Adapting to the imperial social circles in this life was not going to be easy either. To be included in the mainstream, a foreign princess had to push out someone already in the center.

The undisputed central figure in the current social scene was Lady Kanterip, as everyone agreed.

‘Taking her place would be too risky for me.’

Already, by rejecting Raul’s proposal and choosing Prince Khaled, I had become the talk of the nobles for a while.

If Velia, who had done that, were to replace the lady who is Raul’s betrothed, the nobles’ sympathies would all shift toward Lady Kanterip.

‘…On the other hand, I would be plagued by all sorts of scandals.’

Making such a first impression in the social scene is not good. Recovering a tarnished image is much harder than creating a good one.

‘So, it would be better to create an entirely new faction.’

In my previous life, I was able to navigate the social scene effortlessly, piggybacking on Raul and receiving the emperor’s favor. Though that glory was shortlived once Erze appeared, the process itself was not difficult.

This time, I had to forge my own path from the beginning. Furthermore, I had to naturally attract everyone’s attention toward me. It was certainly not easy.

“Lately, there’s a lot of talk comparing you and Lady Kanterip.”

The maid who was combing my hair cautiously spoke.

“Comparing me to Lady Kanterip?”

“Yes. Both of you are prospective imperial consorts and are of high status. Many people are talking about your similarities.”

“In what way?”

At Velia’s question, the maids hesitated and then answered.

“You have an elegant air, while Lady Kanterip has a lively and cheerful vibe, so you both give off different feelings.”

“…Speak your mind.”

The maid took a moment, clearly finding it difficult to speak. She let out a small sigh.

“I know you’re concerned for me.”

She must have heard something about the tea party I was attending today.

“Truth is, you might find it a bit uncomfortable at today’s tea party hosted by the Duncan family.”

“Because Lady Kanterip is attending?”

I already knew that.

“…Um, well, I overheard something.”

The maid hesitated, then spoke with her eyes closed.

“A few days ago, I was in the square and happened to overhear some ladies saying they won’t be too friendly toward you.”

It seemed like the young nobles were planning to compete against me, the maid continued, her voice growing angry.

“The focus of attention has largely shifted toward Lady Kanterip, the future consort of the first prince. As you know, the second prince doesn’t have a good reputation.”

So, is she saying that the nobles have started taking sides and most are siding with Lady Kanterip?

Velia curled one side of her lips upwards. A hint of irritation surged within her.

“Of course, I know that the prince is a good person and not the cruel figure that rumors paint him to be. But they don’t know that.”

In my previous life, such sidetaking had not started this quickly because I had been betrothed to Raul, who was close to being the next emperor. Naturally, people had to be in my good graces.

But the situation had changed now. The attitudes of the nobles were also completely different.

“Thank you. Thanks to you, I can go with a steeled heart.”

“…I wish you wouldn’t get hurt, Your Highness.”
Velia was always kind and courteous, even to her servants.

To encounter a superior so benevolent within the palace was near miraculous. The maidservant hoped that Velia would stay for a long time.

“Thank you.”

Velia could fully feel the maid’s sentiments.

“But don’t worry. I’m not a pushover either.”

Velia’s eyes sparkled.

(This is a time divider.)

Rustle, rustle. The sound of Velia’s dress brushing against the grass accompanied her slow steps.

As she entered the garden, all eyes turned to her.

Among them were faces she had met at previous parties, as well as some she was meeting for the first time. Of course, in her past life, she had met them all.

“Hello, I’m Velia Ronika. Am I a bit late?”

Upon her cheerful inquiry, Countess Duncan, who had hosted the tea party, rose to greet her.

“No, I’m Sara Duncan. Thank you for accepting the invitation, Princess.”

“I should be thanking you for the honorable invitation, Countess Duncan.”

Countess Duncan seemed to relax a bit at Velia’s polite demeanor.

She immediately guided Velia to her seat, adding,

“Princess Cantelir has not arrived yet. She will be late due to some matters, please understand.”

Although her words clearly sought understanding, Velia felt a subtle discomfort.

Sitting at her spot, Velia surveyed the surroundings.

Everyone was hiding their faces behind fans or pretending to be occupied.

‘…What’s going on?’

She decided to watch for a little while.

Better to assess how they’d react before deciding how to respond.

This was an unfamiliar situation, wasn’t it?

“Ahem! Even if the princess has not arrived, let’s begin the tea party. Today’s dessert will come out in three rounds.”

As Countess Duncan signaled, the maids approached each table and set down the prepared desserts.