TCBCVF 21

~Chapter 21~

Evangeline von Claudius.

Like a single rose blooming on a cliff—noble and proud.

As the Empire’s only princess, her status alone made it impossible for others to approach her carelessly.

And Evangeline herself didn’t enjoy interacting with others.

To think Lady Ansi was now connected to someone like that.

Even though she was well-known in her region, Lady Ansi was still just the heir to a baron family that hadn’t made it into central nobility.

Comparing the Claudius dukedom to the Ansi barony was like comparing the sun to a firefly.

The difference in status was massive…

“And don’t forget what Lady Ansi used to do.”

She used to act like Lady Lopez’s maid, bowing and scraping without pride.

So, naturally, everyone thought the princess would be furious.

But instead…

“Did the princess really become friends with Lady Ansi?”

One noblewoman muttered in disbelief.

“We should check if the sun rises from the west tomorrow.”

Later.

After parting ways with the Duke, I stood near the wall, taking a break.

Maybe it was because the Duke was so famous, and he had suddenly shown up at the salon…

“Duke! It’s been so long!”
“I never expected to see you here…”

Everyone was desperate for a chance to talk to him.

“I should have escorted you a bit more.”
“No need to worry about me.”

I politely let him go.

We had done the polite thing, and I didn’t want to take up any more of his time.

“Being popular must be exhausting.”

Now alone, I took a drink from a passing servant.

I sipped it and opened my eyes wide.

“Oh—it’s almost like juice!”

I had suggested they serve drinks with low alcohol to avoid trouble, and it seemed the princess had listened.

“Larit, what do you know anyway?”
“Shouldn’t you just stay quiet?”

…Unlike Gregory and Seraphina, who always ignored me,

The princess actually took my advice seriously and tried to follow it.

It felt unfamiliar—but not in a bad way.

More like…

“It feels… good.”

Satisfied, I took another sip.

The sweet and slightly bitter drink cooled my throat.

But right then—

“Lady Ansi!”

The princess suddenly popped up from behind!

“Cough!”

I almost spat my drink out.

She looked around quickly, then glared and bombarded me with questions.

“Why are you alone? Where’s my brother?”

“Oh, he went to talk to some gentlemen about business. He said it was urgent…”

“Urgent? Really?”

She stomped her feet like she was frustrated.

“They just want to get in his good books and ask for investment! And you just let him go?”

Hmm…

I gave an awkward smile.

Actually, the Duke had been very polite.

“Are you sure it’s okay for me to leave?”
“Yes, of course!”

But I gently pushed him to go.

“He’s busy. I was grateful he escorted me this far.”

Honestly, think about it.

He’s the male lead of this world, and someday he’ll fall deeply in love with Seraphina.

Is there really any reason for me to get close to him?

“Don’t worry! I’ll tell my brother clearly after this event!”
“Ah—no, you don’t need to…”
“What do you mean I don’t?”

The princess clenched her fists and turned to me with a serious face.

“You’re my… my temporary friend! You mustn’t be treated poorly anywhere!”

…Um, I hadn’t really been treated poorly, though.

Just then, she looked curious and asked:

“By the way, are you in a good mood or something?”

“Huh? Why?”

“You’ve been smiling this whole time.”

Oh—had I?

I scratched my head a little awkwardly.

“Well, I sent a letter before coming to the salon today.”

“A letter? Was it important?”

“Not super important, but…”

My smile deepened slightly.

“I’m kind of looking forward to the reply.”

At that same time.

Seraphina sat stiffly in the drawing room of Baron Ventnor’s mansion.

Across from her were Gregory and the baroness. Seraphina felt like she was sitting on a bed of thorns.

And no wonder—the baroness, who had always looked at her kindly, now said coldly:

“Seraphina, is it because of you that we weren’t invited to the salon?”

…Her voice was colder than the winter wind.

Gregory jumped up in protest.

“Auntie! How can you say that?!”

“How dare you raise your voice to an elder?!”

The baroness glared at him.

“What, did I say something wrong? It’s true you and Larit had a falling out!”

Even though Gregory also treated Larit like a servant, the baroness blamed only Seraphina.

Then her criticism turned fully toward Seraphina.

“Sure, that girl Larit can be petty—but you should’ve known better than to provoke her!”

“……”

Seraphina didn’t reply. She just bit her lip and looked down sadly.

Gregory quickly jumped in to defend her.

“Don’t feel bad, Sera. Auntie didn’t mean it like that…”

But inside, Seraphina was fuming.

“That brat Larit—did she really not plan to invite me?”

She clenched the armrest of the chair tightly.

“How could she do this to me?”

A heavy feeling of defeat washed over her.

That idiot Larit was probably at the salon now, catching the attention of the Empire’s top nobles…

Meanwhile, Seraphina was stuck with boring Gregory and the baroness, sipping tasteless tea.

Even worse—

“I’m about to lose all the goodwill I built with the baroness!”

The way the baroness scolded her just now made it clear—she blamed Seraphina for everything.

Just then—

“Lady Lopez, a letter has arrived.”

“A letter? From who?”

“From Lady Ansi.”

What? Larit?

Seraphina blinked in surprise.

“Oh my! That girl Larit finally sent us an invitation?”
“Of course! Our Sera wouldn’t be left out!”

The baroness and Gregory reacted first, excitedly.

But Seraphina’s face only darkened.

“What is she plotting?”

Even when Seraphina went to her townhouse in person, Larit stayed cold.

And now she claimed to have convinced the princess?

Seraphina hesitated, then shook her head.

“No way. Larit can’t do anything without me.”

Dull Larit.

Always ignored wherever she went.

That crow-like girl didn’t belong at a fancy event like the Claudius salon.

“She must’ve gone, but probably can’t even mingle properly and feels completely out of place.”

But as she stared at the elegant envelope, Seraphina couldn’t help feeling excited.