The grand ballroom of the palace was nothing short of breathtaking.
Chandeliers dripped with crystal, casting a warm golden glow over the extravagantly dressed nobles twirling across the polished marble floor. The scent of fresh roses and expensive perfumes lingered in the air, mingling with the hum of laughter and murmured conversations.
Katherine, standing beside her aunt Yevon, should have been more excited. After all, this was exactly the kind of event where connections were made, fortunes were secured, and reputations were built.
But after the past hour of introductions, she was unimpressed.
Yevon, ever the graceful and composed marchioness, had led her around the ballroom, introducing her to several well-dressed nobles—ladies and gentlemen alike, all eager to make conversation. Unfortunately, none of them seemed particularly... remarkable.
One nobleman prattled on about his wine collection, while a young lady lamented about her latest dressmaker's failure to follow trends. Another man attempted to sound intelligent about trade, but it quickly became clear he had inherited his wealth rather than earned it.
Katherine maintained a polite smile through it all, nodding and responding when appropriate, but deep inside, she was bored. These were not the people she needed.
She snuck a glance at Yevon, expecting to see some hint of disappointment—but to her surprise, her aunt looked amused.
Oh.
Realization clicked. She knew.
Yevon knew these nobles weren't particularly competent or useful, and yet she had introduced them anyway.
Was she testing her?
Katherine barely contained her smirk. Alright, Auntie. Message received.
"Such lovely company tonight, don't you think?" Yevon murmured, taking a delicate sip from her wine glass, her golden eyes glinting with subtle mischief.
Katherine turned to her with a knowing look. "Quite."
Yevon chuckled softly. "Come now, my dear, don't look so unimpressed. This is an art—knowing whom to entertain and whom to discard. Consider this practice."
Katherine exhaled through her nose, fighting back laughter. "So this was a test?"
"A light assessment," Yevon admitted, eyes twinkling. "You did well not to waste too much time on them."
Katherine felt an odd sense of pride. Her instincts had been right—none of these nobles were worth serious consideration. And apparently, Yevon had been watching her the whole time, silently approving.
But before she could say more, the sound of an announcement rang through the ballroom.
"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Princess Laura, accompanied by His Majesty, the King!"
Katherine froze.
Her gaze darted to the raised platform at the front of the ballroom, where two figures stood in regal splendor.
Her breath caught.
The King. The Princess.
She turned sharply to Yevon, who merely gave her a knowing smile.
"Aunt Yevon," Katherine whispered sharply. "This event is hosted by the palace? The royal family? You never mentioned that."
Yevon chuckled lightly, swirling her wine. "Did I not? What a small oversight." Her expression was utterly unapologetic. "It just so happens that I am acquainted with the royal family."
Katherine barely managed to suppress her shock.
Acquainted? Her aunt was friends with the royal family?
That changed everything.
Her understanding of her own family's influence suddenly seemed very inadequate.
Just who exactly is Aunt Yevon... and how powerful is Marchioness Estate?
Before she could process it fully, a sweet voice called out.
"Oh! Lady Katherine, is that you?"
Katherine inwardly groaned.
Turning, she came face to face with none other than Princess Laura.
The world's beloved female protagonist was even more stunning in person than Katherine remembered.
Dressed in an airy pastel gown that made her look like a walking dream, Laura had the kind of delicate beauty that made people instantly adore her. Her golden curls framed her soft features, and her bright golden eyes shone with delight.
Katherine barely had time to react before Laura glided toward her, her hands clasped together excitedly.
"Oh, it truly is you! How wonderful!" Laura beamed, reaching out as if to take Katherine's hands, but stopping just short, as if hesitant. "I was hoping to see you again after our brief meeting at the last gathering. You left quite the impression."
Katherine blinked. What impression? I barely spoke to you.
Still, she forced a polite smile. "Your Highness, it is an honor to be here at your event."
Laura giggled, waving a delicate hand. "Oh, please, there's no need to be so formal! Just call me Laura. And if you'd allow me the honor, I'd love to call you Katherine."
Katherine hesitated.
Most noble ladies weren't so forward with their friendships, yet Laura acted as though they had known each other for years.
Why is she being FC with me? Did I miss something last event?
Before she could think of a way to politely decline, Laura had already looped her arm through hers, guiding her away from Yevon.
Yevon, for her part, simply raised a brow but said nothing.
"You must sit with me for a bit," Laura insisted. "There are so many things I'd love to talk about with you!"
Katherine sighed internally.
Well, there goes my plan to quietly network.
***
Seated at a beautifully adorned table, Katherine found herself reluctantly engaged in conversation with Princess Laura.
The princess was exactly as sweet and naive as Katherine had imagined, but she was also persistent—far too persistent in keeping the conversation going.
"I admire you, Katherine," Laura said suddenly, tilting her head with a curious smile. "You have this air of confidence… of independence and grace! It's refreshing."
Katherine nearly choked on her drink. I… do?
She blinked at Laura, but the princess was utterly sincere.
"Most noble ladies are so caught up in etiquette and gossip," Laura continued, resting her chin on her hand. "But you… you seem to have a goal, something beyond just attending parties."
Katherine studied her carefully.
Is she more perceptive than I gave her credit for?
She wasn't sure she had a concrete goal yet, but Laura wasn't wrong. Right now, she was aiming for something beyond idle noble life.
Laura's golden eyes sparkled as she leaned in slightly. "To be honest, I've been curious about your family ever since the first ball. The marchioness's household has always seemed so… different. And that carriage of yours! It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I've wanted to interact with you since then, and now that I know the marchioness has a young niece, I'm even more excited. I'd love for us to be friends."
Katherine blinked, caught off guard by Laura's openness.
Friends?
It was unexpected—but not necessarily unwelcome.
Before she could respond, Laura suddenly straightened, her face lighting up. "Oh! I nearly forgot. I'm planning a small tea party with a few close friends. Would you like to come?"
Katherine hesitated.
A tea party?
It sounded like the kind of event she usually avoided—filled with noblewomen giggling over fashion trends, gossiping about potential suitors, and competing over who had the most expensive jewelry.
But then, a thought struck her.
Wait… a tea party.
Her mind whirred.
A place where noble ladies gathered to chat, drink tea, and enjoy delicate pastries.
A perfect setting for relaxation, gossip… and commerce.
What if I started a café?
She remembered the café she had visited when she first arrived in this world—the warm, inviting atmosphere, the simple yet elegant setup.
Her posture straightened, her mind suddenly bursting with ideas.
A proper establishment where noblewomen could gather in an elegant yet comfortable setting.
Not just a place to drink tea, but an experience.
High-quality desserts, imported coffee, unique pastries—an entirely new concept in high society.
But what kind of theme should it have?
Should it be a cozy, intimate space where people felt at home?
Or something grand and luxurious, designed to fit noble tastes?
Should it have soft, pastel décor with delicate floral touches?
Or a more refined, modern aesthetic—sleek furniture, dark woods, and gold accents?
And the menu!
What kind of teas should she serve? Should she introduce coffee—a rare commodity in this world?
And what about the pastries?
Her enthusiasm faltered for a brief moment. Oh no. Who's going to cook?
She wasn't much of a baker herself, which meant she needed a chef—someone skilled enough to bring her vision to life.
Then there was the issue of staff. How many people should she hire? What kind of uniforms should they wear?
So many things to prepare…
Katherine was so lost in thought that she almost forgot she was still in the presence of the princess.
Laura, still watching her expectantly, tilted her head. "Katherine?"
Quickly composing herself, Katherine offered a charming smile. "Your Highness, I would love to attend your tea party."
Laura clapped her hands together, delighted. "Wonderful! Oh, I just know we'll have such a lovely time."
Katherine chuckled, taking a sip of her drink.
Yes… this tea party might turn out to be quite beneficial after all.
***
By the end of the evening, Katherine found herself enjoying the ball more than she had anticipated.
Not because of the tedious noble introductions or the mindless chatter—those were as exhausting as ever.
But tonight, she had gained something far more valuable.
A deeper understanding of how this society worked.
At first, she had come here with the simple goal of networking—finding potential investors and making useful connections. But instead, she walked away with an idea, a potential business model, and, unexpectedly… an ally in Princess Laura.
Should I let her know about the business I'm thinking of?
Katherine hesitated.
It's too early to trust a lady I just befriended today.
But then again… wasn't Laura supposed to be the perfect, kindhearted heroine? The flawless female lead with an impeccable personality?
Katherine frowned in thought before shaking her head.
I'll wait before involving her directly in my business. But… perhaps I can ask for her help in other ways later.
After all, a princess as an ambassadress didn't sound too bad.
As she made her way back to Yevon's side, her aunt gave her an amused glance. "You and Princess Laura seem to have become quite friendly."
Katherine exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile. "I suppose she's not so bad."
She's very useful for business. She'll help me get rich in this unknown world.
Yevon smirked knowingly. "She's one of the most influential young ladies in high society. A friendship with her could open many doors."
Katherine hummed in agreement, already seeing the effects of their association.
The nobles, who had been indifferent or merely polite earlier, had started to treat her differently. Their conversations had suddenly become warmer, their smiles wider, their interest in her sharper.
It was subtle, but undeniable.
Her earlier introductions had been met with half-hearted pleasantries, but now, after just one evening by Laura's side, nobles who barely acknowledged her before were suddenly eager to make conversation.
It was as if her value had increased overnight.
Ah… so that's how it is.
Katherine had initially seen Laura as nothing more than an obstacle, a character she didn't want to get involved with.
She had accepted that she was just a side character in this world, nothing more.
But like they said in her past life—when opportunity strikes, take it while it's hot and boiling!
If she played her cards right, she could turn this all in her favor.
Money, money, money.
As the carriage carried her home, Katherine leaned back against the plush seat, her mind spinning with excitement.
She had a new plan now—a business she could call her own.
In this world with no internet, no electronic gadgets, and barely any entertainment, she had finally found something to do.
The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she wasn't just going to survive in this world.
She was going to thrive.