Choosing a dress for the party wasn’t difficult, perhaps because Khaled had filled the wardrobe so amply.

Velia sat at the vanity after selecting a deep blue dress and matching accessories.

“The Prince seems to be quite fond of you.”

The maids assigned to Velia chatted among themselves. All of them were from lower nobility and served for life in the second prince’s palace.

“Your silver hair is so beautiful.”

“I thought a fairy had appeared when you first arrived.”

They incessantly flattered Velia.

Normally not a fan of noise, Velia felt increasingly drained just by listening to their chatter.

But she knew that even her minor actions could spread through their mouths, so she listened attentively without wiping the smile off her lips.

“Besides, it seems Princess Canterip will be attending the party today.”

“Princess Canterip?”

It was a familiar name, but Velia feigned ignorance.

Upon reflection, she sighed at the prospect of encountering that woman again.

A person who always prickled and picked fights with her.

At first, Velia had been puzzled by her behavior. But later, she found out that she had been mentioned since childhood as a potential bride for the first Prince Raul.

It wasn’t difficult to understand how frustrating it must be for her when a foreign princess appeared and took the position of prince’s bride.

‘However…’

Beyond understanding, the methods Princess Canterip used to torment Velia had been particularly cunning.

“Yes, there are recent rumors that the first Prince and the Princess are engaged.”

When Velia showed interest in their story, the maids excitedly shared all they knew.

“You did reject the first Prince. Soon after, talks of an engagement with the Princess started.”

It was natural for Velia’s life to change after rejecting Raul.

She had vaguely thought that someday he would marry someone as an imperial prince. She just hadn’t expected it to be Princess Canterip.

“Ah… if he’s engaged, I’ll likely run into her often.”

“True. But the Princess is quite formidable. So, be cautious, she might pick a fight with you.”

This life connected her with Raul as she wanted, yet would she mistreat her?

Velia smirked.

‘Excuses for her wounded pride, I suppose?’

Among many, why did it have to be Raul?

Velia, who had already been through that, wanted to warn Princess Canterip, but decided not to meddle. She must’ve longed for the marriage with Raul after all.

‘Not every goodlooking person is a good person.’

Well, Velia herself didn’t know that and even married him, so she wasn’t in a position to mock the Princess.

“Anyway, don’t worry, today’s party is to welcome you!”

“Yes, you’re the star of the day!”

The maids, thinking Velia was worried about Canterip, offered words of encouragement.

She wasn’t worried about Canterip mistreating her, but she was grateful for their kindheartedness and thanked them with a smile.

The dressingup eventually concluded.

With her hair and makeup done, and the dress worn, Velia was putting on the last of her accessories.

“Velia.”

It was then that Khaled leaned on the door and called for her.
He was already fully prepared. Dressed in dark formal attire, he looked exceptionally handsome. Unlike usual, his hair was slicked back and his clothes were neatly put together. Velia’s heart palpitated unreasonably at his different appearance.

“Beautiful.”

“You look great too.”

At her words, Prince Khaled smiled, his eyes narrowing as if he’d hoped for the compliment.

“The necklace you wore earlier was prettier.”

When did he even see that?

Suppressing a smile, Velia pointed to the blue sapphire necklace she had worn.

“I’ll go with this necklace.”

Watching the maids swiftly change her necklace, Prince Khaled approached Velia with a smirk and offered his hand.

“Shall we then turn Raul’s world upside down?”

Velia took his hand, agreeing with his highly spirited words.

(This is a time divider.)

The path to the party was in complete contrast to the palace where he resided, exceptionally opulent.

Velia looked at Prince Khaled, realizing her memories hadn’t deceived her. He walked ahead with an unreadable expression.

“Are you scared?”

Perhaps feeling her occasional glances, Prince Khaled asked.

Velia shook her head lightly.

“No.”

“…Well, you’ve already experienced this.”

His expression briefly changed to something complicated, but he shrugged it off.

“But now, I’m here beside you.”

Raul would undoubtedly feel sick when he saw them today.

At this thought, Prince Khaled’s previously irritated mood effortlessly vanished.

“It’ll be fine.”

“If you say so.”

“…Khaled.”

Velia’s violet eyes stared intently at Prince Khaled.

“You’re not harboring unnecessary thoughts, are you?”

Feeling as though his secret was discovered, Prince Khaled deflected.

“Now’s the time to observe. We’ll intervene as soon as we’ve settled in, so don’t do anything foolish.”

Velia knew Prince Khaled was concerned about Raul.

Therefore, she had to caution him all the more. They couldn’t afford any blunders due to petty emotions.