At the audacious words of Leslie, the faces of the knights around turned red. Misunderstandings undoubtedly arose as the knights and others around us made fanciful imaginations about Leslie and me.

Leslie removed the finger under my chin.

“It’s been a while since I’ve been in high society. Every time my mother forced me, I refused, saying I was busy with schoolwork. As you know, I don’t enjoy mingling with others in a grand manner.”

“…….”

“But now, as an adult and a princess responsible for state affairs, I can’t avoid socializing. So, I have to show others that I am capable and a good match… since I can’t say it with my own mouth.”

Although she grandly mentioned lips, Leslie’s desire for me was simple: to display her own character.

Since she couldn’t verbally proclaim her excellence, she wanted me to proclaim it aloud.

“What’s with that expression, Rezhe? Did you think I wanted a kiss just because I mentioned lips?”

“As if.”

I gave Leslie, who was smiling wittily, a playful look. Leslie shifted her gaze to Yune.

“Oh, of course, it would be nice if Yune helped too.”

“Huh?”

Why involve Yune in this? When I furrowed my brows, Leslie raised the corner of her mouth.

“Then, shall we go inside for your social debut, Lady Marquis of Marsen?”

I’ve heard that if you tell a lot of lies, your nose grows longer. If that saying were true, my nose would have reached the Marsen Mansion today.

These two hours were like hell. Yune, who became completely exhausted, used my lap as a pillow and was sleeping. I also stretched my body, gazing into the void.

The only one in good condition was Leslie. She enjoyed drinking the wine in the guest room and expressed satisfaction with the accomplished mission.

“You did well, better than expected?”

The expression of gratitude comes quite late.

“Miss Penton is completely asleep.”

“You worked hard.”

I gently stroked Yune’s white hair, being careful not to wake her.

I also worked hard, but Yune played a significant role. With her unique sociability, she attracted the attention of the ladies and young ladies and led the conversation.

All I did was naturally praise Leslie or lay out her character in that atmosphere.

“I should send a gift to the Penton Mansion later.”

“But seriously, what kind of life were you living?”

“Oh, what are you talking about, Rezhe?”

Leslie put down her wine glass and crossed her legs. Was it better to pretend not to know about the matter? However, the gazes of the ladies and young ladies looking at Leslie were not ordinary. The faces that still looked pale and awkward were vivid.

Leslie was a princess and an aristocrat. She broke through the gender barrier for the first time in history and received the royal hierarchy. Yet, such treatment was abnormal.

“Whether it’s in high society or during school days, it has always been the same for me.”

“That’s the problem.”

Even if it was like that during school, I thought it might be different in high society…

“What can I do? Originally, my reputation is worse than a dog’s.”

“Leslie.”

“Since I was young, I was quite violent, so I drove my only younger brother to death. That’s my epithet.”

“…….”

“Before I made my debut in high society, I was a bad woman here. Still, those guys who come smiling and approaching me, do you think they’re normal? I just have to crush them so they can’t crawl.”

Leslie laughed coldly.

“Whether in school or high society, Rezhe.”

Even when she attended school, she was always alone.

Many children approached her with interest in her status, but every time, Leslie coldly refused.

She didn’t treat people equally and always condescended and evaluated them. With piercing glances and sharp criticism, there was no one in the school who liked her.

At first, I also hesitated to deal with her.

“But why did you come to high society? It’s all a lie for state affairs, isn’t it?”

“Well, why did I come?”
Leslie smiled meaningfully and extended her finger. The tip of that finger was pointing at me.

“Did you know I would come here?”

“I told you. I’m close to Lady Leurno, except for you. She told me that she invited you to the social circle.”

Now, understanding the expression of my father, who handed me the invitation with a hesitant look, made sense.

The invitation wasn’t something my father intentionally sought. Thinking about it now, my father wouldn’t bother with such troublesome matters for my marriage.

“You were completely manipulated.”

“Are you angry? But you didn’t have a letter, and going to Marsen Mansion without one would have been awkward.”

“Don’t do this next time. I also don’t like these kinds of gatherings, you know.”

In a low voice, Leslie didn’t seem to reflect on her actions. I, too, didn’t want to say anything unpleasant, so I remained silent.

A knock was heard.

“Your Highness, I have brought what you requested.”

“Come in.”

With a dry response, one knight opened the door and came in. Carrying the guest list, the knight nodded politely and left without saying a word to me.

“Check it once.”