“Prince Reynion is also studying at the imperial university this term. He’s in the same department of administrative studies as the Duchess. It would be good if you both get to know each other well.”

Pascal, who had good relations with the neighboring emperor, introduced Reynion to Idel. Idel nodded her head in response.

“Looking forward to it.”

“As am I.”

As they exchanged greetings, their eyes met, each filled with complicated emotions. It was a fleeting moment, but Caeron, who was watching them, sharpened his gaze.

Instinctively, Caeron pulled Idel, who was standing next to him, close to his side.

“I entrust you with my ‘wife,’ my ‘Duchess.'”

The emphasis Caeron placed on specific words made his intention clear. Frustrated, Reynion clenched his fist.

He had to respond, but a stubborn reluctance gripped his lips.

Just then, Pascal changed the atmosphere.

“Come now, since we’re all gathered, let’s all enjoy the party.”

Roselin, who had been standing behind, stepped forward with gleaming eyes.

“Good. I’d like to catch up with my sister, ah, I mean, Your Highness the Duchess.”

Katrina also rose from her seat.

“I’ve also been curious about Her Highness the Duchess. How about the ladies have some tea time?”

Although Idel was not thrilled at the prospect of spending time with Roselin, she felt she had to oblige. Maintaining a reasonable relationship with Katrina, who was leading the Emperor’s government and social circle, seemed necessary.

“Is it okay?”

Caeron asked Idel in a low voice. She was a Duchess who was still not used to social activities.

“It’s fine. It’s something I need to get used to.”

“…Alright. Go ahead then.”

Sending Idel to spend time with two people who would certainly not be welldisposed towards her was uncomfortable for him. However, looking into Idel’s determined eyes, Caeron let her go.

So, Katrina, Roselin, and Idel moved to the tea room.

Unable to take his eyes off the retreating figure of Idel, Reynion turned his head at the sensation of a sharp gaze from the side. He met eyes with Caeron.

“Prince Reynion.”

“…Yes, Your Grace.”

“I’ve been wondering about something.”

“Please go ahead.”

“About the last entrance ceremony…”
Suddenly, as Caeron mentioned the entrance ceremony, a look of confusion spread across the previously tense face of Reynian.

“Did you meet the person you wanted to see?”

“……!”

(This is a time delimiter.)

“At last, I meet the Duchess.”

Katrina closed her eyes cheerfully and smiled. Her beautiful face, devoid of any wrinkles around the eyes, made it hard to gauge her age.

“I have heard much about Countess Katrina’s reputation. I’m pleased to meet you.”

Idel locked eyes with Katrina, maintaining a distance with a tone neither too close nor too far. She sized up her opponent calmly.

“Sister! Have you been well?”

As Roselin spoke with a face full of joy, Idel opened her mouth with a composed expression.

“Roselin, I am doing quite well.”

Even when she was at the count’s house, Idel’s tone was similar. However, now as the Duchess, her words carried an indescribable depth enhanced by dignity and grace.

“But I’d prefer you to be cautious when calling me ‘sister’. It’s one thing when it’s just the two of us, but Countess Katrina is also here. We must mind our manners.”

“……I apologize, Your Grace. I was just so glad to see you……”

Upon hearing Idel’s words, Roselin bit her lip with a bruised ego. Her hands under the table trembled.

‘Is she putting on airs now that she’s a Duchess? So arrogant, considering she was abused every day at the count’s house!’

The changed demeanor of Idel, who had never said a word despite all kinds of scorn when she was at the count’s house, seemed absurd and infuriating.

In reality, Idel was only reminding Roselin of the proper etiquette because Katrina was present. However, to Roselin’s eyes, all of Idel’s actions seemed snobbish.

Silently watching the situation, Katrina sighed quietly and unfolded her fan—a signal for Roselin to control her expression. Grasping the signal, Roselin clenched her teeth and changed her tone with a radiant smile.

“A lot of people are quite eager to see you, Your Grace.”

“Me……?”

“Of course! Including Countess Katrina here, and other young ladies are very curious about you, Your Grace! They all asked me to introduce you, it was awkward.”

“Could you give me the list? I shall invite them to the Duke’s house next time.”

At Idel’s words, Roselin smiled slyly and clapped her hands.

“That would be wonderful! However, as today’s palace party is also a celebration of your marriage to the Duke, everyone eager to see you is already here.”

Already here? Before Idel could inquire further, Roselin signaled a maidservant standing by the door, who immediately opened it.

Then, a group of young aristocratic ladies entered one by one. Each bowed her head toward Idel in greeting.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Grace.”

“……Please, come and sit over here.”

Taken aback, Idel invited the young ladies to sit. The large table in the center of the tea room was suddenly full.

Idel carefully examined the faces of the young ladies who had claimed to want to see her. She recognized none.

One thing was clear, however.

‘Their desire to see me……’

Was definitely not rooted in any favorable sentiment.

Because what seeped through their eyes was an emotion she had seen and felt countless times through Roselin over the years.