TRETTHD 58

TRETTHD

Posted by Tommy Vercetti, Released on August 29, 2025

#58. Coming Together

The young ladies of noble families visited the Imperial Palace to discuss the upcoming charity bazaar.

Belia welcomed them into the drawing room, where she had prepared light refreshments.

“Welcome.”

“Your Highness!”

The young women, dressed elegantly for the occasion, were greeted warmly by Belia.

Today’s guests radiated bright energy, smiling endlessly as if they were in particularly high spirits. Watching them like that, Belia couldn’t help but find them rather endearing.

Khalid never felt this young when I first met him… how strange.

Belia chuckled softly to herself before guiding them to their seats.

“Thank you so much for inviting us, Princess.”

All eyes, full of affection, turned toward her. Belia smiled kindly and asked,

“You all already know why I’ve invited you here today, don’t you?”

“Of course!”

One of the younger noble ladies answered brightly, laughing in a cheerful trill that made the others laugh along with her. The girls’ lively energy was infectious.

“Haha. Then first, let me briefly explain what preparations are underway, and after that, I’d like to hear your opinions.”

Belia sipped her tea, then gently set her cup down before continuing.

“As you all know, I support artists. I intend to sell their works through an auction.”

At first, she had considered setting fixed prices and holding a traditional exhibition to display and sell the works. But with so many participants interested, she decided to change the method.

“If it’s to be sold at auction, we’ll need a grand promotion among the nobility, won’t we?”

“Yes, that’s correct. Which is why I need your help.”

Belia naturally drew them into the heart of the event, rallying their enthusiasm to make it a success together.

“The artists I support are very diverse—painters, sculptors, potters, musicians. Some of them cannot sell tangible works. A typical bazaar would inevitably exclude them.”

That was why she had come up with this idea.

“To include everyone, I plan to style the event more like a party. Something that breaks the usual mold of a bazaar and makes it into a rich, enjoyable experience. What do you all think?”

The musicians, who had no objects to sell, would perform live at the event.

Chefs would also be hired so the nobles attending could enjoy a banquet while participating in the auction. Done right, it could be a splendid affair.

“Not every work can be put up for auction. How do you plan to decide which will be included?”

It was Rachel who raised the question, having listened attentively all the while.

“We’ll carefully select only the works worthy of auction after reviewing them in person. I’d like you all to accompany me when that time comes.”

Rachel nodded in agreement.

“That sounds good.”

If the bazaar proceeded in the atmosphere Belia envisioned, even those uninterested in buying might still come just to enjoy the festivities. Rachel asked another question, curiosity gleaming.

“If it’s not rude of me to ask—how exactly will the proceeds be used?”

“Not rude at all. That’s something I should certainly make clear.”

Belia smiled and explained.

The sales profits had already been agreed upon: half would go to the artists, and half to Belia.

For the artists—still newcomers—this bazaar was a chance to make their names known. Moreover, since Belia had been supporting them by covering everything from material costs to living expenses, the artists were moved when she promised to distribute the sales profits transparently as well. They accepted without hesitation.

“The share that remains after giving the artists their half will all be used for food distribution to the poor during the harsh winter.”

The young noble ladies, listening closely, now wore expressions of deep admiration.

“It’s truly… such an honor to be able to take part in something so meaningful, Princess.”

Rachel clasped her hands together, gazing at Belia with admiration once more.

“I should be the one thanking you. Your participation touches me deeply. I’m sure this will succeed.”

Belia’s calm yet warm smile made the girls beam as if the bazaar were already destined for success.

“Oh! Recently, I heard there’s a surplus of flowers left from the seasonal harvest. What if we purchase them to decorate the venue?”

It was Susan, of Count Sapio’s household, who offered the idea.

“A wonderful suggestion,” Belia answered brightly. “It would support the farmers and make the venue more beautiful as well.”

Once one idea was embraced, others eagerly shared their own. Among them, one in particular made Belia’s eyes light up.

“My father was so delighted when I told him about this that he wishes to participate under our family’s name. We’ll contribute several heirlooms from our collection to the auction, and we’d like all the proceeds to go toward the cause.”

Rachel’s declaration prompted the others to say they had spoken with their families as well, and that they too would contribute.

“Oh my… thank you, truly…!”

Belia was so moved she could hardly speak.

Most nobles of the Empire were carefully balancing between Raoul and Khalid. Many even believed Raoul had a better chance of becoming the next Emperor.

Because of this, Belia had assumed that, even if the young ladies helped her personally, their families’ names would remain absent from the event.

Yet, their willingness to offer wholehearted support showed that their kindness toward Belia was genuine.

“I felt so overwhelmed, wondering how I could possibly manage all this alone with so few allies in the Empire… but with your help, everything feels so much more achievable.”

“Please, let us know if there’s ever anything else we can do!”

They all laughed together, rolling up their sleeves in spirited unity.

For the first time, Belia felt the joy of preparing something alongside others with such bright hearts, and her own heart swelled warmly.

All of the young women were lovely, but Rachel had a particularly uplifting presence.

Moreover, since she adored Belia and followed her so closely, the two had grown especially close of late.

“Princess, what do you think of this one?”

“Oh, that’s wonderful.”

Rachel had an excellent eye. Every piece she picked was exactly to Belia’s taste.

“As for the others, let’s think on them a little more. We’ll stop here for now.”

Belia turned to address the group.

“Still, we found so many promising works today.”

“Yes. I never realized there were so many talented artists.”

They all enjoyed the selection process without a trace of boredom, which warmed Belia’s heart.

Grateful, she suggested a small tea time.

“Shall we have some refreshments?”

“Oh! Truly?”

“Of course.”

Leaving the tidying to her maids and attendants, Belia led the girls toward the reception room.

Their cheerful chatter filled the air, and Belia found herself smiling unconsciously.

Being with them made her feel like an ordinary girl herself. She wasn’t really so young anymore, but their bright, lively presence was simply delightful.

I used to always be alone in society…

Though she met many people through official work, she never had anyone she could truly call a friend. Perhaps the closest had been Derrick.

Her life in the Empire had been filled with loneliness.

“My second brother says he once caught a glimpse of you from afar, Your Highness.”

Rachel smiled at her.

“Really?”

“Yes. He said you were so beautiful that I grew curious myself.”

“Fufu, how flattering.”

Belia laughed as she chatted happily with Rachel. But then, a voice called out from behind her, stopping her in her tracks.

“Belia.”

She turned at the sound to see Khalid approaching.

“Ah!”

The young women around her gasped, startled at the sudden appearance of the Second Prince.

It wasn’t strange for him to be here—this was his palace—but despite Belia’s many gatherings, they had never once run into him before.

“We greet Your Highness the Prince. Glory to the Empire.”

Rachel curtseyed gracefully.

The others, belatedly collecting themselves, followed suit.

Khalid acknowledged their greetings with a mere nod before fixing his gaze on Belia.

“Are you busy?”

“Uh, well… I was just about to have tea with these ladies.”

At her answer, Khalid’s expression visibly fell.

Oh?

Rachel’s eyes glittered with interest.

“You’ve been busy a lot lately.”

“I can’t help it—it’s all for the bazaar preparations.”

Belia gave a slightly awkward smile.

“Were you headed somewhere?”

Khalid didn’t answer.

…He almost looked sulky.

Wait—was he planning to spend time with me?

Recently, Belia had been so tired from running around that she always fell asleep early. Khalid, too, had been busier than ever, managing mining operations and various investments.

In truth, he was every bit as overworked as she was. It felt like ages since they’d actually had time to face each other like this.

“Khalid?”

Belia called his name uncertainly.

He stood silently, simply watching her. Outwardly calm, but inwardly brimming with tangled emotions.

Why do I feel like the petty one here…

Belia had been meeting with these young ladies every day.

Of course, the bazaar was imminent, but still—it was too much.

Even when he rushed to see her, she was already asleep. When he rose early to wait for her, she left at once for her schedule.

Surely she could spare just one day for him.

Especially since the art selections were already finished!

He hadn’t come unplanned either—he had deliberately chosen this time after confirming she was free.

And yet, once again, he was pushed aside. The pang of disappointment flared in his chest.