CHAPTER 57……………………………………….
“Thank you so much for coming.”
The Belron Marquis family’s banquet.
Regina greeted the guests in the lobby as if she were the host herself.
The official reason was that the Marchioness of Belron was unwell and had appointed her as a representative.
At this point, everyone found it strange but couldn’t bring themselves to say anything.
“It’s been a while, Princess.”
Nepheli seemed to feel the same way, approaching Regina first.
“Thank you for coming, Viscount Sinclair.”
“It’s only natural. It’s a summons from the Marchioness of Belron.”
After that, even more people approached Regina.
Those who had been hesitant due to Nepheli’s group now came forward to greet her.
“She looks happy.”
Tricia watched Regina’s behavior from the stairs.
She judged it better to stay quiet for now, not knowing what kind of trap might be set.
“Long time no see, Master.”
A familiar voice called Tricia at that moment.
After making sure no one was around, Tricia met his gaze.
“Millard.”
Tricia frowned.
“Where is Princess Hestia?”
“She’s with Brother Edwin.”
Millard shrugged, explaining that Edwin had suggested spending some private time with Hestia, for reasons unknown.
“…Edwin, with Princess Hestia?”
“Strange, isn’t it?”
Tricia’s face showed her puzzlement. Why Hestia, of all people, at this time…
Worried that it might be another attempt at poisoning, she hesitated—but Millard continued.
“Maybe he’s trying to divert attention.”
At Millard’s words, Tricia lifted her head.
“Look over there.”
Her gaze followed where Millard pointed.
There, as before, was Regina greeting the guests.
“Perhaps the princess asked him to do this because she wanted to be the center of attention.”
“…It’s not impossible.”
If Hestia and Edwin were absent, the next to receive attention would be either Tricia herself, the Duchess of Mason, or Millard.
But neither of them enjoyed being in the spotlight, so eventually only Regina would remain.
‘So she wants to build connections even with those who normally avoid approaching the princess.’
This was something Regina had done when she was a maid in the princess’s palace in her previous life.
Though Tricia hadn’t expected her to do the same at someone else’s family banquet.
“Is the princess safe?”
“I assigned ten guards. All inconspicuous, but skilled.”
Millard assured her that even if Edwin tried anything, he wouldn’t stand a chance.
“But he could still attempt poisoning.”
“At someone else’s family gathering?”
“You never know.”
“Besides, Sister carries her own cutlery, and the maid tastes the food first. It should be fine.”
Hearing Millard put it that way, Tricia finally felt somewhat reassured.
“Haven’t seen you in a while, and you have nothing to say to me?”
“What about?”
“It feels a little disappointing. You’ve only been talking about everyone else.”
“What are you talking about…”
She was about to dismiss it as nonsense when she sensed a presence.
Looking around, the corridor was empty—only she and Millard were there.
If anyone found out she was alone with Millard here… the thought made her shiver.
“This way.”
Without giving her time to respond, Millard pulled Tricia into his arms.
Then he covered her face with his cloak.
It was clearly an intimate gesture, and her heart fluttered.
“What! D-Duke Winchester?”
A passing noble recognized Millard and acknowledged him.
Millard smiled warmly, patting Tricia’s head.
From the man’s perspective, he only saw Tricia’s back, wrapped in the cloak, but his flushed face was clearly visible.
“I’m a little busy right now.”
He kissed her neck while still covering her eyes.
“I wish you’d stop.”
“Ah, y-yes!”
Startled by the bold display of affection, the man hurriedly left, blushing.
A moment later, Tricia gently pushed Millard away after making sure no one was around.
“Thanks for your help.”
“Help? If rumors spread, it’s just as troublesome for me.”
Millard shrugged, then looked around before speaking.
“Let’s move somewhere else. There’s something I need to tell you.”
After confirming no one was nearby, Millard took Tricia’s hand.
Feeling the warmth of his hand, Tricia felt a pang of sadness.
“I heard you were looking for me.”
After greeting guests in the hall, Regina sought out the Marchioness of Belron’s room.
“…Yes. You’ve come well.”
As always, the Marchioness received her with a pale face and anxious eyes.
Dark circles under her eyes and bloodshot eyes gave her a frightening look.
‘Truly a gloomy and unpleasant woman.’
Who would think this woman had once been at the top of high society?
Regina clicked her tongue at the sight of the withered, almost skeletal Belron Marchioness, though she kept a smiling face.
She had always looked gloomy, but today she seemed even more nervous and anxious.
Probably because of Regina’s request to greet the family’s guests herself.
“So, what is it that you called me for?”
The Marchioness sighed at the question.
“You really do resemble the Seventh Empress.”
“I don’t understand what you mean.”
Regina smiled lightly, as if to dismiss the remark.
“Well, I’m her niece, so it’s natural I resemble her.”
“Ha…”
The Marchioness’s mouth twisted.
Her dark, corpse-like eyes were chilling, making Regina click her tongue quietly.
“So, what did you summon me for?”
It was the second time she asked.
Regina wanted to end this meaningless standoff quickly.
“I should return to the banquet soon.”
Knowing the Marchioness’s secret, Regina carried herself with utmost confidence.
Even now, that confidence didn’t waver.
Regina lifted her chin proudly, while the Belron Marchioness glared with bloodshot eyes.
Anyone could see who held the upper hand.
But Regina overlooked one fact…
The Marchioness was already backed into a corner.
And someone pushed to the edge has nothing to fear.
“You ask why I called you?”
The Marchioness’s twisted face slowly smoothed out.
Her corpse-like, expressionless face made Regina hesitate for the first time.
But pride quickly straightened her posture.
“We can’t stay like this forever, can we?”
The Marchioness took a deep breath and continued.
“Isn’t that right?”
With a knife hidden behind her back.
Tricia was discussing future plans with Millard.
They spoke quietly inside a curtained balcony, cautious that no one might overhear.
She kept watch at the door, not wanting another misunderstanding like earlier.
“Right, next…”
“Wait.”
Millard interrupted, putting a finger to his lips in a gesture to stay silent.
Tricia sensed movement outside and left Millard to step out onto the balcony.
A maid, peeking around as if looking for someone, spotted her and bowed.
“You’re here, Your Highness.”
“What is it?”
“Someone wishes to see you, Your Highness.”
Tricia’s eyes narrowed.
‘As I heard from Regina, the Marchioness of Belron wants to meet me.’
If she hadn’t misunderstood, that was definitely the impression.
‘Not a good feeling…’
She couldn’t refuse a summons from someone like the Marchioness without reason, so she decided to go.
“Where should I go?”
“…Follow me.”
The maid, head bowed, led the way. Tricia glanced back at the balcony where Millard remained, then silently followed.
Walking down the deserted corridor, she suddenly felt an ominous sense.
But was it just her imagination?
“This way.”
They arrived at the Marchioness’s door without incident.
Then it happened.
With a sharp scream, the door burst open, and the maid ran out.
