Chapter 72 (1/2)

Chapter 72: Chapter 72

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

“I know what you tried to help. I didn’t tell you about it in advance. I really appreciate it. ”

“You’re welcome. I didn’t help you, so I’m 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 didn’t have any friends my age. ”

“Well, haven’t 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. I’ll serve you with all my heart. ”

“Oh, it’s strange if you say you will serve me between friends. Let’s 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 don’t know many as I’ve made a debut in social circles recently. ”

“Of course! Let me introduce them from this side. She is Naira, Sharia and Viscount Senk’s daughter.”

“I see. Everyone, nice to meet you all. As you’re here together, you’re probably Niav’s closest friends. I hope you can be my good friends, too.”

“It’s 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.

I’ll offer them a chance to join the mainstream social circles in return for them giving me a stepping stone to control the social circles. Isn’t 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 didn’t reveal it, but I couldn’t deceive my father.

He suddenly came to me with a pitiful look and said, “I’m sorry to tell you this as you’re having a great time. I’m a little tired after attending the party after a long time. I’d like to go back if you don’t mind. What do you think? ”

“Oh, I just focused on enjoying myself and didn’t spend time with you, Daddy. I’m sorry, Daddy. Yes, please go ahead.”

“I’m sorry to disturb you as you are having a time with your friends. ”