[Dash]”Had it not been for the absence of the princess’s father and the King, that incident would have been reported to the authorities.”

[Dash]”The second princess is like a beast, having learned not a single etiquette. It must all be the fault of her parents.”

The tailor had thought that the second princess would really be like a wild girl.

There had been an article in an old newspaper about a child raised by wolves found in the mountains, and the tailor had thought she would have a wild appearance, just like that child.

‘I should have taken the rumors with a grain of salt.’

In reality, Ariana had none of the traits described in the rumors.

Though she was shorter in stature than her two tall sisters, her commanding presence made her seem the tallest in the reception room.

Her neat posture and faint smile had no flaws, and her calm and graceful movements were like a butterfly’s.

In his time as the most famous tailor in the kingdom, he had dealt with many noblewomen and young ladies, but he had never met one with the noble bearing of Ariana.

Even an outdated dress could not diminish Ariana’s beauty.

Her skyblue hair, flowing down her shoulders, was as clear as the sky on a spring day filled with sunlight; her skin was like precious pearls, and her eyes were like expensive sapphires.

‘She is like a doll.’

Her face and movements were perfect, as if created and controlled by a deity, and it was somewhat eerie.

Children of highranking nobles usually mature faster due to good education, but Ariana surpassed that level.

The tailor, with his experience with many people, recognized Ariana’s dignity even more clearly.

‘Could a young lady who has not learned a single etiquette possess such dignity?’

It couldn’t be. There must be a hidden story that the tailor could not even guess.

But the tailor, being clever, did not reveal his suspicion and took the measurements normally before leaving.

After the tailor left, Rachel had a maid bring tea and cookies. Ariana had the honor of enjoying tea time with her mother and sisters, sitting on the reception room sofa.

“Tomorrow, I’m going to call the nearby noblewomen for a tea party. It’s just for the ladies, so you girls must behave quietly. Understand?”

Ariana found it strange that Rachel was informing her of tomorrow’s schedule but obediently responded.

“Yes, Mother.”

“And in a little while, we’re going to the jewelry and shoe stores. Ariana, what will you do? Will you come with us?”

In Rachel’s voice, there was clearly an intent for refusal. Ariana also had no intention of going with them.

“No, I’m fine. Please choose good jewelry and shoes for me, Mother.”

“Alright, I will.”

Rachel did not ask a second time.

Ariana left the reception room and returned to her room, smiling coldly.
The dress Ariana chose for Rachel was of high quality fabric, but the design was so rustic that it would be embarrassing to wear.

If she appeared at the royal party in a dress that seemed suitable for noblewomen to wear, she would undoubtedly be ridiculed. Women would gossip about the dress Ariana wore at the debutante ball for a long time.

“I would look even more oldfashioned standing next to Helena in such a dress. But I don’t care. I don’t intend to seek the Empress’s favor anyway.”

What Ariana wanted this social season was not a reputation in society.

“There’s a little over two weeks left until midMarch when I set out for the capital. I must get it before then.”

Ariana’s weapon for dealing with the East Emperor, when she stood before him, was to get the secret of the West Emperor and Rachel.

+++

After being released from the underground dungeon, Ariana was able to eat three meals a day. Rozalin brought good quality food to Ariana’s room every mealtime.

Even on the morning when Rachel was having a tea party, Rozalin brought breakfast.

As always, Ariana called Rozalin over as she was about to leave after placing the tray.

“Rozalin.”

“Yes, Miss.”

“What is your job?”

“I mainly wash dishes or do laundry. I clean when they are shorthanded.”

“I see.”

Ariana stared quietly at the food on the tray.

Freshly baked bread, thick soup, fresh salad, tender braised meat, fried fish, and pudding.

Rachel was showing too much favor to Ariana.

It didn’t seem to be to keep Ariana healthy for the social season.

If she gains weight now, the dress that had just started being made after yesterday’s measurements would be too small to wear. If that were the intention, she should have asked for it to be made larger when measuring yesterday.

“It must be one of the two: guilt for what she’s about to do, or that I won’t have to wear that dress.”

Since Rachel would not feel guilt towards Ariana, the reason was probably the latter. Perhaps, just perhaps, it could be both.

A bad premonition had struck when Rachel specifically mentioned the tea party schedule yesterday.

“Rozalin, I have a favor to ask you.”

“Yes, tell me.”

Ariana pulled out one of the jewels she had not sold and handed it to Rozalin.

“No matter what happens today, can you testify that you were with me all day, no matter what anyone asks you?”

“What do you mean…?”

“I don’t know exactly. But even if the day goes by without incident, I will reward you, so then please pretend this conversation never happened.”

“Yes, Miss. I will keep that in mind.”

Ariana lowered her eyes and thought for a moment.

“If I am summoned by the Duchess, watch what I do. And then.”

Ariana stopped there. Rozalin stood with her hands clasped, waiting for Ariana to speak.

After quite some time, Ariana approached Rozalin and whispered softly in a low voice. It was a strange instruction, but Rozalin responded calmly.

“Yes, I will remember.”