Of course, Liantin shot a fierce glare at Sebastian with a stiffened face.

“Why should I step aside?”

Liantin replied sharply.

People’s eyes widened as they stared at her.

Sebastian Viferi’s eyes also grew somewhat large.

Her expression said she hadn’t expected a noble child—not a prince or royal descendant—to dare oppose her.

“New face. Who are you?”

“Liantin Astra.”

“Who of Astra?”

“I said Liantin Astra!”

Liantin arrogantly raised her head.

It was a warning that if they knew her name, they should be careful.

Like Sebastian Viferi, she was also a duke’s granddaughter.

But Sebastian sneered.

“I meant, among Astra’s countless relatives, who exactly are you? Whose daughter?”

“That’s...”

Liantin’s voice grew smaller.

Sebastian smiled lightly and then pointed at me.

“I know this lady. She’s the heiress of the second count family, holding the largest jurisdiction in Astra, isn’t she? The daughter of the Kalsoi Empire’s strongest, called the War God. And you?”

“...”

“Do your parents hold titles? Count? Marquis? Which jurisdiction?”

“...”

“Of course, the lady herself is a third generation within the top ranks, right?”

“...”

Liantin was the daughter of Uncle Deconz.

Not like Uncle Grimy, the eldest son of grandfather.

Not like our father, who was called the empire’s strongest military power and earned his own title.

Not like Uncle Balderick, rich with solid connections to nobles.

‘Sebastian’s father was chosen as heir to Duke Viferi.’

So Sebastian was pointing out who was more noble now.

Sebastian, daughter of the heir.

Liantin, daughter of a pathetic second generation with nothing.

Which one fits that seat?

“Your answer is ‘Lady Astra’?”

“...”

Liantin twisted her skirt tightly but slowly stood up.

As if admitting defeat.

Sebastian smiled sweetly and took the seat Liantin vacated.

“Thank you. Does the lady sit when a servant brings her chair?”

Liantin’s face flushed crimson. She looked like she might burst into tears.

“Sis—”

As I called Liantin to stand, Sebastian grabbed my hand.

“I heard your father shares duties with Grimy Astra, the eldest son. Rumor says Astra’s succession has finally narrowed.”

“...”

“I’m rooting for the second count family.”

Rooting for our father?

“Huh?”

“I think you two would be good friends. You have a lot in common.”

Sebastian counted off on her fingers.

“Aiming to become a original artist, most beloved granddaughter of the duke grandfather, stunning beauty causing public uproar, and... {N•o•v•e•l•i•g•h•t} a child of the heir.”

She chuckled and untied the ribbon on her head.

“You know? The noble sisters of the imperial capital tie the same ribbon to show off their good relations.”

“...”

“I’m your elder sister. Three years older. And I’ve long dreamed of having a noble younger sister like you.”

Sebastian clearly liked me very much.

The ribbon was strikingly extravagant.

Designer signature lace, embedded with all kinds of luxurious jewels.

Other nobles and Sun Society members stared at me.

“Sebastian and Erilot Astra together. Incredible.”

“Beautiful friendship between capable girls...”

Some girls looked dazed, like reading a novel.

I smiled softly.

Then, with a squeak, I pushed back my chair and stood.

“Sorry. There are so many elder sisters that it’s hard to fit even Miss Viferi.”

Sebastian’s face hardened.

Ignoring that, I strode toward Liantin.

“Let’s go, sis.”

“...Huh?”

“I said let’s go.”

Saying it casually, Liantin stared blankly.

After staring at my outstretched hand for a while, she lowered her head deeply.

“Mm.”

Her voice trembled softly.

I took Liantin’s hand and looked around the gathering table.

“Excuse us.”

“Really leaving?”

Prince Abino asked with a very regretful expression.

“There aren’t enough seats. Sorry.”

Other princes frowned.

Their faces said it was ridiculous to leave because of an insignificant girl.

At that moment, our country’s Prince Salvatore raised an eyebrow.

“Too bad.”

He muttered.

No matter what he thought, I pulled Liantin and left the dining hall.

Late at night.

Liantin, who had eaten in Erilot’s room, opened the door.

Erilot came out to see her off and said,

“Sis, really don’t worry about today, okay?”

“I’m not! Just unlucky!”

“Exactly.”

“You think I’m the type to care about that? Don’t worry about me!”

“Okay.”

Erilot smiled faintly and waved.

Leaving her behind, Liantin stepped out.

The hallway was dark.

As I turned to return to my room, nobles hurried after me.

“Ah.”

Liantin acknowledged them, but the nobles didn’t look at her and knocked on Erilot’s door.

“Lady Countess Astra, would you join us for tea time? We’re planning to have tea in the garden with Miss Viferi...”

Liantin glanced at her room.

Apparently having heard about today’s dining hall incident, a nanny was there.

She wore a worried look, having seen the dismissal.

“Milady...”

Liantin bit her lip.

‘What is this? What’s going on...?’

She was very excited to attend the Sun Society.

Her maternal grandfather had rushed to the estate.

“This cute one. Hahaha!”

“Father, please don’t. Liantin might feel burdened.”

“But it’s the Sun Society. My granddaughter is going! Well done, well done!”

The empire’s emperor was very wary of nobles colluding with other countries.

Thus, few nobles from the empire attended the Sun Society.

Only the top 1% of the great noble families.

Among that 1%, only children of heirs were invited.

Her mother told her not to feel pressured, but even her eyes showed pride.

Father too...

“Think about how picky they are when letting guests in? But they instantly approved Liantin. They must really like her!”

She bragged to her uncles a lot.

She thought making connections at the Sun Society would elevate her status...

‘What is this?’

Liantin’s nanny hurried over.

“I prepared your favorite hot milk. Drink it and sleep well, milady.”

‘Don’t.’

Don’t look at me like that.

“After chatting with the maids, you’ll feel better. Go in, okay?”

‘Don’t pity me...!’

Not pity—admiration.

The admiration Erilot got from others.

Liantin shook off the nanny’s hand and dashed down the hall.

Tears kept coming despite trying to hold them back.

Why does everyone only care about Erilot?

‘I worked hard too.’

Really worked hard.

What can you do if your innate Gaho is useless?

‘It’s not my fault.’

I’m good at studying. My grades were always good.

I studied all night to make up for lacking abilities.

‘Erilot just got lucky.’

An incredible Gaho called .

A dragon gained through that Gaho.

A beautiful, capable father.

Glorious appearance, sharp mind, eloquence.

‘She was just born with all those.’

I worked harder.

Liantin gripped the stair railing tightly and muttered,

“Why only Erilot... why only her...”

“Milady?”

Liantin’s shoulders twitched.

Turning toward the voice, a handsome boy with brilliant scarlet hair appeared.

‘Prince Salvatore...’

He glanced at Liantin.

Liantin quickly lowered her head.

“G-Greetings.”

“What are you doing alone so late?”

“I was just taking a walk...”

“Doesn’t seem like it.”

Salvatore smiled softly and walked over.

Moonlight shattered white on his polished shoes.

Despite being a boy, he was tall.

His languid silhouette.

An imposing presence befitting royalty, giving off a strange aura.

Salvatore handed Liantin a handkerchief.

“Ah...”

Liantin hesitated, then accepted it.

“Th-thank you.”

“What were you crying about?”

“That...”

Liantin faltered, and Salvatore looked at her sharply.

“Miss Viferi passed by. Other princes too.”

“Huh?”

“There’s more than one Astra lady.”

“Ah, no. Erilot is the outstanding one among cousins, so it’s natural she gets attention...”

“Really? I’m more interested in you.”

“What?!”

Liantin was startled and looked at Salvatore.

He lightly tilted his head and looked into her eyes.

“I like hardworking kids.”

“...”

“Inferiority complex can sometimes be a catalyst for growth. And I think you’re definitely that type.”

Salvatore’s soft voice curled around Liantin’s ear.

A voice so beautiful it seemed to melt.

Liantin gazed at Prince Salvatore dazedly.

‘W-what?’

Prince Salvatore interested in me?

More than in Erilot?

Liantin’s face flushed bright red in the dim light.

Salvatore chuckled and spoke.

“If you don’t mind, how about going to the Colosseum together? I’ll pick you up at 5 PM.”

“Th-that sounds great...!”

Then.

“What are you doing?”

A sharp voice sounded.

I turned and saw Sebastian Viferi approaching with other princes.

She looked at the handkerchief in Liantin’s hand.

Her face twisted in anger.

The pattern on the handkerchief was the Kalsoi royal family crest.

“Why does the lady hold the prince’s handkerchief?”

Liantin flinched.

Then glanced at Prince Salvatore.

Her expression was one of curiosity about how to handle it.

Liantin gripped the handkerchief tightly and glared at Sebastian.

“That’s none of your concern.”

“What did you say?”

Sebastian’s voice sharpened, but Salvatore stepped in.

“Lady Astra is right, Sebastian.”

Liantin looked at Salvatore shyly.

‘He took my side...’

Liantin glanced arrogantly at Sebastian and hugged the handkerchief.

“I’ll see you at the Colosseum. Tomorrow at 5 PM...”

“Alright.”

Other princes murmured.

“Colosseum?”

“Going together to the Colosseum?”

Yes, that’s right.

The empire’s only prince had reached out to her.

‘Not Erilot!’

Liantin lowered her head with a slight smirk.

“Have a good night.”

“Milady too.”

Liantin bowed and turned away.

After she left, Sebastian sharply asked me,

“What are you thinking?”

“You heard.”

“Why bother with that kind of thing?”

Salvatore smiled wryly.

“I like Lady Astra’s arrogance, but sometimes it’s annoying.”

Sebastian flinched.

Biting her lips, she looked away.

“My apologies.”

“It’s late. Everyone should rest.”

Sebastian and the princes glanced at the cheerful Salvatore.

‘What’s that venomous guy planning?’

‘No idea, but this will get interesting.’

The princes chuckled, but only Sebastian frowned.

The next morning.

I went to Liantin’s room.

“Sis, I’m planning to have tea time with the Sun Society members this morning and leave right after. Preparing early—”

Liantin didn’t even look at me.

She was busy trying on dresses in front of a mirror.

“Red? Is the red dress better?”

“Sis.”

“Hm?”

“Are you listening to me?”

“Ah. You go alone.”

“What?”

Liantin turned with a smile.

“You go alone. I’m staying a bit longer.”

“I told grandfather I’d return today.”

“It’s the Sun Society. What could grandfather say if I stayed longer? If it helps the family, it can’t be bad.”

“If it’s dangerous, he told me to hurry back. I think the risk is greater than the value of connections, so I’m going back.”

“Really...”

Liantin frowned and looked at me with dissatisfaction.

“If that’s your judgment, then you go back alone. I think it’s better for me to stay.”

“You’re the official invitee. If you’re not there, then you—”

“Yeah! You’re great. Got it!”

“...”

“But next year will be different. I might bring you then.”

Liantin smiled dreamily, clutching her dress.

Then, “Ah,” she glanced at me.

“I’m not angry. I’m grateful you brought me...”

“...”

“For everything you helped with, and for being close. I will never forget. And next time, I’ll help you too.”

“...”

“Promise me, Erilot.”

Liantin gripped my hand firmly, her face resolute.

“You’re my friend and closest cousin. I want to be someone who can help you too. This time.”

“Liantin.”

“Sorry. I’m a bit busy now. See you at tea time later?”

I left Liantin’s room almost pushed out.

‘What is going on? Why is Liantin acting like that?’

Liantin seemed possessed by something.

“Why...”

“Erilot!”

Prince Abino ran to me from afar.

“You’re going to the Colosseum, right? With me!”

“Ah, well...”

“Your cousin is going to the Colosseum too. With Prince Salvatore.”

I immediately knew.

‘That was it?’

I chuckled.

‘I see what’s going on. They’re trying to provoke Liantin’s jealousy.’

Something was definitely planned.

‘In that case...’

I smiled and looked at Abino.

“Um, I want to ask you a favor.”

“A favor? Yeah! Anything!”

“Then could you tell Prince Salvatore I want to meet him alone?”

“Al-one?”

Yes.

Al-one.

‘If possible, tell the princes interested in me that I wanted to meet Salvatore alone.’

Sorry, but I’m better at provoking jealousy.