And as if that was the signal, other young ladies also raised their hands slightly and said:

“I’d like to participate too… Would it be possible?”

“I also want to join in on this good deed.”

Bellia covered her mouth with both hands as if she was touched.

However, with a sharp gaze hidden behind her smiling face, she quickly surveyed them.

‘Countess Sapio. Countess Jubuerk. And… Marchioness Caprie.’

Bellia’s mouth, hidden behind her hands, was smiling as if extremely satisfied.

These were all powerful families with considerable influence in the Empire’s central political circles.

“Thank you so much! With the participation of many people, it will be easier to proceed with the event. We’ll be able to help that many more people too.”

“Really? Wow, I’m so happy.”

Rachel clapped her hands together and smiled brightly.

“I was truly impressed seeing the princess consistently performing good deeds with a warm heart.”

Even bigger figures than she had anticipated were caught in her net.

Especially important was that Rachel, the beloved daughter of the Marquis Caprie, actively expressed her intention to participate.

Though she looked young and innocent, she was the young lady who monopolized the love of the marquis family. It was very famous throughout the Empire that she received the fervent affection of her parents and three older brothers.

Moreover, she was the only person in high society who could rival Ellin Canterif. To the extent that if Rachel had actively tried to wield influence in high society, it was clear that the current social circles would have been divided into two factions.

“You’ve been consistently supporting orphanages too, haven’t you?”

The young lady of the Jubuerk Count family asked.

“Yes. I’m just providing modest support to the extent that I can.”

“I know that you visit the orphanages every month and take care of them meticulously. This is not superficial behavior, but sincere support!”

Rachel, who was always quiet, raised her voice slightly in rebuttal.

“Besides, I’ve heard about the purpose of the clinic you’re building now. I really want to contribute to what the princess is doing.”

Rachel Caprie’s cheeks were flushed as she looked at Bellia with sparkling eyes.

She seemed determined to participate in the charity work by any means.

“I’m truly grateful that you ladies have said such things. Well then…”

Bellia carefully brought up what she had prepared to say.

“It’s a small and modest event, but if there’s anyone who would like to participate, please let me know separately.”

For Bellia to exert influence in the Empire’s high society, she needed someone to support her.

And those who participate here will become precious individuals who will firmly support Bellia’s foundation.

‘I absolutely can’t miss this opportunity.’

When she had briefly participated in the tea party before, she realized that the Canterif princess’s standing in high society was very significant. But at the same time, she could also see that not everyone followed her.

‘So…’

Bellia instinctively knew that she had to make these people her allies.

“I will contact those who wish to participate later, and we can discuss it again then.”

As Bellia was wrapping up the discussion about charity work, Ellin bit her lip, disliking the attention people were giving to Bellia.

What’s so great about that hypocritical good deed. For someone who came from another country with no foundation, what could be better than charity work to establish themselves. Of course, Princess Bellia must have started it with that in mind.

Yet that stupid Marquis Caprie’s daughter was admiringly looking at Princess Bellia.

“…I would like to participate in spirit, but I’m already making separate donations, so unfortunately it will be difficult for me to join this time.”

Ellin continued calmly.

Bellia smiled in response and replied.

“I understand, princess. You must be very busy now, having just gotten engaged recently. I’m already very pleased that you attended today’s tea party.”

“Please be sure to invite me when you do good deeds next time. I will definitely participate.”

Ellin made a cool-headed judgment. The atmosphere had completely shifted in Bellia’s favor now.

From the moment she first mentioned gifting the teacups, Ellin realized she had been completely outmaneuvered by Bellia.

‘Sigh…’

As it was, Ellin was also in a somewhat awkward situation because of Raul’s visit to the illegal facility.

Of course, the Emperor stepped in directly to resolve it quickly, treating it as a very minor mistake that would require some self-reflection for a while. However, even that small blemish did not sit well with Ellin.

Raul had to be the perfect prince.

As he had been until now, he needed to remain the perfect prince and become the next emperor.

‘And yet!’

Though Ellin was smiling, she looked at Bellia with an extremely cold gaze.

‘It seems he still hasn’t forgotten Princess Bellia.’

It was frustrating that both Raul and Callid were still floundering, captivated by Bellia.

It was ridiculous enough that two princes proposed to the same woman, but it was even more absurd that they couldn’t get over it even after being rejected.

“Come to think of it, isn’t Prince Callid attending today’s tea party?”

Ellin asked.

It was a jab at Callid, who had barged into the previous tea party.

“No. He went out briefly to check on the merchant group.”

Bellia just smiled and brushed off the question.

By now, the third course of food had been served and another conversation was underway.

This time, the conversation centered around Raul and Ellin.

‘Clearly, everyone is still more interested in Raul than Callid.’

Bellia calmly assessed the reality.

How Callid was perceived among these people.

“Isn’t Prince Raul coming to escort you today?”

Someone chuckled and asked.

It was a question about whether Raul would come to escort Ellin, just as Callid had come to pick up Bellia before.

Unexpectedly, unlike Ellin, everyone seemed to think favorably of Callid barging into the tea party.

“…Prince Raul has a lot to do today.”

Bellia knew Ellin was lying.

Raul only spent time with Ellin formally to maintain the appearance of a good relationship. She had heard several times through the maids that they were not such an affectionate couple.

“He said he really wanted to come see me since I came all the way to the imperial palace, but unfortunately our schedules didn’t match up.”

Ellin answered, hiding her trembling lips.

Bellia inwardly scoffed at the sight, but outwardly showed a fake reaction of ‘Oh my, the First Prince is truly affectionate.’

She was tempted to reveal that Raul was actually staying at the imperial palace right now.

‘…But on the other hand, I feel sorry for her too.’

She hadn’t done anything terribly wrong to Bellia yet, just scheming at the tea party out of jealousy. And Bellia could handle that sufficiently.

Of course, if she went further and launched attacks that crossed the line, Bellia wouldn’t stand idly by either.

Bellia took a sip of tea from her cup to hide her expression that had unknowingly turned cold.

Having safely concluded the tea party, Bellia returned to her room, dragging her body that felt as heavy as a water-soaked sponge.

Then after relieving her fatigue in warm water, she immediately jumped into bed.

“I’m tired…”

Having been on edge the whole time, all her energy was drained.

Still, Bellia’s expression was bright as it had been a very satisfying time.

In addition to the young ladies from the three families who expressed interest in participating in the bazaar at the tea party, several others conveyed their intention to participate just before returning to their mansions.

‘Rachel Caprie.’

She stayed until the very end even as everyone was going home after the tea party, creating time to be alone with Bellia.

Then with sparkling eyes, she talked about how deeply moved she was by Bellia’s charity work and why she wanted to participate in what Bellia was doing.

“…She’s kind and pure.”

She was truly someone who had grown up receiving only love and seeing only the bright side of the world, warm to her very soul.

In fact, in her previous life, Rachel had not shown interest in Bellia.

They had conversed before, but she didn’t seem to particularly like her.

“It’s strange.”

Why was she expressing such fondness now?

“Sigh…”

She didn’t know.

Moreover, was Rachel Caprie’s personality like this?

Her head wasn’t working properly because she was too tired today. It felt like her mind had frozen and solidified.

Well, whatever the case, Rachel showing interest was a good thing for Bellia.

“Were you resting?”

At that moment, Callid, who had returned to the imperial palace, entered Bellia’s room and asked naturally. His demeanor seemed as familiar as if he had been doing this for years.

Suddenly, Bellia, who had been quietly observing him, called out to him softly from her sprawled position on the bed.

“You know, Callid.”

“Hmm?”

He took off his outer garment and sat down comfortably on the sofa.

“This isn’t your room, you know.”

Bellia raised a very obvious question.

Why do you always come to my room instead of going to your own room when you return?

The room right next door, why come here as soon as you get back?

“We’re not even married yet, aren’t you being too shameless?”

“It’s right next door anyway, isn’t it?”

“Because it’s right next door, go to your room first and then politely ask permission to come over. I need time to myself too.”

“…You’re being cruel.”

“Not at all.”

Bellia even turned her head away with a huff.

Callid smiled, finding Bellia’s pouting cute.

“We agreed that you’d tell me what happened today when I got back.”

This time, Callid subtly tried to persuade Bellia.

“I just came because I wanted to hear what you have to say. Hmm? Bellia.”

Callid expressed with his whole body that he had no impure intentions at all.

Even his voice was much gentler than usual. The lustful tone that was always mixed in when he called her name was not shown at all. It was very plain and clean.

But Bellia remained motionless, sprawled out as if she truly had no energy left, no matter what Callid said.

“Go back to your room quickly. How rude to enter someone else’s room like this. The Imperial Prince is quite impolite.”

“Hmm. Are you very tired?”

“Yes.”

What to do about this.

Callid tried a light flirtation.

“Then shall I hold you by your side?”

“…Where do you think you’re going without washing up?”

But Bellia’s wall was solid.

Callid couldn’t say anything.

“Hmm…”

He rubbed his chin as if perplexed.

“…Then would it be okay if I wash up and come back?”

“Acting cute won’t work on me.”

But seeing Callid persistently flirting, Bellia turned her heavy body around to look at him.

“Go wash up. I don’t like people getting into bed without washing…”

“Haha. I’ll be right back.”

Callid got up from the chair and opened the door connecting to his room.

Bellia, who had been watching him indifferently, stretched her arms above her head.

“Ugh. I’m so stiff.”

She must have been more on edge than she realized, as she felt more tired than any other day.

As if she could fall asleep right now.

‘Callid will be back soon…’

And her consciousness didn’t continue any further.