Previously
Cecilia is formally introduced to the nobility by the Emperor and receives enthusiastic cheers, solidifying her identity as the empire's beloved princess.
The one I had actually been looking forward to seeing was the second male lead—the shadow puppet who stopped at nothing to possess Emily.
Rosivius Alvinus.
When the Alvinus family offered their greetings, I noticed there was no black-haired child around my age among them.
‘They said Marquis Alvinus adopted his orphaned nephew….’
Feigning innocence, I watched the Alvinus family head toward the banquet hall. But beside the Marquis and his wife stood only a brown-haired boy.
‘Has he not been adopted yet? Or is he still too young to attend?’
Even though he was the second male lead, the details about him in the story were sparse. I didn't even know whether he was older or younger than me.
‘I was looking forward to seeing the childhood version of that cold, handsome boy with black hair….’
Come to think of it, Marquis Alvinus himself had a remarkably ordinary appearance, from his common brown hair to features that felt strangely familiar.
‘How could such a cold, striking beauty come from this family? Was his real father a Duke of the North or something?’
I chuckled to myself at a joke that didn't even exist in this world, muttering under my breath in mild disappointment.
Well, you can't get everything right on the first try.
“At least I can host a party for noble children in my own name.”
Content with having identified Scarlett and the other candidate villains, I decided to head back to Freesia Palace.
The tension I had felt facing that vast crowd hit me all at once, leaving me utterly exhausted.
“Your Highness, you were wonderful today.”
“As expected, Your Highness shines wherever you go.”
It was Mary and Batisha, who had attended the ceremony with their own families after leaving me in Theodore’s care.
Perhaps because I was so drained from seeing so many new faces, I felt twice as glad to see them, and my voice slipped out sounding entirely like a child's.
“I’m so tired. I want to go back to my room and rest.”
“Still, you’ll have to get used to this from now on.”
“Mmh. Now that I’ve done it once, it will be easier next time.”
Mary and Batisha exchanged fond smiles.
As I dragged my weary feet out of the building toward Freesia Palace….
“Your Highness!”
A child came running toward me, his voice chirping like a little bird.
“Running like that inside the Imperial Palace?”
“Your legs must be quite long—I almost couldn’t catch up without running.”
Leoport, who had grown taller than me by a fist's height, spoke while panting softly.
“Aren’t you going to the banquet?”
“Even if I went, I’d only be standing off to the side, wouldn’t I? Besides, I’m happy to see you outside Freesia Palace.”
Leoport beamed brightly.
Everyone else had headed to the banquet hall after the ceremony ended. But banquets were for adults, and since I was heading back myself instead of attending, it was only natural for Leoport to do the same….
“Aren’t there any peers your age?”
I spoke like a tutor, worried that the Ornbach heir might be neglecting his social life.
“Do I have any friends besides you, Your Highness? You know that….”
“Well….”
Recalling the hostile glare I had received from Scarlett, I added hesitatingly,
“Marquis Gibbels’s daughter is around your age too….”
“Gibbels?”
“Yes. Haven’t you two met before?”
Leoport’s eyes widened.
“I don’t know her.”
He didn't know Scarlett?
Surprised, I masked my reaction and asked calmly,
“Not even by chance?”
“Today was the first time I've ever seen her. I don't attend social gatherings with my parents or grandmother. Am I supposed to know her?”
He tilted his head in bewilderment, leaving me just as confused.
I had assumed they knew each other because of that hostile glare she gave me….
Without thinking, I answered,
“Then go home. What’s so fun about the palace you visit all the time anyway?”
“Because the grown-ups are here…. No, Your Highness, you're being so harsh. Is our friendship that trivial to you?”
Leoport seemed a bit hurt by my dismissive response. His crestfallen face looked just like a deflated puppy.
‘Come to think of Scarlett… he really doesn't seem like her type.’
At this age, a two-year difference was significant, and it was hard to imagine a twelve-year-old girl falling for a ten-year-old boy.
Perhaps she had particular tastes… or maybe they simply hadn't met yet.
“So, you want to hang out with me just because I’m your only friend?”
Fond as I was of him as a friend, I made sure not to leave room for anything more.
This wasn't conceit on my part, but wisdom borrowed from my previous life. I had read countless stories where the male lead ends up falling for his childhood friend….
“Yes, of course! You can wander freely around the palace now, can't you? Wouldn't you like a companion to explore new places with?”
Perhaps because he was determined to stay longer, my cold shoulder barely fazed him.
“He’s right, Your Highness. Since you’re already out, why not take a stroll before heading back?”
“You only ever take walks with him in the gardens of Freesia Palace.”
Mary and Batisha chimed in to back him up.
‘Come to think of it… it might be good to give them a chance to attend the banquet.’
Both were twenty-two, prime marriageable age, yet they had missed out on high society because of their duties serving me.
‘Serving as my ladies-in-waiting will surely bring them good marriage prospects, but having fun is another matter altogether.’
Ah, I truly was an exceptionally considerate princess.
Supplying every ounce of composure I had left, I put on an exaggeratedly mature tone,
“Very well. Since I owe a favor, there is no avoiding it. I shall take a stroll with Leoport for an hour or so, so you two may go to the banquet hall and mingle in my stead.”
“Goodness, Your Highness! Are you ordering us to attend the banquet?”
“Yes. An hour may not be long, but it’s better than nothing.”
To tell the truth, this was practically my first time being able to roam the palace grounds freely, so Leoport’s suggestion was tempting in its own right.
“Oh, my heavens, Your Highness…. When did you grow so big…?”
Mary gasped emotionally, while Batisha pressed both hands over her mouth, looking equally touched.
‘What dramatic girls.’
If I weren't their princess, they would have accused me of growing up overnight.
“Then, Your Highness, please listen carefully to the escort knights.”
“And it’s cold outside, so don’t go near the lake.”
“Alright, alright.”
I waved my hand to shoo them along.
Those attending the banquet had already gone inside, and those leaving had departed, leaving the hallway quiet and still.
“Did the Duke and Duchess tell you to wait?”
“They told me to do as I liked, but wouldn't it be better if we went back together? It’ll be easier on the coachman.”
Even if the ducal residence was close to the Imperial Palace, calling a carriage just for Leoport would be an inconvenience—a genuinely thoughtful consideration on his part.
Finding it endearing, my spirits lifted, and I spoke brightly,
“There’s an artificial garden inside the main palace. Shall we go there? It has a pond, too.”
“That’s a great idea!”
Leoport held out his hand naturally, and I reached out to take it—
At that exact moment….
“If my brother wants to pursue romantic conquests, he should do it himself!”
Was this what people meant by a voice like rolling pearls? A tone both crystal-clear and sharp cut through the hallway.
Looking toward the sound, I saw people arguing near the entrance of the banquet hall.
“Looks like they’re fighting. I think they’re our age.”
Leoport pointed a finger in their direction.
It seems our innocent young lord had yet to learn the wisdom of ignoring other families' business.
“Put your hand down, Leo.”
“Ah, right.”
This child really didn't have any friends besides me.
In any case, that was definitely not an adult's voice. Squinting to see who it was….
“Oh, that looks like Marquis Gibbels’s daughter.”
“You can see her from here?”
“Hehe, it's because you don't train your holy power, right? I recently learned how to channel it into my eyes to see things far away. I still need a lot of practice, though.”
Using binoculars like contact lenses, basically…. Leoport showed off his accomplishment without a care.
Following his gaze, I finally noticed the bright orange hair nestled among the lavish decorations of the hallway.
‘Even her voice is unmistakable….’
Just as I was thinking Scarlett was full of surprises today… she turned toward us.
Is she coming over here?
Without realizing it, I let go of Leoport’s hand. I felt his puzzled gaze on me, but I was too preoccupied watching Scarlett’s expression.
Her stride was so measured it radiated sheer elegance, but her frosty face was ablaze with anger.
I swallowed hard…. and right then, a pair of honey-colored eyes locked onto me.
In other words, Scarlett wasn't focusing on Leoport…. but on me.
Though our encounter was purely accidental, she approached with effortless grace, leaving me inwardly awestruck by her impeccable poise.
‘This is a completely different kind of elegance from my sisters….’
It wasn't a natural grace born of noble blood, but a sharp perfection forged through immense effort.
While I was lost in admiration, Scarlett arrived before me.
“I greet the little star of the Empire, Her Imperial Highness the Fourth Princess. I am Scarlett, daughter of Marquis Gibbels.”
Even her greeting was flawless.
Though people praised my etiquette, her bearing carried a far more practiced sophistication.
‘I suppose dominating high society takes more than just birth and looks….’
Concealing my fluster, I replied calmly,
“It is a pleasure to meet you.”
“I offered my respects during the ceremony, but it is truly an honor to greet Your Highness in person.”
Her words flowed smoothly… and my admiration for her grew without bound.
But in the very next breath—
‘Does she really hate me…?’
I caught a flicker of disdain deep within those haughty eyes, catching me completely off guard.
Had I not been watching with the awareness of an adult, it would have slipped by unnoticed…. but it was unmistakable hostility.
‘I mean…. I haven't even done anything!’