-23-

Grace hesitated slightly before replying.

“…Yes, it’s a very fine tea. It suits my taste perfectly.”

“Hoho. There are many teas in the Empire that are even better than this.”

The noblewoman glanced at me for some reason as she said this.

Her words were essentially telling Grace not to be too impressed by this tea. It was astonishing how elegantly she could deliver such a condescending remark.

More surprising was that she wasn’t the only one with this ability. A young lady with green hair, who was sitting near the red-haired noblewoman, also spoke to Grace.

“What is the palace in Jallier like? I’ve only ever seen the Imperial Palace of Astrid, so I’m curious about other countries.”

She glanced at me while speaking.

Why do they keep looking at me?

“Our palace may not be as grand as Astrid’s, but it is beautiful in its own way,” Grace replied calmly.

“So it’s not as well-decorated as Astrid, huh? That’s a shame. Doesn’t seem worth visiting then.”

I couldn’t help but think that the green-haired girl’s nickname might be something like ‘Miss Snobby’ or ‘Miss Rude.’ I was about to say something when she suddenly turned to me.

“Don’t you think so, Duchess Bannister?”

Why am I being dragged into this?

It seemed the green-haired girl might have been one of Delis’ followers in the past, considering how familiarly she spoke to me. Since I didn’t respond, she naturally moved on to the next topic.

“Princess Grace, you seem to have adapted very well despite being here for such a short time.”

“And you’ve already become close with His Highness, the Crown Prince? How enviable.”

A second girl, who seemed to be another of Delis’ old followers, mentioned Cameron. The atmosphere around our table, and possibly even other tables, grew tense.

I had a strong feeling that everyone was now focused on me. It was becoming clear.

Could they think I dislike Grace?

They probably still believed I was interested in becoming Empress and had eyes for the Crown Prince. They were likely aware only of Delis’ previous ambitions.

That’s why they kept looking at me.

Did they think I’d enjoy them bullying Grace?

But they were wrong. In the original story, those who bullied Grace were eventually punished by the Crown Prince and Roan, including Delis.

Ah, I guess it’ll only be the Crown Prince since I’m preventing Roan from getting involved. Regardless, messing with the heroine leads to a bad end!

To survive, you need to be on the heroine’s good side!

“It hasn’t been long since you arrived, yet you’ve already become close to His Highness?”

This comment came from the red-haired noblewoman again. She seemed older than Delis but was clearly trying to win my favor.

“No way.”

“Oh my.”

A few at the table echoed her sentiments. They too seemed to be part of Delis’ old group.

It was like Delis and her gang were the mean girls of this setting.

The only people at the table not joining in were Grace, myself, and a young lady with light pink hair who seemed very pale and kept her mouth shut.

Others at different tables, possibly victims of Delis’ past actions, wore displeased expressions. Even Sophia’s face had hardened slightly.

The power of the Bannister Dukedom and her father’s Marquisate of Caesar was what allowed this group to behave so rudely without repercussion.

I guess they’ve been causing trouble at other parties as well.

“It’s fortunate that you and the Crown Prince have become friends,” I said.

A silence not fitting for a tea party followed my words.

“It would be wonderful if your friendship could lead to a closer relationship between Jallier and Astrid.”

Delis’ old followers looked shocked by my statement.

Other tables also turned to look at me, some with hostility, likely wondering what I was planning.

Grace looked surprised. She probably hadn’t expected me to defend her.

Of course, Delis’ interest in the throne and the Crown Prince was well-known gossip. Grace likely knew about it too.

Then I caught Sophia’s eye. She looked at me with wide eyes, as if questioning my sincerity.

I gave her a small wink.

Sophia, looking like she had seen something unbelievable, squinted slightly before turning away. This reaction was amusing.

“Isn’t that right? Wouldn’t it be wonderful if His Highness and Princess Grace’s friendship blossomed?”

“Y-Yes.”

“Well, yes.”

Delis’ old followers stammered out responses.

“Yes, that would be a good thing,” Sophia said, turning back to us.

“Peace on the continent must be maintained at all costs.”

Sophia’s words put an end to any further harassment of Grace. I allowed myself a satisfied smile.

The conversation returned to normalcy, but it wasn’t long before the red-haired noblewoman spoke up again. This time, her target wasn’t Grace but the young lady with pale pink hair.

“Lady Berkeley, it’s been a while since we last saw each other. How is your family these days?”

The young lady called Lady Berkeley turned even paler at the question. Do these people feel prickles in their mouths if they don’t bully someone for even a minute?

“…Fine.”

Lady Berkeley barely managed to reply, her face almost white as a sheet. The toadies clicked their tongues.

“Nowadays, not all counts are equal, are they?”

“It’s a worry for the Empire. So many nobles are just in name.”

“Many lack the dignity of true nobility.”

Their comments were clearly aimed at Lady Berkeley, more openly malicious than what they’d said to Grace.

It seemed Grace had been their target only recently. Before her arrival, Lady Berkeley must have been their usual victim. No wonder she hadn’t joined in earlier.

Lady Berkeley looked visibly defeated, while the toadies wore smug expressions. Their behavior was the epitome of enjoying cruelty.

In every group, there are always those who derive pleasure from stepping on the weak. Here, these toadies were prime examples, bullies who were weak to the strong and strong to the weak.

I couldn’t stand it any longer. If I let this go, my conscience wouldn’t let me sleep peacefully.

“Talking about nobility’s dignity. I wonder who should really be saying that.”

“What?”

The toadies looked taken aback.

“Is it truly noble behavior to belittle others so easily in such a gathering?”

Their faces were marked with confusion, as if wondering if I had lost my mind.

Lady Berkeley stood frozen, still pale, but clearly shocked.

“Perhaps it would be wise to reflect deeply on yourselves before speaking of nobility.”

“I don’t believe the behavior displayed here is appropriate.”

Suddenly, Grace added her support to my opinion. Sophia followed suit.

“Wouldn’t it be better to share pleasant words at such a lovely gathering?”

Others at different tables subtly nodded in agreement.

With the mood shifting against them, the toadies’ faces turned red with embarrassment. They remained silent for the rest of the tea party and left hurriedly as soon as it ended.

As I prepared to leave, Lady Berkeley approached me.

“Thank you, Duchess Bannister.”

Her gratitude felt sincere.

“It was nothing.”

I felt a bit embarrassed. Lady Berkeley had likely endured similar comments from Delis as well. Yet, she still offered such heartfelt thanks, showing a personality as kind as Grace’s.

Lady Berkeley also thanked Grace, who similarly downplayed her actions.

“Duchess Bannister, thank you again for earlier,” Grace said to me.

I accepted her gratitude with modesty. It was only natural for the main characters to become close. In fact, I wanted them to be happy together.

As long as Roan stayed out of it, I’d gladly cheer for them.

I grabbed my bag, which held the fairies, and exited the tea party.

“Delis, you were amazing earlier.”

“You looked even cooler than when you’re all dressed up.”

Had I been that impressive? Their words almost made me gloat.

Just then, I saw Grace in front of me.

“Duchess Bannister!”

“Princess?”

“I wanted to thank you once more.”

“Really, it’s not necessary.”

“I thought you were interested in His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

Grace’s unexpected mention of Cameron surprised me.

“No, I’m not interested in him at all. Besides, I already have a husband.”

“You mean Duke Bannister?”

“Yes.”

I couldn’t help but smile a little as I thought of Roan.

“I always thought he was quite handsome as well.”

…Wait, not Cameron, but Roan?

“Have you met him before?”

“I briefly saw him last time when I was with His Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Oh, I see.”

So Grace had already met Roan?

A wave of unease washed over me at the thought that the original story might play out as it had before.

I needed to ensure Grace and Cameron became a couple as soon as possible. They were destined to be together, and I couldn’t allow Roan to be involved.

“What do you think of His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“He seems like a good person. He’s been very kind to me.”

If the Crown Prince was already being kind to Grace, it meant he was starting to take an interest in her. The first sign of a budding romance.

“That’s wonderful to hear. You know, the Crown Prince and you would make a perfect couple.”

Grace looked a bit taken aback by my directness.

“You think so?”

“Absolutely. Your union could symbolize peace and unity between our nations.”

Grace smiled slightly, her cheeks turning a delicate shade of pink. “I hadn’t thought of it that way.”

“Just consider it. I believe you two could bring great harmony to our countries.”

Grace nodded thoughtfully. “Thank you, Duchess Bannister. Your words mean a lot to me.”

As we parted ways, I felt a little more at ease. If I could steer Grace and Cameron towards each other, it would safeguard Roan and ensure the original storyline stayed on track.