Javier sighed as he leaned back in his chair, his eyes half-closed while sipping the tea Liana had prepared for him. The tension in the room hadn't eased at all; if anything, it was getting worse.
"Liana?" he called out.
"Yes, young master?" Liana replied gently, standing beside him with her usual calm expression.
"This event… the grand ball. Is it really that important?" Javier asked, hoping for a reason to escape.
"Yes, young master," Liana answered. "It is a major social gathering where nobles strengthen alliances, forge connections, and—"
Before she could finish, Princess Kliatana stepped forward, her noble presence commanding the room. "Surely, Javier, you will choose me. A princess—the only princess of this kingdom," she declared confidently, flipping her hair with an elegant smirk.
Amethia, still clinging to Javier's arm, scoffed. "Hmph! Choose me, Javier-sama! I'm sure we'll have way more fun at the grand ball. Just ignore this so-called princess!"
