5206-chapter-17-2
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Iva handed her invitation to Julian.
“We will have an event using the invitations in the third part. You won’t be able to participate without an invitation, so I’ll give you mine.”
“Oh my? Is that okay?”
“Yes, it’s fine.”
Julian received the invitation and took Iva’s hands in excitement.
“Why, why are you doing this?”
Despite wanting to pull away from the sudden skinship, Iva held back, reminding herself that Julian was a royal.
“You are such a kind, Young Lady. I’ll make sure to remember your name and inform His Majesty.”
“Pardon?”
“His Majesty is very fond of me. If I tell him that you’ve helped me, maybe he’ll reward you. Or maybe find a good match for the Young Lady? Hehehe.”
She laughed merrily, but Iva didn’t find it funny at all. I don’t even want to get involved with you! Who are you to mention my matchmaking with the Emperor!
Don’t even think about it! I’ll come like the wind and disappear like the dew!
“Oh, no. There’s no need for that.”
“That’s for me to decide.”
Julian’s eyes, which were just smiling a moment ago, seemed to become slightly sharper.
“What’s your name?”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m asking about your name. Does Young Lady have a tendency to not understand others’ words well?”
Julian was genuinely curious or teasing her, Iva couldn’t tell the difference, which made her feel uncomfortable.
Indeed, in her past life, Julian was a calm and timid girl who couldn’t speak properly. But now, she had become talkative.
Moreover, she seemed unfamiliar to Iva.
“I am Iva Blanche.”
Pausing briefly, she revealed her name.
“Iva Blanche? I’ll definitely remember that.”
She firmly grasped Iva’s hand again before letting go.
Then, Julian turned back to Ray.
The attention of the others followed Julian’s movements. As a female lead, she had always attracted attention, but now that she had become a princess, even more people were drawn to her.
“Princess, you’ve changed so much.”
“Do you remember my face? We met five years ago.”
Before they were trying to exchange greetings with Iva, and suddenly now, they were approaching Julian, trying to get a word in.
Julian, feeling the attention focus on her, moved fearfully closer to Ray’s side. However, her expression seemed to enjoy the situation.
“Ugh. I should slip away before I’m completely overwhelmed.”
In her past life, Iva was often pushed around and almost fell numerous times due to the crowd that used to gather around Julian. Just thinking about it made her calves itch, so she took a step back.
If attention kept piling up on Julian like this, would Claude and the envoy lose their expectations?
“Princess, please shake hands with me too!”
At that moment, someone rushed past and bumped into Iva’s shoulder.
“Ouch!”
Her tall high-heeled shoes wobbled as her body shook from the impact.
If I fell like this, I could break my ankle! Survival instinct kicked in, and she quickly regained her balance, swinging her arms to stabilize herself.
Thump.
As she did so, fortunately, someone from behind wrapped their arms around her shoulders, keeping her from falling. Thanks to that firm support, she didn’t tumble.
“In the Bergen Empire, is this how you say hello?”
A man with thick, dark purple hair cascading down to just above his shoulders was looking at Iva.
His vivid eyes exhibited a unique blend of cool green and warm yellow, each hue shining through distinctly.
His defined jawline, slightly thick lips, and fresh, sun-kissed skin gave off a radiant glow.
Was there such an outstanding person in the Bergen Empire? Who is this exotic and handsome young man?
Iva was so captivated by his dazzling eyes that she almost forgot about the near-fall incident.
“You have beautiful red hair.”
The man continued to gently stroke the end of Iva’s red hair with his other hand, not taking his eyes off her.
“T-Thank you.”
Regaining her senses belatedly, Iva tried to step back from his embrace. However, he didn’t release her shoulders easily.
“E-Excuse me?”
Even when she tried to twist her shoulders to free herself, he just gazed intently at her without letting go.
“Sir Bridget, Young Lady is feeling uncomfortable. Please let her go now.”
At that moment, when she was unsure of what to do, Claude’s soft voice sounded firm as he gently held Bridget’s hand.
“I was fascinated by Young Lady’s red hair and held onto her shoulders for too long. I’m sorry.”
Upon Claude’s restraint, Bridget finally let go of Iva’s shoulders.
Stepping away from Bridget, Iva quickly approached Claude’s side and then greeted Chase.
“It’s an honor to meet the members of the Fenet delegation. I am Iva Blanche, the one who prepared this party.”
“Pleased to meet you. I am Bridget Taylor.”
He extended his hand for a handshake, and Iva smiled and reciprocated.
Yeah, I don’t have time to care if Julian and Ray are falling in love and making a scene.
The person I should be most attentive to at this party is Bridget Taylor.
If he enjoys the party, I’ll receive the best compensation. That way, I can buy land and have many lovers, just like the plan.
Iva steeled her heart and focused on Bridget, whose demeanor seemed challenging at first glance.
It was truly the beginning of the party.
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