Chapter 81…………………………….
With everyone watching wide-eyed, the boat released at the lakeside slid across the water as if it were alive.
Then…
Unlike three years ago, when it had sunk with a plop, it floated upward powerfully, as if someone were pushing it from below.
“Oh! The boat’s floating! It’s floating!”
The spectators shouted in surprise.
It was real.
I was surprised too, but I stood there calmly, pretending nothing had happened, flicking my hair with my hand.
“Why are you all so shocked? Isn’t this obvious? Three years ago there must have been some mistake. By all accounts, I am a fine talent of the Rosen family.”
As my arrogant words echoed, the “Heart of the Rose” hanging around my neck flashed brilliantly.
“Impressive, Your Highness!”
Aldensis shouted loudly and applauded.
The ultimate villainess. Just passing the exam after failing the impossible one earned the crown prince’s applause.
“You flatter me.”
It was a little embarrassing, but I held my head high and shrugged proudly.
“Remarkable, Aristina!”
“Congratulations, Your Highness.”
“As expected of our Aristina!”
Even the Second Prince, the head of the Holy Church, and the true protagonist of this story, Serene, applauded, not wanting to be left out.
Also present were my great-aunt, the Grand Chancellor, and various nobles forced to watch because the duke had blocked the exits…
For a retest, the audience was extravagantly impressive.
I wondered how frustrated those who had hoped for my failure must be now.
And…
“How many points did I score with Duke Kanel?”
I turned to look at him.
The duke’s pale face now glowed with satisfaction.
He had finally made up for the shame that had woken him from sleep before. He didn’t even hide his pride.
Of course, due to the events just before the ceremony, he must still be unsettled. But…
“No matter if the family’s in shambles, or someone betrayed you—if you just appear fine to others, that’s all that matters.”
On that point, Duke Kanel and I agreed without words.
“As head of the Rosen family, I hereby proclaim that the ancestral spirits recognize Aristina Bianca Rosen, the rightful heir, as having the qualifications of a successor!”
Duke Kanel raised his hand and declared it magnificently.
Above him, fireworks exploded in the night sky with a bang! Arrows of light streaked upward before bursting dazzlingly in all directions.
Above the heads of the ball’s attendees, multicolored fireworks rained down, and the sky blazed brilliantly in sync with the orchestra’s grand march.
People were entranced, staring at the sky.
“Incredible…”
Of course. What was erupting wasn’t just fireworks—it was the Duke family’s money.
A hundred million per two minutes.
With bundles of cash evaporating into the night sky, I had successfully passed the heir qualification exam.
That was enough.
“Money really is wonderful.”
Whispers reached my ears.
“So, does this mean Aristina will inherit the Duke’s estate?”
“No, not yet! She just gained heir qualifications; she’s not the successor.”
“But if she really becomes the heir…”
I could feel how people’s perceptions had changed.
Everyone had assumed I had no chance, but now I was at least at the starting line.
“Everyone saw that, right?”
I surveyed the crowd, eyes sharp. They flinched and stepped back.
“Being the social pariah hasn’t changed, though.”
I wasn’t being ostracized by the world; I was bypassing it.
Just then, a noblewoman stepped forward from the circle of people keeping their distance.
“Congratulations, Your Highness.”
It was none other than Lady Lilibeth Oclair, the marquis’s daughter—the one I had collided with at the luxury store.
What’s gotten into this proud young lady?
Everyone stared in surprise. I was also surprised but concealed it.
“Thank you, Lady Lilibeth. How have you been?”
“Thanks to you, Your Highness.”
She spoke elegantly and performed a graceful knee bow.
“I truly mean it. I keep thinking of what you said at the luxury store: ‘Stop being bullied by your family elders. They’ll try to subtly manipulate you again.’”
“That’s right.”
“As expected, the elders tried to cover for my uncle once more. At that moment, something snapped inside me. I lost my composure and poured out all I’d held back: ‘Is it me or my uncle? Choose.’ Acting decisively, my uncle was eventually sent off to a rural estate with nothing but a chicken coop.”
“Oh my, that’s wonderful.”
“Indeed. I felt so relieved!”
Her face showed genuine satisfaction.
“Your words were frustrating at the time, but ultimately very helpful. Everyone kept telling me to endure, but the real advice that benefited me was yours. I’ve misunderstood you all this time.”
“Not at all. I could be harsh too.”
In front of everyone, we shook hands warmly.
“So, regarding living as a family’s black sheep…”
Lady Lilibeth stayed close, seeking my guidance.
Perhaps she drew courage from the scene.
“Your Highness, how did you manage a refund at the Meribel boutique? They really don’t refund there.”
Other young ladies approached timidly, asking questions.
Soon, people swarmed around like clouds.
Until just now, I had maintained my aloof composure… but now, I couldn’t help but feel a subtle thrill.
“Hmph! Finally, they see my true worth.”
I opened my fan and gave arrogant advice.
“Oh, so you have to act strong to be heard…”
“Truly excellent. Wait, I’ll take notes.”
I was getting carried away with their reactions when…
“Next, we will have an opera performance to celebrate the princess!”
Seeing the outdoor stage light up, I snapped back to reality.
“Well, that’s enough. See you later.”
I quickly left.
It was nice to savor the victory, but now wasn’t the time. My duty for the family was done; now survival came first.
Even now, Eunice must be screaming injustice, and her allies at the Duke’s mansion awaited news. I could not forget them.
My top survival priority was that.
“Alright, let’s clean house.”
As I darted across the ballroom, avoiding people like lightning, someone suddenly appeared in front of me.
“Wait, Aristina.”
It was Zikren. He had also slipped out of the crowd.
‘Ah.’
I appraised him up and down. Even while hurrying, I had to comment.
“Countess Perez’s daughter—truly beautiful, wasn’t she?”
Zikren flinched.
“Haha…”
Ruffling his red hair awkwardly, he started explaining.
“I knew it was a trap investigation. I didn’t lie just to you. To avoid suspicion, I had to spread rumors about Countess Perez’s daughter everywhere.”
He glanced at my face.
“By the way, it’s impressive that you remember the name. No matter how much others pry into my private life, you’ve never shown the slightest interest in me.”
“That’s not true. If the Second Prince likes someone, you can’t ignore even their name. It’s basic social etiquette.”
“Maybe so?”
His golden eyes glimmered with delight.
“Anyway, congrats on passing. You’ve removed the obstacle, now just enjoy the party. Did you know, Aristina? This is the first time we haven’t fought at a party. Shall we commemorate it with some fun?”
He extended his hand to me.
“…?”
Everyone watching us gasped.
Of course, Prince Zikfrieden usually dragged me outside at every party, but now Zikren politely asked me to dance—it felt like the world had flipped.
Zikren’s face showed excitement at the ball, along with a fresh, charming smile.
In that moment, his unique attire and dazzling accessories made him look like a fairy-tale prince. Holding his hand felt like something wonderful could happen.
“….”
I noticed some young ladies who often mocked me turn pale.
‘Shall I make a few faint from shock?’
Just then, Zikren staggered—pushed by the crowd.
“Excuse me! Your Highness! Those in the back suddenly moved…”
Through the frantic apologies, someone else appeared—the blonde Crown Prince.
“Ah, there you are, Your Highness.”
Aldensis quickly stood before me.
“It just occurred to me. Earlier, I was busy chasing Prince Istahn and left you unattended. To turn my back on a lady without explanation is the height of rudeness, so I would like to request a dance as an apology.”
Then, lowering his voice, he whispered:
“You were going to unleash your hair and chase off the ladies, right? I need that now!”
“Eh?”
“Save me.”
Aldensis extended his hand.
Despite his elegant, fresh smile, his gaze was intense and relentless.
He wouldn’t grab my hand outright, but once he did, I felt he would never let go.
Perhaps my heart raced because I had long loved him.
Then…
“But above all, the most important thing is the advancement of our empire’s scholarship.”
A proud, confident voice hit my ears. Ruelian was striding over from the other side.
“I was worried about not receiving a report before starting the prayer. Now, I must at least get a verbal report. Shall we, Your Highness?”
He gestured toward the balcony on the ballroom’s second floor.
People looked confused.
Is that a place for academic reports? Isn’t that where lovers meet secretly? Everyone seemed baffled, yet he was confident.
Though he didn’t extend his hand like the others, he leaned closest to me.
Recalling the earlier ballroom incident, my ears felt hot.
Rules required avoiding contact, but it felt like he could close the distance anytime. His violet eyes radiated intensity.
“Aristina! We have a duty to liven up this ball!”
“I’m in trouble without the princess. I just witnessed hell.”
“Rather than personal matters, I believe advancing imperial religious studies is important…”
Three people, each polite yet unwilling to back down, created an incredible scene. People watching couldn’t believe it.
“Why are they acting like this? Men who had no interest in women are suddenly all vying for Aristina!”
“Stay calm. They must have their reasons.”
“But still, this is absurd!”
As the ballroom buzzed around me,
“Wait!”
Through the crowd, Serene appeared.
“Why are those who were so cold to Aristina suddenly acting like this?”
Zikren looked flustered.
“I….”
“No, Prince Zikren. It’s not a question, don’t answer. I know everything.”
“What do you mean, Serene?”
She pouted.
“They’re taking advantage of the attention on the host to create the impression of ‘kind even to the villainess.’”
“….”
“But what can we do? Sadly, we’ve agreed to toast as soon as this ends. Come, Aristina!”
Zikren, Aldensis, and Ruelian looked at Serene, slightly open-mouthed, and echoed:
“‘Aristina’?”
“Why? Is there a problem? You allowed me to call you that. Isn’t that right, Aristina?”
Serene extended her hand.
Now four surrounded me.
Who would Princess Aristina choose? Everyone watched with keen curiosity.
