Adrisha left the palace with gloomy steps.
Her head hurts when she imagined attending the ball with Leonard. It wasn't that she hated him completely. But she was tired.
Deep in thought, Adrisha did not see a boy walking from the other side and bumped into his shoulder.
"Oh, I'm sorry."
Adrisha looked up hurriedly.
The boy who she bumped into was Aceras. He said with a nonchalant smile.
"You have a dark expression, Milady."
"... something very bad happened."
Adrisha sighed heavily.
Unlike others, she was strangely uncomfortable with him. He didn't do anything wrong.
"Aha, it's about the upcoming royal ball, isn't it?"
Perhaps, it's because he guessed it right. Adrisha shrugged her shoulder.
Fortunately, Aceras did not pry on it anymore and passed by with a smile.
He was now distracted by other ideas that were more important than Adrisha. At the upcoming royal ball, he will meet Dalia Pesteros.
However, there was still a lack of evidence.
More...he needs more evidence to be sure that the incident is because of her.
'What would be good?'
A soft smile appeared on his mouth, who had been thinking about various plans. He sincerely looked forward to the moment they would meet again.
4. Imperial ball
It wasn't long after the tea party, but now she had to attend another ball again.
The amount of pressure increased.
Dalia was nervous as it was her first ball, that was not held at her mansion. In addition, the last tea party ended in an awkward atmosphere, so she was worried about how to treat them again today.
Still, it was good that Adrisha became the lady of a Count family.
In addition, she became the Crown Prince's partner this time. (This was unexpected even for Dalia.)
Although Lady Peggy's jealousy because of her liking the Crown Prince bothered her, the wise Adrisha will get through it well.
'Now no one can ignore Adrisha.'
Now we have solved one challenge.
'It's a good thing that I visit His Majesty.'
It was a very impulsive decision to visit him.
She thought that Hikan would never allow her or scold her if he knew, so she begged the coachman and went secretly.
Fortunately, Hikan didn't catch on because of his busy schedule, and the results were very good.
"What will this Emperor get in return to do this favor for Adrisha Beniter?"
She was a bit suspicious back then.
Why is the Emperor so nice to her?
Dalia doesn't know much about politics yet, but she knew that it was not simple to promote a family to the Count position and set her as the partner for the Crown Prince. Even if that person is the Emperor.
There is no favor without reason.
That's why she offered to grant his wish, but the Emperor ended it with a hug.
'I wonder why?'
Even if he's being nice to the younger sister of a Duke, he won't get anything.
Dalia tilted her head.
'Anyway, I can't wait to meet Adrisha and get a compliment.'
Meanwhile, the Pesteros's employees were nervous about her first royal ball for a different reason than Dalia.
The employees knew that Hikan now immediately approves all the expenses for Dalia.
So they put together the dress and accessories from the most expensive boutique. All that's left is Dalia's styling.
It was worth noting that they even have a short meeting on how to tie Dalia's hair in the most beautiful way possible.
The funny thing was that Hikan sometimes gave the final confirmation.
He said that if they couldn't make a decision until the end and brought the final candidates to Hikan, he would choose the one that suits Dalia best.
Although he usually chooses the most expensive one and finishes it.
There was only one thing Hikan responded favorably at first sight, a diamond bracelet that runs from the wrist to the back of the hand.
As much as he liked that intricate one, it was almost the price of a house.
Therefore, the maids gave all kinds of compliments to Dalia, saying that it was a gift from Hikan.
After several meetings, the maids found the best style for Dalia and best suited her.
Now it was time to make that style into reality.
While Dalia was left in the hands of the maids, Adrisha arrived around lunch.
She came into her mansion, completely dressed from head to toe. Although she was originally beautiful, now she has become more beautiful that made people gasp.
Later, when she becomes an adult, she will become a beauty that would dominate the social world with only her face.
"You're so pretty, Adrisha."
Dalia said with a smile.
She said it without much thought, but tears suddenly formed in Adrisha's eyes when she saw her.
Dalia took out her handkerchief in surprise and handed it to her.
"Why, what's wrong?"
"It's just…..it's nice to see you."
'You've heard it from His Majesty.'
But she didn't know that Adrisha would cry.
The original Adrisha has a strong mentality, so you couldn't see her tears unless she was physically and mentally drained.
She wiped her tears with the handkerchief, hugged Dalia carefully so that her clothes wouldn't get ruined, and then said.
"If Dalia grows up, you'll be much prettier than I am. "
"Eyy."
Dalia looked at Adrisha, waving her hands playfully. But she was a little embarrassed because Adrisha was looking at her with such sincere eyes.
'Didn't, didn't you favor me too much?'
Even so, this person blinded with love is serious.
Dalia's hair was decided to be done in half ponytail as a result from the last meeting.
While the maids tied Dalia's hair with ribbons and curled her untied hair with a heated iron rod, Adrisha talked and held hands with Dalia.
"Are you not nervous? Do you feel nauseous?"
"It's okay since I have Adrisha."
As she said that, Adrisha laughed bashfully.
"Adrisha didn't go to His Highness? You're his partner right?"
Adrisha's expression became slightly hardened.
'I guess you don't like it.'
According to Dalia's memory, Crown Prince Leonard had unrequited love for Adrisha in the original.
However, he was not nominated for the male lead, as he had no exceptional appearance or personality except for his background.
Instead, he was just as clingy as the ex-boyfriend who called Adrisha at 2 a.m. whenever he had a chance.
"...just need to go an hour earlier, to the palace."
"I see..."
Dalia decided not to talk about that. Adrisha naturally changed the subject.
"You're going to dance the first dance with the Duke, aren't you?"
"Yes, probably?"
"Will you dance with me next time?"
Dalia was surprised for a moment and then realized.
'Oh, that's right. Women and women can also dance together here.'
Although it's only for the younger teenagers usually.
Dalia imagined herself and Adrisha dancing in her head. It will be pretty and cute. Of course, it's thanks to Adrisha.
If Hikan and Adrisha dance, they will look like a beautiful couple. But since it couldn't come true, Dalia was satisfied with only her imagination.
"Yes, I will."
Adrisha smiled in satisfaction.
"Oh, come to think of it, I have a gift for Miss Dalia. "
"Gift?"
"Yes. Because I'm really grateful."
Adrisha took out a beautifully wrapped white lace glove for children from a small purse.
"I chose the design. Isn't it pretty?"
"It's pretty, but..."
Dalia quietly looked at the maids.
Does this glove go well with Dalia's hair style, dress, and accessories? If not, no matter what Adrisha gave her, she can't wear it.
Fortunately, the answer was 'It suits you.'
Everyone nodded. Only then Dalia smiled.
"Thank you, Adrisha."
Adrisha smiled.
"I thought it would suit well with Dalia."
She put the gloves on Dalia's hand. It fits Dalia's hand perfectly, makes Dalia wondering when she measured it.
She didn't let go of her hand right away, but looked at Dalia's gloved hand for a long time with a stiff expression. She then said softly.
"This will protect Dalia."
"...but it's just a glove?"
"Because it's a gift I chose myself?"
There is nothing to say when she says it cutely like that. Still, the gloves were very pretty.