Elaina showed a slightly puzzled expression at Ryan’s overly friendly approach.

Of course, since the entire Edenbell had been abuzz with the wedding, he would know about her, but there was no reason for him to be so favorable.

Even more so if they didn’t know each other at all.

“Oh my, Young Master Ryan!”

Just then, Lady Regas appeared. She greeted Ryan with a smile full of joy, even with a subtle blush on her face, and Ryan gave a brief greeting.

“Hello, Lady Regas. Seeing you so happy today makes me feel good too.”

Lady Regas smiled brightly and slowly shifted her gaze to Elaina.

“Lady Elaina, you must have worked so hard to come all the way here! And this is Young Master Ryan, the only son of the Henard ducal family.”

The Henard family.

It was one of the noble families Elaina knew well.

However, unlike other noble families, the Henard ducal family had little interest in power.

Instead, the Henard family had continuously produced outstanding individuals in academics, including their ancestors.

So there were several times when the imperial palace tried to appoint people from the Henard family as administrators, but they all refused. The reason was not well known, but…

“This is Her Highness the Crown Princess, Lady Elaina. As I mentioned, she will be joining us from this gathering! What a joyous occasion.”

“I am also delighted. To be able to meet such an esteemed person.”

Ryan said with a smile.

“……”

Schuler, who had unexpectedly become like a straw man, stared intently at Ryan Henard without saying a word.

It was not unknown that Ryan always treated people equally with a kind disposition, no matter who they were, but there was no reason for him to pretend to be so close to the crown princess, was there?

…If Sir Sinclair had seen this, the atmosphere would have become a bit unpleasant, Schuler thought.

“We should go inside first! The night air is still a bit chilly.”

“I have kept you both here for too long. Lady Regas is right. Let’s go in.”

Ryan smiled at Elaina. Then, as if telling her to go ahead, he kindly extended his hand to guide her, and walked very slowly behind her, keeping a certain distance.

It seemed that Lady Regas’ words that ‘only a very small number of people can be invited compared to other gatherings’ were not a lie.

Usually, the number of participants in a social gathering boasted its influence, but in the spacious hall of the quaint mansion, there were only about 15 people, including Elaina, Ryan Henard, and Lady Regas.

“I heard you were coming, but I didn’t expect to meet you like this. It’s truly a pleasure, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

Elaina was momentarily overwhelmed by the wave of people approaching to greet her.

“Lady Regas bragged so much about how brilliant and wise you were. I was really curious.”

“I already knew. On Foundation Day, I saw with my own eyes how you distributed relief supplies to the end. I heard you also donated the largest amount from the palace. Is that right?”

“Yes, that’s right. I just put in a little more effort than usual, but I’m embarrassed that so many people see it in a good light.”

People laughed lightly at Elaina’s words.

Elaina thought she understood a little what the meaning of ‘a gathering that doesn’t lack dignity’ was.

None of those gathered mentioned Elaina’s disability. They didn’t stare blatantly, nor did they ask what happened to her to become like this. It was a consideration that even the emperor or Hister had not shown.

…Of course, the fact that I am Sinclair’s wife would also play a part.

“Oh dear, I was so busy chatting away that I forgot my manners to make introductions. Your Highness the Crown Princess, I am Perin. The only daughter of the Elai family.”

“Nice to meet you, Lady Perin.”

“Our Lady Perin is of the lineage of a baron family that has been dedicated to the country for generations. She has been at the forefront of battlefields several times. She went to the last war with His Highness the Crown Prince. Isn’t she amazing!”

…She went to war with Sinclair?

Elaina’s eyes widened upon hearing Lady Regas’ explanation.

Those words also meant that Perin Elai had a different political stance from the emperor.

“That’s truly remarkable. Seeing Lady Perin’s achievements, other young ladies may also be encouraged to enlist. In fact, there are surprisingly many women who are braver than men, right? People just pretend not to know.”

“Oh my, Your Highness the Crown Princess, you and I are on the same wavelength! I’m so happy to hear you say that.”

Perin chattered with a bright smile.

“I am Volter Denhel, Your Highness the Crown Princess.”

The family of the young man who politely greeted, like Perin, had been active as renowned prime ministers in the Edenbell imperial family for generations.

That activity was interrupted starting with Volter.

“I have already heard much about the Denhel family’s brilliance, so I knew of it. Young Master Volter seems to have inherited that brilliance as well.”

“You flatter me. If that were the case, I would have also taken the position of prime minister.”

Even while listening to Volter’s joking remark, one conviction arose.

Perhaps the people in this gathering…

Could they all be people who are dissatisfied with the current imperial family?

So they ignored Hister’s request for membership under the pretext that ‘his mother is of common birth’.

Regardless of what Elaina thought, the greetings continued endlessly. Every single one of them had tremendous family background, incredible history, outstanding reputation and honor, and fame.

And as if proving Elaina’s conviction correct, there was also a common point that they currently did not interact with the imperial family.

“You’re all gathered here.”

And the one who interrupted the lively conversation was a middle-aged woman whose hair had turned white with age.

At a glance, the woman had an extremely elegant image. But it wasn’t simply elegant like nobility, there was also an indescribable air of intimidation.

“Hello, Your Highness the Crown Princess. I am Anneliese Haworth, the founder of this gathering.”

…As expected, she wasn’t an ordinary person.

But what kind of person was she to be able to establish a gathering like this?

“I am a collateral descendant of the imperial family, so in a broad sense, I am also Your Highness the Crown Princess’ family.”

As if reading Elaina’s mind, Anneliese continued.

“I don’t have any special abilities or talents like the others. I simply enjoy gathering young talented individuals who will be of great help to Edenbell in the future and having conversations with them.”

Is that really the case?

A collateral descendant pushed aside, literally young talented individuals who will be of great help to Edenbell.

But isn’t it trying to build power by gathering those who are dissatisfied with the current imperial family?

“I see. It is only thanks to you, Lady Anneliese, that I was able to come to a gathering like this. I am truly grateful.”

However, Elaina did not reveal her thoughts at all. Instead, she smiled politely and met Anneliese’s eyes.

“Is Sinclair… no. Is His Highness the Crown Prince doing well?”

Anneliese asked.

“I had many opportunities to meet him when he was young, but due to circumstances in the middle, I couldn’t even directly ask about his well-being until now.”

A collateral woman who does not share the same view as the imperial family. Even pushed aside by the current power.

If she was such a person, there was no reason for her relationship with Sinclair to be particularly bad.

Moreover, even if Lady Regas was known as a chatterbox in social circles, could she have forcibly included me in a gathering like this?

No, it didn’t seem likely.

“I heard he did not attend Foundation Day, but there was an accident at the temple… I wonder if he will be alright.”

“It’s not a light injury, but I heard it’s not life-threatening either. Besides, he has a good recovery ability, so they said he’ll heal quickly.”

“His Highness the Crown Prince’s recovery ability is not something to be taken lightly.”

Anneliese replied with a chuckle. As if she already knew well what kind of person Sinclair was.

“Anyway, since everyone has gathered, please sit comfortably and have a conversation. Soon, the maid will bring very precious tea and desserts, so don’t forget to have them as well.”

“Lady Anneliese’s eye for quality is always reliable. I came here today in anticipation of what kind of food I would be treated to.”

“Young Master Ryan, you still have quite the amusing way with words.”

Anneliese laughed as if Ryan was cute at his words spoken with a smile.

Then she slowly continued.

“At any rate, since we have a new guest today, take the time to get to know each other. I don’t intend to have the serious discussions we usually have. Our dear crown princess will also need time to adjust.”

Even after Anneliese’s explanation ended, Elaina continued to be bombarded by people coming to greet her.

However, since the number of participants in the gathering wasn’t that large to begin with, it didn’t take long for Elaina to memorize their names and faces and finish the initial greetings.

As if she really enjoyed such gatherings as rumored, Lady Regas was busy having conversations with people here and there.

People made disgruntled expressions at her frivolous yet witty humor, but eventually burst into laughter, and Elaina, who could finally escape the gazes pouring on her, quietly sat on a chair prepared in the corner of the hall.

‘The serious discussions they usually have are probably related to the administration of Edenbell. Or about the succession of imperial power.’

Although they said they would take time to get to know each other, that was an obvious lie. Anneliese was also seeing Elaina for the first time, so she would have to probe what Elaina was thinking first.

Still, participating in a gathering like this had far more gains than losses.

If she could win them all over, it would definitely be a tremendous help to Sinclair. With that thought, Elaina carefully stroked her slightly swollen leg over her dress.

And at that moment, a shadow fell over Elaina’s face.

“I can finally strike up a conversation with you.”

Looking up, Elaina saw Ryan holding his share of teacups in both hands.

“May I sit next to you? Your Highness the Crown Princess.”