Chapter 20
Two hours later.
“Try smiling a bit more subtly.”
Lady Chano sighed, clearly exasperated.
Azellina felt the same frustration.
“…What on earth is a ‘subtle smile’?”
A smile is just a smile.
Azellina had never heard the phrase “smile subtly” in her life.
It seemed clear why Lady Chano was called the matron of the social scene.
Even someone with no knowledge of etiquette or trends would find it difficult to avoid mistakes at social events after such rigorous training.
Lady Chano’s lessons were genuinely demanding. Azellina had not realized this before, when Lady Chano had helped her with her appearance—those sessions had been nothing like this.
Seeing Azellina struggle to understand, Lady Chano added:
“In the Western Continent’s social circles, subtle smiles are in vogue over bright, cheerful ones.”
It was a trend she didn’t know about.
‘I thought my aunt was the type who insisted on following every trend…’
Azellina sighed, recalling the aunt who had been in charge of her social education since childhood. Compared to Lady Chano, her aunt had been far gentler.
Noticing the fatigue on Azellina’s face, Lady Chano let out a small sigh and said,
“You seem very tired. Shall we call it a day?”
“Yes, please,” Azellina pleaded sincerely.
Lady Chano smiled lightly and nodded.
“By the way, are you familiar with the Lankea Marquis family?”
“Hmm… not really, I don’t know much.”
Of course, Irene had been a very close lady-in-waiting, and Azellina had valued her in her own way.
But before her regression, Azellina had never cared about the political situation or family affairs, so it was natural that she was ignorant about them.
“Then I’ll just give you a brief overview.”
Azellina thought it was better to just listen quietly than to force a painful smile. She quickly nodded, hoping Lady Chano wouldn’t change her mind.
“The Lankea Marquis family is very fortunate. Originally, they were under the influence of Prince Dave, the first prince, but when the palace upheaval occurred, they switched allegiance to the second prince. Ah, are you familiar with the relationship between the Lady of Lankea and Princess Shulia, the second princess?”
Before Azellina could respond, Lady Chano continued.
“The previous emperor had two empresses. The first, Empress Bonita, gave birth to two princes and one princess. Prince Dave, the first prince, rebelled and was executed soon after the emperor’s death. The second prince became the current emperor, and Princess Iris, the first princess, became the duchess of the southern Igretan duchy.”
Azellina nodded. She already knew this basic political background.
“After Empress Bonita passed away, the emperor took a second empress, Jenia, the second empress. She was originally one of the emperor’s many consorts, but she was the only one to bear a child, so after the first empress passed, she became the new empress. She had three princes and one princess. Prince Edwin, the third prince, and Prince Rakiel, the fifth, conspired with their brothers to rebel and were executed. Prince Shirdel, the fourth prince, was revealed to have plotted a rebellion and is currently in hiding, which is a very sensitive issue for the royal family. The youngest is Princess Shulia, the second princess.”
Lady Chano, clearly interested in these matters, spoke without pause, then hesitated for a moment as if trying to restrain herself.
“This isn’t the place for deeper discussions, but it would be wise for Your Highness to pay attention to Princess Shulia. There are reasons why many people particularly flatter her circle. One of the people in Princess Shulia’s circle is the Lady of Lankea.”
“I see… Lady, you seem very knowledgeable about these matters.”
“Hoho, young ladies are easily swayed by even small rumors, so I make sure to stay informed in advance to take good care of them.”
Lady Chano said with a smile.
Azellina awkwardly forced a smile in response, nodding along.
A few days later, at the Lankea Marquis residence.
‘Princess Shulia…’
As Lady Chano had said, Princess Shulia appeared at the Lankea Marquis residence.
Behind her were her guard, Levein, and an unnamed knight. Many ladies’ eyes were drawn to Levein, likely because of his striking appearance.
The event was held in the garden, giving it a pleasant atmosphere.
Azellina liked the fresh and bright setting. She even resolved that if she had the chance, she would hold her own garden party someday.
“Oh my, Your Highness, you’ve come as well.”
“The Lady of Lankea personally sent the invitation.”
As usual, the guests were eagerly socializing to network with as many people as possible.
Of course, Azellina found herself left out.
‘I’d be grateful if I don’t embarrass myself here.’
Just then, young ladies who had been hesitating in the corner began to approach Azellina.
They appeared to be around the same age as the maidservants.
The faces seemed familiar, but not familiar enough to recognize. They didn’t seem to be particularly close to her.
The young ladies greeted Azellina warmly with bright smiles.
“Your Majesty, the Empress is here too!”
“We’re so glad you came.”
‘…Are they sincere?’
Azellina was taken aback, expecting most of the ladies to belong to the so-called “Anti-Igreta Empress Alliance.”
She couldn’t think of a proper reply, but the young ladies chattered on regardless.
“We were surprised when you suddenly disappeared that day.”
“Are you feeling alright? You got drenched in the rain that day.”
Seeing these young ladies genuinely worried about her without a hint of malice made Azellina sweat nervously inside.
‘I thought everyone would try to isolate the Empress…’
She agreed silently with Iana’s muttered remark.
“I’m terribly sorry, but I don’t know who you all are. I wasn’t properly introduced that day before leaving.”
The young ladies didn’t hesitate at all and introduced themselves.
“I’m Hinia, Your Highness.”
“I’m Ruberea, Your Highness.”
“I’m Romantica Aer. It’s a pleasure, Your Highness!”
Seeing them introduce themselves so honestly and plainly, Azellina seriously pondered whether these young ladies had simply not heard the rumors about the Empress and were innocently trying to make friends.
When Azellina remained silent, Iana subtly urged her.
“Your Highness…! You should greet them too. This is your chance!”
Iana didn’t care whether these young ladies knew rumors about Azellina or not. Anyone approaching the Empress with goodwill was a blessing in her eyes.
“We already know who Your Highness is, so no introduction is necessary.”
“Oh, Your Highness, have you tried this tart? It’s delicious!”
Before Azellina could respond to Iana, Romantica almost shoved a tart into her mouth.
Though slightly overwhelmed, Azellina realized there was no ill intent and awkwardly smiled.
Meanwhile, in the sunlit garden, someone was watching Azellina and the young ladies very closely.
“This… can’t be…”
It was Levein, Princess Shulia’s guard.
‘How can someone so beautiful exist in this world?’
Levein repeated his astonishment in a daze. His subordinate, Felix, noticed something odd and spoke quietly.
“Sir Captain, if you love the Empress…”
Your head might get chopped off.
Felix stopped mid-sentence when Levein sharply hit the back of his head.
“I’m not talking about the Empress, I mean the lady over there.”
Levein’s finger pointed at Iana. Felix looked her over, turning his head from side to side.
“…Well, wouldn’t Your Highness be better?”
Though loving the Empress would mean being kicked out of the palace and publicly humiliated.
Smack! Levein hit Felix’s head again.
“Hey, do you really know what a true beauty is?”
Levein prided himself on having high standards. His duty was to guard Princess Shulia, one of the most beautiful women, so most other beauties failed to impress him.
Yet Iana had captured his attention instantly.
Her fair skin, matching brown hair, and clear, pure amber eyes—Levein fell for her at first sight.
