The Crown Prince’s birthday ball was approaching quickly.
After tying Lilien’s hair into a half-up style with a blue ribbon, I tilted my head slightly.
In the mercury mirror, our reflections stood side by side.
“You look truly beautiful today, Lilien.”
Dressed in a pale blue square-neck gown with a diamond headband, Lilien shone like a fairy.
Her usual updo was now gently tied down with a ribbon, giving her an elegant and refined appearance.
Lilien smiled bashfully, lowering her head for a moment before lifting her eyes again.
“You as well, Etricia. You look like a rose.”
Following her gaze, I saw myself in the mirror—my waist-length red hair cascading over a lace periwinkle dress.
Indeed, the color combination did resemble a rose.
‘If I had thorns, I’d be a perfect match.’
I chuckled quietly to myself and placed my hands on Lilien’s shoulders, locking eyes with her through the mirror.
“Have you made up your mind?”
Lilien nodded shyly, a faint blush on her rounded shoulders.
I gently kissed her shoulder and whispered, “May the gods bless you for your courage, Lilien.”
And may they bless me as well, as I face Edmund today.
The ballroom gleamed under the light of the chandeliers.
Despite the royal decree mandating attendance from all noble families with daughters of the Crown Prince’s age, the hall felt surprisingly empty.
Standing alone among the distinguished guests, Lilien anxiously chewed her lip, her eyes fixed on the entrance where Jake was expected to appear.
Even as her mouth grew dry, she couldn’t bring herself to sip the fruit wine Etricia had handed her before disappearing onto the terrace with her younger brother.
Just then, a high-pitched voice, unpleasant to hear, reached her ears.
“It’s the Crown Prince’s birthday ball, and yet it’s so empty. How disgraceful.”
“Don’t even mention it. The night before, noble families with daughters suddenly received urgent summons for their guild members to leave on business trips. The girls cried and begged not to come, but they couldn’t openly defy the decree, so they feigned stomachaches or rashes to excuse themselves.”
“Oh my, is that so?”
One lady lazily scanned the hall with a tilt of her chin.
“Look at them—hiding their daughters behind them in fear of catching His Highness’s eye.”
Another noblewoman interjected with a sly smile.
“Actually, I heard something rather interesting. When His Majesty ascended the throne, he purged the corrupt officials, and one of them, in his bitterness, spilled a secret.”
“Oh? What was it?”
“On the day the Empress gave birth, the royal physician was so drunk that he dropped the Crown Prince. His face was crushed like a bruised peach.”
“Heavens… Is that true?”
“They say he became unbearably hideous because of it.”
“Oh dear…”
Just as Lilien overheard this vulgar gossip, her hands clenched into tight fists, trembling with fury.
It was only the second time in her life that she had felt such burning anger toward someone.
The first was at Lunox. And now, at them.
Her rage boiled to the point that she felt as if steam would burst from her pores.
But just as quickly as the anger flared, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath.
‘Madam Wickley told me never to lose composure, no matter the situation.’
Repeating that advice in her mind, she opened her eyes and stared the women down.
Normally, such people would have made her tremble. But right now, they seemed as insignificant as stalks of wheat.
The only thing more intimidating than her anger was the biceps of her pastry instructor at the academy, flexing as he kneaded dough.
‘I can’t just stand here and listen to them insult Jake.’
Her mind made up, Lilien straightened her spine and lifted her chin as she strode toward them.
Sensing her presence, the noblewomen turned to face her.
As she met their condescending gazes, a chill ran down her spine, as though cold water had been poured over her fiery rage.
Her awareness returned, and suddenly, her heart pounded.
‘Can I really stand up to them?’
What if she couldn’t think of a response? What if she stammered? What if she hesitated and let them overpower her?
The thought of making a fool of herself made her legs tremble like those of a newborn fawn.
She felt like a soldier stepping onto the battlefield for the first time—frightened and uncertain.
At least soldiers had weapons. All she had was the glass of champagne Etricia had pressed into her hands.
A part of her whispered an escape.
‘What if I just walk past them?’
That would be easy. Nothing would happen.
But…
‘No one is fearless from the start. Everyone is afraid of judgment. But with experience, fear fades, and they grow stronger. That’s what growth is.’
If she did nothing, nothing would change.
‘Just take one step forward. That’s all I need to do.’
Hadn’t she come here precisely to take that step?
Lilien slowly opened her eyes, straightened her posture, and fixed her gaze on the noblewomen as she gracefully approached.
As she passed a servant carrying a tray, she lightly placed her champagne glass upon it.
Standing before the noblewomen, she smiled gently.
“You all seem to be having quite an interesting conversation.”
As the ladies tensed in caution, Lilien discreetly studied them.
They weren’t familiar faces, suggesting they were from outside high society—likely minor nobles from the countryside.
She quickly assessed their attire. Each of them clutched a fan of modest design—one that had been selling rapidly in boutiques recently for its affordable price while maintaining a sense of fashion.
In other words, they were vain yet lacked the wealth to support their vanity.
More importantly, they weren’t in a position to be rude to her.
With a warm smile, Lilien maintained a composed yet slightly nervous expression.
“I apologize for the late introduction. I am from the Mipedian Ducal House, and I found your conversation quite intriguing, so I wished to listen more closely. I hope you don’t mind.”
The noblewomen swallowed hard.
Mipedian Ducal House.
Once a fallen eagle chick with clipped wings, but now a family that had risen again through merit.
An ally of the royal family.
And in front of them stood Lady Lilien, under the guidance of Madam Wickley.
Her gentle smile and steady gaze carried a quiet resolve.
Lilien had not attended Madam Wickley’s gatherings in vain.
She had studied everything—how to hold a glass, the rhythm of breath, the weight of words.
And now, it showed.
One of the women finally spoke up.
“My lady, if you overheard us—”
“I heard everything clearly.”
The noblewomen glanced around nervously.
Lilien smiled.
“I must say, every word was unpleasant to my ears.”
The women’s expressions cracked.
“Excuse me?”
“Shall we verify these rumors before they spread?” Lilien said sweetly.
At her words, the women stiffened.
Turning toward a nearby knight, she clapped her hands. “Shall I call them over?”
In a blink, the noblewomen fled.
Lilien smirked.
‘That wasn’t so bad after all.’
And just then, a herald’s voice rang out.
“The Crown Prince has arrived.”
The doors swung open.
Lilien turned sharply toward the entrance.
