(Lina)
It felt so good to walk away from Nicholas and his family like that. I didn't know who they thought they were, trying to bully me, but it would never happen again. I was not the weak Isabella they thought I was, someone trying hard to please everyone.
What the fuck was wrong with her?
At this point, I didn't care that I was reincarnated; no one should have to go through what she did.
Trying to be a proper princess and wife to a man who wanted nothing to do with her.
Love can make you do things you never thought you would in a million years. I understood that she was in love with Nicholas, but no one should be treated the way she was treated.
-Congratulations on completing your task. Asking the prince for gold coins and getting it this time is a huge success!
The system's voice echoed in my mind, making me groan. It had told me before that it would stop showing up, and now it was communicating directly in my head, which was annoying as hell.
'You're right; it is a huge success. How much does a gold coin cost here?' I asked, glancing at the five coins Nicholas had given me.
-Each gold coin is worth a significant amount in the kingdom. You could trade one for food, supplies, or even small luxuries. Save them wisely!
I sighed.
'I'll keep that in mind. Now, what's my next task?'
-Your next task is to improve your standing with influential people in the court. Gaining favor is essential for your success.
Influential people? I thought about Lady Elara and her icy demeanor. Gaining her favor would be no easy feat. Still, I couldn't let that discourage me.
As I strolled through the palace gardens, I took a deep breath, letting the fragrant flowers calm my nerves. I had to be strategic; every interaction mattered now. I couldn't let the past dictate my actions.
The gardens were beautiful, with colorful flowers and neatly trimmed hedges. A few palace staff moved about, tending to the plants. I decided to walk toward the main courtyard where court members often gathered. It was the perfect place to find influential people.
As I made my way through the path lined with blossoming roses, I spotted a group of ladies talking. They wore elegant gowns, their laughter ringing through the air. I recognized some of them as important figures in the court.
This is it. Time to introduce myself, I thought.
Taking a deep breath, I approached them. "Hello, ladies. May I join you?"
The women paused their conversation, eyeing me curiously. One of them, a tall woman with chestnut hair and piercing blue eyes, stepped forward. "Of course, Princess Isabella. We were just discussing the upcoming ball. Have you heard about it?"
I smiled, relieved at the warm welcome. "I have! I'm quite excited to attend."
The tall woman continued, "You'll find it enchanting. The prince always ensures the best entertainment."
"Oh, I'm sure it will be lovely," I replied, trying to keep my tone light.
Another lady, who had curly golden locks and a bright smile, chimed in. "You should dance with him! Everyone will be watching, and it would be a wonderful sight."
My heart sank at the mention of Nicholas. He didn't like me; he was in love with Lady Elara. Still, I needed to gain favor with these women. "I would be honored," I said, forcing a smile. "But I must admit, I might need a little practice before then."
The chestnut-haired lady laughed lightly. "We could teach you! Dance lessons would be fun, and we'd love to help."
"I'd appreciate that very much," I said, genuinely grateful. "It would be nice to make new friends."
They exchanged pleased looks, and I felt relieved. This was a step in the right direction.
-Task progress: Building relationships with influential figures: 30% complete.
"Tell us, Princess Isabella," The blonde-haired lady said. "What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing outside of court events?"
I thought for a moment. "I love painting and exploring the gardens. It's peaceful to be surrounded by nature."
"Painting? That's wonderful!" The blonde-haired lady exclaimed. "You should come to the art gallery with us sometime. There's a new exhibit opening soon!"
"I'd love that! Thank you for the invitation," I said, feeling more at ease.
As we continued to chat, I found myself relaxing. The women shared stories about their experiences in the court, their laughter blending with the gentle rustle of leaves. I realized that making connections didn't have to be daunting; it could also be enjoyable.
Before long, I noticed Lady Elara approaching from a distance, her eyes locked on our group. My stomach twisted with nerves. I had hoped to avoid her for now, but there she was, striding toward us with an air of authority.
The ladies instantly grew quiet, their demeanor shifting as Elara approached. I felt a wave of tension wash over me. Would she scold me for mingling with them? Would she remind me of my place?
But Elara simply smiled, a difference to her usual coldness. "I see you've made some friends, Princess Isabella. That's good to see."
I fought to keep my expression calm. "Thank you, Lady Elara. They were kind enough to invite me into their conversation."
Elara's gaze moved over the ladies, and they seemed to shrink slightly under her scrutiny. "Keep in mind that court politics can be quite tricky. Choose your allies wisely," She warned, her tone low but clear.
I nodded, trying to appear respectful. "I will, my lady. Thank you for your advice."
With that, she turned to leave, but not before casting one last, critical glance in my direction. The moment she was out of earshot, the ladies exchanged worried looks.
"Don't mind her," The chestnut-haired lady said. "Lady Elara can be a bit intimidating, but she means well in her own way."
"Exactly," The blonde-haired lady added. "You did great today! Just keep being yourself."
-Task progress: Building relationships with influential figures: 40% complete.
As we resumed our conversation, I felt different. I was not just Princess Isabella; I was Lina Carter, and I was determined to make my mark in this court, even if it meant moving around the tricky waters of alliances and friendships.
With every laugh, every shared story, I was one step closer to my goal. I would not let anyone push me down again. I would rise and carve my own path, one connection at a time.