(139) What happened at Little Lord's party (1)
In Victoria's view, the Western Lord was grossly underestimating Ariana.
'You stupid old man. Having been comfortable as a lord for so long, your ability to judge people has probably become clouded.'
Her grand victory in the custody case, her recognition as a saint, were all attributed to Ariana's abilities. Every time she heard rumors about Ariana, Victoria remembered the smile Ariana had worn when she was taken away by investigators.
'There must be a reason Ariana went to the Empire long before the social season.'
Victoria hasn't seen Ariana in a long time, so she doesn't know how she's grown, but she's sure she's become incredibly beautiful. Even in old clothes that even maids wouldn't wear, she was enviably pretty.
'She can't outshine me.'
There were quite a few Pagans in the Empire who lived in secrecy. Several of them were in constant contact with Victoria.
Victoria sent them a telegram.
[Get rid of the Princess of the East.]
Third Prince Harold watched his longtime friend, Duke Geo Fabric, harassing a woman in a secret salon. The woman, dressed in revealing clothing, pretended to dislike Fabric's teasing, but did as he commanded, much to his amusement.
Watching the woman giggling in Fabric's embrace, Harold was reminded of Ariana. Ariana, with her fresh, delicate appearance, yet her gaze is as intense as her eyes.
'I wish the Princess were that easy.'
He soon erased that thought.
'No, if she were that easy, I wouldn't have wanted her.'
The closer a flower blooms on a cliff, the more eagerly it becomes to pluck it. To acquire a rare jewel, you must earn the envy of all.
Harold didn't realize that he hadn't even thought about the Crown Prince's throne lately.
Fabric, who had been enjoying to the fullest, came and sat down next to Harold, carrying the woman.
“Your Excellency, you’re quiet today. Don’t you like women?”
In the spacious secret room of the secret salon in the basement, women of all kinds were dressed in provocative clothes and awaiting the Prince's attention.
“Easy women are no fun. They’re not attractive.”
“Hey, I hope you liked it.”
As Harold frowned, Fabric realized this wasn't the time for jokes and winked at the women. They quickly left the secret room.
“What’s wrong?”
“You’ve met a lot of women. Haven’t you ever met an arrogant woman?”
“Yes, Countess Kitron was so arrogant.”
The Harold wrinkled his nose.
“You, did you touch Countess Kitron too?”
Countess Kitron, born to a noble family, was known for her arrogance and haughtiness. It was said that Count Kirron proposed to her 100 times before he could marry her.
Fabric chuckled.
“It’s not just that I touched her; she's mine now.”
“What on earth did you do?”
"Women, no matter how arrogant and fearless they may be, are at a loss when something truly serious happens. For example, if a strong man attacks them."
“Fabric, I have no intention of forcing myself on a woman.”
"No, no. That's not what I meant. I'm just helping when she's overwhelmed and helpless. Even the magnificent Countess Kitron's eyes would light up like a girl's when I helped her... How cute."
Harold thought of Ariana.
Would Ariana be like that, too? If attacked by a strong man, would she be helpless, crying, and thrashing?
He thought so.
Ariana may have been through a lot, but she was once a Princess of the Bronte family and now a Princess of the East. She would never have been oppressed by a man's power. Having lived her entire life in a safe and secure environment, her fear of powers beyond her control is even greater.
The moment he helped Ariana, his lower abdomen felt warm as he thought about her crying and coming into his arms.
Fabric, who was watching Harold's expression, asked.
“Is there a woman you want to capture?”
“There is one.”
“Are you... Princess, the East?”
Fabric has always been quick-witted. No, perhaps he heard it from the Royal Consort Aelra. The Count Geo family has close ties to Royal Consort Aelra.
“Have you seen her recently?”
"Not since the custody trial. If the Prince is showing interest, she must have really become pretty."
“Yeah, she's become prettier.”
“She must have been receiving a lot of love from her family, so her pride must have grown really high.”
“It got higher.”
“Are you going to break it?”
“Will it break?”
Fabric gave a secret smile.
"Of course it'll be a hit. Little Lord of the East's party is coming up in a few days. Should we try to plan things then?"
“Why that day of all days? There are so many eyes watching.”
“Because many eyes are watching, Your Highness.”
At Fabric's words, Harold exclaimed, "Ah."
Many nobles were invited to the party held by the Eastern Little Lord. Nothing could be more terrifying than being involved in something that would humiliate one's reputation in a gathering of people.
Harold laughed bitterly, imagining Ariana trembling in fear.
“Go ahead. I’ll trust you.”
Ariana sent the party invitation under the name of her brother, Little Lord Geor, rather than her own. It was better for the Little Lord to host the party than for Ariana, who was still unmarried, to act.
She also sent a party invitation to the Northern Lord. She didn't particularly want to invite him, but she didn't want to seem like she was being patronizing.
Whenever the nobles living in the imperial capital gathered, they would talk about the Eastern Little Lord's party.
“It looks like they’re preparing very grandly.”
“I heard that they often hire orchestras that play at the royal court.”
“It looks like they bought a ton of flowers.”
“I heard there are dozens of chefs.”
It was the first time such a grand party had been held since the war broke out in the northeast last year.
“So are you going to go?”
"Well."
Contrary to the unwelcome response, everyone knew that the party was coming.
This is the first party hosted by the Eastern Little Lord, who has been keeping a distance from the empire for some time. The Princess of the East, who has created countless stories yet has never been seen in society herself, not even attending the Crown Prince's wedding, might appear at the party. The mere prospect of meeting and greeting the much-rumored Princess in person was reason enough to attend.
The day of the party arrived, and everyone was excited.
Many carriages gathered at the mansion nearest the palace. Commoners came out to watch the nobles' parade, and some opened their carriage windows and tossed coins to the commoners.
While the nobles who arrived at the mansion were being guided by well-dressed servants, Ariana dismissed the maids and servants and did a final check on herself.
“You are pretty, Princess.”
The only remaining Shini spoke.
"Is it so?"
“Yes, you're really pretty. Everyone will fall in love with you.”
Ariana chuckled.
“Well, there must be a lot of people who give me unkind looks.”
The imperial nobility tended to view the commanders (East, West, South, and North) with a certain disdain. They considered them inferior to themselves because they were loyal to the empire.
They failed to consider that the Lords of the Command were loyal to the Empire for various reasons, and could become independent at any time if they so chose.
“You must feel sorry for her, being the Princess of the East, who has never shown her face in society and has only made a name for herself behind the scenes.”
Not everyone will be like that. Certainly, some will look at her favorably and try to build a good relationship.
But there was no way to know how the noblewomen and young ladies of the empire would react. Political issues probably weren't that important to them.
"If anyone harms the Princess, I will deal with them. Just give me a wink."
Ariana laughed softly. She knew Shini was joking.
Ariana wasn't the only one who had grown over the past four years. The clever Shini had learned a great deal, very quickly. Even her childish speech was reserved for Ariana. Shini could now play the part of an elegant noblewoman, a charming young lady, a vulgar barmaid, or a market woman, just as she pleased.
Today, Shini's role is Ariana's exclusive maid.
Shini, with her shoulder-length red hair elegantly braided, wore a black dress that highlighted her slender figure. Whenever necessary, Shini would take a potion given to her by Isaac to change her eye color, and today, her eyes remained golden.
Shini's existence couldn't be hidden forever. It was common knowledge that Ariana had rescued a golden-eyed slave from the slave market years ago. Anyone who still remembers that incident might bring it up to attack Ariana.
In that case, it would be better to show it openly. Let them know that the slave they once ignored and feared is now standing proudly beside her.
"You might hear some bad things. But just be yourself, Shini."
Shini smiled brightly.
"I'm confident when the weather is nice. With the Princess by my side, I'm confident today, too."
The banquet hall of the mansion was divided into several sections.
The first thing she saw upon entering was a servant checking the invitation and escorting the guest inside. After announcing that a certain nobleman was entering, the servant opened the door to the banquet hall. A magnificent hall decorated with various flowers and the sound of music greeted the visitor.
Around the edge, sofas were placed for a moment's rest, and on another side, a seven-piece band played music. Well-dressed servants walked silently, carrying trays of light refreshments and drinks, while the nobles who had already arrived gathered in small groups, chatting. Then, when the announcement of another visitor arrived, everyone turned to the door.
Nobles with no one to particularly converse with could spend time admiring famous paintings and decorative items in the space on the right, separated by a single wall. A door leading out of this space led to a lounge where guests could rest during the party.
The party's host, Geor, greeted everyone wearing a white and blue suit, the symbol of the East clan. With his melancholic demeanor, slightly downturned eyes, and charming purple pupils, Geor quickly gained popularity. Several young ladies were already casting sly glances at him.
Everyone was enjoying the party in their own way, but they were all waiting for one person.
Ariana White, Princess of the East.
So, every time the servant's call came, they would turn their expectant gaze toward the door, only to withdraw in disappointment. After several such disappointments, the servant shouted in a slightly agitated voice.
“His Excellency the Northern Lord is entering!”
In Victoria's view, the Western Lord was grossly underestimating Ariana.
'You stupid old man. Having been comfortable as a lord for so long, your ability to judge people has probably become clouded.'
Her grand victory in the custody case, her recognition as a saint, were all attributed to Ariana's abilities. Every time she heard rumors about Ariana, Victoria remembered the smile Ariana had worn when she was taken away by investigators.
'There must be a reason Ariana went to the Empire long before the social season.'
Victoria hasn't seen Ariana in a long time, so she doesn't know how she's grown, but she's sure she's become incredibly beautiful. Even in old clothes that even maids wouldn't wear, she was enviably pretty.
'She can't outshine me.'
There were quite a few Pagans in the Empire who lived in secrecy. Several of them were in constant contact with Victoria.
Victoria sent them a telegram.
[Get rid of the Princess of the East.]
***
Third Prince Harold watched his longtime friend, Duke Geo Fabric, harassing a woman in a secret salon. The woman, dressed in revealing clothing, pretended to dislike Fabric's teasing, but did as he commanded, much to his amusement.
Watching the woman giggling in Fabric's embrace, Harold was reminded of Ariana. Ariana, with her fresh, delicate appearance, yet her gaze is as intense as her eyes.
'I wish the Princess were that easy.'
He soon erased that thought.
'No, if she were that easy, I wouldn't have wanted her.'
The closer a flower blooms on a cliff, the more eagerly it becomes to pluck it. To acquire a rare jewel, you must earn the envy of all.
Harold didn't realize that he hadn't even thought about the Crown Prince's throne lately.
Fabric, who had been enjoying to the fullest, came and sat down next to Harold, carrying the woman.
“Your Excellency, you’re quiet today. Don’t you like women?”
In the spacious secret room of the secret salon in the basement, women of all kinds were dressed in provocative clothes and awaiting the Prince's attention.
“Easy women are no fun. They’re not attractive.”
“Hey, I hope you liked it.”
As Harold frowned, Fabric realized this wasn't the time for jokes and winked at the women. They quickly left the secret room.
“What’s wrong?”
“You’ve met a lot of women. Haven’t you ever met an arrogant woman?”
“Yes, Countess Kitron was so arrogant.”
The Harold wrinkled his nose.
“You, did you touch Countess Kitron too?”
Countess Kitron, born to a noble family, was known for her arrogance and haughtiness. It was said that Count Kirron proposed to her 100 times before he could marry her.
Fabric chuckled.
“It’s not just that I touched her; she's mine now.”
“What on earth did you do?”
"Women, no matter how arrogant and fearless they may be, are at a loss when something truly serious happens. For example, if a strong man attacks them."
“Fabric, I have no intention of forcing myself on a woman.”
"No, no. That's not what I meant. I'm just helping when she's overwhelmed and helpless. Even the magnificent Countess Kitron's eyes would light up like a girl's when I helped her... How cute."
Harold thought of Ariana.
Would Ariana be like that, too? If attacked by a strong man, would she be helpless, crying, and thrashing?
He thought so.
Ariana may have been through a lot, but she was once a Princess of the Bronte family and now a Princess of the East. She would never have been oppressed by a man's power. Having lived her entire life in a safe and secure environment, her fear of powers beyond her control is even greater.
The moment he helped Ariana, his lower abdomen felt warm as he thought about her crying and coming into his arms.
Fabric, who was watching Harold's expression, asked.
“Is there a woman you want to capture?”
“There is one.”
“Are you... Princess, the East?”
Fabric has always been quick-witted. No, perhaps he heard it from the Royal Consort Aelra. The Count Geo family has close ties to Royal Consort Aelra.
“Have you seen her recently?”
"Not since the custody trial. If the Prince is showing interest, she must have really become pretty."
“Yeah, she's become prettier.”
“She must have been receiving a lot of love from her family, so her pride must have grown really high.”
“It got higher.”
“Are you going to break it?”
“Will it break?”
Fabric gave a secret smile.
"Of course it'll be a hit. Little Lord of the East's party is coming up in a few days. Should we try to plan things then?"
“Why that day of all days? There are so many eyes watching.”
“Because many eyes are watching, Your Highness.”
At Fabric's words, Harold exclaimed, "Ah."
Many nobles were invited to the party held by the Eastern Little Lord. Nothing could be more terrifying than being involved in something that would humiliate one's reputation in a gathering of people.
Harold laughed bitterly, imagining Ariana trembling in fear.
“Go ahead. I’ll trust you.”
***
Ariana sent the party invitation under the name of her brother, Little Lord Geor, rather than her own. It was better for the Little Lord to host the party than for Ariana, who was still unmarried, to act.
She also sent a party invitation to the Northern Lord. She didn't particularly want to invite him, but she didn't want to seem like she was being patronizing.
Whenever the nobles living in the imperial capital gathered, they would talk about the Eastern Little Lord's party.
“It looks like they’re preparing very grandly.”
“I heard that they often hire orchestras that play at the royal court.”
“It looks like they bought a ton of flowers.”
“I heard there are dozens of chefs.”
It was the first time such a grand party had been held since the war broke out in the northeast last year.
“So are you going to go?”
"Well."
Contrary to the unwelcome response, everyone knew that the party was coming.
This is the first party hosted by the Eastern Little Lord, who has been keeping a distance from the empire for some time. The Princess of the East, who has created countless stories yet has never been seen in society herself, not even attending the Crown Prince's wedding, might appear at the party. The mere prospect of meeting and greeting the much-rumored Princess in person was reason enough to attend.
The day of the party arrived, and everyone was excited.
Many carriages gathered at the mansion nearest the palace. Commoners came out to watch the nobles' parade, and some opened their carriage windows and tossed coins to the commoners.
While the nobles who arrived at the mansion were being guided by well-dressed servants, Ariana dismissed the maids and servants and did a final check on herself.
“You are pretty, Princess.”
The only remaining Shini spoke.
"Is it so?"
“Yes, you're really pretty. Everyone will fall in love with you.”
Ariana chuckled.
“Well, there must be a lot of people who give me unkind looks.”
The imperial nobility tended to view the commanders (East, West, South, and North) with a certain disdain. They considered them inferior to themselves because they were loyal to the empire.
They failed to consider that the Lords of the Command were loyal to the Empire for various reasons, and could become independent at any time if they so chose.
“You must feel sorry for her, being the Princess of the East, who has never shown her face in society and has only made a name for herself behind the scenes.”
Not everyone will be like that. Certainly, some will look at her favorably and try to build a good relationship.
But there was no way to know how the noblewomen and young ladies of the empire would react. Political issues probably weren't that important to them.
"If anyone harms the Princess, I will deal with them. Just give me a wink."
Ariana laughed softly. She knew Shini was joking.
Ariana wasn't the only one who had grown over the past four years. The clever Shini had learned a great deal, very quickly. Even her childish speech was reserved for Ariana. Shini could now play the part of an elegant noblewoman, a charming young lady, a vulgar barmaid, or a market woman, just as she pleased.
Today, Shini's role is Ariana's exclusive maid.
Shini, with her shoulder-length red hair elegantly braided, wore a black dress that highlighted her slender figure. Whenever necessary, Shini would take a potion given to her by Isaac to change her eye color, and today, her eyes remained golden.
Shini's existence couldn't be hidden forever. It was common knowledge that Ariana had rescued a golden-eyed slave from the slave market years ago. Anyone who still remembers that incident might bring it up to attack Ariana.
In that case, it would be better to show it openly. Let them know that the slave they once ignored and feared is now standing proudly beside her.
"You might hear some bad things. But just be yourself, Shini."
Shini smiled brightly.
"I'm confident when the weather is nice. With the Princess by my side, I'm confident today, too."
***
The banquet hall of the mansion was divided into several sections.
The first thing she saw upon entering was a servant checking the invitation and escorting the guest inside. After announcing that a certain nobleman was entering, the servant opened the door to the banquet hall. A magnificent hall decorated with various flowers and the sound of music greeted the visitor.
Around the edge, sofas were placed for a moment's rest, and on another side, a seven-piece band played music. Well-dressed servants walked silently, carrying trays of light refreshments and drinks, while the nobles who had already arrived gathered in small groups, chatting. Then, when the announcement of another visitor arrived, everyone turned to the door.
Nobles with no one to particularly converse with could spend time admiring famous paintings and decorative items in the space on the right, separated by a single wall. A door leading out of this space led to a lounge where guests could rest during the party.
The party's host, Geor, greeted everyone wearing a white and blue suit, the symbol of the East clan. With his melancholic demeanor, slightly downturned eyes, and charming purple pupils, Geor quickly gained popularity. Several young ladies were already casting sly glances at him.
Everyone was enjoying the party in their own way, but they were all waiting for one person.
Ariana White, Princess of the East.
So, every time the servant's call came, they would turn their expectant gaze toward the door, only to withdraw in disappointment. After several such disappointments, the servant shouted in a slightly agitated voice.
“His Excellency the Northern Lord is entering!”
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