The nobles gathered in the salon were busy discussing the affairs of the Basheker Empire.

Whenever politics or business came up, it seemed yawn-inducing.

At such times, the Duchess of Dürenburg lightened the atmosphere with a casual joke.

As the mood warmed up over light tea and refreshments, Esika suddenly wondered,

“Seems like the other guests in the garden were quite busy today?”

After the Imperial Ball, Basheker nobles had been inviting the garden’s guests to their social gatherings one after another.

From what she heard, Princess Rachel and Viscount Belkein had been too preoccupied building rapport with Basheker nobles.

Why was Esika the only guest invited to the salon today?

The Duchess of Dürenburg nodded as if she knew everything.

“Actually, only you, Princess, were invited to the salon today.”

“Why?”

The Duchess of Dürenburg gently fanned herself and whispered,

“Because we can’t invite just anyone to our salon.”

Taking a moment to grasp her meaning, Esika restrained a rising smile.

‘So, the other guests in the garden are not esteemed enough to be invited to the Dürenburg’s salon?’

Duchess Seiren’s grace.

Esika slightly furrowed her brow, recalling those purple eyes that had looked down on her in the dining room.

“I hope you’re not offended for being the only one invited?”

The Duchess of Dürenburg observed Esika’s expression.

Esika felt slightly better seeing the lady’s considerate attitude.

The Dürenburgs were a prestigious family in Basheker, and the Duchess was the current queen bee of society.

To smoothly enter society, proper backing was essential, and the Duchess was ideal in that regard.

Esika had initially been cautious, fearing her fake princess status would be exposed.

But, there were no nobles in Basheker who had a close relationship with the real Solty Princess.

Since realizing this, Esika had let go of her worries and assimilated into Basheker society.

“I couldn’t be happier with your invitation.”

Though it was flattery that one of lower status would employ, Esika remained oblivious.

“I’m honored you’re pleased, Your Highness.”

The Duchess had been observing the princess’s every move, word, and expression since she entered the salon.

It was all because of the recent rumors surrounding the princess.

Rumors of her being seen with the Emperor.

‘How did she charm that cold Emperor?’

The Duchess assessed that it wasn’t just the Solty princess’s youth and beauty that won the Emperor’s heart.

Paradium’s Duchess Seiren was not lacking in beauty, and her dignity was enough to be a future empress.

Having trained many young duchesses, her eyes were not wrong.

Yet, there was a peculiar feeling about the Solty princess.

There was nothing blatantly wrong with her manners, but something felt inexplicably awkward.

‘Hmm…’

She then recalled the rumor that the King of Solty held great affection for the princess.

Perhaps her slightly playful and naïve nature was due to that.

Smiling to herself as she appraised the princess, the Duchess of Dürenburg signaled to her servant.

Before digging into the relationship between the Emperor and the princess, it was necessary to lower her guard.

‘This is the perfect thing for that.’

A young servant approached and offered the princess a glass of wine.

“This is a fine wine we’ve saved for distinguished guests like you, Your Highness.”

At the Duchess’s words, a smile spread across the princess’s face.

“Then let’s try just one glass.”

Though she said she would have just one glass, the princess drained the bottle.

It was a high-quality wine that wouldn’t be lacking even in the royal palace, but the Duchess of Dürenburg did not find it wasteful at all.
“The princess becoming the next empress of Bashuker isn’t a big deal.”

If she could be swayed to our side, it was a rather cheap deal.

The countess of Dürenburg began her ploy just when the princess’s cheeks flushed pink after a couple sips of wine.

“The truth is, it was the first time His Majesty the Emperor danced with a partner at the imperial ball.”

As soon as she said that, the princess’s expression changed. The countess of Dürenburg didn’t miss the chance and continued.

“Some even gossip that His Majesty the Emperor might be fond of the Paradium guest, don’t they?”

Though still wearing a faint smile, the princess’s eyes revealed her discomfort.

The countess of Dürenburg felt more at ease and spilled her thoughts.

“But I don’t think so. In beauty, status, and character, none of the Paradium guests compare to you, princess.”

“Is that so?”

Esika looked warmly at the fawning countess.

“Quite charming what she’s doing.”

Did she think she could get drunk on such a sweet beverage?

Esika had a peculiar trait.

While her face flushed easily, making her seem weak to alcohol, she actually didn’t get drunk.

Thus, Esika was perfectly sober now, pretending to be drunk, playing along with the countess’s scheme.

Doing so would make the countess reveal her intentions more easily.

Furthermore, the countess’s flattery made Esika feel delighted.

“Really. Would I lie to you?”