Chapter 14

“If you have any complaints, do you tell them in person or behind their back? That’s really cheap! I guess you are eating well and don’t have anything to do!”

“I’m fine.”

“No, they’re talking about things they don’t even know! Aren’t you angry?! I’m all angry!”

Why am I not angry? I am a person too.

Unfortunately, I knew my situation better than anyone else.

I am just a pitiful, weak prey that’s good to bite and tear apart.

Most people, including nobles, are very sensitive to gossip, but are not concerned with the truth.

The main purpose is to share funny gossip and bite off other people’s weaknesses.

Moreover, the stories related to the Serdian family were not just gossip, but fact-based, evident incidents that went to trial.

It also meant that even if she raised her voice here, there was nothing to benefit from it.

No matter how innocent she said she was, no one would believe her.

Knowing that the more desperate she was, the more ridiculous the Serdian family would become, she had no choice but to take their criticism silently.

All she could do at this moment was smile bitterly at the panting Lily.

“It looks like everyone has a lot to talk about?”

The noisy hall was filled with silence with the appearance of the Head Maid, Rose.

Standing with her chin upright, Rose’s footsteps stopped in the center.

“In two days, there will be a banquet to celebrate His Highness’ return. There will be a lot of distinguished guests from all over the world staying in the palace, so you should pay special attention.”

When the word ‘banquet’ came out of Rose’s mouth, there was an obvious excitement.

Except for the low-rank maids who did chores, most of the maids were from the nobility.

In the meantime, the banquet hosted by the Royal Palace is a great opportunity to impress the opposite sex, so they can’t help but feel excited.

“The banquet is divided into three parts. The first part is having lunch, the second part is enjoying simple desserts and tea. And finally, the third part will consist of the evening ball.”

“…”

“As I said earlier, this is an event in which the distinguished guests of each country and His Majesty will have their eyes on, so everyone should prepare as not to make any mistake. Then, you can all go back to your assigned positions.”

***

“Wow. Isn’t a banquet great? I never thought I would see a royal banquet in my life. Hehe.”

“…”

“Because it is a banquet held at the Royal Palace, there will be many delicious things, right? Ahh, I’m excited just thinking about it. Really!”

“I know, right. I’m also looking forward to it.”

Unlike the excited Lily, Ayla’s expression looked sad, differently from her words. No, she was sad.

It was considered an implicit rule for most aristocratic children to enter the social world in the year they became adults.

Accordingly, the daughters of many families learned manners and took care of themselves for this day.

If the Serdian family wasn’t involved in a disgraceful incident… Tomorrow’s banquet would be Ayla’s official debut in society.

The image of her, wearing a pretty dress and holding her father’s hand, walking proudly into the banquet hall while receiving everyone’s attention, flashed through her mind.

But the reality is messed up.

There was neither time nor opportunity for that.

“Will the Prince also come to the banquet?”

Lily’s unexpected words suddenly made her think she could meet Louis at the banquet hall tomorrow, and her depressed mood subsided a little.

If you tell your old friend about the sad stories you have had in the meantime, this suffocating feeling will get a little better…

“I wonder. I hope he comes.”

After speaking, Ayla smiled softly.

***

The quiet mansion was full of life after a long time.

With Duke Daniel’s pestering, Louis had entered the social world before coming of age; but he was not interested in it.

‘I will attend the celebration banquet that will be held at the Royal Palace.’

Louis rarely attended neither big nor small parties hosted by aristocrats, as well as banquets hosted by the Royal Palace, so his sudden statement was enough to surprise Duke Daniel.

Briefly surprised, the Duke hurriedly finished the preparations, in case Louis changed his mind.