“Indeed. You don’t even know the founding year of the country; I wonder how well you’ll handle something as sensitive and delicate as a party?”

But even those who criticized me could not easily raise their hands. They probably lacked the confidence to compete with the wealth of a duke.

I sent silent applause to the maid who had bravely outdone the five carriages.

I didn’t intend to show off my money, but it was fortunate for me that she eliminated a competitor.

I had to be the host of the charity party.

In order to perform the role of fiancé for the money I received from His, as diligently as possible.

Now that I had officially become His’s fiancée, I had to support him to reach the prince’s position. It was essential to firmly establish one’s standing in the social world, especially bearing the tag of a commoner.

Madam Zanev nodded.

“Princess Reina is one, is there anyone else who would like to volunteer?”

“I will volunteer.”

Sure enough, it was Countess Lamira.

“I promise to invest generously to lead the charity party to success.”

Having betrothed to the genius of the Marquis who paid off the enormous debt of the countess in a single stroke, she looked very confident.

At Countess Lamira’s proud declaration, the other young ladies quietly lowered their hands.

“That settles it then.”

Madam Zanev smiled broadly.

“I look forward to both of your wonderful parties.”

I dragged my tired body back to the dormitory.

“It was really eventful today.”

I had no peace of mind since history class, and I was completely drained from acting calm and elegant at the tea party.

“Was it tough?”

A sudden voice startled me, and I jumped.

Identifying the glowing red eyes in the dark room, I was relieved.

“Kirian.”

“Shall I hug you?”

Kirian spread his arms as he approached me.

What’s this new trick? I took a step back, keeping a close eye on Kirian.

“No.”

Kirian tilted his head.

“Why? A hug can be comforting when you’re tired.”

It was a reason so pure and simple.

Kirian’s red eyes blinked like those of a younger brother who merely wanted to cheer up his exhausted sister. They were utterly clear.

“No, it’s okay. I’m not that tired.”

But I wasn’t clear at all.

I would have surely hugged the ‘soft thing’ when he was younger, fluttering my heart and saying ‘aww.’ But now, trying to hug the grownup Kirian felt more like being hugged, and I feared what that would feel like.

“Sigh. Aren’t you going home?”

I grumbled, trying to shake off strange thoughts.

“You’re so tired; I have to be here with you.”

Kirian’s naive, youngerbrotherlike expression made me feel a strange sensation, fearing what it might feel like to hug him. And more than anything, I was scared of what it might feel like if I were to hug him.

I grumbled, trying to shake off those strange thoughts.

“You should go home if your sister is so tired.”

Kirian followed me around, justifying his running away for various reasons.

“It’s fine. I’m not tired. I’m going to change my clothes, so you go out.”

I pointed to the window.

At my rather brusque words, Kirian slumped his shoulders.

“Are you kicking me out?”

“I have to change my clothes.”

“Is that so important between us? It’s going to be very cold outside at night.”

Kirian, who had never felt the cold, was very talkative.

Surely, when we were young, we played together in the valley, and sometimes when we were bored, we floated a boat and ducks in the tub and played together. But Kirian was still without hesitation, no matter his age.

Although our relationship had become a little lackluster at some point, I was still clearly the ‘nuna’ in Kirian’s memory.

Seeing my trembling expression, Kirian let out a deep sigh.

“Okay, nuna. Don’t lock the window. Be sure to let me in once you’ve changed.”

I nodded vaguely, and Kirian obediently left, but as soon as I finished changing, Kirian reappeared at the window.

I didn’t even hear the sound of the window opening and closing.

I wanted to ask how he knew when to come in, but I missed the chance to speak as Kirian closed his eyes and smiled.

“Let’s sleep now.”

Kirian took my hand and led me to the bed.

It felt like seeing him when he was young, so I just followed.

Fortunately, after lying on the bed, Kirian just lay down quietly.

I, too, stared at the ceiling and let out a deep sigh again.

“Ugh.”

“What’s wrong? Do you have any concerns?”

“Just. School life.”

I had bravely volunteered to host a party, but now that the task was at hand, I only felt heavy.

I had to choose six young ladies out of twelve to work with me. But after the chaos of the five carriages and history class, my image did not seem to improve at all.

“What is it?”

“Never mind.”

Kirian did not give up, even to my curt reply.

“I can help. Just tell me what it is.”

I didn’t think Kirian could help, but I eventually turned over. Then I was surprised to see Kirian already facing me when I turned to my side.

“Tell me. Anything. I want to hear what nuna thinks.”

At Kirian’s serious face, I hesitantly opened my mouth.

“That is. I’m hosting a party, and we’re forming teams of six to plan the party, you know? The teams are decided by playing rockpaperscissors with other team leaders, but I’m not sure if I can bring the team members I want.”

If I became a team with young ladies who disliked me, it would definitely be a headache.

“If that’s the concern.”

Kirian smiled and brushed my fallen hair aside.

“I’ll solve it for you, nuna.”