Chapter 72 …

The Dowager Countess Rodriguez gently curved her eyes in a kind smile.

“It means you can be a little more unconventional.”

“By unconventional… what exactly do you mean?”

“Well.”

At that question, the Dowager Countess’s previously cool expression softened instantly.

“Since the orphanage children have been invited to the party anyway, I want our children to enjoy themselves too.”

“Dowager Countess…”

“Well, of course we can’t completely ignore appearances.”

She gave a wry smile.

“But still, I hope this invitation becomes a happy memory for those children.”

At that moment, Eugenie finally understood why Cedric had chosen the Dowager Countess Rodriguez as the chairwoman.

After all, the countess was wearing such a warm expression right now.

Unless someone truly cherished and loved children, they could never make that kind of face.

“I will do my best, Dowager Countess.”

Eugenie answered sincerely.

At her words, the countess’s eyes narrowed gently with a smile.

“I’ll be looking forward to it.”

* * *

And so Eugenie fell into deep thought.

“The Imperial Children’s Foundation…”

The Dowager Countess Rodriguez—the star of the party—had said that she wanted the children under their care to have a wonderful time as well.

As Eugenie mulled over those words, she focused on the foundation’s original purpose: children.

“In that case… maybe it’s okay if the atmosphere is a little freer than usual?”

Traditional parties inevitably centered around adults.

Elegant music, luxurious dishes suited to adult tastes, heavy silver tableware, and extravagant, expensive floral decorations.

This party would likely proceed much the same way.

After all, it was a celebration hosted by the imperial family to commemorate the appointment of the new chairperson.

Many nobles would attend—exchanging greetings, conversing politely, and occasionally hiding barbs behind their smiles.

Of course, there was nothing wrong with that.

But for children, such formal settings were inevitably uncomfortable.

At an age when they should be running around freely, they had to sit quietly like dolls.

“Even at the recent hunting event… His Highness the Second Prince looked terribly bored, didn’t he?”

If that was the case, maybe there should be more spaces designed with children in mind.

Eugenie let out a small sigh.

After all, children should live like children.

They should play happily, eat delicious food, and receive plenty of love from adults.

And most importantly, this time—

“The orphanage children will be coming too.”

Of course, the Dowager Countess would have taken good care of them.

But there were so many children in the orphanage.

They might not always have enough toys or play equipment.

“Wait… in that case.”

Suddenly, Eugenie’s eyes sparkled.

“What if we prepare a small play area for children next to the banquet hall?”

At that moment, a certain place suddenly flashed through her mind.

Bright, primary colors that children loved.

A cozy and playful indoor structure.

And all kinds of play equipment where kids could have fun.

Back when Eugenie had been a university student in her previous life, she had worked there part-time several times.

“A kids café!”

Yes—this was it!

Eugenie clenched both fists in excitement, but then her shoulders drooped.

“The problem is… how His Majesty the Emperor will react.”

The Dowager Countess had said unconventional methods would be fine, but still—you never knew.

He might think it too improper and be taken aback.

“Well… I’ll at least suggest it.”

If His Majesty didn’t like it, what could happen besides being rejected?

Eugenie tried to calm herself.

* * *

“Your Majesty, here is the plan for the celebration party.”

Eugenie nervously handed Cedric the proposal.

And then—

“Alright. Let’s proceed as it is.”

Cedric nodded easily after reviewing the document.

His ready approval surprised Eugenie more than anything.

“Y-You’re really okay with it?”

“What would be the problem?”

Cedric asked, genuinely puzzled.

“Well… it’s somewhat different from the usual style. I was worried that some of the other guests might feel uncomfortable…”

Eugenie replied timidly.

Cedric responded calmly.

“Must we insist on the old methods? Since children have been invited, wouldn’t it be better if they could enjoy the party as well?”

His violet eyes carefully reviewed Eugenie’s proposal once more.

“This seems sufficient to properly host the guests as well. Especially this play area.”

He continued in a satisfied tone.

“If we create a separate play space like this, the children won’t get bored. I quite like it.”

“Then…”

“Yes. Proceed with the plan.”

At that answer, Eugenie suddenly felt a lump form in her chest.

“The one who had the prejudice… was actually me.”

She had assumed the emperor would insist on strict formality.

But in reality, he was far more flexible than she expected.

Eugenie, who had been staring quietly at Cedric, suddenly smiled brightly.

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

It was a completely unguarded, radiant smile.

And Cedric suddenly thought that smile was very beautiful.

* * *

Recently, the atmosphere in the Jester Marquis family’s townhouse had been as tense as walking on thin ice.

It had all started with the emperor’s sudden replacement of the foundation’s chairperson.

“What? A congratulatory party for the new chairperson?!”

Marquis Jester grabbed the invitation from the imperial palace.

His hand trembled violently with rage.

“Damn it!”

Recently, the marquis had been feeling a strong sense of crisis.

Not only had he lost the chairperson position, but the emperor was now openly supporting the new chairperson.

The first sign of that support was this celebration party.

It was extremely unusual for the emperor to personally order a congratulatory party for someone’s appointment.

Until now, he had deliberately avoided showing favoritism in order to maintain fairness.

Even when Marquis Jester had enjoyed the emperor’s full trust in the past, he had never received such consideration.

“And what?”

The marquis ground his teeth.

“That damned girl is planning and organizing the entire party?!”

Eugenie Sayers.

The maid who had recently gained both the emperor’s and Noah’s trust.

Ever since becoming involved with that girl, nothing had gone right for Marquis Jester.

Meanwhile, she continued to rise higher and higher.

Even this celebration party was proof.

Planning such a large event would be an excellent career achievement for a mere maid.

“In that case… I can’t just sit back and watch.”

The marquis, who had been fuming, suddenly narrowed his eyes slyly.

He planned to cause just a little trouble.

* * *

About a week remained until the celebration party.

During that time, Eugenie had been unbelievably busy.

Selecting the menu, sourcing ingredients, decorating the banquet hall, preparing tableware…

Even if she had ten bodies, it wouldn’t have been enough.

Then suddenly—

“What?”

Eugenie’s eyes widened at the unexpected news.

“Marquis Jester… introduced Chef Berger?”

“That’s right.”

The head maid of the imperial palace nodded with a complicated expression.

“He sent word saying he wanted to help with the celebration party as a way of congratulating the new chairperson.”

“But the marquis…”

Eugenie trailed off.

“From Marquis Jester’s perspective, this party shouldn’t be very welcome.”

Not only had he lost the chairperson position, but now he had to celebrate someone else’s appointment.

And yet he was introducing a chef to help the party?

“To be honest, I also thought the marquis wouldn’t be pleased with this celebration party.”

The head maid shrugged.