In particular, the butler Henry was very difficult. His flawless, neat suit and respectful manners, paired with an impeccable attitude, felt like dealing with a challenging aristocrat.

When Adel stepped outside, it was lightly raining.

Even though she could get into the carriage just by going down the mansion’s stairs, Henry provided her with an umbrella he had prepared in advance. And a few servants made sure that the hem of her dress didn’t get wet. On top of that, about ten or so servants all came out to see her off together.

It seemed as if it wouldn’t be an exaggeration to call it a royal procession.

‘Ah, I really can’t get used to this…’

With a fluttering heart, Adel climbed into the carriage.

“There will be a lot of rain this afternoon, so take an umbrella.”

Henry had even thoughtfully prepared an umbrella for her to take.

“Thank you, Henry.”

“And this is from Vice Count. He asked me to give it to you.”

This time, Henry handed over a small box.

“The Vice Count?”

“Open it while you go.”

Inside the box was a green hair ribbon.

It was almost similar to Adel’s old hair ribbon, but the lace and embroidery were much more sophisticated and luxurious.

“Throw it away immediately and buy a new one.”

Is that what he said, but he ended up buying it himself?

“It’s a ribbon hair tie. Why would the Vice Count…?”

Adel quickly tied it around Tanya’s puzzled look.

“Ah, Madam Chanel said she would give it as a service! The Vice Count must have picked it up.”

“Oh, I see.”

“Tanya, will you tie it in your hair?”

“No way. My carefully styled hair will be ruined. You know how much effort I put into the waves.”

“Still, please do it. You’re skilled with your hands.”

“Well, I do have excellent skill.”

With that, Tanya skillfully tied Adel’s hair with the green ribbon.

Clatter, clatter.

All the while, the carriage rushed through the rain towards the palace.

Soon, the desserts made by Adel would be tested by the discerning members of the royal family. The first tea time with the princess was also making her quite nervous.

But Adel found herself smiling without realizing it. Every time she thought of this green ribbon, it felt as if a sweet wind was tickling her heart.

“This way.”

Guided by the royal attendants, Adel entered the palace with tension.

She had attended the Emperor’s yearend party every year, but this was her first time entering the inner part of the palace. The colorful frescoes on the high ceilings and the wide, grand corridors were overwhelming to behold.

Thump, thump.

The uniform footsteps of the royal guards following her in a row also felt threatening.

“I feel so nervous I might pee.”

At that moment, Tanya’s whisper almost made Adel burst into laughter. Tanya was probably more nervous than Adel herself.

“Just relax. The princess is a good person.”

“I wish the Vice Count was with us.”

“Shush! Don’t talk nonsense.”

Adel warned, and Tanya, who had been following with the box, quickly shut her mouth.

A moment later, the ornate archway opened, and Princess April appeared, looking lovely as ever with her rosy cheeks and sunny smile.

“I’ve been waiting for you, Countess!”

“Your Highness.”

Adel and Tanya greeted the princess politely.

“You look truly beautiful today!”

Grasping Adel’s hand, April did not hesitate to compliment her. The maids and noblewomen behind her also recognized Adel’s dress and pretended to be knowledgeable about it.

But among them, there was an unexpected figure.

Adel and Lady Hans were already there, waiting.

“I invited Seira as well, thinking it might make you feel less awkward.”

Such a needless act…

But the only response Adel could give was predetermined.

“I am grateful for Your Highness’s deep consideration.”

Then, Seira exaggeratedly exclaimed, overshadowing Adel’s calm greeting.

“I was so happy to be invited by Your Highness. I was distressed as the relationship with my mother seemed to be distancing due to disgraceful rumors. I thank Your Highness once again for arranging this time.”

Seira’s acting was utterly nauseating.

But April, naïve to the ways of the world, seemed to have already fallen for it.

“Seira seems to have a lot of affection.”

“I believe that once I’ve given my heart to someone, they are my person for life. Even though she is my stepmother, she is a very precious person to me.”

Unable to endure it any longer, Adel changed the subject.

“I’m not sure if the desserts I’ve prepared will be to Your Highness’s liking.”

Tanya quickly stepped forward to open the dessert box. The desserts to be supplied to the palace were sent to the servants, and a separate box was prepared for the princess’s tea time.

“They’re really too pretty! How can we eat such beautiful things?”

April was delighted like a young girl.

Then, Seira added.

“Shall we invite Viscount Bai as well? It seems too precious for us to eat alone.”

As if she had been waiting for that, April clapped her hands.

“That sounds good! Bring the Viscount quickly!”

Then the princess’s servant responded.

“The Viscount is currently attending to His Majesty.”

“Then tell him to stop by after he’s done with His Majesty. The Countess is here as well.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Adel had expected it, but the reason April invited her was because of Christine. She wanted to use her as an excuse to get closer to Christine.

Adel had no intention of criticizing the princess’s desperate liking for someone. Rather, she wanted to support and help a little.

Even though it was bitter that the person was Christine.

But Seira’s presence continued to bother her. She couldn’t have come to this place without any calculations.

Clatter.

It was some time after they had been chatting.

“Ah!”

Lady Hans spilled her tea, wetting Adel’s skirt.

“Oh dear, what should we do?”

The princess’s maids quickly wiped Adel’s skirt and tidied the table. All eyes were on Adel.

“I’m sorry, Countess. It’s expensive silk, so it might stain.”

“Lady Hans, how dare you commit such a breach of etiquette.”

But Adel was rather pleased with the commotion. Finally, it had come, she thought. This was surely a play staged by Seira and Lady Hans.

Just then, she saw Seira’s reflection in the silverware. Pretending to wipe the spilled tea, she quickly sprinkled something on the princess’s dessert. It was a white powder, perfectly mixed with the sugar powder on the dessert.

‘So that was her intention?’

What would happen if the princess ate the dessert mixed with that powder?

The supply to the palace would certainly be cut off, and Adel would have to bear the responsibility.

‘Will the rumor be that she tried to poison the princess this time?’

Perhaps she would even concoct a filthy rumor involving Christine. That was Seira’s forte.

So, she couldn’t just let it happen.

Adel suddenly pushed her teacup, dropping it.

Crash!

The rosepatterned teacup shattered on the floor.