“My younger brother takes after our mother’s beauty, which is quite exceptional.”

Including the compliment, Patrick bragged, not realizing that Rachel was praising him as well. Due to this, Renev’s cheeks turned only redder.

“Ah…”
Renev quickly couldn’t find the right words and pursed her lips. Then, Princess Rachel, alternating her gaze between Renev and Patrick, whispered softly, audible only to her.

“A clean appearance is approved! But external social skills seem far from polished. You might struggle a bit.”

Renev smiled awkwardly and nodded slightly.

“See you later. I’ll be welcoming guests from Laina.”

Princess Rachel quickly added and moved towards the entrance of the banquet hall.

“I’ll excuse myself too. Let’s talk slowly later.”

Duke Belcane also exchanged a nod and moved towards the banquet hall.

To the busy Patrick, who was wandering around, Renev gave a brief piece of advice.

“Relax. Just be yourself.”

“Uh… I’ll try.”

Unlike Renev, who lived the life of the Empress before the regression, Patrick had spent most of his time in the Western Changes. This place would be very unfamiliar to him.

“Renev, take a look at that.”

With lips slightly parted, Patrick attempted a bow.

Although the pronunciation was somewhat unclear, Renev quickly understood what Patrick was trying to say.

Patrick’s gaze pointed to a middle-aged nobleman wearing a rich white wig.

‘Why on earth is he wearing something like that on his head?’

Seeing Patrick’s expression of complete incomprehension, Renev couldn’t help but smirk.

It felt like dealing with an unruly child who wouldn’t listen.

Fortunately, the middle-aged nobleman seemed unaware of Patrick’s impolite gaze. He continued to talk happily with his wife, seemingly oblivious to Patrick’s scrutiny.

However, this lasted only for a moment. Patrick, quickly losing interest, asked.

“But Renev, did you do all this New Year’s preparation alone? It must have been quite a task to pay attention to every detail.”

Walking around and exploring the decorations, Patrick inquired.

“I didn’t do it alone this time.”

“Then?”

“Princess Rachel and Duke Belcane helped.”

From the interior decorations to every piece of cutlery, there was no place untouched by the hands of these three.

It had several advantages.

If Renev continued to handle the Bashker Palace event alone, it might raise suspicions.

The Emperor of Bashker appointed the Siren Baron’s fiancée as the Empress from Paradisium, and they wanted to verify her Empress capabilities before the marriage.

So, by preparing the palace event with Princess Rachel and Duke Belcane, Renev could avoid such suspicions.

Furthermore, it indirectly revealed that the position of the guests within Bashker was not bad.

“Still, you must have worked hard to prepare all this.”

Patrick casually commented, but his gaze was as warm as the eyes looking at Renev.

“That’s true… Anyway, Patrick. When are you going to talk to those blushing ladies over there?”

Standing a short distance away and gesturing towards the blushing ladies, Renev advised Patrick.

Patrick seemed to want to mix with the ladies but lacked the courage to do so.

“Renev, what are you talking about?”

Patrick asked with a genuinely clueless expression.

‘What should I do…’

While glancing between Patrick and the blushing ladies, Renev approached them.

Then, with a fresh smile, she initiated the conversation.

“Are you having a pleasant time?”

Renev unexpectedly started the conversation, causing the blushing ladies to exchange surprised glances.

Renev, wearing an external smile, stared at them warmly. One of the ladies stepped forward.

“I really like the selection of the orchestra.”

“I’m glad to hear that. How about the food?”
In response to Renev’s question, some maids blushed and nodded their heads slightly. After a brief conversation with the maids, Renev brought up the main topic.

“Oh, right. This person is the Siren Baroness from Paradisium.”

“Ah… Nice to meet you.”

The maids successively extended their hands to Patrick. Kissing the back of the hand was a noble etiquette that Patrick usually despised.

However, Patrick made an effort to control his disgust and matched their rhythm.

‘Oh…’

Renev admired silently.

Would it be possible to leave Patrick alone in the maids’ company?

While entertaining that thought, she made eye contact with Lady Vanderfelt, who had been watching from a distance. With a gentle smile, Lady Vanderfelt approached. Renev walked towards Lady Vanderfelt, leaving Patrick with the maids.

Fortunately, Patrick seemed oblivious, preoccupied with interacting with each maid one by one.

“That must be her, the next Siren Baroness who will carry Ga.”

“Yes.”

As Renev nodded, Lady Vanderfelt, wearing a pleased smile, added, “If I had a daughter, I would want to arrange a meeting. Such a splendid person.”

…A compliment? It must be a compliment.

Renev pondered Lady Vanderfelt’s words, realizing she only had two sons.

Would it be possible to establish a family with an imaginary daughter?

Renev stopped herself from delving deeper into that thought.

‘Patrick was originally excellent, without any need for embellishment.’

Judging by the maids’ reactions, Patrick’s appearance today was a success.

“Madam, I have something to tell you.”

At that moment, the steward approached and whispered to Lady Vanderfelt.

“I understand.”

Nodding to the steward, Lady Vanderfelt turned to Renev.

“With this, I’ve confirmed the attendance of everyone on the special invitation list.”

“Then, would you please gather them in the conference room?”

“Of course.”

As Lady Vanderfelt disappeared through the crowd, Renev diverted her gaze from her and approached Patrick.

“Patrick, sorry to interrupt your joyful time, but we need to move on.”

Patrick, who had a lively expression, looked at Renev.

However, soon his gaze turned resentful, as if blaming Renev for leaving him alone with the maids.

Renev patted Patrick’s shoulder and spoke to the maids.

“I apologize to the Siren Baroness for briefly leaving her alone in the midst of the beautiful maids, but could you join us for a moment?”

There was a hint of disappointment on the maids’ faces, but Renev continued.

“It will be quick. I’ll return the Baroness to you soon.”

While Renev smiled brightly, Patrick forced a strained smile.

As they left the area, Patrick gave Renev a look as if questioning her decision.

Ignoring that gaze, Renev exited the banquet hall.