***
I was killing time reading a book on a peaceful afternoon when Lucy came running up to me, out of breath, and shouted.
"Your Majesty!! The Crown Prince has just arrived at the mansion!!"
"Yes, Crown Prince... Crown Prince??!"
"Yes, I will help you prepare quickly."
"Ha... I'm screwed..."
"yes?"
"No, Lucy. Get ready."
.
.
.
"Greetings to His Highness the Little Sun Prince of the Empire."
"Since when did the princess become so formal?"
"So what's going on at the mansion?"
"Is it true that you said we should pretend the engagement never happened?"
"Yes, it's true."
"Why?"
"I changed my mind."
"I'm really curious as to why Young-ae, who used to follow me around and say she liked me until recently, changed her mind."
"To tell you the truth, His Highness the Crown Prince has no interest in me. And His Highness has so many young ladies by his side."
"Huh, did Young-ae get a head injury?"
"It's normal. And I'll return this ring. Then I'll go in first."
"Hericia? Hericia!!!"
***
"Hey, Hey~"
"Brother, what's going on.."
"You said you punched that kid today!"
"Why is that?"
"You did so well~ As expected from the eldest daughter of the Chervian family!"
"My brother talks too much.."
"So you like me?"
"Oh, so you should go now. You have to finish reading the book."
"Okay.. Okay, see you tomorrow!"
.
.
.
"Lucy, could you bring me the invitation to the banquet that's coming up?"
"Oh my, you're attending the princess's party?!"
"Is this something you like so much..?"
"Because the princess doesn't usually attend parties..."
"That's... it's so boring just staying at home..."
"Is that so? Then I'll bring it right away!"
"Yeah, thanks."
"There are quite a few invitations piling up.."
"I see... huh? This is... an invitation to Lady Blancia's birthday party?"
Charlotte Blanche was a young lady who was famous as the flower of high society and the best friend of the female protagonist in the work.
'The Charlotte Counts are quite an influential family, too.. I think it wouldn't hurt to get to know them this time..'
"Lucy, bring me a pen and paper so I can write a reply."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
***
Meanwhile, Blancia, who received the reply, said,
"Miss, a letter has arrived for Princess Helisha."
"Yes, Princess Helisha... What?! Princess Helisha?!"
"Yes, Princess Helisha's reply..."
"Give it to me quickly!"
"Huh... The Princess is really replying to me... and attending the party? What should I do... What should I say??"
"It seems like the young lady really likes Princess Helisha."
"Of course! The Princess is a stunning beauty! I've always wanted to be friends with her... I just never had the chance..."
"I hope that you, Lady, can become close friends with the Princess through this opportunity."
"Yeah! I'm really looking forward to it! I have to reply soon too!"
So Blanca Charlotte's birthday banquet was just around the corner.