“Let’s go, brother.”
"Yes."
Barden also showed his displeasure openly, as if he was not very pleased with the changed atmosphere around him.
As Barden, with his sharp gaze, hardened his expression, those who were trying to approach us slowly made way for us.
So we were able to move forward with ease.
'Haha.'
I guess what you said earlier in the carriage about being on my side wasn't just an empty promise.
Although he was much weaker than I, I felt secure holding his hand, as he was still on my side.
My mind, which had been tense and narrowed, relaxed, and I walked slowly with light steps toward the banquet hall in the Empress's Palace, also known as the Palace of Peace.
Crown Prince Adrian's birthday banquet which began in the late afternoon and lasted throughout the evening.
'That's cool.'
There was a banquet hall inside the building and a summer garden outside, and honestly, it was so beautiful.
The path leading to it was decorated with ribbons and white flowers elegantly and meticulously, and even made to sparkle with expensive magic stones.
A banquet that fully reveals Empress Giselle's heart to bless Adrian, who celebrated his birthday in midsummer.
I thought it was amazing that he was not her biological son but an adopted son.
"Her Majesty the Empress is so kind. I heard she recently procured and brought 'Hartan's Sword' as a birthday present for His Highness Adrian."
“Really? That rare and famous sword?”
“Yes! Oh, my. His Highness Adrian is truly blessed.”
As I was heading to the entrance of the banquet hall, I overheard people talking and glanced at them with interest.
'Lady Alentia.'
Duke Cardin and Lady Alentia were laughing and talking with someone in the outdoor banquet hall.
And the short, gloomy-looking man standing behind Duke Cardin.
'That guy is Arthur Rognier.'
I was glaring at the brazen bastard who had snatched our Liana's title and shamelessly become a Viscount, when my eyes met with Lady Alentia's.
When Lady Alentia raised her hand and shook it gently, I smiled and nodded in greeting.
“Go quickly.”
“Uh huh.”
As I was urging Barden to come before Lady Alentia could catch me, he grumbled and followed me.
“Why do you walk so fast when you’re wearing high heels? Don’t your feet hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt?”
As I spoke, looking down at my feet, which seemed completely unaffected, Barden sighed, looking at his shoes.
“Why do my feet hurt...”
...Our frail Barden must have weak feet.
I slowed down my pace again for the sake of my weak brother and asked Barden.
“By the way, Brother. Do you happen to know what Hartan’s famous sword is?”
"They say it's one of only five famous swords on the continent. Why?"
“Um... no.”
So Empress Giselle acquired such a precious treasure and gave it to Adrian as a birthday present?
Well, even if he is an adopted son, if he is a child born from the heart, then you can cherish him.
I decided not to question that part any further.
What's important now is the dark magician Lady Alentia and the other dark magicians inside the palace.
And there are other dark forces behind it.
'There's something I need to take care of first.'
I reached the entrance to the banquet hall with Barden. I swallowed hard as I spotted two men waiting outside.
“You’re here, Princess Yvonne.”
‘...What, you punk?
I just glared at him coldly.
Adrian, wearing a luxurious and luxurious Crown Prince's robe that seemed to shout that he was the main character here today, smiled with a carefree smile.
Of course, he knows I'm his partner.
But there is someone else this body is looking for.
A man standing right there like a piece of paper, without any presence.
'Third Prince Felix.'
He is tall and slender, has blond hair and blue eyes, which are symbols of the Verbent royal family, and resembles Adrian.
But he was a Prince who wore glasses, had a much more blurred expression, and gave off a scholarly vibe.
Prince Felix, whose eyes met mine, gave a short, silent nod of approval.
'Ahem. It's better than I thought?'
Still, my first impression wasn't all that bad. In fact, unlike Adrian's overly maritime demeanor, his plainness seemed to put those around him at ease.
When I heard the public opinion, I was worried that he would be too timid and frustrating, but it didn't seem to be that bad.
After exchanging glances with Barden, I naturally walked towards Prince Felix, not Crown Prince Adrian.
“What, what is it?”
"Hmm?"
The people around us who were watching us started to stir.
Although his expression was not very good, Prince Felix politely extended his hand to me as I stood before him.
"I am Felix Delk Verbent. It is a pleasure to meet you, the beautiful Princess Yvonne Argenthoz of the Silver Rose. Nice to meet you."
Despite his weak appearance, Prince Felix's voice was surprisingly deep, so I was surprised and quickly responded.
“...Your Highness, Third Prince, it is an honor to meet you.”
“Your Highness. Please take good care of my younger sister today.”
Barden handed my hand to the Third Prince, bowed, and took a step back.
The surroundings became noisier.
“Why is Princess Argenthoz going to the Third Prince?”
“Apparently, she was designated as His Highness the Crown Prince’s partner?”
“What happened...”
But I ignored them and spoke to Third Prince Felix in a fresh voice.
“Then shall we go, Your Highness?”
“...Ah, yes, yes. Let’s go.”
As if under my influence, the Third Prince, who had turned pale, let out a short sigh and started walking while escorting me.
But we couldn't walk very far before we had to stop.
“Explain to me what the hell you’re doing.”
I looked up at the guy standing in front of me and let out a short sigh, saying, 'As expected.'
Adrian blocked Felix and me.
I expected this arrogant Crown Prince to do this, but it's just so annoying.
'Wake up.'
After arming myself with mental strength as if I were loading a bullet, I was about to open my mouth, but surprisingly, Prince Felix spoke first.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince. Princess Argenthoz has agreed to attend Your Highness's birthday banquet with me today."
“Huh? Brother? What is that...?”
“That’s how it turned out.”
Prince Felix pushed ahead with great shamelessness.
His way of speaking, which seemed so obvious, had a knack for making those around him feel embarrassed.
I thought he was a very timid and reclusive Prince, but he's actually a lot shyer than he looks.
I guess it was the same for Adrian.
He was shocked by the strange behavior of his brother, who had always been quiet, and he stared blankly at Prince Felix with his mouth wide open.
'This is an opportunity!'
I didn't miss this moment and called out sharply to Adrian, who was still a little dazed.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
When those blue eyes looked at me, I asked slowly in a cold voice.
"I haven't had time to ask you yet. Her Majesty the Empress extended me an invitation, but... I firmly declined Your Highness's invitation. Do you remember?"
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Adrian stuttered in embarrassment, and I smiled even colder.
"But I've finally come here. Let me repeat this. Not only do I have no lingering attachment to Your Highness, but now that Her Majesty has appointed me as your partner, it's an insult to Princess Argenthoz. Isn't that right?"
I shouted loudly so that the nobles surrounding us, not Adrian, could hear clearly.
The nobles were very surprised and whispered, not knowing that the Crown Prince had already asked me to be his partner before and that I had refused.
And some sympathized with my resentment that I attached later.
“That’s true. Princess Argenthoz has been rejected countless times over the years.”
“Ah... that’s right, I see.”
“Oh my goodness. Why didn’t I think of that?”
"His Highness the Crown Prince's partner at the last New Year's party was the young lady of Viscountess Dustan, right? Even a young lady from such a humble family had a chance..."
Oh, everyone is looking at me with pitying eyes.
Are these the people who treated me like a mad dog just a month ago?
Could it be that, as Duke Argenthoz said yesterday, public opinion has become so favorable toward me because Rudnine has won over several nobles?
Or maybe it's because I've been quietly reflecting on myself all this time.
It was hard to guess the exact reason, but I was still able to hold my shoulders back a little more proudly.
And then, in that moment, I remembered the advice Duke Argenthoz had given me last night, and I felt a surge of strength.
I am Princess Agenthoz.
A noble family of the empire. A rare and precious status within the empire, a Princess.
I had forgotten.
How thrilled I was to be possessed by this golden spoon villainess, Yvonne Argenthoz. I'm a golden spoon!
I lifted my chin a little higher and looked at Crown Prince Adrian with an arrogant and cold gaze.
Adrian, flustered, hastily brushed back his neatly arranged blonde hair and spread out both palms as if to persuade me.
“Ha. Princess, listen to me. First...”
'Why should I listen to you, you punk?'
I quickly cut Adrian off before he could continue his speech.
"By order of Her Majesty the Empress, I have come bearing a precious gift from the Verbent royal family. It is exquisitely beautiful and suits me perfectly."
“Princess!”
"But I don't want to be Your Highness's partner. I don't want to stand next to a cruel man who pretended not to know my long-held love! And I trust that Her Majesty, the generous Empress, will understand this woman's miserable and sad heart."
The crowd fell silent as if they had been doused with cold water.
I feel like I'm the heroine of a tragic opera performance.
“Sob sob... I feel so sorry for the Princess.”
Damn it, that lady there, taking out a handkerchief and wiping her tears. Don't do that!
Well, I didn't want to be treated so pitifully...
It took a bit of acting to get through this situation, so I tried to make a slightly wistful expression.
“Yvonne.”
I hear Barden sobbing and calling me from behind... Surely, I must be mistaken.
Everyone just kept their mouths shut and looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
A heavy silence fell.
At that moment, Adrian, who was stiff, and I, who was glaring at him with a cold gaze, faced each other.
In the inner banquet hall, footsteps were heard along with the sound of a dress being dragged.
“Oh, I didn’t pay close attention to a woman’s feelings.”
A clear, gentle, and sweet voice rang like a bell.
The person who appeared in this frozen place was none other than Empress Giselle Cardin Verbent.
A middle-aged woman with long red hair and beautifully decorated with white pearls here and there.
When Empress Giselle appeared, everyone bowed and paid respect.
“Get up.”
Her gentle command fell, and I sat up, but Empress Giselle's eyes were fixed on me.
"Yes."
Barden also showed his displeasure openly, as if he was not very pleased with the changed atmosphere around him.
As Barden, with his sharp gaze, hardened his expression, those who were trying to approach us slowly made way for us.
So we were able to move forward with ease.
'Haha.'
I guess what you said earlier in the carriage about being on my side wasn't just an empty promise.
Although he was much weaker than I, I felt secure holding his hand, as he was still on my side.
My mind, which had been tense and narrowed, relaxed, and I walked slowly with light steps toward the banquet hall in the Empress's Palace, also known as the Palace of Peace.
Crown Prince Adrian's birthday banquet which began in the late afternoon and lasted throughout the evening.
'That's cool.'
There was a banquet hall inside the building and a summer garden outside, and honestly, it was so beautiful.
The path leading to it was decorated with ribbons and white flowers elegantly and meticulously, and even made to sparkle with expensive magic stones.
A banquet that fully reveals Empress Giselle's heart to bless Adrian, who celebrated his birthday in midsummer.
I thought it was amazing that he was not her biological son but an adopted son.
"Her Majesty the Empress is so kind. I heard she recently procured and brought 'Hartan's Sword' as a birthday present for His Highness Adrian."
“Really? That rare and famous sword?”
“Yes! Oh, my. His Highness Adrian is truly blessed.”
As I was heading to the entrance of the banquet hall, I overheard people talking and glanced at them with interest.
'Lady Alentia.'
Duke Cardin and Lady Alentia were laughing and talking with someone in the outdoor banquet hall.
And the short, gloomy-looking man standing behind Duke Cardin.
'That guy is Arthur Rognier.'
I was glaring at the brazen bastard who had snatched our Liana's title and shamelessly become a Viscount, when my eyes met with Lady Alentia's.
When Lady Alentia raised her hand and shook it gently, I smiled and nodded in greeting.
“Go quickly.”
“Uh huh.”
As I was urging Barden to come before Lady Alentia could catch me, he grumbled and followed me.
“Why do you walk so fast when you’re wearing high heels? Don’t your feet hurt?”
“It doesn’t hurt?”
As I spoke, looking down at my feet, which seemed completely unaffected, Barden sighed, looking at his shoes.
“Why do my feet hurt...”
...Our frail Barden must have weak feet.
I slowed down my pace again for the sake of my weak brother and asked Barden.
“By the way, Brother. Do you happen to know what Hartan’s famous sword is?”
"They say it's one of only five famous swords on the continent. Why?"
“Um... no.”
So Empress Giselle acquired such a precious treasure and gave it to Adrian as a birthday present?
Well, even if he is an adopted son, if he is a child born from the heart, then you can cherish him.
I decided not to question that part any further.
What's important now is the dark magician Lady Alentia and the other dark magicians inside the palace.
And there are other dark forces behind it.
'There's something I need to take care of first.'
I reached the entrance to the banquet hall with Barden. I swallowed hard as I spotted two men waiting outside.
“You’re here, Princess Yvonne.”
‘...What, you punk?
I just glared at him coldly.
Adrian, wearing a luxurious and luxurious Crown Prince's robe that seemed to shout that he was the main character here today, smiled with a carefree smile.
Of course, he knows I'm his partner.
But there is someone else this body is looking for.
A man standing right there like a piece of paper, without any presence.
'Third Prince Felix.'
He is tall and slender, has blond hair and blue eyes, which are symbols of the Verbent royal family, and resembles Adrian.
But he was a Prince who wore glasses, had a much more blurred expression, and gave off a scholarly vibe.
Prince Felix, whose eyes met mine, gave a short, silent nod of approval.
'Ahem. It's better than I thought?'
Still, my first impression wasn't all that bad. In fact, unlike Adrian's overly maritime demeanor, his plainness seemed to put those around him at ease.
When I heard the public opinion, I was worried that he would be too timid and frustrating, but it didn't seem to be that bad.
After exchanging glances with Barden, I naturally walked towards Prince Felix, not Crown Prince Adrian.
“What, what is it?”
"Hmm?"
The people around us who were watching us started to stir.
Although his expression was not very good, Prince Felix politely extended his hand to me as I stood before him.
"I am Felix Delk Verbent. It is a pleasure to meet you, the beautiful Princess Yvonne Argenthoz of the Silver Rose. Nice to meet you."
Despite his weak appearance, Prince Felix's voice was surprisingly deep, so I was surprised and quickly responded.
“...Your Highness, Third Prince, it is an honor to meet you.”
“Your Highness. Please take good care of my younger sister today.”
Barden handed my hand to the Third Prince, bowed, and took a step back.
The surroundings became noisier.
“Why is Princess Argenthoz going to the Third Prince?”
“Apparently, she was designated as His Highness the Crown Prince’s partner?”
“What happened...”
But I ignored them and spoke to Third Prince Felix in a fresh voice.
“Then shall we go, Your Highness?”
“...Ah, yes, yes. Let’s go.”
As if under my influence, the Third Prince, who had turned pale, let out a short sigh and started walking while escorting me.
But we couldn't walk very far before we had to stop.
“Explain to me what the hell you’re doing.”
I looked up at the guy standing in front of me and let out a short sigh, saying, 'As expected.'
Adrian blocked Felix and me.
I expected this arrogant Crown Prince to do this, but it's just so annoying.
'Wake up.'
After arming myself with mental strength as if I were loading a bullet, I was about to open my mouth, but surprisingly, Prince Felix spoke first.
"Your Highness, Crown Prince. Princess Argenthoz has agreed to attend Your Highness's birthday banquet with me today."
“Huh? Brother? What is that...?”
“That’s how it turned out.”
Prince Felix pushed ahead with great shamelessness.
His way of speaking, which seemed so obvious, had a knack for making those around him feel embarrassed.
I thought he was a very timid and reclusive Prince, but he's actually a lot shyer than he looks.
I guess it was the same for Adrian.
He was shocked by the strange behavior of his brother, who had always been quiet, and he stared blankly at Prince Felix with his mouth wide open.
'This is an opportunity!'
I didn't miss this moment and called out sharply to Adrian, who was still a little dazed.
“Your Highness, the Crown Prince.”
When those blue eyes looked at me, I asked slowly in a cold voice.
"I haven't had time to ask you yet. Her Majesty the Empress extended me an invitation, but... I firmly declined Your Highness's invitation. Do you remember?"
“Yeah, that’s right.”
Adrian stuttered in embarrassment, and I smiled even colder.
"But I've finally come here. Let me repeat this. Not only do I have no lingering attachment to Your Highness, but now that Her Majesty has appointed me as your partner, it's an insult to Princess Argenthoz. Isn't that right?"
I shouted loudly so that the nobles surrounding us, not Adrian, could hear clearly.
The nobles were very surprised and whispered, not knowing that the Crown Prince had already asked me to be his partner before and that I had refused.
And some sympathized with my resentment that I attached later.
“That’s true. Princess Argenthoz has been rejected countless times over the years.”
“Ah... that’s right, I see.”
“Oh my goodness. Why didn’t I think of that?”
"His Highness the Crown Prince's partner at the last New Year's party was the young lady of Viscountess Dustan, right? Even a young lady from such a humble family had a chance..."
Oh, everyone is looking at me with pitying eyes.
Are these the people who treated me like a mad dog just a month ago?
Could it be that, as Duke Argenthoz said yesterday, public opinion has become so favorable toward me because Rudnine has won over several nobles?
Or maybe it's because I've been quietly reflecting on myself all this time.
It was hard to guess the exact reason, but I was still able to hold my shoulders back a little more proudly.
And then, in that moment, I remembered the advice Duke Argenthoz had given me last night, and I felt a surge of strength.
I am Princess Agenthoz.
A noble family of the empire. A rare and precious status within the empire, a Princess.
I had forgotten.
How thrilled I was to be possessed by this golden spoon villainess, Yvonne Argenthoz. I'm a golden spoon!
I lifted my chin a little higher and looked at Crown Prince Adrian with an arrogant and cold gaze.
Adrian, flustered, hastily brushed back his neatly arranged blonde hair and spread out both palms as if to persuade me.
“Ha. Princess, listen to me. First...”
'Why should I listen to you, you punk?'
I quickly cut Adrian off before he could continue his speech.
"By order of Her Majesty the Empress, I have come bearing a precious gift from the Verbent royal family. It is exquisitely beautiful and suits me perfectly."
“Princess!”
"But I don't want to be Your Highness's partner. I don't want to stand next to a cruel man who pretended not to know my long-held love! And I trust that Her Majesty, the generous Empress, will understand this woman's miserable and sad heart."
The crowd fell silent as if they had been doused with cold water.
I feel like I'm the heroine of a tragic opera performance.
“Sob sob... I feel so sorry for the Princess.”
Damn it, that lady there, taking out a handkerchief and wiping her tears. Don't do that!
Well, I didn't want to be treated so pitifully...
It took a bit of acting to get through this situation, so I tried to make a slightly wistful expression.
“Yvonne.”
I hear Barden sobbing and calling me from behind... Surely, I must be mistaken.
Everyone just kept their mouths shut and looked at each other, not knowing what to do.
A heavy silence fell.
At that moment, Adrian, who was stiff, and I, who was glaring at him with a cold gaze, faced each other.
In the inner banquet hall, footsteps were heard along with the sound of a dress being dragged.
“Oh, I didn’t pay close attention to a woman’s feelings.”
A clear, gentle, and sweet voice rang like a bell.
The person who appeared in this frozen place was none other than Empress Giselle Cardin Verbent.
A middle-aged woman with long red hair and beautifully decorated with white pearls here and there.
When Empress Giselle appeared, everyone bowed and paid respect.
“Get up.”
Her gentle command fell, and I sat up, but Empress Giselle's eyes were fixed on me.
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