While Brianna was making up her mind, the young ladies brightened at the changed topic of conversation.

“That’s right. We came to talk about the festival today, but the casual conversation went on too long, Your Highness.”

“We heard that Your Highness is putting a lot of effort into preparing for the 10th anniversary victory celebration festival. If you let us know how we can help more, we’d love to assist Your Highness.”

The young ladies’ eyes sparkled again.

The 10th anniversary victory celebration festival.

Until now, the victory celebration festival has continued in four major themes: masquerade ball, tournament knight competition, charity bazaar, and commemorative banquet.

It was a big issue in high society that Brianna would be in charge of the masquerade ball and charity bazaar, which had been overseen by the Empress until now.

Especially, it was said that Helen, the wife of the Acting Count Esteban, was also recruited to help prepare for the festival along with the head lady-in-waiting of the Crown Princess’s palace.

As evidence that the Emperor’s favor was concentrated on the Acting Count Esteban, everyone tried hard to get involved in the festival preparations.

“If His Highness the Crown Prince were to participate in this tournament as well, he would have been guaranteed to win. I can still vividly remember when the Crown Prince won the tournament in the past and offered that precious Queen Rose to Your Highness.”

One young lady said, clasping her hands with a romantic expression. Small exclamations burst out.

Not only the masquerade ball and charity bazaar, but also the tournament where the winner offers a flower to his lady was a great spectacle.

It was regrettable even for Brianna that one who had won the tournament three times could not participate afterward.

“If His Highness the Crown Prince doesn’t participate, then this year’s winner candidate would be Lord McKinnon.”

“In terms of skill, Lord Scadurande is not far behind either. Remember how active he was in the spear competition and hunting season the year before last.”

“Count Rosa probably won’t even be able to attend, right?”

One of the young ladies said in an anxious voice. As if they had been waiting for this, subtle glances were exchanged across the table.

Brianna knew that the end of those sensitive currents was directed at Grace Lancaster.

That was precisely why she needed to draw in Grace Lancaster.

Alejandro Rosa. The head of the Rosa merchant group and Count Rosa.

The most arrogant man of the era as chosen by gossip magazines. At the same time, the wealthiest and most handsome man on the continent.

Although she hadn’t seen him many times since he didn’t attend parties or even noble council meetings, Brianna clearly remembered his intense appearance.

A man like a finely crafted sculpture. A man who created tension with just his cold gaze.

But what good was that? He was the catch of the century who had risen from baron to count title and was everyone’s lover, but in reality, he was nothing more than a flower without fragrance among the high noble families.

“That’s right. Count Rosa doesn’t have a knighthood, so…”

A man likely to end up with just a single promotion without even receiving a knighthood.

Nevertheless, Alejandro Rosa’s underground popularity in high society was tremendous. Women who could inherit titles especially coveted him and envied Grace who was close to him.

Brianna looked at Grace with eyes full of interest.

Grace, vivacious and enterprising. The charming rose of high society.

It was fortunate for Brianna that there was a point to infiltrate her. Even more so if that point of infiltration was something Brianna could bestow like charity.

So as the tea party was coming to an end, Brianna officially said to her.

“Oh yes. Lady Lancaster. I quite liked the tea you gifted. Would you like to have a cup together?”

Receiving envious glances from the other young ladies at the Crown Princess’s invitation, Grace calmly paid her respects.

“I am honored.”

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.

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“Have some.”

“It smells lovely. Thank you, Your Highness.”

But Grace only wetted her lips. Seeing her show appropriate caution, Brianna got to the point.

“As you know, I’ve been put in charge of this festival.”

“Yes, Your Highness.”

“Since it’s the 10th anniversary victory celebration festival, I’d like it to be grander than any other festival before, but Rosa hasn’t submitted a bid this time either.”

“For us, it’s a great honor just to offer items of precious value to the imperial family’s daily life, however small.”

“With such lack of ambition, it must be difficult for His Majesty the Emperor to bestow a knighthood on Count Rosa.”

For a moment, Grace’s motion of lifting her cup stopped. Brianna wore an alluring smile.

The one thing this beautiful young lady, who was bringing glory to her family as the next baroness candidate, thirsted for was just one thing. A knighthood.

The law that a knighthood was necessary to inherit the family was the best pretext for Brianna to manipulate Grace.

It was as if she could hear the sound of her being desperately anxious. Brianna bestowed her mercy.

“Still, shouldn’t a knighthood be given to one who has merit?”

“…May I dare to ask about Your Highness’s grand intention?”

That’s right. Brianna leaned back on the sofa. In contrast to Grace who leaned forward aggressively.

“I think I might be able to help you and Rosa a little regarding the bidding for festival items. What do you think?”

Brianna studied Grace as she trailed off. Countless worries flashed across her splendid face for a moment. After a brief silence, Grace slowly answered.

“I am deeply honored, Your Highness. We have already received great grace from Your Highness opening new paths by sending official notices to the merchant groups on behalf of the imperial family.”

“…”

“However, Rosa currently prioritizes being part of the imperial family’s daily life, even if in small ways.”

It was indeed a polite but firm refusal. Brianna slightly raised the corners of her lips.

At least she doesn’t decide on her own without informing the guild master.

Brianna liked those who knew their place more. Finding even that aspect quite pleasing, Brianna nodded.

“The imperial family’s daily life is all Rosa, isn’t it? I quite like this sofa too.”

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

“By the way, what has Count Rosa been up to these days? His Majesty cherishes him, but the Count seems too busy.”

“…Indeed.”

Huh?

Somehow, it was a voice answering through gritted teeth.

But when Brianna looked at Grace again, she still had a smiling face.

It was a little while later that the head lady-in-waiting came to Brianna with quick steps.

“Your Highness. His Highness the Crown Prince is coming.”

Brianna looked at Grace with a smile unique to someone who is loved.

While Grace, who had heard the conversation together, bowed her head deeply, Brianna gracefully stood up and approached Grace.

“It’s regrettable, but let’s end here for today. Instead, contact me anytime if you change your mind.”

A light touch patted Grace’s shoulder.

“I’d like someone as capable as you to rise closer to me.”

“…Thank you, Your Highness.”

As Grace bowed her head deeply once again, Brianna added one more playful remark.

“And please tell Count Rosa to make sure he attends the next noble council meeting.”

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“Your Highness. I’m bringing your medicinal decoction.”

Steam rose from the decoction brought by the head lady-in-waiting. Although it smelled more pungent than when her mother used to prepare it, Brianna drank the decoction in one go, just like back then.

As she put a candy in her mouth, the Crown Prince entered as if on cue. While the waiting maids paid their respects, the Crown Prince spoke in a splendid voice.

“My love. Did you have a good day today too?”

It was a greeting sweeter than the sweet candy. The maids shared smiles among themselves as they left the bedroom.

The Crown Prince watched the maids leave and then poked Brianna’s cheek.

“Candy, huh? My Brianna is still as cute as when I first saw her.”

“Surely I’m not just cute?”

Brianna smiled seductively and leaned on the Crown Prince’s arm. Soon she felt him kiss her hair.

Golden hair shining like melted gold and blue eyes. Broad shoulders and tall stature.

Claude Castarty.

The Crown Prince, loved by the entire empire, looked just like the prince from the fairy tales her father used to read to her when she was young.

“Did your meeting with His Majesty go well?”

“…He told me to attend the noble council meetings properly. He seems to have forgotten that I haven’t fully recovered from my travel fatigue yet.”

Of course, unlike the fairy tale prince, it was regrettable that he was foolish.

Claude frowned as if he didn’t even want to think about bothersome things. Looking at the Crown Prince like this, Brianna forced herself to raise the corners of her mouth.

For the Emperor to scold the son he cherishes so much, Brianna would not be able to avoid the Empress’s disapproving gaze when she goes to pay her respects tomorrow.

“But didn’t His Majesty the Emperor say anything else? I heard from my father that he praised Your Highness tremendously at the noble council meeting.”

Brianna whispered, rubbing her cheek against Claude’s shoulder with gentle words. Only then did Claude slightly furrow his brow as if he just remembered.

“Ah. Rather than that, he briefly mentioned the guild master. That clueless count.”

“Count Rosa?”

“Yes. It seems Father wants to keep him close. He told me to meet him once.”

I thought so. Brianna laughed silently.

A half-baked noble without a knighthood.

The nobles took it to mean that the Emperor didn’t acknowledge Rosa, seeing that he was given a noble title without even a knighthood. But Brianna was different.