Philip’s gaze was no less intimidating.

“While I’ve been conducting business in the territory for a few days, the protagonists have probably been filming love and war in the royal palace, so they must be very tired.”

Anyway, I was somewhat relieved to find familiar faces in this unfamiliar party.

“Should I strike up a conversation?”

I soon abandoned the idea. The climax of the original work was approaching, and at the same time, the king appeared behind me.

“Announcing His Majesty the King!”

“The dignity of Cigarette Kingdom shines above the sun.”

People inside the party hall collectively expressed respect to the king. I quickly greeted Philip, Laila, and Marboro with a nod and withdrew.

A few days ago, Philip had sent a letter proposing a separate meeting time and place. Since that meeting was scheduled for after the party ending tomorrow, I thought I would see them then.

Soon, speeches, birthday songs, and the cutting of the giant 10-story cake took place.

Meanwhile, the king, sitting on the throne, looked around the party venue with a scrutinizing gaze. As all the congratulatory courses ended, the atmosphere became relaxed, and everyone began to enjoy freely.

“No, did he just briefly step out because he’s old?”

Honest Hughac’s expectations were completely wrong. The king firmly held his position.

Due to this, I felt awkward about enjoying the party freely.

“Or did he give me wrong information?”

Thinking that way made me feel bad. At that moment, Hughac approached me, smiling cheerfully.

“Welcome. Seeing you again feels good. And you look truly beautiful.”

Blushing, Hughac looked me up and down several times and licked his lips.

“But if you had worn the dress I sent, you would have been even more beautiful. What a shame you returned it; mine was much better.”

His voice was quite loud, and people turned to look at us. Some even murmured among themselves.

“I’m just thankful for the sentiment.”

“Haha, still, if you were going to wear such a cheap dress, you should have just accepted mine. The light of the diamond necklace I sent, for once, would have shone.”

The dress I was currently wearing was undoubtedly an expensive and beautiful one. After all, Mild K had chosen a gift that matched Ellen’s standards.

However, surrounding people chuckled at Hughac’s words criticizing my dress. It was embarrassing to hear the term ‘cheap’ so openly used, and my face reddened a bit.

“What do you mean by a cheap dress? Doesn’t everyone know the level of my dresses?”

“Well, that might have been a story when you were a countess. Now that you’re divorced…”

Hughac shrugged one shoulder, looking around as if seeking agreement. People were watching us with eager faces.

“What’s with this person?”

I had come all the way here because he said he wanted to show the boutique’s scented candles to people, but something felt off.

“Does he have some hidden agenda?”

After briefly contemplating, I decided to deflect him for now.

I came to this party as the representative of Boutique DS, after all.

If things went south, I wouldn’t be able to showcase the scented candles through Hughac.
However, if I stayed silent here, other nobles might look down on me.

“Oh, my, now that I’ve seen you, it seems the Viscount doesn’t understand my intentions. I am a businesswoman, but recently, even my hairstyles and dresses have been featured in newspapers.”

A few onlookers absentmindedly nodded in response to my words.

“A dress that is both tacky and expensive; you should quickly return it and let the designer know their standards are low.”

Hughac’s pupils widened in surprise. I gently fanned him while waiting for Hughac’s reaction.

Blushing, Hughac looked around and then cleared his throat.

“Oh, it’s unfortunate if you didn’t like it. It seems there was a bit of an issue with my choices, not knowing what you like. I’ll be more careful next time.”

Hughac extended a polite hand to me and said in a fawning tone, “Then, would you honor me with a dance as business partners?”

Goodness, where is his conscience?

Feeling extremely upset, I answered without taking a breath.

“I would like to, but I sprained my ankle a little while ago. Walking isn’t a big problem, but dancing would be a bit much. It’s better if I dance with someone else.”

At the same time, I realized that I could lie so convincingly for the first time today. Hughac seemed skeptical of my words.

“An ankle? You seemed perfectly fine when coming down the stairs earlier.”

“I slipped on the last step. I didn’t want to show it since there were many people watching.”

I naturally pointed the fan towards Mild K.

“Look. Mild K seems very concerned, doesn’t he?”

Although I didn’t confirm Mild K’s expression and spoke, it was probably obvious.

Turning around, lo and behold, Mild K was glaring at Hughac.

“Rather than worrying, it seems he’s more angry….”

In response to Hughac’s words, Mild K slightly smiled and replied with a restrained tone, “I’m deeply concerned. I’m upset that I couldn’t properly escort the lady and caused her to sprain her ankle.”

“Is that so?”