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nRieta’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.

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

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

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

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

nBut today was the Princess’s party.

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

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

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

n“I heard a lot of stories, Princess.”

nSoon the Princess stood up from her seat.

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

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

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

nRieta got nervous and grabbed the hem of her robe.

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

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

n“This.”

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

nThere were sturdy leather boots.

nWithout any fancy decorations, only made with attention to practicality.

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

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

n“The Kingdom of Liz is poor.”

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

nBut for the time being, she was silent.

nWas she prepared for this kind of reaction around her?

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

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

nShe had also won victories in hunting competitions several times.

nSo . . . maybe . . .

n“Thank you. I will cherish it.”

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

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

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

n“Con, congratulations. Simply . . .”

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

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

nShe felt kind of embarrassed.

nRieta unfolded the hem of her dress.

nShe bowed her head again.

nI must have expected too much . . .

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

nI don’t know.

nThere may be a different reaction.

nBut she was too arrogant.

nShe couldn’t do so with just one gift.

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

n“. . .”

nRieta took a step back with her head bowed.

n“Wait.”

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

n“. . .Yes?”

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

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

nThe Princess came right in front of Rieta.

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

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

nThere was the sound of a jingle of metal.

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

nThere was an unfamiliar headdress.

n“Congratulations.”

nAn exclamation was heard from somewhere in the distance.

nThe decoration looked very nice.

nRieta’s face turned even redder.

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

n“Th, thank you.”

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

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

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

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

nShe only thought she had made a mistake.

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

n“It will help you relax.”

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

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

nBesides, no noble cared about Rieta anymore.

nAfter all she had her nerves taken away.

nRieta looked around.

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

nSure enough . . .

nNoel wasn’t there.

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