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“I was worried that my behavior during our last encounter in your room might have been the reason you felt unwell. I wanted to be with Princess as a gesture of my apology.”

Contrary to that day, when Iva humbly bowed her head in apology, Julian revealed a satisfied smile.

“I suppose I, as the mature one, should understand the Young Lady’s behavior.”

Hey! You’re younger than me! Who are you to act all grown up? Want me to show you what a real know-it-all is like?!

She quickly reined in her rising temper, so as not to snap at her.

“Hmm, Young Lady is wearing a sky-blue dress today, I see.”

It was almost time for her appointment with Claude. Despite Julian knowing this, she was only in her underdress at the moment.

She had been sitting quietly before, but when Iva entered, she scanned her from top to bottom, then chose a yellow dress from the selection the maids brought in. 

While Iva’s hair was half-tied up with the rest flowing long, she had her all pulled up.

“Everyone, leave.”

Dressed in silver accessories in contrast to Iva, Julian, adorned only in gold, picked out white shoes and sent the maids who were helping her dress, outside.

“Young Lady?”

“Yes, Princess.”

“Could you help me with my shoes?”

Now she was even treated like a servant.

Look at her! Now she doesn’t even pretend to be nice and is just bullying me.

In just their third encounter, Julian made no attempt to hide her animosity towards Iva.

“Of course. I’ll help you.”

Alright, I’ll endure this for now.

Forcing a smile, she approached Julian and bent down. She then carefully held one of the shoes, making it easier for Julian to slip her foot in.

Julian barely lifted her foot and remained still.

Wondering what she was up to, Iva looked up to find her staring down, as if looking down on mortals like a god.

Acting all mature, but her behavior is no better than a five-year-old! Does she think I work part-time at a shoe store? We don’t serve customers here, so please leave!

Iva barely contained the urge to snap at her once again.

Finally, after helping her with each shoe, her role as a Lady-in-waiting concluded.

“You seem to have a knack for assisting with dressing up.”

“Thenk yew. (Thank you)”

“Would you consider becoming my Lady-in-waiting…”

“Princess, we’re already 30 minutes late. Could it be that His Highness Claude has been waiting for too long?”

Anticipating that indulging her further would have no end, Iva quickly redirected the conversation.

Julian was annoyed at being interrupted, but since it was true she kept Claude waiting, she let it slide for the moment. 

With the clicking of her shoes, she stood at the bedroom door, glaring at Iva. The message was clear: open the door.

Just a bit more. A little more patience. Thinking of the future, Iva opened the door.

“Greetings, Princess.”

As the door opened, a tall figure, Ray, stood in front of the bedroom.

This was unexpected, and Iva’s surprise was evident.

“Ray!”

However, Julian, in sheer delight, bypassed Iva and rushed to embrace Ray. 

As she stretched out her arms, Ray, with swift reflexes, took two steps back.

“Princess, such greetings should cease now. Many eyes are watching.”

“But I’m so happy to see you, Ray. I can’t help it!”

“Even so, it’s no longer appropriate. We’re not children anymore.”

Julian expressed visible disappointment at Ray’s firm refusal.

Leaving Julian behind, Ray shifted his gaze to meet Iva’s eyes.

“Nice to see you.”

It was their first meeting since his confession. Shyly, Ray greeted her with a somewhat soft expression.

“Nice to see you too. But why are you here, Your Grace?”

“I invited him. If I’m dining with Brother Claude, Ray should be there too.”

Right, it doesn’t matter if Ray joins in. The more, the merrier.

“His Highness has been waiting for a while. We should get going.”

“Ray, walk beside me.”

“I am currently on duty. I’ll follow from behind.”

Ray, seemingly not wanting to repeat himself, put more distance between himself and Julian.

In her past life, Iva had only seen Ray doting on Julian to the point it could be infuriating, so his newfound coldness left her even more taken aback.

His behavior, which seemed to affirm that he favored Iva over Julian, prompted Iva to hasten her steps.

Despite being 40 minutes late to the dining area, Julian, with her light steps, came to an abrupt halt upon seeing not just Claude but others seated at the table.

Iva quickly approached Julian.

“Why the surprise, Princess?”

“W-Why are they here?”

“Oh, I must’ve forgotten. I didn’t mention there were other invited guests.”

Iva said, introducing them with a broad smile.

“Today, we’re joined by Count and Countess Lawrence for dinner. I had previously made a mistake regarding the couple, and I asked His Highness to allow me to apologize.”

“It’s an honor to meet you, Princess.”

The Lawrence couple rose from their seats to offer a formal greeting. Rather than acknowledging their gesture, Julian’s eyes were fixed on Iva.

“What is it? Does the Princess have something to say to me?”

Iva asked, her tone teasing.

“…No.”

It was obvious she did. Anyone could tell Julian’s reaction was that of someone confronted by an unwelcomed acquaintance. Perhaps Julian too remembered her past life.

But why was she trying so desperately to hide it? There was much Iva still had to uncover.

“It would be best if the latecomers took their seats.”

Reading the room, or more precisely, the atmosphere set by Claude who sat at the head of the banquet table, the trio quickly found their seats.

To Claude’s left were the Lawrence couple and Iva, and to his right sat Julian and Ray.

A stifling dinner commenced.

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