However, they were even more eager to help than Velia had anticipated, proving that their feelings towards her were indeed genuine.

“I was feeling a bit overwhelmed about having to prepare everything alone since I have no friends in the Empire. But with your help, it seems things will go much more smoothly.”

“Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help with in the future!”

Everyone rolled up their sleeves and shared a laugh.

This was the first time Velia had prepared something with such joy and company. She felt her heart warm up.

(This is a time marker.)

Rachel was indeed a person whose presence alone could lift one’s spirits.

Their relationship had grown much closer lately, as Rachel had a particular liking for Velia.

“Your Highness, how about this?”

“Oh, this looks good.”

Rachel had a really good eye.

Everything she picked was exactly to Velia’s taste.

“We should consider some other things a bit more. Let’s end it here for now.”

Turning around, Velia addressed those who had accompanied her that day.

“Today was really satisfying.”

“Yes, I was surprised to discover there are so many talented artists.”

Everyone seemed to enjoy the process of selecting the artworks, showing no signs of boredom.

Feeling grateful, Velia invited them to tea.

“Would you all like to have some refreshments later?”

“Really? Oh my!”

“Of course.”

Leaving the arrangements to the servants, Velia led the ladies to the reception room.

Listening to the lively chatter of the young women, a smile spread across Velia’s face.

For some reason, she felt like she had become an ordinary girl when she was with them.

Of course, she wasn’t young enough to be called a girl, but their cheerful and vibrant energy made her happy.

‘I used to always be alone in social circles…’

She had met many people through work, but she had never had a single friend she could truly call a friend. Derek was the closest thing she had to a friend.

Velia’s life in the Empire had been filled with loneliness.

“My younger sister’s husband once saw you from afar, Your Highness.”
Rachel smiled warmly at Velia.

“Really?”

“Yes. I was so curious because they said you’re very beautiful.”

“Heh. That’s flattering.”

As Velia was walking and chatting happily with Rachel, someone called her from behind, stopping her in her tracks.

“Velia.”

Upon hearing the voice, Velia turned and saw Prince Khaled approaching.

“Ah!”

The people around Velia were surprised and flustered by the sudden appearance of the second prince.

It wasn’t strange that he was in the palace of the second prince, but they had never run into him despite numerous visits.

“Your Highness, glory to the empire.”

Rachel gracefully greeted Prince Khaled.

Only then did everyone else come to their senses and follow suit with their greetings.

Ignoring their salutations with a mere nod, Prince Khaled looked at Velia and asked,

“Busy?”

“Um, well… I was about to have tea with these ladies here.”

Upon hearing Velia’s reply, Prince Khaled’s expression visibly soured.

‘Really?’

Excitement flickered in Rachel’s eyes.

“You’ve been busy lately.”

“I can’t help it, I’m preparing for the charity fair.”

Velia said awkwardly with a smile.

“Where are you going?”

Prince Khaled didn’t respond.

…He seems to be sulking.

‘Could it be he wanted to spend time with me?’

Lately, Velia had been running around everywhere and was so exhausted she’d been falling asleep early.

Prince Khaled was also extremely busy ramping up mining operations lately. Plus, there were other investments and management matters.

Actually, like Velia, Prince Khaled was a person who had a hectic life.

So, seeing each other facetoface like this felt like it had been a long time.

“Khaled?”

A flustered Velia called his name.

For a moment, Khaled said nothing, just staring at Velia.

Though he appeared calm, countless emotions were surging within him.

‘I feel petty all of a sudden.’

Velia had been meeting with them daily lately.

The charity fair was coming up, but this was too much.

Even though he was busy, he had rushed to his room only to find Velia already asleep. When he woke up early to wait, she’d promptly left citing an appointment.

So shouldn’t she be able to spare some time for him, at least for one day?

He’d even heard she had finished selecting the paintings!

And it wasn’t like he had come unannounced; he had carefully planned his time after receiving her schedule.

Yet seeing himself pushed to the backburner again made Prince Khaled irrationally upset.

“…I was hoping to spend some time with you today since my schedule was a bit open, but it seems I’ve been preempted.”

He had spent time with them every day lately.

So be with me today.

Send them away and stay with me.

All these inner thoughts were readable in Prince Khaled’s moody eyes.

“Uh, I’m sorry.”

Velia noticed his disappointment, but this time she chose to feign ignorance.