As the conversation deviated, Dalina’s voice interjected with displeasure.

“This is a celebration for the King’s birthday, isn’t it? We should make Queen and Crown Princess stand out the most. Did she come all decked up thinking she’s the main character?”

Daelina spoke, looking elsewhere, as if uncomfortable with the attention focused on her.

“Anyone would think she’s the protagonist if they saw her today.”

The ladies, who had been silently observing Daelina, murmured softly.

“So, if someone saw, would that woman be considered the star of today’s party?”

When the conversation returned, Lady Olbari lowered her voice even more.

“The North Zone’s security was under Marquis Maurice’s command. And, this is something only between us.”

‘Only between us,’ the magical phrase silenced the chattering ladies.
“Dosun’s youngest son, Youngsik, stood guard in the North Zone yesterday. However, it’s said that he apprehended six intruders in that woman’s room.”

“I-intruders? There was an intrusion at the royal palace?”

“Yes, the intruders were attempting to throw that woman out the window, and Marquis Maurice barely prevented it.”

At these words, the expressions of the ladies changed dramatically.

“Good heavens.”

“Oh, could that woman’s words be accurate, then?”

“Wait a moment. If such an incident occurred yesterday, why did she attend the party today?”

“What can you do? It’s pitiful. How shocked she must have been.”

The atmosphere turned in my favor as I hoped. However, Dalina brought up an absurd conspiracy theory.

“I have to be careful, but I heard that woman is capable of anything.”

“Capable of anything?”

“Yes, I heard she often shifts blame onto others if there’s a problem, not just once or twice.”

The ladies, who had been rolling their eyes, were suddenly taken aback.

“Oh! So, it’s like a plot in a play?”

“Goodness, a plot?… Maybe people can be like that?”

“Well, with a wicked personality, anything is possible.”

Dalina quickly covered her rising smile with her fan. Her words were slightly misleading.

“No, it’s not necessarily like that… Anyway, King clearly stated that he would announce it today, right? Until then, it’s difficult to be sure of the truth.”

“Well, is Lord Ondella supporting the King?”

“That’s right. Considering that, it’s unlikely that Lord Ondella, who supports the King, would commit a crime at the King’s birthday celebration.”

“Indeed, that woman must be the bad one.”

Public opinion quickly shifted. Even I, confirming Dalina’s unfavorable actions, couldn’t believe it.

I knew she wasn’t favorably disposed toward me, but I didn’t expect this.

‘In the original work, Dalina captures Philip’s heart with her kind heart and refined manners.’

Where did the original character go, leaving only a character gossiping and spreading rumors?

Or was it a rough description of a supporting character? Or was something omitted?

Previously, I only wished for the story to proceed according to the original work, except for my death. However, witnessing Dalina’s behavior, my feelings changed.

‘Maybe things won’t be so bad if they go as I wish?’

I left the pillar and headed to the buffet corner arranged on one side.

To withstand the attacks from the King and the Marquis, it seemed better to eat a hearty meal and replenish my strength.

The King isn’t favorable towards me. If the King says there’s a problem with me, regardless of the truth, I didn’t know what kind of trial would await me.

‘Even if Philip has feelings for me, I won’t be able to defy the King’s orders.’

I picked up a plate of exquisitely prepared seafood dishes and sat at a table.

A waiter followed me with the appropriate pre-dinner drink and appetizers.
The waiter meticulously set the items I brought on my table and began to clean and prepare the crab for consumption.

While the waiter handled the crab, I sipped my pre-dinner drink and enjoyed the appetizers.

The distinctive refreshing sensation of the pre-dinner drink pleasantly filled my mouth. The flavorful pre-dinner bread and crisp, refreshing salad made the dining experience delightful.

I then tasted the neatly arranged crab meat.

Soft and elastic.

The unique savory flavor of the crab came alive with each bite. The meat was exceptionally tender, perhaps due to being a royal dish.

‘Ah, this flavor.’

For a moment, I forgot about my situation and indulged in the exquisite seafood delicacies of the royal palace.

After eating enough and wiping my mouth, the atmosphere in the party hall became restless.

The King’s knights were entering from one side.

Among them was one holding a large oak box that seemed quite substantial.

Upon seeing that, I felt a sense of anticipation that the truth might finally be revealed. It was the necklace box I had sent to Marquis Ondella.

The box I sent after confirmation at the post office remained sealed.

Sure enough, seated on the throne, the King soon summoned me, Marquis Ondella, and everyone present in the party to stand before him.

Behind us, all the nobles attending the party gathered around.

Near the throne stood the princes, including Philip and Marboro, the queen and princesses like Layla, Enoch, and others.

I glanced briefly at Marquis Ondella’s expression.

He seemed composed, disguising any tension. However, his gaze was fixed on the box held by the knights, and cold sweat was forming on his forehead.

Seeing the box I mentioned in front of him made him visibly nervous.

Although it wasn’t desirable, it seemed that the cunning Marquis would be exposed at this point. However, villains always attempted a counterattack, even if it meant resorting to extremes.

‘I shouldn’t let my guard down until the end.’

The King, who heard the knight’s subdued report, opened his dry lips.

“I’ve been told that a box arrived from the Morris territory to Marquis Ondella. It arrived yesterday morning and was left untouched in the Marquis’s office…”

As the King flicked his fingertips, the knights unsealed the box.

From the box emerged an oak box wrapped in soft red velvet. It was slightly smaller than the original box and remained sealed.

Simultaneously, Marquis Ondella’s mouth twitched upward.

“Your Majesty, that is not the necklace box.”

“Even at a glance, it seems not.”

The King flicked his fingertips again. The knights unsealed the box once more, revealing an oak box wrapped in soft green velvet. It was a bit smaller than the previous one and also sealed.

“…”

The King, with closed lips, flicked his fingertips again. This time, the box revealed was wrapped in soft blue velvet. Like the previous ones, it was smaller and sealed.

The King frowned slightly and looked at me.

“What is… the meaning of this? Are you trying to mock me?”