Noble ladies visited the imperial palace to discuss the charity bazaar.

Bellia welcomed them in the reception room with simple refreshments.

“Welcome.”

“Princess!”

Bellia warmly greeted them, who had dressed up prettily for the visit.

The noble ladies invited here today were smiling brightly, exuding cheerful energy. Seeing them like this, they somehow seemed adorable.

‘Callid didn’t seem this young when I first met him.’

How curious.

Bellia chuckled to herself and guided them to their seats.

“Thank you so much for inviting us, Princess.”

Everyone turned their loving gazes towards Bellia.

Bellia asked kindly.

“You all know why I invited you today, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

A young noble lady answered loudly and burst into laughter. Everyone joined in her bright laughter. The girls’ cheerful energy seemed contagious.

“Haha. Then I’ll briefly explain what we’re preparing, and afterwards, I’d like to hear your opinions.”

Bellia took a sip of tea.

Then she set down her teacup silently and began to speak.

“Everyone here knows that I sponsor artists. I’m thinking of selling their works through an auction.”

Initially, she had considered setting prices and displaying everything in one place to find buyers, but with so many wanting to participate, she changed the method.

“If you’re planning to sell through an auction, we’ll need to promote it extensively to the nobility, right?”

“Yes, that’s right. That’s why I need your help.”

Bellia naturally drew them in as the center of this event.

She encouraged their willingness to work together to make the event a success.

“The artists I sponsor are very diverse, including painters, sculptors, potters, musicians, and more. Some of them can’t sell tangible works. So if we hold a regular bazaar, they would inevitably be left out.”

That’s why she came up with this idea.

“So I’m thinking of making it like a party to include everyone. I want to break existing stereotypes and create a bazaar full of entertainment… What do you think?”

Musicians who can’t sell works will perform their pieces there.

If they hire chefs and create an atmosphere where nobles can enjoy a feast while participating in the auction, it could be a wonderful event.

“You can’t put all the works up for auction, so what are you planning to do about that?”

Rachel, who had been quietly listening to Bellia, asked.

“I’ll personally look at their works and select only those worthy of auction. It would be great if you all could accompany me then.”

She nodded at Bellia’s words.

“Sounds good.”

If it proceeds as Bellia described, even those not participating in the bazaar will visit to enjoy the party. Rachel asked one more thing she was curious about.

“If it’s not rude, I’d like to hear more details about how you plan to handle the proceeds from the bazaar.”

“Not rude at all. Of course I should tell you about that.”

Bellia smiled brightly and began a long explanation.

It had already been agreed that the sales proceeds would be split equally between the artists and Bellia.

They were still newcomers, so this bazaar was an opportunity to make their names known.

Moreover, when Bellia, who had been sponsoring everything from material costs to living expenses, said she would transparently disclose and share the sales proceeds, the artists were moved and accepted all her proposals.

“After sharing the sales proceeds with the artists, all remaining profits will be used to distribute food to the poor who struggle in the cold winter.”

The noble ladies who had been quietly listening to Bellia’s explanation looked very excited.

“Really… It’s an honor to be able to participate in such a meaningful event, Princess.”

And Rachel, once again smitten with Bellia, clasped her hands and bowed.

“On the contrary, I’m very touched that you all are participating. I’m sure we can make it a success.”

When Bellia spoke with a calm voice and smile, everyone looked as if the bazaar had already succeeded, their faces full of excitement.

“Ah. I heard there’s some surplus from the recent flower harvest. What do you think about buying those to decorate the bazaar venue?”

Susan from the Saffio Count family offered an opinion.

Pleased with the excellent suggestion, Bellia responded brightly.

“That’s a great idea. We can support the farmers and make the party venue more vibrant.”

As someone’s opinion was accepted, everyone started sharing the ideas they had been thinking of. And among those ideas, what made Bellia’s eyes sparkle was:

“When I told my father, he was delighted and said he wanted to participate in the name of our family. We’ll take out some valuables kept in our family and put them up for auction. Please use all the proceeds for a good cause.”

Along with Rachel’s words, everyone said they had discussed it with their families beforehand and would also participate.

“Oh my… Thank you so much. Really…”

Bellia was too moved to continue speaking.

The nobles of the empire were walking a fine line between Raul and Callid. And many believed Raul was closer to the imperial throne than Callid.

Knowing this situation, even if the noble ladies helped prepare for the bazaar, Bellia thought they would try to exclude their family names as much as possible.

But they were even more eager to help than Bellia had expected, which was also proof that their feelings towards Bellia were truly sincere goodwill.

“I was feeling a bit overwhelmed, wondering how to do all this alone without close friends in the empire… But with your help, it seems I’ll be able to prepare much more smoothly.”

“Please let us know if there’s anything else we can help with in the future!”

Everyone smiled, rolling up their sleeves and joining forces.

As this was the first time she had prepared something with others in such a joyful mood, Bellia’s heart kept fluttering with excitement.

They were all lovely ladies, but Rachel had a charm that made you feel good just being around her.

Moreover, as Rachel was very fond of and followed Bellia, the two had grown quite close recently.

“Princess, what do you think of this?”

“Oh, it’s nice.”

Rachel really had excellent taste.

All the works she picked were to Bellia’s liking.

“We should think a bit more about the others. Let’s stop here for now.”

Bellia turned around and spoke to those who had accompanied her today.

“Still, we found many good ones today.”

“Yes, I’m newly realizing how many talented artists there are.”

Everyone seemed to enjoy the process of selecting works, participating without showing any signs of boredom.

Grateful for this, Bellia suggested they have tea time.

“Everyone, shall we have some refreshments later?”

“Oh my! Really?”

“Of course.”

Bellia left the cleanup to the maids and servants and led the ladies to the reception room.

Listening to the chattering voices of the girls, Bellia smiled brightly.

Somehow, being with them made her feel like an ordinary girl too.

Although she wasn’t young enough to be called a girl, she just enjoyed their bright and energetic feeling.

‘I used to always be alone in social circles before…’

She had met many people through work, but there wasn’t a single person she could really be friends with. The closest thing to a friend she had was Derrick.

Bellia’s life in the empire had been so full of loneliness.

“My second elder brother said he saw the Princess from afar once.”

Rachel said to Bellia with a bright smile.

“Is that so?”

“Yes. He said you were very beautiful, which made me so curious.”

“Hehe. That’s too kind.”

As Bellia was walking along, enjoying her conversation with Rachel, someone called out to her from behind, stopping her.

“Bellia.”

At that voice, Bellia turned around to see Callid walking towards her.

“Ah!”

Those beside Bellia were startled by the sudden appearance of the Second Prince.

It wasn’t surprising or strange for him to be there, as it was the Second Prince’s Palace, but they had never encountered him before despite visiting several times.

“We greet the Prince. Glory to the Empire.”

Rachel gracefully greeted Callid.

Then everyone else, finally coming to their senses, followed with their greetings.

Callid merely nodded slightly to acknowledge their greetings and asked Bellia,

“Are you busy?”

“Oh, um… I was just about to have refreshments with these ladies here.”

At Bellia’s answer, Callid visibly deflated.

‘Oh my?’

A spark flashed in Rachel’s eyes.

“You’ve been busy lately.”

“Can’t be helped, preparing for the bazaar.”

Bellia said with an awkward smile.

“Were you on your way somewhere?”

Callid didn’t answer.

…He seemed somewhat upset.

‘Ah. Could it be he was planning to spend time with me?’

Lately, Bellia had been so tired from running around that she always fell asleep early.

Callid too had become extremely busy recently, accelerating the gold mine excavation. Not just the gold mine, but various investment projects and management tasks as well.

In fact, Callid was just as hectic as Bellia, if not more so.

So it felt like it had been a while since they had faced each other like this.

“Callid?”

A flustered Bellia called his name.

Callid remained silent for a moment, just quietly looking at Bellia.

He seemed calm on the surface, but countless emotions were flowing through his mind.

‘I’m the only one feeling petty here.’

Bellia had been meeting with them every day lately.

Even though the bazaar preparation was right around the corner, this was too much.

He had been busy too, but thinking of meeting Bellia, he would hurry to her room only to find her already asleep early, and if he woke up early to wait for her, she would leave right away saying she had appointments.

So couldn’t she spare at least today for him?

He had even heard that the painting selection was finished!

Moreover, he hadn’t come today without reason. To separate public and private matters, he had received a report that her schedule was over and had meticulously planned his time before coming.

Yet to see himself pushed aside again, Callid felt a surge of resentment.

“…I had some free time today and wanted to spend it with you, but it seems I’ve lost to a prior engagement.”

Don’t you spend every day with them lately?

So spend today with me.

Send them away and stay with me.

All these inner thoughts could be read from Callid’s sulky gaze.

“Umm. I’m sorry.”

Bellia noticed that he was feeling hurt, but this time she decided to pretend not to notice.