Prince Robert was receiving a guest in the reception room. In his office, Vian and Acel, the attendant, greeted Sophia. When she mentioned the engagement celebration ball, Vian spoke.

“I’ve already been informed. However, the guest list is the issue.”

As Sophia looked at him, Vian continued.

“As the Empress noted, all imperial balls have only ever included nobility. If it’s revealed that commoners will be attending, quite a few nobles might refuse to participate. I suspect this is why the Empress accepted the Finega family on the guest list; if it’s known that bourgeois guests were invited, most nobles would likely decline.”

“I see. If relatives of the royal family reject the invitation, other nobles will follow suit, making it a rather sad event. Then, there will be a flood of articles comparing it to the tragedy of my debutante.”

Both Vian and Acel thought Sophia’s assessment was correct.

“Still, not inviting the Finega family isn’t reasonable, considering the event’s purpose is to celebrate an engagement. Prince Robert also shouldn’t be put at the mercy of the Empress—especially because of me.”

After a moment of thought, Sophia said to Vian,

“What if we fill the guest list exclusively with the bourgeoisie? Leave out those who won’t attend anyway. This could also provide an opportunity to connect with distributors and merchants concerning greenhouse plant sales. What do you think?”

Vian masked his surprise and replied,

“Not a bad idea, though the repercussions won’t be light.”

Sophia began to persuade him.

“It would be a chance to show the imperial family’s willingness to adapt and define a new direction. The Emperor also has a keen interest in commerce. Ah, inviting members of the publishing industry could also be beneficial. Isn’t it better to gather people who would seek Prince Robert’s favor rather than those who wouldn’t exchange a word with him, even at an engagement ball?”

“Perhaps…”

Noticing Vian’s lukewarm response, Sophia said dejectedly,

“The backlash from the nobles will likely be strong. That wouldn’t be good for Prince Robert. Given that Prince Frederick is seen as having legitimacy, if we go as far as inviting the bourgeoisie, the nobles may completely turn their backs on Prince Robert, right?”

Vian smiled wryly and said,

“Since you’ve brought it up, I’ll be frank. You’re absolutely right, Lady Sophia. At worst, he could lose all support from the nobility. Even those not aligned with Prince Frederick wouldn’t necessarily support Prince Robert.”

“Then how about inviting nobles interested in business or commerce? We could include a few esteemed scholars and senior staff like Shiko, the royal greenhouse director, blending the bourgeoisie with the nobility.”

After a moment’s thought, Vian nodded.

“Diversifying the guest list, then. I’ll start drafting one.”

Sophia spoke earnestly.

“Could the Emperor provide his support? This is, after all, an engagement celebration meant to help Prince Robert. The point is to avoid an overwhelming presence of the Empress’s people. The ball mustn’t feel desolate.”

“I understand. I’ll look into people and fields the Emperor might have an interest in.”

Without seeing Prince Robert, Sophia stood up and left. Once she was gone, Vian remarked,

“It’s a relief that she understands things so well.”

Acel, who had remained silent, said bluntly,

“Really? She’s still insisting on inviting the Finega family. There’s a lot of talk about Lady Ariel. Even when I brought tailors and jewelers to the Finega household, some of them complained. If people of that standing grumbled, imagine how the nobility would react. And yet, she’s set on including the Finega family.”

“Being her only relative in the capital, it’s natural she’d want to invite them. Let’s finalize the list and discuss further.”

“If you say so.”

“What’s your concern?”

“I’ve seen Lady Wiscombe a few times. Seeing Lady Ariel now… it’s just… Lady Wiscombe was gentle and dignified, and she listened to Prince Robert. Lady Ariel, while lively, seems to have strong opinions and a bit of a stubborn streak. I think Lady Isabelle Wiscombe would have suited him better, both in family and character.”

“Mind your words. Why are you bringing up Isabelle Wiscombe with Prince Robert?”

“Yes, I know. Prince Frederick and Lady Wiscombe already have a close relationship, so it’s no longer an option for Prince Robert. What a shame. If only Prince Frederick hadn’t interfered.”

Vian thought that even without Prince Frederick’s involvement, the Wiscombes would never have wanted Prince Robert. They believed firmly that Prince Frederick would become Emperor.

To Vian, however, Frederick was a mere figurehead. Even if the Emperor couldn’t eliminate Count Cressida, merely curbing her influence would allow Prince Robert to ascend to the throne.

Vian had been by Prince Robert’s side since he was young. Robert had always understood his circumstances and knew how to navigate them. Such a person was the right one to lead Uranos.

“The empire will grow more complex, far more than it is now. Only Prince Robert can bring stability to this chaotic and turbulent empire—not someone like Frederick, a puppet of Count Cressida.”

Vian kept the matter of the contract engagement to himself. As long as Sophia held the position of fiancée, everyone had to treat her as the Prince’s betrothed—without exception.

Moreover, Vian didn’t find Sophia disagreeable. Given the relationship between Umbriel and Ariel, he trusted that Sophia would actively support Prince Robert.

If Prince Robert succeeded, Ariel would also be safe. They were, quite literally, on the same side.

Vian began preparing to draft a list of professionals and dignitaries in various fields to carry out Sophia’s idea. Acel watched him, snickering from behind.

Vian pretended not to notice Acel’s attitude.

“I have to hold it in for now. Young people these days just don’t have any loyalty. I miss Mav. Even though he pouted, he got the job done.”

* * *

Following Sophia’s suggestion, the guest list included members of the Finega family, the head of the greenhouse, and renowned scholars, publishers, and entrepreneurs from the Imperial Academy. Though commoners, they were people of influence across the Empire. Prince Robert reviewed the list and, after a moment of contemplation, nodded.

“Let’s give it a try. It’s not like I had many supporters in the royal family anyway. And if the Empress catches the wind right, the Emperor will cooperate with us.”

With a worried expression, Vian spoke.

“Do you really think the Emperor will oppose the Empress?”

Prince Robert smiled.

“The Empress is shaking the legitimacy of the royal family just to keep me in check. She’s also maintaining close ties with the royal elders. But strengthening the power of the royal elders is the last thing the Emperor wants. He’d prefer to weaken them a bit. If the Empress encourages the elders to stay away, the Emperor won’t sit idly by. This ball will be the opportunity for the Emperor to start reigning in the royal family and nobility. The nobles’ resistance to me gives him a good excuse.”

Vian wondered if perhaps Sophia had suggested this plan after understanding the Emperor’s intentions.

“If that’s really the case… No, even if it is, nothing changes. It’s just a good alliance.”

* * *

As Prince Robert strolled through the palace gardens with Sophia, he shared details about the guests on the list. Vian followed close behind, ready to provide additional explanations.

“The Emperor seems to be subtly pleased.”

“It’ll benefit you as well, Your Highness. I heard Prince Frederick is in seclusion now, so if the royal elders or nobles want to vent their dissatisfaction about the ball, it’s either to the Emperor or to you, so you’ll be busy.”

“Indeed. I acknowledge that this is an opportunity I wouldn’t have had if not for you.”

“I will continue to assist you with sincerity, Your Highness.”

“I heard that you received a recommendation from the head of the greenhouse and already sent someone to Ariel. I can’t recall if it was a seed production or cultivation expert.”

“It’s to support Ariel while supporting you, Your Highness.”

From behind, Vian let out a noise that could have been either admiration or sighing, but Sophia didn’t turn around. Prince Robert smiled.

“Even amidst all the busyness, I’m still making time for my fiancée, completing another task on your list. And inviting the head of the greenhouse to the ball is another shared interest.”

“No, you shouldn’t count it that way. The purpose of my list isn’t to please me but to show others how much you cherish your fiancée. That one doesn’t count. Please make it even more splendid.”

Another sigh echoed from behind, but again, Sophia didn’t turn around.

Her experience at the Wiscombe estate had taught Sophia a valuable lesson.

‘He’s someone I’ll never see again if I break off the engagement. Better get as much out of it now and avoid regrets later.’

The final guest list was arranged through a behind-the-scenes agreement between Prince Robert and the Emperor, though publicly it was managed by Prince Robert and Sophia.

The Empress also made extensive efforts for the ball. She discreetly leaked Prince Robert’s guest list to the strict traditionalists among the imperial relatives and Cressida’s kin. Naturally, they didn’t like the breach of royal tradition. Their resentment toward Prince Robert’s background and the guest list overlapped.

The Empress actively fanned their anger, and they would attack Prince Robert on behalf of Count Cressida and the Empress.

* * *

Since it was their first time attending a royal ball, Sophia and the Finega family women were unsure how to prepare and flustered. Sophia requested Prince Robert’s help, and the staff from the dress shop visited the Finega family again. Acel also taught Sophia and the Finega family members the essential court etiquette and details about the royal family.

Both Helen and Mrs. Finega were thrilled but also nervous about participating in the royal ball, proudly and anxiously sharing their excitement with those around them.

Mr. Finega, however, looked on with a troubled expression. Initially, he had thought they were invited solely because of Sophia’s influence.

But as opposition grew among the traditional nobles and royal kin toward the ball, the bourgeois started attaching more meaning and symbolism to being invited and participating.

Ten days before the ball, Mr. Finega requested a conversation with Sophia.

“It is an honor to be invited to the royal ball,” he began, “but I think it’s bound to cause some trouble. While I am grateful for your generosity, Lady Sophia, it may be wise to decline this time.”

“The ball is meant to celebrate my engagement to Prince Robert. It wouldn’t make sense for the Finega family to be absent. And if there are any issues, it’ll be the nobles, not the bourgeois, who face them. Trust me.”

“Will it not cause trouble for Prince Robert? I hear the traditionalist nobles are openly opposing him.”

“There will indeed be opposition and repercussions, but this is necessary. It’s a tradition that must be broken. Change has already begun. The royal elders need to face reality. The bourgeois have advanced in all fields, except this one. Many nobles are likely to lose sleep over this.”

Mr. Finega shook his head as Sophia laughed.

“I’m not hoping for that much, nor do I want to stand against the trend. So, we’ll attend. Above all, it’s to celebrate your engagement, Lady Sophia.”

“That’s a relief. If you had refused, Mrs. Finega and Helen would have been difficult to deal with. They’ve already had their dresses tailored.”

Mr. Finega pretended to wipe sweat from his forehead.

“That’s quite a crisis averted.”

Sophia smiled, thinking, “A new wind will lift Prince Robert higher.”