On the other hand, the princess, who was conversing with nobles on the edge of the banquet hall, pretended to gaze into the distance. The constant feeling of the emperor’s gaze was gone, and now it seemed that the emperor was finally enjoying the banquet. The empress beside him was continually urging him to drink strong liquor.

What on earth is happening?

Instead of the pride and satisfaction that she always enjoyed at banquets, she felt uneasy, as if she was being watched from all directions.

Moreover, while I was momentarily angry with Maria Etel and went out, what happened here that made Father angry enough to leave like earlier?

No, even putting that aside, it was full of curiosity. But unless this banquet was over, no one could ask anyone.

“The Duke of Vikaneder is currently prohibiting the entry of the imperial nobility and the entire Medelaine Duchy.”

The emperor’s gaze, which had been pouring down until a while ago, barely held up.
Even if the Duke didn’t say so earlier, it would have become a well-known fact that I went to investigate the Vikaneder Territory’s abandoned mine.

However, now, there was suspicion in the eyes of the emperor looking at me.

Oh, fearing that her anxiety might show, the princess raised the corners of her mouth more than usual.

The unnatural, bright smile that didn’t suit the glamorous dress with a fairy concept looked particularly awkward, but the nobles in front of her sent praises to the princess without showing any sign of noticing.

“It’s truly an excellent banquet. How much trouble must you have gone through to prepare for this event?”

Although it was a formal greeting, the princess grimaced for a moment. To anyone, it looked like the same concept as the previous banquet.

Even the noble who spoke realized his mistake, and his face turned pale.

While the elegant waltz melody was playing, the nobles, who had been momentarily silent, erupted into awkward laughter at the same time, swiftly changing the topic.

“There are rumors spreading about the Imperial Summer Banquet, and they even sent an envoy from Hepherti this time, right?”

“They say they’ll enjoy the banquet together starting tomorrow. I wonder how eager Hepherti, which is tirelessly recovering from the war, will look at us.”

“That’s right, isn’t it?”

While such comments accumulated, it wasn’t easy for me to endure the rising tension. The princess smiled brightly, suppressing the discomfort.

Even to the noble who graciously made a verbal mistake, the princess sent a smile. From a place where she did so, an exclamation like “Indeed, Princess, you look like a saint,” burst out.

That’s enough for now.

No matter how much the previous banquets and concepts overlapped, it wouldn’t be a significant flaw in the princess’s accumulated reputation, and she even gained the favor of the nobles just now.

Now I have to approach Olivia, that lowly one. Smiling so much that it felt like cramps in the corners of her mouth, the princess sought an opportunity, but it wasn’t as easy as she thought.

Two knights in uniforms adorned with Vikaneder’s emblem emitted a chilly hostility as if guarding, and amidst them, Olivia, surrounded, danced or chatted with the Duke.

It was a far cry from the usual sight of her standing alone on the edge of the banquet hall.

More than anyone, she wore a dazzling dress and expensive-looking jewels. And the Duke’s affectionate escort, making people’s gazes uncomfortable.

Even though the hostess of this banquet was the princess herself, she behaved as if she were the owner to a noticeable extent.

Above all, that place was my place.

Not Olivia, who deceived me and took away the abandoned mine, but…!

The anger boiled up. Trying to endure the anger to the point of dizziness, the princess gazed at Olivia for a long time. When the unpleasant gaze was distinctly felt, the nobles sympathized with the princess one by one.

“But, Lady, you seem unusually excited today.”

“Well, of course. I have a partner today, so that’s why. Haven’t I always come alone without a partner until now?”
The language of the nobles’ graceful conversation was mixed with ridicule and criticism. At this point, it was appropriate for the princess to issue a warning even as the host of the banquet.

As soon as she found an excuse to talk to the lady, the princess gracefully interrupted the conversation and walked towards her.

If there were a brief conversation along with greetings asking if Olivia is enjoying the banquet, the nobles would all think that I am giving a stern warning. At that moment, I could slip in the talk about the abandoned mine and my father’s story…!

“I greet Princess.”

It was a moment when my steps became more urgent due to the thoughts fitting together so smoothly. When someone suddenly offered a greeting, the princess opened her eyes in surprise.

It was Jade Madelaine. Just when I was feeling burnt and worn out. And with such an unpleasant opponent.

It vividly recalled when he rudely left me in the reception room. But now, he appeared to have manners.

“Yes, Your… pleased to meet you.”

However, in a place with many people, it was unavoidable not to ignore the second son of the Madelaine Duke.

Especially when Olivia, in such a state of excitement, had everyone’s attention from the Madelaine family.

Feeling the increased gazes directed at me, the princess greeted them as usual. Having observed the etiquette, it would be the virtue of a knight to withdraw, and Jade Madelaine would have done the same.

But.

“Today, you look even more beautiful, Your Highness.”

“Really? Thank you. And you look more dignified today, sir.”

“How did you decide on the concept for the banquet?”

“What?”

The princess barely held back the words she was about to say roughly. Then, she responded, smoothing her eye expression.

“Oh, it seems like you are interested in banquets. In that case, please go over there.”

“I apologize, but I would like to hear it from Your Highness.”

It felt suspicious to throw away all etiquette and say something. It was as if he wanted to protect something from me or turn his gaze away.

Trying to ascertain the truth, the princess narrowed her eyes. Just when the nobles, who felt something was odd about Jade Madelaine’s stiff attitude of continuously speaking, were approaching.

“Your Highness, what kind of, um.”

Deliberately picking up any words, Jade faltered. Then, looking elsewhere while placing the princess in front, he let out a bewildered sigh.

The princess followed his gaze. Soon after, a sly smile flashed across her red lips and disappeared.

Now it was certain. The reason Jade Madelaine blocked my way.

It was to protect Olivia, that lowly one.

But now, the Madelaine Duke was approaching Olivia. Jade, a step behind, tried to hurry his steps, but no matter how you looked at it, the Duke was faster.

It’s better this way. If it’s the Duke, he’ll put in effort right away to return Olivia to her place.
The princess, who had been gazing at him with a gentle smile, had her forehead wrinkled sharply for a moment.

There was a man who inserted himself in front of the Duke, as if hindering his steps.

Conrad Madelaine.

It was an unexpected appearance. Edwin, who had been observing the Duke of Madelaine’s movements, had a faint smile that subtly rose and fell at the appearance of this unexpected figure.