Chapter 34

...Today is the National Foundation Day, and a formal party hosted by the royal family is being held at the castle, where the nobility gather. As the head of the earl's household, I have been invited to this party.

One after another, the guests enter, dressed beautifully according to the dress code of the formal event. I, too, have had a suit tailored for this day.

The room suddenly buzzes with excitement. It seems that Lord Edward, Lord Yuri, and Lord Van, the son of the Daryl Church's Pope, have arrived. Lord Edward is wearing a deep green suit that suits him perfectly. Next to him, Lord Yuri, who is linked arm in arm with Lord Edward, is wearing a pink dress. Flowers are sewn all over the upper part, highlighting her youthful beauty. The skirt, which flares out with a pannier, has slits, and underneath, thin white lace and light pink fabric are attached, visible with every movement.

Lord Van, being the son of the Daryl Church, is wearing the church's ceremonial attire.

As they appear, the people in the room approach them one by one to greet them. Since they are members of the royal family, this is only natural.

However, some people are just watching from a distance. Given the current unstable situation, this is also understandable. I, too, do not actively approach to greet them but choose to greet them if they come near.

Still... Lord Edward has come as an attendee, not as a host. I thought he would be the host, given that he has not yet ascended to the throne but is under pressure from Lady Elria and her family. Perhaps he is not particularly concerned about it, as he is having a friendly conversation with Lord Yuri.

As I am thinking this, the room buzzes with excitement again. Entering are Duke Louis de Armenia, the Prime Minister, and his wife, Lady Melris. As always, Lady Melris is beautiful. Today, she is wearing a light blue dress that matches her eye color, and a dark blue robe. Her beauty, which makes her known as the belle of the social scene, is truly remarkable.

Many people, both men and women, greet the couple. They are both experienced and skillfully return the greetings.

Shortly after, the entrance area becomes even more bustling. I, too, shift my gaze from the Duke and Duchess to the new arrivals.

There, Duke Bern Tashi Armenia and the woman he is escorting stand. The entire room's attention is focused on her. I, too, am one of those captivated by her.

...Beautiful. That one word fills my mind. Her silver hair is lustrous and shines in the light. Her well-defined features and porcelain-like white skin. Her deep blue eyes are like the finest sapphires. The dress she wears is made of a lustrous fabric... I have never seen such material before. The dress, made of a fabric that is a light beige color, is unlike any other dress in the room. First, it is not in the hourglass shape with puffed sleeves, but rather in a curve that resembles an S... In other words, it is not a voluminous skirt but a slim, sleek line that suits her slender figure. The hem is intricately embroidered with blue and silver threads, and a sash of the same deep blue color as her eyes is wrapped around her waist.

Seeing her, delicate and ethereal in the light, I feel as if she is a goddess of the moon. I cannot take my eyes off her.

...Who is she? Such a beautiful woman, once seen, would never be forgotten.

She enters the room, drawing the attention of everyone, and stops in front of the Duke and Duchess of Armenia, engaging them in conversation.

...Is she related to the House of Armenia...? She does resemble Lady Melris... Could she be Lady Iris Lanna Armenia, the eldest daughter of the House of Armenia? No, she looks too different from Lady Iris... Besides, Lady Iris had her engagement to Lord Edward broken off and would not be able to attend a party. Then, who is she...?

As I ponder this, another door opens. The Dowager Queen... the Dowager Queen? Why is it the Dowager Queen and not the King...? But then, I remember the past as I see her appear as the host.

She was once the Queen of this country. She ascended to the throne after the death of her brother, the Crown Prince, as the only direct royal heir. However, since there was no precedent for a woman to ascend to the throne, she married a Duke and ruled jointly with him.

During that time, she often appeared as the host and Queen. Therefore, this scene evokes a sense of nostalgia.

After her husband, the former King, passed away and her son, the current King, came of age, she abdicated the throne. She stayed at the palace for a while as the Dowager Queen but retired to a secondary palace when the King married the daughter of an earl.

Since then, she has not participated in such events... Has something happened?

Everyone naturally recalls the past and bows their heads. I, too, am one of them.

She accepts our bows with a smile and takes her seat among the royal family. At the same time, music begins to play, and the party starts.

While engaging in conversation, everyone's attention is focused on either the mysterious woman escorted by Lord Bern or the Dowager Queen.

Suddenly, the mysterious woman moves. It seems she has been called by the Dowager Queen. As she walks toward the Dowager Queen's seat, we all forget our conversations and listen to their exchange.

"Lady Iris Lanna Armenia, I have been looking forward to meeting you today. So much so that I decided to attend the party."

The Dowager Queen's words send a shock through the room. Indeed, she is the eldest daughter of the House of Armenia and "that" topic of conversation... Moreover, the fact that she attended for her sake is surprising.

What is the Dowager Queen thinking...?

"Your success as the head of the Azuta Trading Company and your excellent performance as a regent for the lord are now my greatest pleasure to hear about."

However, the Dowager Queen's words dispel any doubts and bring even more shock. She is managing "that" Azuta Trading Company? And, at the same time, performing the duties of a lord!

The Azuta Trading Company is one of the top two or three most prominent trading companies in the country, established only about three years ago. Despite its short history, it has risen to prominence with an unprecedented product lineup and excellent management. I am a big fan of their chocolate, and my family uses their beauty products.

"...There must be many challenges. If you have any problems, please feel free to consult me."

"......I am deeply honored."

She performs a graceful bow and steps back. Although it was only a brief exchange of three or four sentences, it is considered appropriate for the host to speak with various people.

Indeed, as she steps back, the next person is called. She returns to standing by the wall, seemingly wanting to remain inconspicuous... but everyone's attention is on her.

This brief exchange has revealed her immense value. First, her charm as the head of the Azuta Trading Company, with its substantial funds and assets, is undeniable. However, more importantly... her influence over the Dowager Queen. Being the first among the nobility of our country to call her and offer her support is equivalent to having the backing of the most influential person in the room.

This raises the question of why Lord Edward broke off his engagement with her... After all, her beauty, talent, lineage, and backing... any of these would make her highly desirable. If he truly wants to ascend to the throne, he should have made her a key ally. Breaking off the engagement and immediately engaging with another woman has left a very poor impression.

At the very least, neutral parties will likely sneer at him internally, and the supporters of the first prince will be smirking. The supporters of the second prince will be grinding their teeth, as if the loss is their own.

Indeed, everyone is trying to get closer to her and is timing their approach. However, she is always engaged in conversation with someone from her family, making it difficult to find the right moment.

"Hey, it's been a while, hasn't it?"

In the midst of this strategic maneuvering, an insensitive comment is directed at her.