~Chapter 43~
“All done!”
The princess raised a document high in the air, her voice cheerful.
It was the flower order sheet for the upcoming party.
“Lady Ansi, look! I completed the whole order form myself!”
She waved the paper enthusiastically and urged me to check it.
“Great job. Let me take a look.”
I took the paper and quickly skimmed it.
Satisfied, I smiled.
“Approved.”
“Yay!”
She was overjoyed.
Her paperwork skills had definitely improved lately.
I felt proud too—like watching a younger sister I’d helped raise grow up beautifully.
“Just wait and see, Lady Ansi.”
With excitement in her eyes, she clenched her fists in determination.
“I’ll make sure your first dance is with my brother!”
“Haha…”
All I could do was smile awkwardly.
Of course, every lady in high society dreamed of sharing their first dance with Duke Claudius.
How could they not?
Status, looks, wealth, power—he was unmatched across the entire empire.
He was practically a prince straight out of a fairytale.
But still…
‘There’s no way someone like the Duke would actually attend, right?’
I was skeptical.
He was always extremely busy, and the only reason he was even in the Ansi territory now was for work.
His time was far too valuable for such a wish to come true.
Just as I gave a dry smile at the thought, the princess suddenly stood up.
“I’ll be right back!”
I looked up at her in confusion.
“Where are you going…?”
“Hmm…”
Her eyes darted about, and she gave an ambiguous smile.
“It’s a secret.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll be back soon, okay?”
And with that, she dashed out the room.
‘What’s with this sudden burst of energy?’
I sat there, stunned, just watching her go.
At that moment—
“Larit.”
A voice called my name.
When I turned around, it was my mother, peeking into the room.
“Mom?”
She walked in quietly and glanced around.
“Where’s the princess?”
“She stepped out for a bit. She’ll be back soon.”
“I see.”
She nodded, then narrowed her eyes slightly.
“Larit… didn’t you leave out an important detail when explaining things to me?”
“What do you mean?”
“How did you become friends with the Claudius princess?”
Ah.
A cold sweat ran down my back.
“I-I don’t know. It just kind of happened.”
I couldn’t exactly tell her I made a friendship contract in a moment of desperation…
Thankfully, that didn’t seem to be what she was focused on.
“Still, I’m really glad.”
“Huh? About what?”
“The princess seems like a good person.”
She smiled gently at me.
“Even though she has such a high status, she’s very down-to-earth.
You’ve noticed it too, right?”
Though she trailed off, I understood what she meant.
I hadn’t realized before…
My parents always told me to get along with friends, even when Seraphina was involved…
They probably never let on how much it hurt them to see me being mistreated.
While I was lowering myself and enduring disrespect just to stay close to Gregory and Seraphina…
My parents must have been heartbroken watching their only daughter suffer.
“I’m really happy you’ve found a good friend.”
My mother softly touched the back of my hand.
Something deep inside me ached at her warm smile.
“Don’t worry, Mom.”
I answered as brightly as I could.
“The princess is nothing like Gregory or Seraphina.
She treats me really well.”
“Yes, I can see that too.”
Her voice was slightly emotional.
Without thinking, I squeezed her hand tightly.
It had been a long time since I’d had such a tender moment with my mom.
Meanwhile…
Evangeline stomped down the hallway.
“Ugh, would it kill him to say he’s coming to the party?! Seriously?!”
She was furious.
And with good reason—her dear older brother still hadn’t replied!
She was now prepared to bombard him with letter after letter if that’s what it took.
Yesterday evening, she’d sent a letter.
This morning—another.
She had completely forgotten the concept of giving people time to respond.
‘Does he really think I’ll give up that easily?!’
Her blue eyes burned with fire.
Now, it was about pride.
She had already told Larit—
“Lady Ansi’s first dance will absolutely be with my brother!”
She’d even pounded her chest while declaring it.
Of course, she didn’t mention her letter campaign to Larit—Larit would definitely have tried to stop her.
‘Why is he acting so expensive about this? I tell him to come, so just come already!’
Just then—
“Princess!”
A voice called out.
Evangeline turned around.
A maid bowed politely.
“You’ve received a letter, Your Highness.”
No way…?!
She snatched the letter from the maid’s hand.
The envelope was signed in elegant script: Dietrich von Claudius.
“It’s from my brother!”
Eyes sparkling, she tore open the envelope.
Her face lit up instantly.
“Yes!!”
‘I have to tell Lady Ansi right away!’
She rushed back to the lounge—
“Lady An— Huh?”
Just as she reached to open the door, she paused.
“…The princess seems like a good person.”
She overheard gentle voices coming from inside.
Evangeline’s eyes widened.
‘That’s…’
It was Larit’s mother, the Marchioness of Ansi.
“Even though she has such a high status, she’s very down-to-earth. You’ve noticed it too, right?”
The marchioness smiled at Larit.
“I’m really happy you’ve found a good friend.”
“Don’t worry, Mom.”
“The princess is nothing like Gregory or Seraphina.
She treats me really well.”
Listening from the hallway, Evangeline smiled proudly.
But one detail caught her attention—
“Lari.”
That nickname.
Everyone—Larit’s parents, Seraphina—called her “Lari.”
‘Even Seraphina uses it…’
Evangeline pouted.
‘I’m her friend too. We even signed a friendship contract!’
‘When will I be allowed to call her by a nickname too…?’
Finally, the Day of the Party
The grand ballroom, open for the first time in a while, looked like a blooming summer garden.
Everywhere were floral decorations that the princess had carefully planned.
Silver candlesticks and polished silverware gleamed bright enough to reflect one’s face.
Light sparkled from the chandelier above.
And in the center of it all—
I stood tall, greeting the arriving guests.
“Thank you so much for attending our family’s party.”
I welcomed them with a graceful smile.
