Upon Prince William’s summons, Alicia quickly closed her mouth. Turning around, she saw Prince William smiling broadly and raising his hand in greeting.

“I greet Your Highness.”

“Lancaster, it’s been a while. You look even more beautiful today.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Although William’s overly flattering praise was embarrassing, Alicia silently watched as William kissed the back of her hand.

“Sorry, but I might have to take Commander Spencer with me.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“However, since we’ve met, why don’t we take advantage of the moment and enjoy it for a while?”

“What do you mean?”

Curious, Alicia asked, and William, smiling slyly at her, called his attendant, Ross, who was standing a little away.

Ross, who had introduced Alicia to Eric during joint training in the past, was familiar to her.

“Ross, bring some champagne. Three glasses.”

“Oh, Your Highness. I don’t drink alcohol.”

When Alicia awkwardly refused, William asked in surprise.

“Oh, really? Didn’t you readily accept when we met at the Opera House?”

“That [dash].”

As Alicia mumbled and smiled, William chuckled as if he had figured something out.

“Aha. Perhaps you don’t like Eric? He seems to be a strict guardian.”

“Is he always so strict [dash]? Even in ordinary times? It must be tough.”

“It’s not that [dash].”

Listening to the conversation between William and Chase, Alicia eventually nodded as a sign of acceptance. If she waited a little longer, Eric might become even stranger. Moreover, unlike the champagne she had at the Opera House, the champagne at the current banquet had a pale rose color, making her curious about the taste.

“I’ll drink too.”

“One glass should be okay, Alicia. His Highness is here, and I am too.”

“Sure, sure. Hey, Ross. Hurry and bring it.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Ross bowed and quickly left the scene. Watching him, Chase asked with a puzzled expression.

“But wasn’t it for official business that you called her, Your Highness?”

“There’s something to discuss about Valua, and it’s okay for about 30 minutes. But still, we can’t just let Lancaster go.”

“Oh, Your Highness. You don’t have to care that much [dash].”
“Ah, Your Highness. You don’t have to care that much [dash].”

“As an excuse, I’ll take a break too. So, let’s have a comfortable conversation with just one glass each and then cleanly go our separate ways.”

“Ah, yes.”

To Alicia, who nodded, William chuckled and whispered softly.

“Later, just tell Eric that I took good care of you. He’ll be grateful.”

“Yes?”

“He must have been annoyed being stuck with Abamama. So, if I don’t take care of you too, he’ll have a headache dealing with it.”

While William smiled amiably and teased, Ross approached with the prepared drinks.

“I’ve brought it, Your Highness.”

“Oh, Ross. Well done. Since there’s nothing more to order, you can go do your tasks.”

“Ah, is it really okay?”

“Of course. Your mother must be expecting it, right?”

“······.”

“So, don’t worry and go.”

“Then, if you’ll excuse me.”

After Ross handed the champagne glasses to William, Chase, and Alicia in turn and greeted them, he quickly left the scene.

“Now, shall we first make a toast?”

At William’s suggestion, the three of them laughed and clinked their glasses.

Kate O’Brian couldn’t hide her bored expression as she wandered around the banquet hall.

In the past, she used to enjoy herself by receiving praises from men trying to strike up a conversation with her. However, this time, every man who approached seemed unbearably tedious.

Then, suddenly, she noticed Eric, who was talking while walking with the emperor.

‘What if it were that man?’

At first, she thought so.

He seemed to be the most suitable man for her in every aspect—family, appearance, and ability—to dominate the social scene in the empire. He appeared to be different from other men, who were merely so-so.

Once she thought that way, she didn’t even notice the countless marriage proposals coming in.

When she asked her father, Viscount O’Brian, to arrange a position for her, she was confident. Of course, she thought she could easily obtain him. However, when she finally met him, there was no room for even the tiniest opening.

Moreover, even when he was in front of her, his eyes showed that he found her boring.

Her pride was hurt, and she swore to herself that if he behaved rudely, she would slap him without hesitation. However, Eric’s attitude was seriously courteous.

‘If I thought he was different from other men, thinking he would behave like other men was a mistake.’

Then, she suddenly smiled self-deprecatingly at the thought that her appearance was pitiful.

Although her wounded pride was severely damaged, she felt she had to protect the last fragment.

‘Why did I end up like this?’

Kate raised the elaborate dress that had been trampled on the floor, adjusted it, and lifted her chin. Then, she started walking again.

Feeling bored and frustrated, Kate decided that she might as well go outside. She left the banquet hall and entered the Imperial Garden.

Wanting a breath of fresh air, Kate took a deep breath and began to walk, looking for a place to sit.

At that moment, she stopped in her tracks upon hearing Alicia’s name being mentioned somewhere in a low voice.