TRETTHD 56

#56. Taking the Initiative

And as if that were the signal, the other young ladies also began to quietly raise their hands one after another.

“I’d like to participate as well… would that be possible?”

“I’d love to join in on such a good cause.”

Belia covered her mouth with both hands as though deeply moved.

But behind her smiling face, her sharp eyes swiftly scanned the crowd.

‘Count Sapio’s family. Count Juberk’s family. And… the Marquis of Caprie.’

The lips she had hidden with her hands curled into a satisfied smile.

These were all highly influential families within the Empire’s central political sphere.

“Thank you so much! With more people participating, the event will be much easier to carry out. And that means we’ll be able to help even more people.”

“Really? Oh, how wonderful!”

Rachel clapped her hands together and beamed brightly.

“I’ve truly been moved watching Your Highness continuously perform such good deeds with a warm heart.”

Even greater figures had taken the bait than Belia had expected.

Most of all, it was significant that Rachel, the eldest daughter of the Marquis of Caprie, expressed her willingness to actively participate.

Though she looked young and innocent, she was the cherished daughter who monopolized her marquis family’s love. It was a well-known fact throughout the Empire that her parents and three older brothers doted on her.

Moreover, she was the only one in society who could be compared to Elin Kanterif. If Rachel had ever tried to wield her social influence more actively, the noble society would undoubtedly have split into two distinct camps.

“You also regularly donate to orphanages, don’t you?”

The Count Juberk’s daughter asked.

“Yes, but it’s only a small contribution within my means.”

“I know that you personally visit orphanages each month to carefully check on them. That’s not some shallow pretense—it’s genuine support!”

The usually quiet Rachel raised her voice slightly in protest.

“And I’ve also heard about the purpose behind the clinic you’re building. I absolutely want to help with what Your Highness is doing.”

Rachel Caprie’s cheeks flushed pink as she gazed at Belia with sparkling eyes.

It was clear she wanted to join the charity work at any cost.

“I’m truly grateful to hear that from you ladies. Then…”

Belia carefully spoke the words she had prepared.

“This may be a small and modest event, but if anyone else wishes to participate, please speak to me privately.”

If Belia was to gain influence within the Empire’s social circles, she needed people to support her.

Those who joined her now would become precious allies forming the foundation of her position.

‘I can’t let this chance slip away.’

At the previous tea party, she had quickly realized just how large Kanterif’s influence in society was. But at the same time, she had also seen that not everyone followed her blindly.

‘That’s why…’

Belia instinctively knew she had to make these ladies her own allies.

“I’ll reach out individually to those who wish to participate, and we can discuss details then.”

As Belia wrapped up her words about the charity work, Elin bit her lip, disliking the way everyone’s attention had shifted to Belia.

What was so great about those pretentious good deeds? For someone from another country with no foundation, there was no better way to establish herself than through charity. Clearly, that was Belia’s goal from the start.

And yet, that foolish Caprie girl was actually admiring her.

“…Though I’d like to join, I’m already committed to another cause. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to participate this time.”

Elin spoke calmly.

Belia simply smiled and replied,

“I understand, Lady Kanterif. You’ve only just become engaged, so this must be an especially busy time for you. I’m already delighted you attended today’s tea party.”

“Please do invite me for the next good cause. I’ll be sure to participate then.”

Elin judged coolly. At this point, the mood had completely shifted in Belia’s favor.

From the moment she offered those teacups as gifts, Elin realized Belia had completely taken the initiative.

‘Haah…’

On top of that, Elin was already troubled because Raul had been caught visiting an illegal establishment.

Of course, the Emperor had quickly stepped in and smoothed things over, passing it off as a minor lapse that Raul would reflect on. But to Elin, even such a small stain was unacceptable.

Raul had to be the flawless crown prince.
He had been until now, and he had to remain so in order to become the next Emperor.

‘…And yet!’

Though Elin smiled, her eyes were icy as she looked at Belia.

‘It seems neither Raul nor Khalid can forget her.’

The fact that both princes were still entangled with Belia was outrageous.

It was bad enough that both had proposed to the same woman, but that they couldn’t move on even after being rejected was utterly absurd.

“Speaking of which, won’t Prince Khalid be joining us at today’s tea party?”

Elin asked, deliberately mocking his previous intrusion.

“No, he stepped out to check on the merchant guilds.”

Belia brushed off the question with a smile.

By then, the third course had been served, and the conversation shifted again—this time centering on Raul and Elin.

‘It’s true—so far, everyone still seems more interested in Raul than in Khalid.’

Belia calmly acknowledged the reality of how the two princes were perceived.

“Will Prince Raul not be coming to escort you today?”

One of the young ladies giggled as she asked.

It was essentially the same question as when Khalid had come to fetch Belia before—wasn’t Raul also coming for Elin?

Surprisingly, unlike Elin herself, the others seemed to have found Khalid’s intrusion at the last tea party rather charming.

“…His Highness Raul is busy with many affairs today.”

Belia knew Elin was lying.

Raul only spent time with her to maintain appearances. Belia had heard from multiple maids that their relationship was anything but affectionate.

“He wanted very much to come see me at the palace, but his schedule simply didn’t allow it.”

Elin forced the corners of her mouth into a trembling smile.

Belia scoffed inwardly at the sight, but outwardly she responded with an insincere, “Oh my, how very considerate of His Highness the Crown Prince.”

For a moment, she even considered exposing the fact that Raul was currently at the palace.

‘…But in a way, it’s pitiful.’

So far, Elin hadn’t done anything truly cruel—only tried to stir up trouble at a tea party out of jealousy. That much, Belia could handle.

Of course, if she ever crossed the line and went too far, Belia would not stay silent.

Hiding her cold expression, Belia lifted her teacup and sipped her tea.

The tea party ended smoothly, and Belia returned to her room with her body heavy as soaked cotton.

After soaking in warm water to ease her fatigue, she collapsed straight into bed.

“So tired…”

The constant tension had drained her energy completely.

Still, her face was bright with satisfaction.

Besides the three noble ladies who had spoken up during the tea party, several others had also approached Belia just before leaving, expressing their intent to join the charity bazaar.

‘Rachel Caprie…’

Even after the tea party ended and the others departed, Rachel had lingered until the end, creating time for just the two of them.

With shining eyes, she had spoken passionately about how deeply moved she was by Belia’s charity work, and why she wanted to be part of it.

“…So kind and pure.”

She was the very image of someone raised in love, seeing only the bright side of the world—warm even to her soul.

In her previous life, Rachel had never shown interest in Belia.

They had spoken, but Rachel had never seemed particularly fond of her.

“How strange.”

Why was she showing such open affection now?

Sigh…

Belia couldn’t figure it out.

Besides, was Rachel Caprie’s personality always like this?

She was too exhausted to think anymore. Her head felt frozen, unable to move.

Still, Rachel’s interest was undeniably a good thing.

“Were you resting?”

At that moment, Khalid, freshly returned to the palace, entered Belia’s room casually—as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Belia, sprawled out on the bed, turned her eyes toward him and softly called,

“Khalid.”

“Hm?”

He removed his outer coat and settled comfortably onto the sofa.

“This isn’t your room.”

Belia posed the most obvious question.

Why did he always come straight into her chambers instead of going to his own, which was right next door?

“Don’t you think it’s shameless when we aren’t even married yet?”

“It’s right next door anyway.”

“Since it’s right next door, you should go to your own room first, then politely ask permission to visit mine. I also need time to myself.”

“…So cold.”

“Not at all.”

Belia turned her head sharply away from him.

Khalid couldn’t help smiling at her childish sulkiness.

“You promised to tell me how today went when I returned.”

He coaxed her gently.

“I only came because I wanted to hear it from you, Belia.”

His entire demeanor conveyed sincerity, free of ulterior motives. Even his voice was calmer and softer than usual, without its usual suggestive undertone—clean and plain.

But Belia remained limp and motionless, as if she truly had no strength left.

“Go back to your own room. It’s rude for a prince of the Empire to barge into another’s chamber like this.”

“Mm. Are you very tired?”

“Yes.”

What to do with her?

Khalid tried a playful trick.

“Then shall I hold you while you rest?”

“…Without even washing? Absolutely not.”

Her wall was firm.

Khalid was left speechless.

“Hmm…”

He rubbed his chin, looking troubled.

“…Then would it be all right if I washed first?”

“Acting cute won’t work on me.”

Still, as Khalid continued to pester her, Belia finally rolled her heavy body around to face him.

“Go wash up. I don’t like anyone lying on my bed without bathing first…”

“Haha. I’ll be right back then.”

Khalid rose from the chair and opened the connecting door to his own room.

Belia, watching absently, stretched her arms overhead with a groan.

“Ugh, my body’s so stiff.”

She had been more tense than she realized. She was more exhausted than ever—on the verge of falling asleep right then and there.

Khalid will be back soon…

And with that, her consciousness slipped away.