Chapter 03
Having obtained her father’s approval, Liliana chose a modest dress for the party, in colors that blended with the walls of the royal palace, and selected jewelry that was elegant but not overly flashy.
Even so, it couldn’t be too plain, as this was a palace event.
This kingdom had three princes. The second prince, Austin (20), was already engaged, so this party would likely be for finding a match for either the first prince, William (23), or the third prince, José (17).
These princes were extremely handsome, and highly popular among the young noblewomen.
Prince William had earned his position as Vice-Captain of the Royal Guard through his own abilities. His skill was widely recognized, yet he was said never to have been seen smiling, his face always serious. For this reason, he was often called “the Ice Prince.”
Prince Austin, by contrast, was always smiling, earning him the somewhat awkward title of “the Smiling Prince.”
(By the way, his fiancée was a marquis’s daughter, a young lady perfectly suited to the sheltered elegance expected of her rank.)
Prince José, unlike the other two, had an extremely charming appearance and was nicknamed “the Angel.”
It seemed José felt insecure about his cute looks, so this nickname was likely a source of humiliation for him.
Many noblewomen were aiming to become the fiancée of either Prince William or Prince José.
No doubt on the day of the party, there would be so many exquisitely dressed young ladies that one’s eyes would nearly ache from the glittering display.
Liliana looked at her own relatively plain dress and jewelry—carefully chosen to make it obvious that she was not trying to win over any prince—and nodded with satisfaction.
“Keep the makeup light on the day, okay?”
Naturally, Liliana instructed her maid, Molly, who couldn’t help but laugh in exasperation.
“You’re the only lady I’ve ever seen who asks to look plain at a royal palace party. Won’t that actually make you stand out?”
“No, I can’t stand out. I want to blend into the background. I even picked a dress the same color as the palace walls so I can practically become one with them during the party. Oh, and I don’t need a corset. There should be plenty of delicious food at the palace, after all. I’d rather enjoy the food than the princes.”
“Milady… please, I beg you, do not eat too much at the royal party…”
“…Yes.”
Seventeen-year-old Molly, head maid of the Villiers household, had grown up like a sister to Liliana and felt no need for restraint or politeness.
And Liliana, of course, could never assert herself against such a bold companion.
