CH 213

Alice hugged me.

Anyone who sees it may think it’s been years since we met, but in fact, we had tea time together a week ago.

“Me too, Alice. By the way…… Can’t you call me ‘Emir’ instead of ‘Miss Emir’?”

“Oops, that’s a mistake. Emir. I’ve been calling you like this for so long that it sticks in my mouth…….”

Alice corrected my name with an awkward smile.

In fact, I was called ‘Miss Emir’ since I was in kindergarten for over 10 years, so it seemed to be more familiar.

But somehow, the curious gazes around me were quite bothersome.

“Oh, why did Countess Alice appear at the banquet so early?”

“She seems to have a close relationship with Lady Saeron, who made her debutante today. Maybe that’s why she attended early…….”

I could hear the surrounding nobles talking about Alice and me.

Yes, I hear it all!

‘Well, it’s not gossip…… but it still bothers me.’

I twisted my hair a bit and looked at them from the side.

Then Alice quickly turned her head and looked at the side I was looking at.

“…… Oh, come to think of it, when will the Crown Prince, who will give a congratulatory speech during the second banquet, come?”

“Oh my, there’s that.”

When their eyes met with Alice’s and mine, the people turned around with a smile, as if they had never talked about us.

“Phew…… . I thought it would be like this. Everyone seems to be very interested in Emir. I really hate it.”

Alice turned her piercing gaze toward them for a moment, then turned her head and whispered to me, letting out a deep sigh.

Huh? What did Alice hear from their conversation?

They only seemed to be talking about whether or not Alice attended the banquet.

“Would you like to go back together after the second banquet? After greeting the Emperor and Empress, you can leave the banquet hall after that.”

Alice glanced around once more with a bored-looking expression and spoke.

It seems that Alice, as often said, is not very interested in parties and banquets.

‘Well…… What should I do?’

My heart was shaken for a moment, but I thought that most nobles of my age, except for me, would continue to stay at the banquet.

‘It’s probably everyone’s first banquet. Since it’s their first time, I don’t think anyone will return as early as possible.’

Of course, I already have enough networks and friends, but I thought it wouldn’t be bad to talk and get to know new people.

‘What to do? Besides, if I leave early, Jake is sure to come back with me.’

Maybe because my swayed mine is revealed in my expression?

Alice made one more condition to entice me.

“Ah…… Come to think of it, I have a gift prepared this time to commemorate Emir’s first social debut.”

“A gift?”

I am on the weak side when it comes to gold and silver, so upon hearing her words, my heart immediately leaned to one side.

“Yes, don’t you wonder what kind of gift it is? I should have brought it, but I forgot and left it behind.”

Alice laughed as if it was a mistake.

However, if it sounds like she left a gift in the mansion on purpose, or is it just me?

“I’m curious, so I can’t help it. Then let’s go back to the mansion early.”

“Great!”

Alice immediately smiled.

At that time, Jake, who had been quietly listening to our conversation, said something.

“Mir, then I’ll go back early with you too.”

“Ah really? Aren’t you going to talk to other ladies and lords?”

As I asked him just in case, Jake calmly shook his head.

“Umm, I didn’t mean to do that in the first place.”

“I see…….”

After all, Jake is known for his reticent personality, so it might be natural.

‘But why is Cedric still not showing up?’

At that moment, I suddenly thought of Cedric, the one who had not been seen so far.

Most of the nobles had already completed their entry.

‘Maya said that he couldn’t come to my debutante because of something important, so he sent me a gift and a letter instead. Nicholas…… will show up for the congratulatory speech soon.’

Could it be that he went near the border to clear the beast that suddenly reappeared a few weeks ago and hasn’t come back yet?

‘What is that…… Cedric. He said he would definitely attend my debutante.’

Somehow I felt like I wanted to complain a little.

Cedric is always good at keeping his promises, so it was a pity that he didn’t show up.

‘Well, it can’t be helped. It is not always possible to finish subjugating beasts at a fixed time. Still, I don’t know…… Shall I ask Alice?’

I carefully asked Alice in a whisper.