

They had dressed her to highlight her natural beauty.

“You’re so beautiful that anything would look good, but we thought this would suit you best! Do you like it?”

Chloe smiled in affirmation at the maid’s words, and they were noticeably delighted, as if they had received high praise.

The dress was a mermaid style in a pale violet color with a hint of white. Although the top might seem plain, the ruffled bottom exuded elegance.

The sleeveless design, revealing her arms and neck, was balanced with brilliant jewelry.

She had never been so elaborate when going to a ball before, but despite the unfamiliarity, she liked it.

“Have a good day!”

“You too. Thank you very much.”

After finishing her preparations, Chloe headed to the dining hall, guided by the maid who had come to meet her.

The place she arrived at was quite different from where she had dined with everyone on the first day. Though smaller in size, it was far more beautiful and ornate.

Not for entertaining guests, but for one person alone.

“You’re here. Princess.”

For instance, for the master of this palace.

Following the arrogant voice, she turned her head and saw a man befitting the owner.

The maid seated Chloe beside him and then left the room after a slight bow in place of a greeting.

Finally, only the two were left inside.

“Good afternoon.”

“I see the sun of the Empire.”
“Behold the sun of the kingdom. Please have a seat.”

A simple greeting was exchanged for the sake of courtesy.

Kun had used a title that he did not even use for the King of Balront. Chloe paused for a moment at the natural title that seemed inevitable, and moved on.

Soon the table was filled with the chefs’ dishes. It was a feast of various appetizing foods.

“Shall we begin?”

“Thank you, I will eat gratefully.”

Chloe took the bread in front of her and ate it with apple jam spread on it.

“Are you feeling a bit better?”

“I’m fine. Thank you for worrying.”

“……Again, I really feel sorry. I express my regret.”

“It’s not that. If you really have to point out right and wrong, it’s the fault of the stupid royal family who believed the Duke and his words.”

Chloe turned the arrow of blame elsewhere, saying there was no need for that anymore.

The Emperor who pretended to be persuaded even though he was going to make peace.

The royal family, who believed that Callis, who brought the news of the truce, really persuaded the Emperor, and supported him.