Belia raised her head, only moving her eyes as she coldly looked down at Elin. In response to that gaze, Elin, as if indicating she wouldn’t yield, smiled even more deeply.

It was somewhat unusual to see her not stepping back as she normally would. Was Elin Canterip always this confrontational?

Even if it wasn’t her, there was already plenty on Belia’s plate to deal with. She didn’t want to stress herself unnecessarily by confronting Elin.

Thinking so, as Belia ignored Elin and was about to lift her foot to find her place, at that moment, a very small voice, audible only to Belia, spoke.

“After putting on such airs, your actions are shamefully vulgar.”

Elin, using the fan to cover her mouth, lowered her laughter.

“I thought being royalty meant you were noble. It seems that’s not always the case.”

“Milady should be careful with her words. Speaking lightly may lead to great trouble.”

Belia somehow felt that she resembled her. It was also amusingly absurd that she was now openly revealing hostility towards her after Khaled disappeared.

So, in the midst of everyone’s attention pouring towards her, she didn’t see any value in tarnishing her own reputation by dealing with her.

“Whether it’s playing around or not, we’ll see.”

Belia didn’t respond.

Then, as she turned away from Elin, who was making meaningful remarks, Belia headed towards her designated spot.

Since today’s event, held in conjunction with the thanksgiving ceremony at the temple, was meticulously arranged based on hierarchy, her position was different from usual. Thus, even though she was still the fiancée of the Second Prince, Belia’s seat was higher than Elin’s, who was the fiancée of the Crown Prince.

Belia walked past Elin with leisurely steps, heading upward.

As Belia took a few more steps towards her seat, she furrowed her brows upon discovering a chair placed next to hers.

“…Of all times.”

Knowing that Khaled, currently reported missing, wouldn’t attend, his seat would be vacant. Therefore, that chair must be undoubtedly reserved for Raoul.

Even with some distance, the thought of Raoul sitting next to her instead of Khaled was already an unpleasant feeling.

“He should have arrived by now.”

It was time for the nobles who finished their prayers at the temple to arrive at the party.

“However, it’s a bit strange that the Empress hasn’t arrived yet…”

Shortly after, the announcement of the arrival of the First Prince Raoul resounded.

Raoul, with confident strides, ascended the stairs leading to the platform and sat in his designated seat next to Belia.

Then, holding a prepared glass of wine, he rose from his seat.

“Unfortunately, due to unavoidable circumstances, His Majesty and Her Highness the Empress informed that they couldn’t attend the party. I’ll be holding the fort in their absence. May you all rejoice in this year’s harvest and have a delightful time.”

After Raoul greeted the nobles and announced the start of the party, he sat back down.

Since the Emperor and Empress were absent, Raoul and Belia occupied the highest seats at the party.

Their appearance felt very peculiar to the onlookers.

“This is unfortunate. I didn’t expect the Emperor and Empress to be absent.”

At this point, where rumors about Belia and Raoul were already rampant, them sitting side by side in the highest seats would undoubtedly further fuel misunderstandings.

Soon, cheerful music began to play.

After Raoul stood up and descended the stairs, he extended his hand towards Elin.

Elin shyly smiled, took his hand, and descended from the platform, standing face-to-face with him in the center of the hall.

In tune with the song, they gracefully danced, and Belia watched their performance with an indifferent expression.
Raoul wrapped his arm around Elin’s waist and skillfully led the dance after holding her hand. When about half of the music had played, Raoul turned to Elin, seeking permission.

“Elin, may I have the honor of dancing with Princess Belia after this song?”

Elin remained silent.

A silence settled between them.

Without uttering a word, Raoul waited for Elin’s response. Elin, as if determined, soon gritted her teeth and firmly shook her head.

“I don’t want you looking after the Second Prince’s wife.”

Even with her rejection, Raoul, without furrowing his brow, tried to convince Elin once again.

“Isn’t the Second Prince’s wife in a very difficult situation, having lost her husband? If you just sit quietly and turn away, you’ll become a subject of mockery. I’m just helping due to sympathy, Elin.”

It was an unbelievable excuse.

Elin wanted to shout that if Raoul danced with Princess Belia, she would become a subject of mockery.

But she couldn’t say such words.

In their relationship, Elin was thoroughly the weaker one.

“…Do you not care about my feelings?”

“You are a person with a broad and compassionate heart. Isn’t that right?”

Raoul smiled affectionately.

Elin could only shake her head with a sense of despair.

“…My opinion was already unnecessary.”