Unlike the initially cold atmosphere, nobles lined up to congratulate Dekain, approaching one by one to offer kind words.

“Hello, Your Highness. I am Viscount Seryu. I sincerely congratulate you on being officially recognized today.”

Dekain replied with a mask-like smile, courteously.

“Yes. Viscount Seryu, was it? I will make sure to remember.”

Dekain spoke casually without the slightest trace of awkwardness.

Until now, as the head of Cain Trading House, he had used honorifics toward nobles—but no longer, since today he was officially acknowledged as a prince.

His demeanor was so natural it almost gave the illusion he had always been a prince.

“Oh my, I am deeply grateful even for your words alone, Your Highness. I eagerly await the day we might meet privately.”

As soon as the man calling himself Viscount Seryu disappeared, the next noble immediately stepped forward.

“Your Highness, do you remember me? We met several times at the trading house—congratulations on becoming a member of the imperial family.”

Cain Trading House was among the largest in Lazent Empire, so many nobles recognized Dekain’s face.

But no one had ever anticipated he would become a prince.

Dekain recognized the man now standing before him—a nuisance who had caused endless trouble at Cain Trading House.

Yet unlike his formerly arrogant self, the man now watched Dekain’s expression with the groveling look of a puppy wagging its tail.

Dekain sneered inwardly. He had expected it, but people’s attitudes toward him had completely transformed with his change in status.

Outwardly, however, he maintained his courteous smile and replied.

“Of course I remember. Though I won’t be managing the trading house anymore, I hope we’ll still see each other from time to time.”

“Yes. I shall come running whenever Your Highness summons me.”

The nobleman’s face brightened at Dekain’s remark, which made no mention of past mistakes.

It was at that moment—while Tanashia Brellof watched Dekain continuously receive congratulations and was about to quietly move elsewhere—

That Retanda, who had been glaring disapprovingly at the scene, finally spoke.

“So you claim to be Lady Brellof’s proxy? Why are you covering your face?”

Tanashia felt it was finally coming—the question she had anticipated someone would ask upon attending the party.

Without fluster, she offered the excuse she had prepared in advance.

“When working as a weapons merchant, unexpectedly dangerous moments arise more often than you’d think. That’s why Miss Tanashia recently ordered everyone to cover their faces. It’s the same principle as Igtheon Trading House’s former rule requiring minors to wear masks.”

Igtheon Trading House, operated by Dekain’s adoptive father, had enforced a rule that faces must be masked until adulthood.

This was to avoid potential exposure to danger—though an exception existed for revealing one’s face to loved ones.

Since Lazent Empire’s nobles had encountered trading houses with such regulations before, Tanashia believed a similar excuse would suffice.

Her prediction proved correct—Retanda closed his mouth, offering no further objections.

‘Phew—.’

She was inwardly sighing in relief

When David, standing beside Retanda, launched his own challenge.

“Let’s grant that wearing a mask on your face is acceptable—but to hold such an event without any prior announcement? That’s rude. Is this how things are handled in Arwen Empire?”

David appeared to be a man in his mid-forties. His neat, gentle-looking face suggested amiability rather than harshness—but now it seemed appearances could be deceiving.

Of course, for David, who cared deeply about who would inherit the throne, this was an issue he could not yield even an inch on.

“Well…”

Just as Tanashia was about to respond,

A woman who had been invisible until moments ago appeared beside David.

Feminine features, an exquisitely luxurious dress—and the way she brazenly hooked her arm through David’s suggested close familiarity.

Most importantly, Tanashia recognized her face all too well.

‘Reiana!’

Her mind went blank.

Only then did she recall the day she and Ascan had visited the orphanage—and by chance encountered Reiana on the street.

Amidst various busy affairs, she had completely forgotten Reiana’s existence—but clearly, Reiana hadn’t merely visited briefly. She now appeared to be a noblewoman of Lazent Empire.

Wondering how this had come to pass, Tanashia stared at Reiana—when Reiana spoke first.

“How utterly shameful for Arwen Empire. I’m too embarrassed to show my face. Darling, I know Tanashia a little—she’s always relied solely on the Brellof family and been unbearably arrogant.”

“…Cough.”

Tanashia coughed in shock at the slander flowing so freely.

She and Reiana were never on good terms—but she hadn’t expected Reiana to drag her name into conversation and tarnish her honor in her very absence.

Some people truly never changed.

Though momentarily flustered by the sudden insult, Tanashia quickly regained her composure.

Reflecting, she realized something bothered her: Reiana had addressed David as “darling.”

David then gazed at Reiana affectionately and said,

“I didn’t mean to insult your homeland, so please don’t misunderstand. I merely wished to point out Lady Brellof’s behavior was excessively rude.”

“Of course. I understand. Tanashia really is quite short-sighted.”

From their conversation, Tanashia deduced David and Reiana were married.

David was not only Marquis Dante but also leader of the Emperor’s faction. Considering Reiana’s former standing in Arwen Empire, this marriage amounted to an extraordinary social climb.

Tanashia didn’t resent seeing Reiana living well.

But somehow, fate seemed to have placed her once again on the opposite side of Tanashia.

Quietly observing Reiana and David, Tanashia finally spoke.

“I understand this unexpected schedule may have caused displeasure. But since it was prepared as a surprise event, we couldn’t notify anyone in advance. I sincerely ask for your understanding.”

Tanashia delivered her words without blinking an eye.

Her sharp, composed demeanor widened David and Reiana’s eyes slightly.

She was merely a proxy wearing a mask—yet showed no intimidation before Marquis David and his wife Reiana.

Reiana’s hidden venomous gaze flashed as she spoke.

“Ha! I suppose you inherited your master’s arrogance—how utterly insolent for a mere proxy.”

Tanashia was mentally scrambling for a way out of this situation

When a dignified voice unexpectedly rang out from an unforeseen direction.

“Lady Dante, there’s no need to interrogate Lady Brellof’s proxy. I approved this matter. If you have complaints, address them directly to me.”

Turning her head, Tanashia saw Kysandra, radiating elegance, accompanied by Swinter at her side.

Reiana could not defy Empress Dowager Kysandra. Quickly assessing the situation, she replaced her expression with an innocent smile and replied,

“Oh my, whatever do you mean? If Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has permitted it, I certainly have no complaints. I merely spoke up out of concern for not ruining the imperial party.”

David promptly supported his wife Reiana.

“Indeed. If Her Majesty the Empress Dowager has approved it, I too raise no objections.”

Retanda, who had been silently observing, frowned as if displeased by Kysandra’s sudden appearance.

At that moment, Crown Prince Shusain, standing right beside Retanda, cleared his throat lightly and said,

“Haa, the air here feels a bit stifling.”

Though seemingly a minor grumble, Retanda looked at Shusain with concern.

“Your Highness, if you’re unwell, shall we take a short rest?”

“Yes, I believe that’s best.”

At Shusain’s reply, Retanda immediately led him out of the party hall. David and Reiana followed shortly after.

With the Emperor’s faction’s key figures gone, Kysandra stepped closer to Tanashia.

Gazing at her with approving eyes, Kysandra said,

“You said you’re Lady Brellof’s proxy? From what I’ve briefly observed, your ability to handle situations is exceptional. Would you consider working under me?”

Tanashia had heard of Kysandra beforehand—but Kysandra did not know the proxy’s true identity.

Dekain, fearing exposure of Tanashia’s identity might endanger her, had kept silent and told no one.

Tanashia offered an awkward smile. Only her blue eyes, visible beyond the mask, curved softly.

“I am deeply honored by your words. But as a weapons merchant’s proxy, I have many duties—it would be difficult to accept.”

She declined politely and respectfully.

Kysandra laughed heartily, evidently even more pleased by her demeanor.

“Very well. Should your mind ever change, come to me anytime. If you arrive, the gates of the Empress Dowager’s palace will swing wide open for you.”

“I am truly humbled.”

Tanashia forced a smile while inwardly breaking into a cold sweat.

Currently, the party hall gathered all three factions: Crown Prince Shusain, Second Prince Seiji, and those supporting Dekain.

Imperial faction figures like Retanda and David had shown hostility toward Tanashia, while Kysandra and Swinter displayed friendliness.

And then—

As Tanashia barely managed to move toward a less crowded area, a strikingly handsome man with dark green hair and red eyes approached her.

He was none other than Second Prince Seiji.

“To encounter Lady Brellof’s proxy at a Lazent imperial party—quite unexpected.”

“Ah, greetings, Your Highness the Second Prince.”

Upon spotting Seiji, Tanashia immediately offered a respectful bow.

Seiji’s eyes gleamed with surprise, and he murmured softly,

“So you recognize my face.”

“How could I not know Your Highness’s face? Before attending the party, I memorized the appearances of all important figures.”

There was no need to hide that she recognized him. When operating in another empire, memorizing key local figures was basic preparation.

Seiji seemed pleased she had studied his face in advance. Smiling subtly, he whispered lowly,

“Somehow, it sounds to my ears as though Lady Brellof also has interest in me.”

What? Is he delusional?

Tanashia stared at Seiji—clearly suffering from classic princely arrogance—and forced another smile.

Whether he misinterpreted her smile or not, Seiji continued in an even more secretive tone.

“Judging from today, it seems Lady Brellof intends to participate in Lazent Empire’s throne succession. You know you should bet on the side with better odds, right? Wouldn’t I be far preferable to that utterly base prince?”

Now it was clear—he wanted her support instead of Dekain’s.

Though headaches throbbed, Tanashia suppressed them; after all, she was attending merely as a proxy.

Unlike the Emperor’s faction’s overt hostility, Second Prince Seiji seemed intent on making a covert proposal.

Behind her mask, Tanashia twitched her unseen lips and thought inwardly,

‘Ah, how do I escape this situation?’

Instead of rescuing Dekain, she felt as if she’d fallen into an antlion’s pit.

Retanda led the frail Shusain into the nearest VIP chamber, closest to the party hall.

Shusain was Crown Prince; Retanda was a Grand Duke. If they wished, they could rest anywhere within the vast imperial palace.

As the two disappeared into the room, David, following a step behind, turned to Reiana with an apologetic expression.

“My dear, please wait here just a moment. Today’s party isn’t unfolding as we expected—I need to speak closely with His Grace.”

“Understood. Don’t worry about me—take your time with your conversation.”

“Thank you, my dear.”

David offered a tender smile and swiftly vanished into the room where Retanda and Shusain had entered.

The moment David disappeared from sight, Reiana’s previously demure expression instantly transformed.

Glaring resentfully at the VIP chamber’s door, she silently vented her frustration.

‘Hah, if you intended to make me wait outside, you should’ve said so beforehand. Why drag me all the way here just to make me wait? What’s the point?’

Today, Reiana wore the jewelry set David had recently gifted her from a jeweler’s shop—and a dress by a famous designer she wouldn’t have dared wear in the past.

She had been eager to flaunt herself before the crowd at the party—but David’s actions had forced her out here.

‘I had such high expectations for this party, yet nothing pleases me.’

Especially that woman introduced as Tanashia’s proxy.

Though her face was masked, she intensely irritated Reiana.

It felt almost as if she were facing Tanashia herself.

‘The last time, I saw a woman resembling Tanashia at the jeweler’s entrance—and now, with a proxy appearing today, could she truly be here?’

She hadn’t examined the woman’s face closely that day, but the glossy black hair and slender figure had resembled Tanashia’s.

Thus, suspicious, she had been secretly investigating whether Tanashia might be in Lazent Empire—without David’s knowledge.

Now, with Tanashia’s proxy appearing at the party, her suspicions deepened.

Though she couldn’t articulate it, the feeling she experienced facing the proxy was identical to confronting Tanashia—strangely unpleasant.

‘I’m curious about the true identity hidden behind that mask. Could it be a face I know?’

Having long looked down on those of lower status, Reiana’s cruel impulse stirred—she wanted to crush even the proxy in Tanashia’s stead.

‘…I must investigate this.’

Reiana’s hidden venomous gaze flashed as she smiled wickedly.

With luck, she might uncover Tanashia’s whereabouts through the proxy.

Either way, Reiana stood to lose nothing.