Chapter 74

Rieta’s hearing wasn’t all that exceptional, but someone was gossiping about herself, as well as the Kingdom of Liz. She could hear those unkind words, clear as day.

“Is that the Princess? The one who was exchanged for money by Liz.”

“Poor. And yet she still does exactly what the King of Liz tells her to do.”

“They say that they ran out of money for luxury while enjoying their pleasure, so they became indebted.”

Perhaps, if there were only adults at this party, they would not have spoken out loud.

But today was the Princess’s party.

The noble children who adored her were also present as guests.

Of course, they must have learned about the manners of the Capital.

However, because there is a person who stimulates curiosity, it seemed that they were unable to control their mouths.

“I heard a lot of stories, Princess.”

Soon the Princess stood up from her seat.

“Nice to meet you. I’m Gabriela Farrell Mechidia.”

After letting the attendant back down, she opened the box that Rieta had brought herself.

The Princess had never opened a gift directly before, so the surroundings were noisy for a while.

Rieta got nervous and grabbed the hem of her robe.

Unlike the others, Rieta’s gift was neither glamorous nor pretty.

I hope the Princess will like it, please . . .

“This.”

The Princess took out Rieta’s gift with a face that gave nothing away.

There were sturdy leather boots.

Without any fancy decorations, only made with attention to practicality.

Of course, the reaction of those around her to her gift didn’t seem very good.

For instance, the Princess’s attendant was giving Rieta a sympathetic look.

“The Kingdom of Liz is poor.”

Rietta wanted to say, “If we really are poor, we couldn’t buy shoes made of such good leather”

But for the time being, she was silent.

Was she prepared for this kind of reaction around her?

What mattered was the Princess’s reaction, no one else.

The Princess of the original story that Rieta knew was the most beautiful and active person ever.

She had also won victories in hunting competitions several times.

So . . . maybe . . .

“Thank you. I will cherish it.”

But the Princess’ reaction was the same as when she received any other gifts.

An ordinary answer returned with a refined smile and kind words.

Perhaps, Rieta’s gift did not move her in any way.

“Con, congratulations. Simply . . .”

The imperial language came out in a mess due to embarrassment, but she didn’t notice it.

Noticing someone from afar laughing and mocking, she could guess that she was wrong again.

She felt kind of embarrassed.

Rieta unfolded the hem of her dress.

She bowed her head again.

I must have expected too much . . .

Rieta knew the original story, so she believed that she might have been able to win the Princess’s heart.

I don’t know.

There may be a different reaction.

But she was too arrogant.

She couldn’t do so with just one gift.

After all, the Princess didn’t show an interest in any particular country.

“. . .”

Rieta took a step back with her head bowed.

“Wait.”

At such a time, the Princess called out to Rieta.

“. . .Yes?”

The moment she lifted her head in surprise, her foolish anticipation also sparkled.

“Congratulations. I heard that today is the Princess’s birthday as well.”

The Princess came right in front of Rieta.

“I also prepared a present. I’m sorry for only giving it now.”

Having said that, the Princess lightly brushed Rieta’s hair.

There was the sound of a jingle of metal.

Rieta quickly reached for the place where the Princess had stroked her hair.

There was an unfamiliar headdress.

“Congratulations.”

An exclamation was heard from somewhere in the distance.

The decoration looked very nice.

Rieta’s face turned even redder.

“Birthday presents should be this precious and beautiful,” muttered another onlooker.

“Th, thank you.”

After stuttering her greeting, the Princess gave a short answer and returned to her seat.

With a rather quick pace, Rieta returned to the place where the Duke was waiting.

“They gave cheap boots and received jewels, the Kingdom of Liz has taken another advantage.”

Rieta didn’t even see the face of the rude speaker.

She only thought she had made a mistake.

When Rieta returned, the Duke immediately handed her a cold drink.

“It will help you relax.”

Rieta slowly drank the pink fruit drink, as he said.

Rieta’s mood improved somewhat, as the sour taste had touched her confused mood.

Besides, no noble cared about Rieta anymore.

After all she had her nerves taken away.

Rieta looked around.

Ever since she had returned, she’s always felt as though she were missing something.

Sure enough . . .

Noel wasn’t there.