Nobility’s young ladies visited the palace to discuss the charity bazaar.

Velia prepared simple refreshments in the reception room to greet them.

“Welcome.”

“Princess!”

Velia warmly welcomed the ladies, who arrived elegantly dressed.

Today, the invited young ladies of nobility were endlessly cheerful, emitting bright energy as they laughed and smiled. Watching them, they somehow seemed utterly adorable.

‘I never felt Prince Khaled was this young when I first met him.’

Quite strange indeed.

Velia chuckled to herself and then led them to their seats.

“Thank you for inviting us, Princess.”

They all focused their loving gaze on Velia.

Velia kindly asked,

“You all know why you were invited today, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

A young noble lady loudly responded, followed by peals of laughter. Everyone joined in the laughter, as if the girls’ bright energy was infectious.

“Haha. Well, I’ll briefly explain what’s being prepared, and afterward, I would like to hear your opinions.”

Velia took a sip of tea.

She silently set the teacup down and began to speak.

“Everyone here knows I sponsor artists. I plan to sell their works through an auction.”

Initially, she had considered holding an exhibition, setting prices, and then finding buyers. But with so many willing participants, she decided to change the approach.

“So if it’s to be sold by auction, a largescale promotion to the nobles is necessary, isn’t it?”

“Yes, exactly. That’s why I need your help.”

Velia smoothly made them the center of this event.

Gathering everyone’s strength, she roused their will to make a successful event.

“The artists I sponsor range from painters and sculptors to potters and musicians. Some of them can’t sell tangible works. So if we proceed with a typical bazaar, they’d be inevitably marginalized.”

That’s why she came up with this idea.

“Therefore, I’m thinking of making it like a party to include everyone. Breaking the traditional mindset, I intend to make it a bazaar with plenty of entertainment… What are your thoughts?”

Musicians who couldn’t sell works would perform there.

Even hired chefs would be there so the attending nobles could enjoy a feast while participating in the auction.

“What about the works that can’t be auctioned? What’s your plan?”

Rachel, who had been silently listening, asked.

“I’ll personally review their works and select only those fit for auction. You all could accompany me then.”

She nodded to Velia’s words.

“That sounds good.”

If the event is conducted in the atmosphere Velia described, those not participating in the bazaar would visit to enjoy the party. Rachel had one more thing she was curious about.

“If it’s not rude, I would like to know more about how the bazaar’s proceeds will be handled.”

“Not rude at all. It’s information I should naturally share.”

Velia began a long explanation with a slight smile.

The sale of the artworks had already been decided to be split equally between the artists and Velia.

For them, who were still upandcoming, the bazaar was an opportunity to make their names known.

On top of Velia regularly supporting their material and living costs, when she transparently shared she would divide the sales earnings, the artists gratefully accepted her entire proposal.

“The remaining profit, after giving the artists their share of the sales, will be used to distribute food to the poor struggling through the cold winter.”

The young nobility who had been quietly listening to Velia were visibly moved.
“It’s an honor to be part of such a meaningful event, Your Highness.”

Rachel then brought her hands together once more, as if she had fallen for Velia all over again.

“On the contrary, I was quite touched that all of you have decided to participate. I am confident it will go well.”

As Velia spoke with a calm voice and a smile, everyone’s faces brightened as if the bazaar was already a success.

“Ah. I heard there’s some excess stock after the recent flower harvest. How about purchasing those to decorate the bazaar venue?”

Count Saphio’s Susan made the suggestion.

Velia responded with a pleased expression, “That’s a good idea. This way, we can also support the farmers, and the ambiance of the party will be improved.”

Once someone’s suggestion was accepted, everyone started sharing their own thoughts. Among those, what caught Velia’s eye was,

“My father really liked the idea and wishes to participate under our family name. We’ll put up a few precious items from our family collection for the auction. Please use the proceeds for a good cause.”

Upon hearing Rachel’s words, everyone else said they’d also talked with their families and would like to contribute.

“Oh my… Thank you. Really…”

Velia was so touched she couldn’t continue speaking.

In the Empire, the nobles were walking a fine line between Raul and Prince Khaled. Many believed Raul was closer to the throne than Khaled.

Velia had thought that the families of these young noble ladies would prefer to remain anonymous for this reason.