Many people approached Russell and Ariana to offer their congratulations. Ariana greeted them with a smiling face, memorizing each of their names and faces.

As the time for receiving congratulations came to an end, Felos and Isabelle arrived.

“Hey, our niece. She’s really pretty. Huh? The most beautiful in the world!”

“Dad, is she prettier than me?”

“You’re beautiful too. Our daughter is incredibly beautiful, but objectively and impartially, Ariana is better.”

“Anyway, Dad never says anything pretty.”

Isabelle, seeming dissatisfied, stuck out her tongue and smiled broadly at Ariana.

“But she’s really pretty. That dress, I knew it would suit you well.”

“Thank you, sister. I really like it. It fits perfectly.”

“The shoes are pretty too. Who sent them?”

“Donghojae did.”

“Oh, Jaehor has some sense. Everest took care of your dance cards. He said you might have trouble with your shoes since you haven’t worn them much.”

Upon Isabelle’s words, Ariana looked around the party to find Everest. Everest was surrounded by elegantly dressed ladies.

When their eyes met, Everest smiled brightly and shook hands. The gazes of the ladies followed him as he moved towards Ariana.

Ariana gave a faint smile and nodded slightly.

Isabelle asked, “How are your feet? Hurt?”

“No, I’m still okay.”

“Then let’s take a walk. You didn’t have a proper breakfast because you had to wear the dress, right?”

Only after hearing Isabelle’s words did Ariana realize that she was hungry.

It was amazing to feel hunger in the party venue. Until now, she often forgot about hunger at any party because of nervousness.

Led by Isabelle’s hand, they headed towards the center of the party. As Ariana walked gracefully, the gazes of many people shifted.

There were looks of favor or curiosity, but Ariana was well aware that there were also gazes looking for her flaws.

‘But you won’t be able to find my flaws.’

Following the instructions of the Third Prince Herald, going to various parties and familiarizing herself with the lady’s appearance turned out to be helpful in this way. The things she had done for him, whom she hated so much, were now becoming Ariana’s weapons.

“I think this is the most delicious.”

Calling a passing servant, Isabelle said. On the silver tray he held, there were several small dishes with three-finger-sized cups.

In those cups was a dish made by chopping cheese and baked meat, sprinkling a little parsley powder on top.

Isabelle took two cups and handed one to Ariana. Watching Isabelle vigorously empty the cup, Ariana followed suit.

The dish was tangy and savory.

“How is it? Delicious?”

“Yeah, really delicious.”
Engaged in culinary critiques, Everest led a group of ladies towards Russell and Ariana. Stopping beside Ariana, Everest flashed a refreshing smile.

“You look beautiful, Ariana.”

“Oraboni, you look handsome too.”

Since there were onlookers, he didn’t call her ‘Sogongjak-nim’ (Princess) as usual but referred to her as Oraboni, and Everest smiled happily.

“I want to dance the first dance with you.”

“What? Oppa, you took care of my dance cards, thinking my feet might hurt. Why are you asking me to dance?”

“Just one dance is okay. The Crown Prince Dongjehu and Uncle Felos are itching to dance with Ariana, and I can’t let them steal the first dance. Ah, now that I think about it, Grandfather seems to be the same.”

Observing jealousy in the eyes of some ladies passing by, Ariana could guess that Everest was quite popular.

‘Well, being the Crown Prince of the White family, and charming and amiable, it’s natural for others to aim for the position next to him.’

A lady who had been particularly close to Everest said, “Lord Everest, before that, please introduce us to Princess. We also want to enjoy the honor of greeting the Princess.”

Ariana silently stared at the owner of the thin and charming voice.

‘Wiona Ovelier.’

With crimson hair and green eyes, she looked exactly as Ariana remembered her.

Her appearance, with innocent-looking eyes, a slender and delicate figure, and a fresh feeling pink dress that complemented her appearance. The white neck and shoulders revealed by the moderately cut dress made her even more charming.

Although Isabelle sent an unkind gaze towards Wiona, Wiona pretended not to notice and looked at Ariana. Her smiling face seemed genuinely excited to welcome the princess.

“Oh, right. Ariana, this is Lady Wiona Ovelier. And this is…”

Every time Everest introduced, the ladies slightly bowed their knees and greeted Ariana. Ariana nodded in response to their greetings.

After introducing about ten ladies, Everest spoke.

“Well, then, it’s better to make dance requests a little later. The ladies have things to discuss among themselves. Ariana, will you refuse if the Crown Prince requests your first dance?”

“Okay, Oraboni.”

Everest probably gave Ariana the opportunity to make friends with ladies of her age, but Ariana didn’t feel particularly pleased. Dealing with someone like Wiona was exhausting.