Even in his previous life, and now as well, the situation remained the same.

‘The princess really dislikes me.’

It wasn’t a shocking revelation, neither then nor now. However, looking around, he saw that all the young nobles attending the party were waiting for Velia’s response.

He quickly realized that everyone, except for himself, had coordinated their responses in advance.

Velia let out a short breath and opened her mouth to give the most neutral answer possible.

But just then,

“Oh my! I apologize. The Kingdom of Ronika and the Empire are quite different, you may not be familiar… I shouldn’t have asked such a pointless question.”

Seeming to have changed her mind about trapping Velia, Elin Cantrelif switched tactics.

‘She’s quite perceptive.’

She noticed in that brief moment of hesitation that Velia had caught onto the intention behind Elin’s words.

He had underestimated Elin Cantrelif for failing to become an enemy in the past. But he was not going to be deterred by a situation like this.

“I often drank this black tea when I was in the Kingdom of Ronika, so I was really pleased to see it here.”

Velia clasped her hands together and spoke as if truly delighted.

“It’s a tea imported from the Southern United Kingdom, so it must have been hard to find here in the Empire… I can tell how much effort Count Duncan put into this tea party.”

Elin Cantrelif’s expression darkened; the reaction was not what she had expected.

“Furthermore, this black tea goes really well with the baked snacks laid out here. Was that also considered when preparing?”

Velia turned her question toward Count Duncan.

Count Duncan glanced at Princess Cantrelif, who offered no reaction. Finally, he forced a smile and answered.

“Ah, that is… yes, correct…”

Clearly, all of this must have been orchestrated by Princess Cantrelif.

It would have been hard for her to decline, considering her position.

‘Sorry, but I can’t just let this go either.’

Velia gave a thin smile and showered praise on Count Duncan.

That settled it.

“Indeed! From the moment I first smelled the black tea, I guessed that you must also enjoy it. It’s wonderful to meet someone with the same hobby.”

Then she calmly took a baked snack and enjoyed it with her tea.

By the looks of Princess Cantrelif’s face, this was not the end. But having failed in her initial attempt to gain the upper hand, she would stop here for today.

Murmurs spread throughout the garden.

“…It’s fortunate that the princess enjoyed the tea party. Count Duncan must be relieved as well.”

“Is Princess Cantrelif particularly close to Count Duncan?”

Velia subtly tossed a ‘you have to do this for me?’ thought.

Princess Cantrelif responded with a thin smile.

“It was just a suggestion made with good intentions.”

A look that suggested she knew absolutely nothing.

She was not a character who would be easily rattled by slight provocations. Velia took note of this.

Princess Cantrelif continued to speak kindly.

“And since we shared this special occasion today, couldn’t we say that we are, in a way, also special to each other?”

Hmm?

Velia admired her inwardly. Though she couldn’t entirely hide her twisted lips, her handling of the situation was quite excellent for a single noble lady.

“That’s true. Your Highness, you are incredibly generous and openhearted. I am truly moved.”

“Oh my. Your words are even warmer, Your Highness.”

Velia and Elin exchanged bright smiles as they looked at each other.

Today, Velia learned two things.

That Princess Cantrelif had more influence in the social sphere than expected, and surprisingly, the young nobles did not hold any ill will toward him.

‘How should the social atmosphere change from now on…’
Velia did not miss the opportunity to wedge herself between them. However, she felt she had to consider the approach a little more.

Suddenly, the last dessert was being served. It also meant that the tea party was nearing its end.

‘I should get up when the time is right.’

Just then, a maid rushed towards them from the entrance of the garden, visibly flustered. It was rare for anyone to interrupt a tea party unless it was something urgent, so her behavior was noticeably odd.

Everyone looked puzzled and startled when—

‘Oh my…!’

Behind her, a familiar figure was leisurely approaching.

Velia jumped to her feet, astonished to see a face that had no reason to be there at the moment.

“Khaled?”

“My, what brings Prince Khaled here…”

“My goodness!”

Khaled walked up to Velia, apparently undeterred by the femaleonly gathering. He then extended his hand warmly.

“I’ve come to pick you up.”

The crowd seemed very surprised to hear Khaled speak so affectionately.

Moreover, they were astounded that he had personally come to pick up his lover from a women’s tea party.

“I tried to time it so I would arrive when it was ending. Did I come too early?”

Khaled directed his question to the host, Count Duncan.

“No, Your Highness. We were about to wrap up.”

“Is that so? May I then take Velia with me?”

“Of course.”