He left after saying he’d come back soon. I lowered my waving hand and pondered.

“Even though I said it’s fine, how do I deal with nobles rushing at me alone?”

Honestly, I had no confidence in handling them. Maybe it’d be better to find Sina. There’d probably be friendly ladies with her too.

While looking around to see where she might be, I heard a voice calling my name.

“Julietta!”

“Weaslet?”

“Ha. Why is it so hard to spot you at the banquet hall?”

He was panting, as if he’d rushed over the moment he saw me. I glanced beside him; neither Father nor my elder brother was there.

“Where are Father and Big Brother?”

“Father and Brother are already caught up with others, busy as ever. They’re quite popular, you know.”

I could see groups of people gathered here and there. They were probably mixed in somewhere among them.

“I see.”

“So, I came to see you before that. Why did you suddenly head to the balcony?”

I chose my words carefully. He’d probably leave after a few words, as usual. Seeing his busy back as he left wasn’t exactly pleasant. All I ever remembered was the backs of my family members disappearing in a hurry.

“That time, I was surrounded by people, so I wanted to escape for a bit. You know how many people try to get close to the Ferhaem Duchy.”

“Still, it’d be nice to at least exchange greetings. Father and Brother are busy people, so we rarely see them.”

“Yeah, busy people… Even in the count’s estate, I can count the days I see them. I might even forget their faces.”

At my joking remark, Weaslet’s face stiffened slightly.

“Julietta, are you okay…”

Before he could finish, someone grabbed Weaslet’s shoulder. Startled, he turned to see my new sister-in-law standing there with a chilling expression.

“I wondered where you were rushing off to, leaving your fiancée behind. It’s because of your sister again, Weaslet.”

“Darling, I’m sorry. I was worried I’d miss her…”

Mumbling an excuse, Weaslet glanced nervously at her. I thought he was alone for once, but it seems he’d left her behind the moment he spotted me.

Since it was partly my fault, I sighed and approached her.

“It’s been a while. Have you been well?”

As I approached, her sharp gaze, which had been glaring at Weaslet, softened.

We weren’t particularly close, but we weren’t on bad terms either. After all, there’s little good in a sister-in-law getting too close to her brother’s wife.

While keeping an appropriate distance, she showed me quite a bit of care as her sister-in-law.

“Indeed. I’ve been well, but… I didn’t expect you to get married and leave before me.”

Her blunt words carried sincerity. She probably wasn’t being sarcastic. My sister-in-law, Aneta Planched, was always honest with her feelings.

“It just happened that way. You haven’t set a wedding date with Brother yet, right? I thought you’d marry soon since you’ve been together for a while.”

At my response, her face crumpled instantly.

“There are too many talkative old folks in the Planched family…”

Worried her words might reach the Planched family’s ears, Weaslet quickly covered her mouth.

“Darling, that’s enough. I’d be sad if our marriage got delayed further.”

Nodding in agreement, she signaled she understood, and Weaslet removed his hand. The moment it was free, she pinched the back of his hand.

“Ouch! That hurts.”

Despite his cry of pain, her eyes remained perfectly calm.

“Anyway, it’s not my choice; the family elders are causing the delay. As you can see, my looks are among the best in the empire, so they probably want to marry me off to a family offering a large dowry.”

“They must believe it’s possible. But my fiancée will stay right by my side.”

I thought he spoke well despite being pinched. Knowing they genuinely cared for each other, I figured they’d overcome any challenges.

“I hope you get married safely. Honestly, though, I feel you’re too good for him and should find someone better.”

“Why is such a beautiful sister dating our mother’s son?”

Despite cheering for their love, as a sister, that’s how I felt. Weaslet’s quick temper didn’t help.

“Julietta, you’re supposed to be on my side. What are you saying?”

Unlike Weaslet, who looked genuinely hurt, my sister-in-law laughed at my words.

“Thanks for the support. I don’t think there’s a better place, so I plan to marry this troublemaker.”

At that, Weaslet’s face lit up, and he started fawning over her.

“Saying there’s no better place means I’m the best, right? I love that you think so highly of me, darling.”

I wished they’d save the flirting for somewhere else. Weaslet seemed half out of his mind whenever she was around.

She effortlessly pushed him away as he clung to her and said,

“I haven’t forgotten that you left me behind, Weaslet.”

“I’m sorry. I messed up big time. Wanna go for a walk to cool off?”

“Sounds good.”

Hurrying after her, Weaslet waved, saying he’d see me later. Not wanting to interrupt their cozy moment, I waved them off.

“Her reaction was so indifferent, I didn’t think it was mutual.”

I recalled when she first came to the Orbetian estate to meet Weaslet. Curious about such a stunning person, I asked her,

“Why are you dating him?”

“Your younger brother looks polished on the outside, but his personality isn’t.”

“That’s exactly why I’m dating him. I find it cute how he chases off the flies buzzing around me like a rabid dog.”

“How was I supposed to know they were seriously in love after that answer?”

Still, seeing Weaslet so happy was a relief. It was annoying that they left me here to enjoy their lovey-dovey time, though.

“Sigh. While talking to Weaslet, the crowd grew, and now I can’t even find Sina. What do I do?”

Standing still wasn’t an option with so many people eyeing me, eager to strike up a conversation.

“I’ll just head back to the balcony. After some time, Yezar might come looking for me.”

Ignoring those approaching, I strode forward. Spotting an open balcony without curtains, I entered and drew the curtains to keep others out.

The sound of footsteps stopped abruptly. Soon, I heard them fading as people moved away.

“Wow, they really followed me. Being a duchess is exhausting.”

At least Yezar had shown his displeasure to that guy—Korden, was it? So, he probably wouldn’t barge in.

“I’ll just kill some time here.”

It was bright when I entered, but the sun had already set. I recalled the banquet usually lasted three days.

Only the first day was mandatory, and after the Emperor left, staying longer was optional.

The second and third days were for young ladies and gentlemen of marriageable age to dance and mingle late into the night, looking for partners.

Knowing I only had to attend today and wouldn’t need to return to the palace for a while brought relief.

“Still, the palace looks pretty when you’re quietly taking it in like this.”

Relying on Julietta’s memories was different from seeing it in person. Though there were people here I’d rather avoid, I didn’t mind this view.

“Having rested alone for a bit, I should head back.”

Yezar might already be out looking for me. Just then, the neatly drawn curtain was pulled back. I’d drawn it to signal I wanted to be alone, so no one should’ve entered.

“Well, it seems there’s a guest already.”

I recognized that refined voice. Flowing silver hair and soft purple eyes caught my attention. Bertisha?

“To the eternal glory of the empire, Your Majesty the Empress…”

“No need for such formalities. We’ve already met once, haven’t we? You seem to have recovered.”

We had met before, but it wasn’t a pleasant encounter. She likely didn’t think highly of me. So why was Bertisha smiling so cheerfully?

“I saw Yezar at the banquet today. It seems you brought him, Duchess. Thanks to that, I didn’t have to drag my dear friend here by imperial order, which is a relief.”

Her grateful expression had a sharp edge. I couldn’t understand why she sought me out instead of Yezar. There was nothing for her to gain from me.

“Yes, I said I’d stay by his side. If Your Majesty wishes to rest, I’ll leave to avoid disturbing you.”

Something felt off, so leaving quickly seemed wise. But Bertisha blocked my path.

“No, since the Duchess of Ferhaem is here, I’d like to rest and chat. Am I making you uncomfortable?”

“It’s not that, but my husband might be looking for me, so I should go.”

I wished she’d step aside before things escalated. But Bertisha didn’t budge. I let out a sigh.

“Is it my imagination, or is the Duchess avoiding me? I’ve always wanted to get closer to you, before and now.”

Would someone who wants to be close make requests about my husband and bring up their past to pressure me? Bertisha wasn’t clueless; she was clever.

Her innocent act, pretending she knew nothing, was clearly a performance.