Fortunately, she seemed to understand what I was saying, bowing her head and expressing gratitude.

I know what you tried to help. I didnt tell you about it in advance. I really appreciate it.

Youre welcome. I didnt help you, so Im embarrassed if you say so.

I smiled in satisfaction at her response. She was a woman who was rather innocent, quick-witted and suitable for her title, but not powerful enough to lead the pro-emperor pack of young ladies. Even though she was powerful enough to be invited to the garden party hosted by Duke Verita, who must have carefully selected core members, she was ignored when Lady Genoa declined to lend her extra dress to her.

Dang it! I really decided I would not step in this messy place in this lifetime.

I just hoped to be a knight by practicing fencing hard and be a formal successor to my family. Until recently I never thought of stepping back into the battlefield of nasty women like them. I felt bitter, but I tried to pull myself together by recalling that I had to protect my precious people.

I was very happy to receive the invitation. Actually, I was very lonely because I didnt have any friends my age.

Well, havent you had a close relationship with the two dukes sons since childhood?

Yes, but they are men. Occasionally, when they talk about topics about men, I just feel out of it. So I wished I had some same-sex friends, but I had no chance. Now I have a good chance like this.

Oh, are you going to give me a chance?

I could see her brown eyes trembling. At the same time, I watched her calculating her mind quickly in her eyes. I was worried if she was just innocent because of the garden party accident the other day, but it seemed that she learned a lesson from it.

Thank you, Lady Monique. Ill serve you with all my heart.

Oh, its strange if you say you will serve me between friends. Lets get along well, Niav. Please be my good friend.

Wearing a ceremonial smile, I called her first name deliberately as a gesture of friendship. A bright smile was on her face, which was not ugly nor pretty. Some ladies around were seen looking at her with envy.

Would you like to introduce your friends to me, Niav? I dont know many as Ive made a debut in social circles recently.

Of course! Let me introduce them from this side. She is Naira, Sharia and Viscount Senks daughter.

I see. Everyone, nice to meet you all. As youre here together, youre probably Niavs closest friends. I hope you can be my good friends, too.

Its my honor, Lady Monique.

I will serve you with all my heart.

Thank you so much for this opportunity, Lady Monique.

I quickly bowed my head and looked at the girls swearing allegiance, and smiled once again. My efforts paid off better than I thought. Viscount Nuen was famous for owning an estate rich in rubies and diamonds, Viscount Naira is famous for producing quality sapphires, Viscount Sharia is well known for running a merchant vessel fleet, and Viscount Senk employs lots of jewelry craftsmen. As I have come to make friends with their daughters, I was satisfied with my first try.

Ill offer them a chance to join the mainstream social circles in return for them giving me a stepping stone to control the social circles. Isnt this a good deal?

All of a sudden, I missed Allendis and Carsein so much. They were the type of people who could be my friend regardless of profits or political calculations. They made me smile genuinely.

Although I approached them with some political calculation from the beginning, I felt empty when I found that they smiled at me kindly after judging my value in a calculative manner.

It was the same empty feeling that I felt when I struggled to be recognized by the crown prince in social circles. It was the first time that I felt that feeling in a long time.

Tia.

Yes, Daddy.

I thought although I felt empty, I didnt reveal it, but I couldnt deceive my father.

He suddenly came to me with a pitiful look and said, Im sorry to tell you this as youre having a great time. Im a little tired after attending the party after a long time. Id like to go back if you dont mind. What do you think?

Oh, I just focused on enjoying myself and didnt spend time with you, Daddy. Im sorry, Daddy. Yes, please go ahead.

Im sorry to disturb you as you are having a time with your friends.

I shook my head and said, No, Daddy. Everyone, as youve heard it, I think I should go back now. Thanks for inviting me, Niav. I had a good time.

It was an honor to have you here, Lady Monique. Can I send you an invitation again next time?

Of course, Niav. We are now friends. Sarah, Catherine, Entea and others, too. I will hate you if you dont invite me.

No worries. How can we not invite you? Im looking forward to seeing you again.

Thank you. Then well see you next time. Come on, Daddy.

Sure. Goodbye, ladies! See you again next time.

I wore a ceremonial smile to the end and got out of her house with my father.

I got on the wagon and sat next to him. When I leaned my head on his broad shoulder as if I played the baby, he reached out and touched my hair gently.

You must have a hard time as it was the first time you were there, but you did well.

Really? Im glad to hear that.

I didnt know my daughter had this kind of socializing talent. I was a little surprised.

You arent disappointed in me, are you?

No, not at all. Isnt it necessary for you to live in a tough society? No matter how thick a mask you are wearing, I know you are a good and tender-hearted girl. How can I be disappointed in you? Dont worry about it.

Will they feel the same way as you do? I asked with a weary voice.

While I was hanging out with them, I was consumed by some sort of anxiety. In the past, I did not know how precious the person that I could confide in was. In the past, I was not worried if somebody would hate me while if I made a feigned laugh or false friends.

But now that I have come to know the presence and weight of those I can genuinely confide in and reach out, I was afraid that my precious friends might be disappointed after discovering my disguised self. I was afraid they would abandon me, thinking I deceived them.

I dont like them very much, but I know that you are not that type of girl. Dont you know it well?

Really?

I leaned my worn-out body against him and closed my eyes. As my eyelids became heavier, I closed my eyes. Today, I was exhausted mentally and physically.

Do you have any unusual hobbies?

One day on a warm spring day, I had tea time with ten young ladies in my home garden . As host and the highest title holder in todays party, I sat in the top chair, with Niav, Sarah, Entea, and Katrine on my left and some other daughters of the baron and viscount families on my right, whom I made acquaintances with recently.

As they looked at me curiously, I smiled brightly and explained.

For example, a unique hobby. If you dont think its frivolous, let me talk about it.

Only

What is your hobby, Lady Monique? Niav, who sat on my right hand and showed off her dignity as my closest friend, asked.

Sarah, a girl with pink hair sitting on her right, also asked with her eyes sparkling, Whats your hobby, Lady Monique? I am very curious. Please tell me.

Well, my hobby is designing things like accessories.

Accessories? As soon as I replied, Catherine asked as if to prove she was the daughter of Viscount Senk, well-known for employing many jewelry craftsmen.

Youre caught in a trap!

Yeah. Although Im embarrassed to show you my accessories as my skills are poor, I can show you what I have made recently. Im telling you because I want to hear your feedback.

Can you show it to me, Lady Monique?

Im a bit embarrassed, but as Ive brought it up, let me show it to you. Here it is.