After the working-level officials negotiated until their noses bled, the salt price increase ultimately became a non-issue.

Though the subordinates did all the work, strangely it became Acelia’s achievement.

‘Why……? Why does this even work?’

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had their accomplishment stolen yet maintained a party atmosphere. Originally, they would have had no choice but to accept the Yulitas Empire’s proposal, but they overturned it, so they couldn’t help feeling happy.

The foreign service officers did all the work themselves yet praised Acelia for it.

The fortunate thing was that this incident increased her character damage level.

[ 〈Character Breakdown〉has been cast! 〈Acelia Hedwig〉’s damage level increases by 8. Current damage level 67.]

She had been troubled because ordinary actions weren’t recognized as character breakdowns, but now the alarm rang.

What’s wrong with the roulette? You weren’t like this before. Where did you go, the one who raised the damage level just for breaking Liam’s head?

Surely she wouldn’t need to clean up massive messes like diplomatic negotiations to increase the damage level from now on. That couldn’t be. She wanted to believe it wasn’t true.

“Your Highness, Count Felix has requested to be your partner for this banquet.”

“Oh, reject him.”

Acelia answered without even turning around. She felt drained lately and slumped. She seemed to have a slight fever too. This must be from lack of exercise.

Mrs. Lim Kyungsook’s Universal Exercise Solution Theory came to mind. She used to stubbornly deny it before, but now she somewhat agreed.

For reference, there was a related product called the Universal Smartphone Addiction Theory.

Anyway, a banquet would be held to celebrate the successful conclusion of the talks—though she wasn’t sure if the Yulitas Empire side would see it that way.

Acelia, the protagonist of the meeting, had to attend, and Liam had hurriedly requested to be her partner.

‘I’m worried Fifth Prince Roberto might eat me alive.’

She decided to attend the banquet with Gale. Acelia wasn’t unaware of the scandal with Joachim.

However, seeing Liam court her passionately unlike before, the rumors gradually subsided.

Acelia snorted. Her and Joachim?

Of course, his face perfectly matched her taste, but his personality was rotten.

Even if the world split in two, she would absolutely never have that kind of relationship with Joachim.

……she once thought that way. Not knowing she would later regret those words, Acelia made a disgusted expression.

“Drink it all down, all of it!”

“Bitter!”

After gulping down a bowl of unidentifiable tonic prepared by her nanny, Acelia got ready for the banquet.

Whether the medicine worked or not, her body felt a bit heavy but manageable enough to move around.

Acelia, beautifully groomed and polished, looked in the mirror, put on a confident expression, and went to the banquet hall with Gale.

Gale mischievously asked at the entrance.

“Is it okay for today’s guest of honor to wear such a sour face?”

“I’m dying of exhaustion. My condition is terrible. Why throw a party when the meeting is over? They should give me a vacation instead. Party for birthdays, party when guests arrive, party when they leave. Are we a nation of parties?”

“That’s not wrong. You’re lacking exercise.”

“You sound just like my mom.”

“The Empress? Her Majesty says things like that to you?”

“Enough. Let’s go in.”

Stung, Acelia dragged Gale into the hall.

People who had been laughing and chatting glanced over when Gale and Acelia appeared.

While some approached with bright greetings, others whispered from a distance.

“Is it true that the princess led the meeting successfully?”

“How could that be? Everyone said it was a difficult meeting. Someone must have come up with a clever plan. Perhaps His Highness Ian, but how could Princess Acelia, with zero political experience, accomplish such a thing?”

“Then why was the princess suddenly appointed diplomatic envoy?”

“That’s what’s strange. It must mean His Majesty the Emperor has other intentions……”

Most people still don’t believe I did it. If it could be heard through the band’s performance, it must have been super-strong whispering.

Hey, isn’t this level of implausibility a bit much?

Those who came to greet them looked embarrassed, probably having heard it too.

Acelia, who had learned the skill of letting things go in one ear and out the other from Gale, looked around the hall indifferently.

Whether people believed her or not, she wouldn’t voluntarily step forward anymore anyway.

But then something unexpected happened.

“Your Highness!”

“Youuur Highness!”

There were people running toward her like puppies out for a walk. They were the foreign service officers who had shared life and death struggles with Acelia.

Even Camilla with her bob cut and businesslike expression was slightly mixed in, which was ridiculous.

What? Why are they acting like this?

Those surrounding Acelia shot burdensome gazes at her.

“Our hero, Princess! Simply god-tier, you’re the salt and light!”

“Your Highness, please come to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. With you, we feel we could overcome any crisis!”

“You worked so hard.”

“Uh…… are you all drunk already?”

When one foreign service officer winked slightly, Acelia caught on.

‘Ah. They’re doing this on purpose.’

They had heard what people were saying too. Still, they took her side because they had suffered together for several days. She felt oddly touched.

But aren’t they being too obvious about not caring what the Yulitas delegation thinks?

Acelia let out a soft laugh.

“I’ll consider your recruitment offer.”

“Please don’t say that!”

“We’ll petition His Majesty the Emperor.”

“Wow. These people really like you?”

“Her Highness is an essential resource for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs!”

“What are you saying……”

Gale looked at the foreign service officers with curiosity, and they treated him without reservation.

While Acelia was chuckling, someone called her.

“Acelia.”

First Prince Ian had approached without her noticing.

“Can we have a brief conversation?”

The same platinum blonde hair as Acelia and green eyes. Round glasses perched on the bridge of his nose.

Just like she thought before, Ian was a handsome man with a scholarly air.

Surprised by this unexpected approach, Gale stepped in front of Acelia.

“What do you want with her?”

“Gale. I’m glad to see you getting along well with Acelia.”

“That’s none of your business, brother.”

Gale wasn’t quite hostile but somewhat defensive toward Ian. Ian smiled almost imperceptibly.

“Don’t be so guarded. I just want to chat with our youngest sister after a long time.”

“That’s exactly why I’m asking why.”

“Gale. I’m fine.”

Acelia stopped Gale before a commotion could break out. Her image was bad enough already; she couldn’t give people more reasons to talk.

When Acelia took a stance to talk with Ian, the foreign service officers and Gale stepped back.

She stared at Ian. What could this person want to talk about that warranted such a fuss?

Ian surprisingly began with something completely ordinary.

“It’s been a while since we’ve talked. Acelia, have you been well?”

“What did you want to say?”

“Asking for the main point right away. I’m hurt. I wanted to chat leisurely. But perhaps that would make you uncomfortable?”

Why is this person being so friendly? Acelia hid her bewilderment with a calm performance. But her confusion didn’t end there.

“Acelia, you did so well with this meeting.”

“……Pardon?”

“Our youngest, when did you grow up to become such a proper adult? Don’t worry about them. I’ll handle them during the banquet.”

He gestured toward the Yulitas delegation. Smiling gently with upturned lips, he slowly reached out his hand and patted Acelia’s head, suggesting she shouldn’t be surprised.

Additionally, he leaned in slightly and whispered.

“You don’t look well. Are you sick?”

“……”

What? What’s with this person, really? He looked so natural that anyone watching might misunderstand they had always been close.

Was he acting? Uncomfortable with the unfamiliar closeness, Acelia moved slightly away.

“You’re a bit close.”

“Why are all my siblings so wary of me? I’ve never done anything bad.”

Ian pretended to be disheartened, drooping his shoulders. He looked so sincere that she wondered if she was doing something wrong.

Right now, Ian appeared to be the embodiment of a caring older brother.

“I’m joking. Enjoy the banquet comfortably. You’re the protagonist today.”

After saying that, Ian patted Acelia’s shoulder and headed toward the Yulitas delegation.

Even then, Acelia couldn’t understand what had just happened.

After only seeing people burning with hostility, encountering someone kind made her skin crawl and left her dumbfounded.

Camilla approached the stunned Acelia and whispered in her ear.

“His Highness Ian is as brilliant as he is difficult to read.”

‘He might be even more high-level than me.’

Acelia glared at the spot where Ian had been for no particular reason.

“Princess Acelia!”

Ah, come to think of it, there was another person who showed her unlimited favor.

Turning around, she found Liliana looking extremely excited.