(169) The main character of the party (3)
The door opened.
All the nobles who knew the relationship between the Bronte family and the Eastern Princess took their eyes off Victoria and turned their gaze toward the opening door.
The first thing that caught her eye was the attire of Little Lord Geor and Little Duke Averaster White. They were wearing uniforms with blue patterns on a white background, the color of the Eastern Territory.
The white uniforms blended well with their navy hair, creating a very fresh impression.
Isabelle, wearing a light sky-blue dress, stood next to Little Lord Geor, and Wiona, wearing a green dress, stood next to Averaster.
A glimpse of a white skirt peeked out behind them as they walked in. And the moment she revealed herself, everyone held their breath in a different sense than when Victoria had appeared.
Ariana was wearing a pure white dress.
Ariana was the only one wearing a plain white dress at the imperial palace party.
A pure white dress that draped softly. The slightly exposed shoulders and slender wrists were exceptionally white.
She tied up half of her voluminous sky-blue hair and decorated it with a slightly fancy hair clip, adding a touch of flair to an outfit that could have easily looked too plain.
Ariana was perfectly demonstrating the textbook example of a young lady making her debutante ball.
With her cheeks flushed as if flustered by the gazes focused on her, she was cute and lovely like a flower blooming by the lake.
She walked without wavering despite the burden, looking so delicate that it naturally made you want to support her.
Finally, Ariana stopped in front of the Emperor's family, gently bowed her head, and bent her knees. The Empress spoke kindly.
“It has been a long time since I have seen such a clear dress. Someone came today wearing a dress as red as blood.”
“Red is the color of the Empire’s House of Blenwit and belongs to Your Majesty the Empress; how could I possibly dare to steal that color at a palace party? I merely wore a white dress in accordance with Imperial custom, and I am simply grateful that you have looked upon it so favorably.”
The Emperor also looked on, seemingly intrigued by Ariana's calm demeanor.
"The Lord of the East has raised his daughter well. It is a relief that you look healthier than when I saw you before."
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
After that, Ariana exchanged a few more words with the Empress. Meanwhile, the Princess watched her with an amused look.
Eventually, Ariana stepped back from the Emperor's family and turned around, only to make eye contact with Victoria.
Victoria glared at Ariana with eyes filled with shock and anger. Ariana gave her former sister a sweet smile and walked in a different direction with Geor.
Just then, someone was striding toward Ariana.
It was Cyrus.
Everyone paid attention to the movements of Cyrus, who had been standing quietly in the corner since arriving at the party.
Cyrus stopped in front of Ariana and politely extended his hand, but Ariana did not give him her hand and spoke softly.
“Northern Lord... you promised not to act like this at the party.”
“Seeing the Princess’s attire, I feared someone might snatch you away. If you cast me out and shame me like this, your value will surely rise. Though my heart will be torn apart.”
Ariana reached out her hand only after glaring at him once. As Cyrus lightly kissed the back of Ariana's hand, the onlookers let out a small gasp.
"So, the Northern Lord was interested in the Princess of the East after all. Right, Princess of the East would certainly be the perfect match for the Northern Lord."
While everyone else was convinced, only Victoria had a different thought.
'Why? Why isn't it a red dress? Why is the Northern Lord showing interest in you? And...'
Only then did the surrounding scenery come into Victoria's view.
Why is there no one around me?
Only Rachel stayed by Victoria's side, and no one tried to come near her. People kept their distance, as if there were an invisible barrier surrounding Rachel and Victoria.
She didn't realize it earlier, but the eyes directed at Victoria were filled with mockery, contempt, ridicule, and loathing.
She couldn't understand it.
Until a few years ago, Victoria was always the main character.
Everyone revered Victoria and praised her for being better than her older sisters. Even the strict Western Lord evaluated Victoria as 'the most outstanding granddaughter.'
But what are those stares? Why is everyone looking at me like that?
Victoria almost screamed. If Rachel hadn't held Victoria's wrist tightly, she certainly would have screamed.
"It's okay, Victoria."
Rachel said.
“It’s okay. You can make up for it. Do you understand?”
Her mother's voice was not comforting, but it helped enough to calm her turbulent emotions. Victoria clenched her fists tightly and nodded.
"Yeah, I can make up for it."
Ariana was uneducated. She could mimic the imperial court etiquette quite well, having seen and heard it somewhere, but it was certain that her lack of knowledge would be exposed if the conversation dragged on.
Since she heard good words from the Empress, she will be excited and talkative.
Rachel whispered softly, as if she shared the same thought.
“If she talks too much, she will reveal her foolishness. She will bring about her own destruction, so just focus on the Third Prince.”
Suddenly, the Third Prince came to mind, so Victoria looked for him, only to find him surrounded by young nobles. However, his gaze kept following Ariana.
She was so dumbfounded that she let out a hollow laugh.
The Third Prince of the Northern Lord. On top of that, Ariana had a group of handsome men under her command as her older brothers. Already, noble ladies and young ladies eyeing Geor were flirting with Ariana, trying to make a good impression on her.
It was a sickening sight.
Until just a few years ago, Ariana was the black sheep of the Bronte family. No one cared about her.
But why is everyone so desperate to impress Ariana right now?
That makes no sense. This isn't right.
Victoria wanted to steer the flow of the party toward herself. She wanted everyone's eyes to turn toward her. Just like in the old days.
“Mother, go and tell the Third Prince to remember our promise.”
Rachel scowled at the commanding tone, as if she were being treated like a maid, but she had no choice. For now, she had to divert even a little of that gaze directed at Ariana toward Victoria.
If Victoria were to dance her first dance with the Third Prince, who was of noble status, her honor would be restored a little.
Rachel swallowed her embarrassment and approached Harold. Harold, who was conversing with nobles, pretended not to notice even though he saw Rachel approaching.
"Third Prince."
Harold did not answer for a while, even to Rachel's call. The nobles turned to look at Rachel, wondering what was wrong. Rachel spoke with effort, trying to sound calm.
"Would you be able to speak for a moment?"
Once again, Harold did not answer for a very long time. Enough that even nobles far away whispered as they watched the two of them.
Rachel's heart boiled with humiliation.
"Very well, Duchess."
Harold, who answered quite a while later, took the first step. Rachel hurried after him, but her eyes met Ariana's as she looked in this direction.
Her heart sank, and her face flushed at that mocking gaze. Rachel wanted to scold her, asking who she was to cast such a look at her mother.
However, right now, this issue is urgent.
Harold stopped in a secluded spot and picked up two glasses from the tray of a servant who happened to be passing by. Handing one to Rachel, Harold sipped his drink and asked arrogantly.
“What’s the matter?”
"It's good to enjoy the party, but shouldn't we remember our promise to Victoria?"
"Ha."
Harold snorted in annoyance.
“I do remember the promise. However, it seems it is the Princess who cannot remember it. What on earth is with that state?”
Rachel's ears were now burning.
“She has come wearing a dress the same color as Her Majesty the Empress and is acting like this; if I were to ask her to dance, how would I be treated? Madam, it is not that I do not understand your affection for your daughter, but please try to put yourself in my shoes. I am also in a very difficult position.”
Rachel never dreamed that she would be ridiculed because of her daughter, Victoria, of all people. But even she thought that today's Victoria was going too far.
Why is that? Why would a smart child like Victoria make such a choice?
Rachel, biting her lower lip, met Ariana's eyes again. A faint smile appeared on Ariana's lips and then vanished.
It's because of that kid!
When the elephant parade took place, Rachel couldn't go out because she was sick in bed, but she heard that Ariana came wearing a very fancy dress.
That kid provoked Victoria!
She doesn't know what was said between Ariana and Victoria. But it was clear that Ariana must have provoked Victoria.
Rachel could not endure this situation unless she blamed others like this.
“In any case, it is absolutely impossible today. If I were to dance with a Princess in that state, I would incur the Empress’s displeasure as well. I hope the Duchess will understand.”
Harold finished saying what he had to say and turned around abruptly.
Rachel had never been treated like this anywhere else. It seemed as though the whole world had turned its back on her. She caught sight of ladies whispering and looking in her direction. The world was spinning.
In the midst of that, only Ariana's deep blue eyes remained clearly in place.
Ariana wasn't even looking at Rachel anymore.
She was dancing with Cyrus, who had asked her to dance first, drawing envious glances from everyone. People were watching the two of them with eyes filled with envy and surprise, but Rachel felt as if all eyes were on her.
It was a terrible time.
Victoria held her breath and glared at the man and woman dancing in the center.
Smiling happily as she danced with Cyrus, Ariana was more vibrant than any other woman present. Her white dress, swaying gently with every movement, made her look like a goddess floating behind the clouds.
Both women and men marveled at her. Even the attending servants paused for a moment to look back at them. In this space, where countless people had gathered and lower-ranking nobles had not even set foot, Ariana was the protagonist.
Victoria barely managed to take her eyes off Ariana and look around. She saw Rachel approaching with a pale face. Harold was nowhere to be seen.
“What happened?”
"I guess he's not in the mood to dance today."
“Mom, why can’t you do even one thing I tell you to do properly?”
Rachel seemed deeply hurt, but Victoria didn't care.
The list of dance applicants received upon entering contained the names of numerous young nobles, but they all looked only at Ariana and had no intention of approaching Victoria.
Even if their eyes occasionally met, they hurriedly turned their gaze away as if they were shocked and disgusted by something.
Why are they acting like that?
Victoria had eaten her fill of the hearts of beautiful beasts before coming here. Even if her dress was too extravagant, men were bound to approach her like bees drawn to a scent.
But what is with that expression? Why is it reacting as if it is looking at a repulsive reptile?
And why...?
Victoria turned her gaze toward Ariana, who had just finished the first dance.
Cyrus was the last man to ask her to dance, and now no man has asked Ariana to dance.
However, that was merely because they were pushed back by the momentum of Cyrus, Geor, and Averaster, who were surrounding Ariana as if to protect her. Countless young men were glancing at her, waiting for an opportunity to ask her to dance.
'Why is it that you have everything? I try so fiercely, even devouring those disgusting hearts, yet I can't succeed. Why do you get everything I want just by sitting still? Why?'
The door opened.
All the nobles who knew the relationship between the Bronte family and the Eastern Princess took their eyes off Victoria and turned their gaze toward the opening door.
The first thing that caught her eye was the attire of Little Lord Geor and Little Duke Averaster White. They were wearing uniforms with blue patterns on a white background, the color of the Eastern Territory.
The white uniforms blended well with their navy hair, creating a very fresh impression.
Isabelle, wearing a light sky-blue dress, stood next to Little Lord Geor, and Wiona, wearing a green dress, stood next to Averaster.
A glimpse of a white skirt peeked out behind them as they walked in. And the moment she revealed herself, everyone held their breath in a different sense than when Victoria had appeared.
Ariana was wearing a pure white dress.
Ariana was the only one wearing a plain white dress at the imperial palace party.
A pure white dress that draped softly. The slightly exposed shoulders and slender wrists were exceptionally white.
She tied up half of her voluminous sky-blue hair and decorated it with a slightly fancy hair clip, adding a touch of flair to an outfit that could have easily looked too plain.
Ariana was perfectly demonstrating the textbook example of a young lady making her debutante ball.
With her cheeks flushed as if flustered by the gazes focused on her, she was cute and lovely like a flower blooming by the lake.
She walked without wavering despite the burden, looking so delicate that it naturally made you want to support her.
Finally, Ariana stopped in front of the Emperor's family, gently bowed her head, and bent her knees. The Empress spoke kindly.
“It has been a long time since I have seen such a clear dress. Someone came today wearing a dress as red as blood.”
“Red is the color of the Empire’s House of Blenwit and belongs to Your Majesty the Empress; how could I possibly dare to steal that color at a palace party? I merely wore a white dress in accordance with Imperial custom, and I am simply grateful that you have looked upon it so favorably.”
The Emperor also looked on, seemingly intrigued by Ariana's calm demeanor.
"The Lord of the East has raised his daughter well. It is a relief that you look healthier than when I saw you before."
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
After that, Ariana exchanged a few more words with the Empress. Meanwhile, the Princess watched her with an amused look.
Eventually, Ariana stepped back from the Emperor's family and turned around, only to make eye contact with Victoria.
Victoria glared at Ariana with eyes filled with shock and anger. Ariana gave her former sister a sweet smile and walked in a different direction with Geor.
Just then, someone was striding toward Ariana.
It was Cyrus.
Everyone paid attention to the movements of Cyrus, who had been standing quietly in the corner since arriving at the party.
Cyrus stopped in front of Ariana and politely extended his hand, but Ariana did not give him her hand and spoke softly.
“Northern Lord... you promised not to act like this at the party.”
“Seeing the Princess’s attire, I feared someone might snatch you away. If you cast me out and shame me like this, your value will surely rise. Though my heart will be torn apart.”
Ariana reached out her hand only after glaring at him once. As Cyrus lightly kissed the back of Ariana's hand, the onlookers let out a small gasp.
"So, the Northern Lord was interested in the Princess of the East after all. Right, Princess of the East would certainly be the perfect match for the Northern Lord."
While everyone else was convinced, only Victoria had a different thought.
'Why? Why isn't it a red dress? Why is the Northern Lord showing interest in you? And...'
Only then did the surrounding scenery come into Victoria's view.
Why is there no one around me?
Only Rachel stayed by Victoria's side, and no one tried to come near her. People kept their distance, as if there were an invisible barrier surrounding Rachel and Victoria.
She didn't realize it earlier, but the eyes directed at Victoria were filled with mockery, contempt, ridicule, and loathing.
She couldn't understand it.
Until a few years ago, Victoria was always the main character.
Everyone revered Victoria and praised her for being better than her older sisters. Even the strict Western Lord evaluated Victoria as 'the most outstanding granddaughter.'
But what are those stares? Why is everyone looking at me like that?
Victoria almost screamed. If Rachel hadn't held Victoria's wrist tightly, she certainly would have screamed.
"It's okay, Victoria."
Rachel said.
“It’s okay. You can make up for it. Do you understand?”
Her mother's voice was not comforting, but it helped enough to calm her turbulent emotions. Victoria clenched her fists tightly and nodded.
"Yeah, I can make up for it."
Ariana was uneducated. She could mimic the imperial court etiquette quite well, having seen and heard it somewhere, but it was certain that her lack of knowledge would be exposed if the conversation dragged on.
Since she heard good words from the Empress, she will be excited and talkative.
Rachel whispered softly, as if she shared the same thought.
“If she talks too much, she will reveal her foolishness. She will bring about her own destruction, so just focus on the Third Prince.”
Suddenly, the Third Prince came to mind, so Victoria looked for him, only to find him surrounded by young nobles. However, his gaze kept following Ariana.
She was so dumbfounded that she let out a hollow laugh.
The Third Prince of the Northern Lord. On top of that, Ariana had a group of handsome men under her command as her older brothers. Already, noble ladies and young ladies eyeing Geor were flirting with Ariana, trying to make a good impression on her.
It was a sickening sight.
Until just a few years ago, Ariana was the black sheep of the Bronte family. No one cared about her.
But why is everyone so desperate to impress Ariana right now?
That makes no sense. This isn't right.
Victoria wanted to steer the flow of the party toward herself. She wanted everyone's eyes to turn toward her. Just like in the old days.
“Mother, go and tell the Third Prince to remember our promise.”
Rachel scowled at the commanding tone, as if she were being treated like a maid, but she had no choice. For now, she had to divert even a little of that gaze directed at Ariana toward Victoria.
If Victoria were to dance her first dance with the Third Prince, who was of noble status, her honor would be restored a little.
Rachel swallowed her embarrassment and approached Harold. Harold, who was conversing with nobles, pretended not to notice even though he saw Rachel approaching.
"Third Prince."
Harold did not answer for a while, even to Rachel's call. The nobles turned to look at Rachel, wondering what was wrong. Rachel spoke with effort, trying to sound calm.
"Would you be able to speak for a moment?"
Once again, Harold did not answer for a very long time. Enough that even nobles far away whispered as they watched the two of them.
Rachel's heart boiled with humiliation.
"Very well, Duchess."
Harold, who answered quite a while later, took the first step. Rachel hurried after him, but her eyes met Ariana's as she looked in this direction.
Her heart sank, and her face flushed at that mocking gaze. Rachel wanted to scold her, asking who she was to cast such a look at her mother.
However, right now, this issue is urgent.
Harold stopped in a secluded spot and picked up two glasses from the tray of a servant who happened to be passing by. Handing one to Rachel, Harold sipped his drink and asked arrogantly.
“What’s the matter?”
"It's good to enjoy the party, but shouldn't we remember our promise to Victoria?"
"Ha."
Harold snorted in annoyance.
“I do remember the promise. However, it seems it is the Princess who cannot remember it. What on earth is with that state?”
Rachel's ears were now burning.
“She has come wearing a dress the same color as Her Majesty the Empress and is acting like this; if I were to ask her to dance, how would I be treated? Madam, it is not that I do not understand your affection for your daughter, but please try to put yourself in my shoes. I am also in a very difficult position.”
Rachel never dreamed that she would be ridiculed because of her daughter, Victoria, of all people. But even she thought that today's Victoria was going too far.
Why is that? Why would a smart child like Victoria make such a choice?
Rachel, biting her lower lip, met Ariana's eyes again. A faint smile appeared on Ariana's lips and then vanished.
It's because of that kid!
When the elephant parade took place, Rachel couldn't go out because she was sick in bed, but she heard that Ariana came wearing a very fancy dress.
That kid provoked Victoria!
She doesn't know what was said between Ariana and Victoria. But it was clear that Ariana must have provoked Victoria.
Rachel could not endure this situation unless she blamed others like this.
“In any case, it is absolutely impossible today. If I were to dance with a Princess in that state, I would incur the Empress’s displeasure as well. I hope the Duchess will understand.”
Harold finished saying what he had to say and turned around abruptly.
Rachel had never been treated like this anywhere else. It seemed as though the whole world had turned its back on her. She caught sight of ladies whispering and looking in her direction. The world was spinning.
In the midst of that, only Ariana's deep blue eyes remained clearly in place.
Ariana wasn't even looking at Rachel anymore.
She was dancing with Cyrus, who had asked her to dance first, drawing envious glances from everyone. People were watching the two of them with eyes filled with envy and surprise, but Rachel felt as if all eyes were on her.
It was a terrible time.
***
Victoria held her breath and glared at the man and woman dancing in the center.
Smiling happily as she danced with Cyrus, Ariana was more vibrant than any other woman present. Her white dress, swaying gently with every movement, made her look like a goddess floating behind the clouds.
Both women and men marveled at her. Even the attending servants paused for a moment to look back at them. In this space, where countless people had gathered and lower-ranking nobles had not even set foot, Ariana was the protagonist.
Victoria barely managed to take her eyes off Ariana and look around. She saw Rachel approaching with a pale face. Harold was nowhere to be seen.
“What happened?”
"I guess he's not in the mood to dance today."
“Mom, why can’t you do even one thing I tell you to do properly?”
Rachel seemed deeply hurt, but Victoria didn't care.
The list of dance applicants received upon entering contained the names of numerous young nobles, but they all looked only at Ariana and had no intention of approaching Victoria.
Even if their eyes occasionally met, they hurriedly turned their gaze away as if they were shocked and disgusted by something.
Why are they acting like that?
Victoria had eaten her fill of the hearts of beautiful beasts before coming here. Even if her dress was too extravagant, men were bound to approach her like bees drawn to a scent.
But what is with that expression? Why is it reacting as if it is looking at a repulsive reptile?
And why...?
Victoria turned her gaze toward Ariana, who had just finished the first dance.
Cyrus was the last man to ask her to dance, and now no man has asked Ariana to dance.
However, that was merely because they were pushed back by the momentum of Cyrus, Geor, and Averaster, who were surrounding Ariana as if to protect her. Countless young men were glancing at her, waiting for an opportunity to ask her to dance.
'Why is it that you have everything? I try so fiercely, even devouring those disgusting hearts, yet I can't succeed. Why do you get everything I want just by sitting still? Why?'
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