“Princess.”

The Empress’s voice, calling her coldly, halted as it spread through the reddening field of anger. The princess blinked.

The noblewomen and ladies sitting at the table all stared at the princess with surprised expressions.

Except for Olivia Madeleine, who was smiling slyly.

Simultaneously feeling the reality, a chilling shiver ran down her spine. The hand that had struck the table was trembling.

I barely succumbed to the provocation of a mere lady.

Staring at the bloodthirsty face, the Empress clenched her fist under the table.

The table fell silent, as if cold water had been poured on it. The noblewomen, who had just been driving away the lady as if in agreement, quickly turned their eyes, understanding the situation.

The socially adept princess seemed to lose her composure. As if Lady’s words were true.

Clap, suddenly applause echoed. Everyone turned their heads at the sound. It was the Empress who lightly clapped her hands.

“You shouldn’t speak thoughtlessly. Lady.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty. I misunderstood and spread rumors about an amusing story. I also apologize to Your Majesty.”

Following the Empress’s pointing out the mistake, the lady spoke gracefully, as if performing in a play.

Was it just a joke? This was a challenge from the defeated princess to herself.

But, looking at the lady bowing as if apologizing, the princess gritted her teeth and laughed.

Although her cheeks were pulled so tight that it was painful, at this moment, the only thing the princess could do was one thing.

“Haha, Lady. It was amusing. However, since many people are listening, it would be better to refrain from ‘annoying jokes’…”

The princess’s words, intending to gracefully pass over an excessive joke, were cut off once again before Olivia spoke. Until Olivia spoke, the one leading the ‘annoying joke’ was the princess.

In the end, the princess fell into the trap she had set herself.

Smiling leisurely while looking at the princess’s pale face, Olivia said.

“Is there anything else, Your Highness.”

Once again, the atmosphere became tense. In this uncomfortable atmosphere, the Empress, who opened her mouth.

“…Lady, come out for a moment for a private conversation. It seems like a pitiful thing as a parent to see the face of Duke Madeleine.”

Although she said to turn the words, in the end, what the Empress commanded was an immediate monologue. To waste her precious time on that lowly person. It was a regrettable decision, but if she wanted to command the reopening of the mining facility, she had no choice.

The Empress turned her gaze towards Olivia. And paused for a moment.

“…Yes, Your Majesty.”

The strangely smiling face was similar to the one when she rose with respect. A strange feeling momentarily overcame the Empress.

It was an uneasy feeling, as if something annoying had happened according to her will. However, soon the Empress lowered her head. And, standing up, she spoke.

“Then let’s vacate the seat first. Princess, enjoy leading this tea party.”

“Shall we continue our tea party then?”
The Empress, Olivia, and some of the Empress’s attendants left their seats.

Despite the vacant seats, the princess spoke with an even more lively voice. From now on, it was easy to lead the atmosphere.

Everyone present was either her mother’s attendant or her own. In this situation, she had to make sure to resolve the matter of Etel Yeonga from yesterday.

“You must have worked hard preparing for this splendid banquet.”

That’s when it happened. Unlike the affectionate tone, the content of the princess’s words made the atmosphere chilly.

Esella Madeleine.

Esella, who had been casually looking around the table, smiled at the princess. And, looking at the three attendants she had called to spread the rumor, she asked.

“I couldn’t attend the banquet, you see. Could I hear about what happened at the banquet?”

The scene became distant. She was someone she had never thought of. Esella Madeleine, who had been trembling in front of her mother, was now stepping forward.

The princess felt distant. The rough breath that she had not yet swallowed burst from her lips.

Madeleine. These despicable and disgusting beings.

“Lady. How about discussing other matters in this place?”

Lady Rebeorn Yeonga nodded at Lady Esella’s words. Soon, the conversation flowed in the direction the princess wanted. But Esella didn’t care.

Already, since she had met the eyes of the three attendants who seemed eager to talk to her. It was a perfect setup to spread rumors.

The reception room of the princess’s palace.

The heavy door closed silently.

In the eerily quiet reception room, only the Empress and Olivia remained. The Empress carefully scanned Olivia’s face.

It was a face so quiet that you wouldn’t know what she was thinking. Unlike the always lowered face, as if gathering courage to face her, it was completely different.

So, the Empress threw a stone on that calm face.