TRETTHD 42

#42. The Scheme

It had been the same in my previous life, and it was no different now.

“The princess really does dislike me.”

It wasn’t exactly surprising—this situation had played out the same way before. But as she looked around, she realized that all the noble ladies at the party were waiting for Belia’s response.

In an instant, it became clear that everyone except her had coordinated their words in advance.

Belia exhaled softly and opened her mouth, intending to give the most neutral answer possible.

But at that moment—

“Oh my! I’m so sorry. The Kingdom of Ronica is very different from the Empire, so you probably aren’t used to it… I shouldn’t have asked such a thing.”

Seeing that Belia was unlikely to fall into the trap she had set, she seemed to decide to switch tactics.

“She’s pretty perceptive.”

In that brief hesitation, she realized Belia had already caught on to the intent behind her words. She must have underestimated Elin Canterif before, thinking she would be an easy opponent—but it wasn’t as if she couldn’t handle something this minor.

“This tea is one I often drank back in the Kingdom of Ronica. That’s why I was truly delighted to see it.”

Belia clasped her hands together and spoke with genuine emotion.

“Since it’s imported from the Southern United Kingdoms, it must not be easy to obtain here in the Empire… I could tell how much effort Lady Duncan put in for this tea party.”

Elin Canterif’s expression darkened. This wasn’t the reaction she had expected.

“Also, this tea goes wonderfully with the pastries in front of us. You prepared them with that in mind, didn’t you?”

Belia asked Lady Duncan.

Lady Duncan glanced at Princess Canterif. But there was no reaction from Elin. Reluctantly, she lifted the corners of her mouth and replied:

“Ah… yes, that’s right…”

Clearly, all of this had been orchestrated by Princess Canterif. From her perspective, it must have been difficult to refuse.

“Sorry, but I can’t just let this slide either.”

Belia smiled and complimented Lady Duncan.

That was the conclusion.

“As I thought! From the moment I first smelled the tea, I knew you must be someone who loves it. I’m so glad to meet someone with the same hobby.”

She then calmly picked up a pastry, ate it with the tea, and remained perfectly composed.

Judging by Princess Canterif’s expression, it didn’t seem like it would end here. But since she had failed to seize the initiative, she decided to stop for now.

Murmurs spread throughout the garden.

“…It’s fortunate that the princess enjoyed the tea party. Lady Duncan must be relieved as well.”

“Princess Canterif seems very close with Lady Duncan, doesn’t she?”

Do I really have to say things like this for her? she thought wryly.

Princess Canterif smiled lightly and said:

“I merely mentioned it with good intentions.”

Truly a face showing complete innocence. She wasn’t the type to tremble at a small provocation. Belia made a mental note of this.

Princess Canterif continued, smiling kindly:

“And since we shared such a special occasion today, can we say that we, in a sense, are also rather close?”

Hoho.

Belia was quietly impressed. She couldn’t quite hide the slight crookedness of her mouth, but for an unmarried noblewoman, it was an impressively composed response.

“I see. You are so kind and generous, Princess. I am sincerely touched.”

“Oh my, Princess, you are the one speaking so warmly.”

Belia and Elin exchanged bright smiles.

Belia could discern two things today: the Canterif princess wielded more influence in the social sphere than expected, and surprisingly, the other noble ladies harbored no ill feelings toward her.

Now, how should I change the atmosphere of the social circle…

She noted that there was definitely a way to work her way into their midst—but she would have to think carefully about the method.

The final desserts were being served, signaling that the tea party was nearing its end.

I should get up at the right moment.

At that moment, a flustered maid came running toward them from the garden entrance. It was unusual for anyone to interrupt a tea party mid-way, so the action drew immediate attention.

Everyone stared, puzzled.

Good heavens…!

Through the maid, Belia noticed a familiar figure approaching leisurely.

Seeing a face that shouldn’t be here, Belia was startled and rose from her seat.

“Khalid?”

“Oh my. What brings Your Highness the Second Prince here…?”

“Good heavens!”

Khalid walked confidently toward Belia, showing no discomfort at being surrounded by women, and extended his hand kindly.

“I’ve come to pick you up.”

The nobles’ expressions showed their shock at seeing Khalid speak so tenderly. Furthermore, he was personally collecting his beloved from a ladies-only tea party, which stunned them even more.

“I came right on time. Did I arrive too early?”

Khalid asked Lady Duncan, the host.

“No, Your Highness. We were just about to wrap up.”

“I see. Then I may take Belia with me, yes?”

“Of course.”

With the host’s permission, Khalid grabbed Belia’s hand and helped her to her feet.

“Belia. They’re just finishing up, you see.”

Khalid often acted on impulse, but upon closer inspection, almost every action was calculated within his control. Thus, his sudden appearance at a ladies’ tea party felt somehow unlike him.

However, when Belia met his gaze, she recognized a familiar expression.

…I can’t survive this!

That expression mirrored the one he had worn when he greeted her in a playful, theatrical manner upon her first arrival in the Empire.

Belia realized he was deliberately acting this way and decided to play along.

“Sorry. I suppose I should be going first.”

“No! We were really just about to finish. You needn’t worry, Princess.”

Lady Duncan seemed grateful that Belia hadn’t pointed out the minor shortcomings in the tea party preparations. Her demeanor toward Belia had grown noticeably friendlier.

Seems she’s a little hurt by Princess Canterif…?

Of course, it didn’t mean she would sever ties with the princess, but a faint displeasure had shown.

“Please allow me to express my gratitude to Lady Duncan for her generosity.”

Belia turned toward the other noble ladies, who looked embarrassed.

“I’ll invite all of you to the Second Prince’s palace next time. We can talk more then.”

She struck a perfect balance—neither overly apologetic nor rude.

“Really? You’ll invite us?!”

“Of course.”

Being invited to the royal palace was a rare honor. The young ladies’ eyes sparkled, eager to brag about this to their families.

“Then, please excuse me for leaving first.”

Belia had been planning to host a tea party at the palace soon anyway, so this was a perfect opportunity to extend the invitation naturally.

She concluded, took Khalid’s hand, and exited the garden.

This wasn’t supposed to happen…

Princess Canterif clenched her fists under the table as she stared blankly at their departing backs.

Her fists trembled as she gripped them tightly.

Everyone was talking about how much the Second Prince loved Princess Belia.

How had it turned out this way?

According to the original plan, Princess Belia should have been cornered, left in an awkward situation, and isolated.

Elin gritted her teeth.

“Princess.”

“…Lady Duncan.”

Elin forced a smile and took Lady Duncan’s hand.

“I’m sorry.”

Lady Duncan let out a small sigh as she observed Elin, clearly upset.

“I shouldn’t have asked you to do something so unnecessary.”

“No, Princess.”

Elin lowered her gaze, looking sorrowful.

“I also feel so embarrassed in front of everyone here.”

Elin’s expression was sincere.

“I became so upset upon learning that Your Highness Raul had proposed to the princess that I acted out of petty jealousy.”

Her honest confession resonated with the remaining noble ladies. Anyone would have been sensitive if they met someone their fiancé had proposed to.

Though Princess Belia was a good person, the Canterif princess’ situation still seemed more pitiable.

“I’ll soon invite the ladies who were troubled today to my home, as an apology.”

Elin carefully rose, no longer wanting to remain.

Her anger had reached its limit.

“Then, I shall leave first as well.”

All the noble ladies watched as Princess Canterif departed, her faint smile still intact, feeling pity for her.

How dare she treat me like this?

Belia Ronica…!

Elin gritted her teeth and left the garden, her gaze fierce and venomous—a stark contrast to the expression she had shown toward the other noble ladies.

“Back to the manor.”

“Yes, Princess.”

As she rode in the carriage, Elin bit her nails, lost in thought.

The image of the Second Prince holding Princess Belia’s hand and disappearing wouldn’t fade.

She had never seen the usually dignified prince act so submissively toward anyone.

Just for the sake of one woman.

Hah, even coming to pick her up from the tea party?

It wasn’t amusing. Surely it was for show.

Yet… Raul had never treated Elin with such gestures, even when forced to act artificially.

…I’m the one who’s supposed to be engaged to him.

She vividly recalled Raul staring intently at Belia during the recent party.

In that possessive gaze, Princess Belia was smiling happily with the Second Prince.

Raul frowned at the sight and abruptly excused himself.

It’s not Princess Belia—I’m Raul’s fiancée…!

Elin, struggling to contain her frustration, bit her nails once again.