Atha had nothing to say, so she remained silent.
She felt uncomfortable, the reason for which she did not know, so she avoided Hela's gaze, and at that moment her eyes met another miss who was watching her.
The young lady slowly turned her head with a small smile, and when Atha naturally looked around, she realized the truth.
The majority of those present were observing this aspect.
Suddenly, she felt tightness in her chest as if the food had not been digested well.
Atha put the fork down quietly, but Hela continued to smile brightly as if she had noticed nothing.
“Rumor has it that His Highness the Crown Prince fell in love with Miss Atha at first sight, is that really true?”
Her rude words seemed to have no intention of stopping.
“I'm sorry if this upset you.
I didn't mean to upset you, but I often hear that I'm not quick to notice other people's feelings.”
Atha thought she would change the subject now, so she raised the teacup and answered briefly: “Ah, yes, I understand.”
“But how did you manage to capture the Crown Prince’s heart?
I’m really very curious about that.”
It seemed that her apology a while ago was only a formal mask, as she returned again to the same topic.
Hela's question was undoubtedly everyone's curiosity.
Of course, it may be awkward to ask someone you meet for the first time like this, but is it really possible for someone with an outgoing and sociable personality to…?
This was the first time that Atha had dealt with a noble lady her age, so she was confused and did not know whether this behavior was considered a breach of etiquette or not.
“They say Miss Atha is the Crown Prince's type, so what exactly is the aspect of you that he likes best?
I've searched hard and couldn't figure it out, so I'm very curious.”
As Hela's questions continued, Atha realized why she was so repulsed by her.
This was due to Hela's attitude of not caring at all about Atha's expressions of discomfort.
Hela was the type of woman Atha hated most.
A person who doesn't care how upset the other party's face is, as long as his personal curiosity is satisfied.
'Did she sell her insight and buy it impudence?'
While Atha was gathering her last remaining patience, Hela's tongue did not stop chattering.
“Honestly, it's unexpected.
I thought that if there was someone His Highness would give his heart to, it would definitely be Miss Cecilia of the Eret family.”
***
In the same place, Clarice's gaze changed sharply as she listened to the one-sided conversation Hela was having with Atha.
Clarice Curtis.
Second daughter of Count Bugge Curtis, and one of the “owls” of Blossom Palace.
Its primary mission was to attend large and small parties and salons to collect information, but a short time ago, a priority mission was added to it depending on the place.
While performing her regular duties, if Atha is present at the assembly, she is to keep an eye on her.
Who approaches her with interest, what kind of dialogue takes place between them, and sends a detailed report on everything.
In addition, she should only watch over Atha as much as possible, but if someone attacks her, she should protect her immediately.
Clarisse was sitting in a position close to Atha, following orders, and listening intently to the conversation with Hela.
From the beginning the situation was tense.
Hela has long been known to not hide her feelings of admiration towards the Crown Prince.
However, Clarice tried to wait a bit because Hela pretended to have some sense and apologized at first.
But when Hela began to raise the bar on her verbal excesses, Clarice thought that the moment for her intervention was approaching.
While she was putting down the cup of tea and adjusting her clothes to get up from her place—
The woman who looked confused the whole time with her meek face opened her mouth.
Her voice and tone were soft and gentle, just like her impression of kindness and vulnerability.
“Hmm… You seem to be very curious about His Highness the Crown Prince’s feelings, so how about you ask His Highness yourself why he is ‘clinging’ to Atha Herman so much if you really want to know?”
Despite the pleasant tone, the content was never that good.
Sounds of muffled laughter and faint whistles came from across the hall.
Clarisse was not the only one anticipating the moment of intervention between Hela and Atha.
Many were upset to see Hela, who had sharp features, attacking Atha, who looked as gentle as a little lamb wet in the rain, with offensive questions, pretending to be friendly.
This reaction of those present was unusual.
Isn't it said that the best scene in the world is the fight scene?
Especially if it is an emotional quarrel whose heroine is the Crown Prince's mistress, is there any greater entertainment than that?
But the fact that all of those present stood behind Atha and wished for this situation to end, her beauty played a role in it.
Anyone who sees her small and thin body, which suggests that she grew up without adequate nutrition, will feel pity for her.
Frankly speaking, the beauty standards in the Empire required that women be young, thin, and white, but none of the ladies of the families here were as pitifully young as Atha.
However, no one came forward to defend Atha in the middle of the conversation because they did not know whether it was in her best interest or not.
Her long silence seemed as if she was choosing her words, and most importantly, she did not take any action that suggested a request for help.
Anyway—
The Crown Prince’s involvement and use of the expression “he clings to it” was a great audacity, which pleased observers.
Clarice returned to leaning back in her chair and raised her teacup to begin watching relaxed, and so did the others.
When the “ewe” that was being attacked by the malicious “vixen” began fluffing her wool and kicking her hind feet, viewers sent her subtle encouragement.
On the other hand, Hela's features hardened, as she was receiving blaming looks from all sides.
“His Highness…‘clinging’ to Miss Atha?”
***
For a while, all that could be heard in Alisto's office was the turning of papers, the creaking of the pen, and the ticking of the clock.
Alisto was overwhelmed by piles of documents.
The meeting resulted in the Kingdom of Enrica being the most suitable partner to start maritime trade from Dalbert.
Relations with the Kingdom of Enrica are already strong, and the goods imported from it are luxury items such as crystal jewelry and ceramics.
However, the distance was long for land trade, which made the cost high, but with the opening of the sea route - it is expected that trade will become possible at a cost of only about 20% of the current cost.
One ship will replace horses and carriages, and the costs of labor, accommodation, and other expenses resulting from the shortened time will be greatly reduced.
He chose a country that guarantees stability and maximizes profits at the same time.
While he was drowning in work without a sense of time, the “owls” were feeling anxious.
“Your Highness, it seems that the tea party will be over soon, so how about we appear there briefly?
It will make it easier for the daughter of the Hermann family to adapt to high society.”
A hint of worry crossed Alisto's face, but he quickly asked: “When is the meeting with Dalbert scheduled?”
“Four days later.
This is the outline sent by Viscount William of Dalbert of the topics to be focused on at the meeting.
He also requested that an office be allocated to him in Blossom Palace, albeit temporarily, citing the need for intense coordination on the issue of maritime trade.”
Alisto nodded as he read the documents Count Curtis had handed him.
“Set up a temporary office for him on the second floor.”
“Your order, Your Highness.”
When the Crown Prince returned his gaze to the piles of paper, Caster muttered in a low voice, as if talking to himself.
It sounded like self-talk, but it was clearly audible to the Crown Prince.
“It appears that the list of attendees at today's tea party also includes Miss Hilla Hauser...”
It wasn't long after he finished talking to himself, that out of the corner of his eye he noticed the Crown Prince checking the clock.
Caster added in his heart: ‘Come on, Your Highness!
Go quickly!’ Then he said: “I’m afraid that young and inconsiderate miss will say something unnecessary to Miss Atha...
Oh!
Are you going out?”
“I'll only be gone for one hour”
Alisto put on his coat and left the office.
“Your command!
Your Highness!”
After a while, the Owl let out a sigh of relief.
“Ah, I almost thought he wouldn't go, I was so nervous.”
“Given his age, he should make time for love no matter how busy he is.”
“Needless to say, if he had married at the right time he would have three children by now.”