“Evely?”

I must have stopped without realizing it, and the Duke, who had his arms crossed, looked back at me as if he were puzzled.

I responded with a conscious smile.

“Oh, just a bit surprised, that’s all.”

“Surprised about what?”

“This kind of attention? This was the first time I realized that the gaze of people in social circles could be so passionate… … .”

As I stuttered, the Duke, looking at me, gradually lowered his voice, seemingly unable to comprehend.

‘Well, since you are an Ivernum, there is no way you would know. Things like people ignoring me.’

Even if they are jealous of you, you have probably never been ignored.

Subtle disregard. Mockery. Keeping their distance.

This was the impression I often received when attending parties as a Sinkere.

‘Well, our family’s status as a target for scrutiny in society was self-inflicted, to be honest.’

Sinkere, a historic family with a history dating back to the early days of the empire.

The pride of having produced the first empress and being descendants of a saint was something my family repeatedly emphasized.

But what if the history is long? Other than that, They have nothing else to say, so They just repeat the same story over and over again.

Even… … 

‘…with nothing to boast about except our name.’

Did they think that by doing so, they would stand out more?

Believing they were far superior to others, they acted as if they were higher than mere counts, even though they were practically penniless.

‘In reality, it’s just a wealthy wallet position.’

And it was only after I made money that I gained any recognition.

‘It seems that even after paying so much in compensation, they couldn’t get into the inner circle of the Second Prince’s faction.’

Anyway, in the upper class, they attached themselves without knowing their place, and in the lower class, they weren’t even actual power holders, but the appearance of prestige was all that mattered, as I later learned from my family.

I don’t remember ever being welcomed by the name Sinkere in social circles.

‘Oh, there they are, right over there.’

My family members, gathered together, were loitering near the center of the banquet.

Although they glanced in my direction, they didn’t seem to dare come and talk to me, perhaps because of the Duke next to me.

Perhaps because They were still being overlooked by those around them, they were immediately noticed thanks to the people around them who kept their distance from the Sinkere family as if there were invisible walls.

It was a scene so familiar and pitiful that it made me chuckle.

‘On the other hand, now… … .’

I held on to the Duke’s arm and glanced around.

Eyes filled with admiration and longing, regardless of their social status or gender.

People trying to get closer even for a moment, with eager body language.

Smiles that seemed to convey goodwill.

“… …”

Wow.

I swallowed my exclamation and thought.

‘As expected, this is Ivernum. It seems people’s attitudes have changed.’

It was such a change that it was hard to guess that they were the same people who had previously sneered through the fan covering their mouth or frowned awkwardly and turned their backs.

As I was appreciating the interesting changes around me like a landscape, I felt a commotion coming from somewhere else.

“Kyle! How long has it been?”

This friendly-looking man who approached and greeted us was the First Prince Geraldine, who I had seen during the engagement ceremony.

‘Imperial family!’

While my eyes widened in surprise at the sudden approach of the royal family, the Duke next to me lowered his head and naturally guided my arm.

“Your Highness”

“I greet His Highness, the First Prince.”

Thanks to this, I was able to pick up my dress and greet him according to etiquette without delay.

“There’s no need to be so polite. Isn’t this the lady who will soon become the Duchess of Ivernum?”

Crown Prince Gerald waved his hand with a somewhat reserved expression.

It seemed quite modest, but…

‘I wonder how many people will actually take it easy just because their superiors tell them to take it easy.’

I smiled awkwardly and raised my head at the First Prince, who spoke to me in a very friendly manner, considering he was not acquainted with me.

The standard bow nod angle for greeting members of the royal family is the same as before, right?

As I clicked my tongue again at the sight of the royal family approaching and greeting me first, I mentally checked to see if I had made any mistakes in my etiquette.

‘Huh?’

I felt a stinging gaze from somewhere and turned my eyes slightly.

I saw my family glaring fiercely in this direction.

Ah.

‘Ah, right. They must be thinking that I greeted the royalty first.’

I understood their sentiments to some extent.

The relationship with the royal family that they were obsessed with.

How much higher would they feel now that I had climbed the ladder they were desperately trying to ascend?

‘Haha. What a passionate gaze. It’s going to burn my cheeks.’

Although I was sad on the inside, I deliberately smiled brightly and happily, as if it were a great honor.

Having a private conversation with royalty was an honor everyone would envy, not only among regular nobles… …

Especially someone who has spent so much money and never even talked to the Second Prince!

‘Be jealous as much as you want!’

I try my best to smile cheerfully so that my family can enjoy it.