I timidly approached the two of them, squeezing through the gaps between the onlookers. Since Lady Aurelia was up against a state guest, she naturally wasn’t yelling or using coarse language. She continued on calmly. “The people of Vissel must be overjoyed to have someone so beautiful as their next queen. I’m sure your kingdom is proud.”
“I thank you for the kind words. I’ve seen that people are overjoyed in your presence as well, Miss Aurelia. They look like they could faint from your brilliance at any moment. Isn’t there an endless stream of suitors after you? Have you decided on a partner yet?”
“Unfortunately not. These men only ever seem to want me when I’m not in the mood. Things have not been progressing so smoothly.”
“Oh my. It’s hard to believe there are men out there who would dare to refuse an offer from someone like you.”
Princess Mira was speaking in fluent Lagrangian. As expected of royalty, she was skilled at language.
On the surface, this was an unproblematic conversation in which both parties were politely praising the other. Yet, everyone around them was watching tensely. The air between the two of them could be felt in spite of their expressions and words.
“Everyone has their own preferences,” Lady Aurelia sang. “Some men will actually be scared off if the woman is too flashy or daring. Lieutenant Flaubert is the perfect example of that.” She brought out Lord Simeon as her next card in this duel—on purpose, of course. Princess Mira’s expression didn’t change, so I couldn’t tell how she felt about it. “He prioritizes personality over anything else, so I was downtrodden for a while thinking that my own wasn’t good enough... But in the end, it turned out that whether or not I am ‘enough’ wasn’t the point of concern; it was a matter of his preferences. His wife and I are of different types. It satisfied me, knowing that she was the kind of person he sought.”
She covered her mouth with her fan as she gave a fake, elegant giggle. I could feel electricity speed through my veins when I realized that this was what she’d been wanting to say all along.
Normally, Lady Aurelia would never have said anything that lowered her own reputation. Forced modesty went against her standards, at times to the point of disturbing those around her. And yet, she’d brought up the fact that Lord Simeon had rejected her in order to make her point: As beautiful as you may be, Your Highness, it doesn’t matter even a smidge to him. Do you really think a man that didn’t fall for me would fall for you instead? Please keep your confidence at bay. He’s not looking for a faux-innocent princess whose only positive trait is her beauty.
This was what she was saying beneath her polite words. Rather than use words that would slight a state guest, she was phrasing it as an anecdote, sealing in a powerful attack. As expected of the golden rose of society! You’ve shown us a wonderful display of how first-rate noblewomen fight! That’s my Lady Aurelia! I want to give you a standing ovation! Even though I’m already standing! And I’m aware that you’re saying Lord Simeon’s taste in women is “strange animals whose features and appearances are of a different dimension.” We’ll leave that part speculative to those who aren’t in the loop.
But in all honesty, Lady Aurelia was playing a dangerous game. Depending on how Princess Mira reacted, this could very well lead to an international issue. At the very least, it could lead to the downfall of Lagrange’s reputation if the princess were to feel angered and humiliated.
While I was standing there shaking with fangirlism, struggling to contain my excitement, the two beauties continued their discussion.
“Hearing that, I can’t help but take interest in this wife of his. I wonder what kind of person she is.”
Princess Mira didn’t let her mask slip easily. Though she was pretending to be playful, she was skillfully searching for information. It was only natural for her to do so, considering how the discussion was flowing, but... Urgh, this may be bad for me.
“Indeed...” Lady Aurelia briefly swerved her eyes away from the princess to the crowd, very obviously looking for me. Needless to say, I put everything I had into erasing my presence and quietly drawing into the shadows. I can’t, I can’t, I can’t! I can’t go over there! I’ll just soooftly run away...
But as I attempted to do so, something slammed into my back.
“Wah!”
I threw my leg out to stop my fall. I-I’m stepping on the hem of my skirt! Now I’m going to fall even harder than before!
The scene I was causing drew all eyes. Oooh, who did this to me?! Was it you, Julianne?!
Once I managed to catch myself and turn back around, Prince Severin and Duke Silvestre were standing directly behind me. Which one of you was it?! It was very mean either way!
The two had different expressions on their faces, but both were ordering me to go forth. Please, stop this!
Searching desperately for Lord Simeon, I found him caught in the arms of the Captain of the knights. The lower knights were then ordered to take him out of the venue.
Which means...I’m to do something about all this by myself, then.
A voice that was almost singing called out to me. “Oh, there you are. Since you’re here, why don’t you greet Her Highness, Mrs. Marielle?”
It was too late for me to ignore it and run, so I turned to Lady Aurelia, tears almost welling up in my eyes.
“G-Good evening...”