"I've heard that I'm expected to choose my dance partner for the ball," the crown prince stated.

"That is correct."

"That's why I'm here."

Juselle observed Hiel closely. To his knowledge, his son had not been involved in any romantic relationships, nor had he shown any particular interest in any girl. From a young age, Hiel had understood that his future wife would be chosen for him, which had kept him from pursuing romantic endeavors. Hence, the list of eligible ladies had been compiled.

"Is there an issue?" Juselle inquired.

Hiel perused the list and remarked, "I see they are all very charming young ladies."

"Naturally, I personally curated the list," the emperor replied with pride.

"Excellent."

However, Hiel's true excitement lay in the vast array of choices before him. He had not been aware of the abundance of beautiful, intelligent, and good-natured women residing in the capital. Lately, he had grown weary of the bickering among his mistresses, making this an ideal opportunity to find a new companion.

"It would be a shame to dismiss all these fine young ladies you've chosen," Hiel mused briefly before brightening as if struck by an idea. "What if I were to invite them to a tea party? That way, I could meet them all and then select the lady with whom I'll dance at the ball. How does that sound?"

Ian and Louison paled. Their daughters meeting the crown prince? They were still too young to mingle with men, let alone a potential suitor. However, their discomfort was not unique. All those who had voiced objections to their daughters' inclusion on the list began to look a bit queasy.

"Hmm..." Juselle contemplated for a moment, then nodded in agreement. "Ultimately, you'll be the one dancing with the young lady, so I suppose she must meet your criteria." The emperor believed that Hiel had made a sensible suggestion. "Marquis Horissen," he called.

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Duke Essel!"

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"This is a royal decree. Your daughters, as well as all the others, must attend the tea party!" Juselle commanded.

If even one person were allowed to remove their daughter from the list, it would trigger a cascade of similar requests. Prior to this, the emperor had been unaware of how dearly the nobles cherished their daughters.

Ian and Louison exchanged a concerned glance. Both were wracking their brains for ways to ensure their children would not be summoned to the palace, but neither could devise a plan. They couldn't argue against the emperor's decree, and the shadow of defeat loomed over their features.

All they could do now was convey the royal decree to their daughters.

***

A man strode briskly, leading his horse through the battlefield, his long black hair gently billowing in the breeze. His striking blue eyes, reminiscent of the stars in the night sky, scanned the grim scene before him—a battlefield strewn with the lifeless bodies of enemy soldiers. Brushing a lock of hair away from his eyes, he turned his horse around.

"Commander Roy," a voice called out to him. It was one of the surviving members of his troops. The soldier made his way towards Roy, a mixture of awe and disbelief in his eyes as he beheld the carnage that surrounded them. It was as if Roy's sword itself heralded death.

"You're beyond extraordinary," the soldier uttered in admiration.

Roy offered a bitter smile, which only seemed to enhance his already handsome countenance.

"Everything unfolded exactly as you foretold, sir."

This operation, Roy's brainchild, had achieved resounding success. Victories under his command had become so routine that hardly anyone was taken aback by them anymore.

"There's a fresh letter awaiting you, sir," the soldier continued.

Letters were a frequent occurrence in Roy's life. While he did receive the occasional message from friends, most of his correspondences came from common folk or young women captivated by his heroics.

"Right," he replied, pressing onward. "They all expect replies, don't they?"

"Ah..."

"These letters are becoming quite a nuisance," Roy admitted, shaking his head wearily.

He couldn't fathom his sudden and bewildering popularity, so he typically consigned most of the letters he received to the flames after reading them. Such missives were a regularity, always urging him to respond, but he lacked the time and inclination to correspond with strangers.

"Let's head back," he sighed, and the soldier nodded in agreement. Roy led his horse forward at a leisurely pace.

The day's battle had drawn to a close.

***

Aris suppressed yet another yawn, making a conscious effort to pay closer attention to the class—or at least appear to. History class was as dull as ever, and she had become skilled at feigning interest. Whenever she felt herself drifting towards sleep, she'd pinch the back of her hand as hard as possible, determined to stay awake. The hearty breakfast she had consumed that morning was the culprit behind her drowsiness, and it was becoming increasingly difficult to keep her eyes open. Thankfully, the professor allowed a brief break mid-class.

With a sigh of relief, Aris took advantage of the professor's absence to rise from her seat and stretch vigorously. She could only do this when she was out of his sight.

Lucine entered the room bearing tea and snacks. Aris always looked forward to her deliciously brewed tea.

"Have some tea, my lady," the maid offered.

"Alright."

The tea was sweet with a delicate fragrance, and Aris savored each sip along with a soft cookie.

"The Marquis requests your presence in his study after your lessons," Lucine informed her.

"The study?" Aris frowned. Her father rarely summoned her to his study, and she couldn't help but wonder if something had occurred.

Aris tilted her head. According to the novel she had transmigrated into, nothing significant was supposed to happen to her at this point in her life. The story began when she turned 19, and if any major events had taken place in her past, they should have been mentioned.

I don't know what this could possibly be about.

Since her transmigration, Aris's destiny had undergone a drastic change. She was held in high esteem by everyone, known for her honesty and hard work. Perhaps her transformation had affected other aspects of the story as well.

I haven't even made my debut yet, she mused.

There was no way she would be receiving a marriage proposal at her current age. She took another sip of tea and thought, 'Once the break is over, I should be able to focus better.' The professor returned, carrying the unmistakable scent of smoke and tobacco. He had taken a cigar break.

Ugh, how unpleasant, Aris thought, tempted to tell him to quit smoking. However, she knew it was easier said than done. At least he had the decency to step outside to smoke, she acknowledged, mustering a small smile despite her mild distaste.

"Do you recall where we left off?" he inquired.

"Yes, Professor."

"You seem a bit tired today," the professor observed.

"It's rather embarrassing, but I believe I'm feeling drowsy because I overindulged during breakfast. My apologies, sir. It won't happen again," Aris murmured, delicately covering her mouth with one hand.

The professor nodded and patted her shoulder, saying, "No need to worry; I understand."

With that, he left the matter behind and resumed his lesson. Aris focused on her studies while taking small, mindful sips of tea. Lucine's thoughtfulness in leaving it for her had helped ensure she didn't succumb to sleep once more.

***

As Aris wrapped up her lessons, the evening had already descended upon the mansion. She decided it would be best to speak with her father, Ian, before dinner, and she headed towards his study, with Lucine closely trailing behind. Two knights stood guard at the door, but upon Aris's approach, they granted her entry.

"Father, it's me, Aris," she announced before entering.

Ian, who had been occupied with organizing papers at his desk, rose to greet his daughter. "Come, have a seat," he said, gesturing towards one of the sofas in the study. Once Aris had settled, he took a seat across from her.

"I'll bring some tea," Lucine offered before departing.

Aris observed Ian's expression—it didn't seem like he had good news to deliver.

"What's troubling you?" Aris inquired. Ian appeared to be grappling with how to begin.

"Your tea," Lucine said, placing a tea set and a platter of treats on the table. "I'll leave you both to talk now."

With that, she exited the room, closing the door gently behind her. Ian let out a small sigh and took a sip of tea before speaking, "There will be a grand celebration ball for the crown prince soon."

"Yes, I heard about it." She had heard rumors that a candidate for the role of crown princess would be chosen on that occasion, but she hadn't paid much attention. It wasn't something she thought would concern her.

"The emperor has compiled a list of potential candidates for the position of the next crown princess, and... your name is on that list."

"Excuse me?" Aris blinked in disbelief, not expecting such news at all. She set her tea down and pointed at herself incredulously.

"You mean... me?"

"That's correct."

"Dear heavens." She was taken aback. She had worked hard to improve her reputation and build a favorable image, but she hadn't expected to find herself on a list of crown princess candidates. Furthermore, the crown princess wasn't even a character in the original novel—it had solely focused on the love story between the male lead and Lucine.

So why was she being considered for the role of crown princess?

"Are there any issues related to this?" Aris inquired.

"It's not that," Ian began hesitantly. "The real issue is..."

"Yes?"

Ian grasped her hand tightly, clearly struggling with his words.

"Just tell me, Father."

"The crown prince was supposed to choose a partner from that list to dance with at the ball. But instead, he decided to invite every single lady on the list to a tea party."

"Ah."

"I tried to argue that you were too young, but it was futile."

That must be why her father looked so distressed—his beloved daughter had been selected as a candidate for the position of crown princess.

Aris nodded in understanding. "What kind of person is the crown prince?" she asked, having paid little attention to the workings of the palace and knowing very little about the prince.

"He's a very shrewd and calculating individual."

"Calculating?" Aris repeated.

"He has a fondness for women, but he only takes them as mistresses."

Suddenly, an acrid taste filled Aris's mouth. The crown prince sounded like someone she wanted to avoid at all costs. She took another sip of tea and managed a thin smile.

"Given our noble status and your beauty and charm, the emperor likely considered you as a candidate for the crown princess," Ian added.

"Oh my." She hadn't expected that.

"It's a choice between you and Louison's daughter."

"Ah, the young lady?"

"Yes," her father confirmed.

Aris had heard rumors about the young girl who had recently celebrated her 13th birthday and was said to possess astonishing beauty.

The original novel hadn't specified the identity of the crown princess, as the story primarily revolved around the male lead and Lucine.

"When is this tea party taking place?" Aris inquired.

"Next week."

"Well, that doesn't leave much time," Aris remarked, her thoughts racing as she considered the need for a new dress and the makeup she would wear.

Ian's expression darkened. "If only I had more influence... then you wouldn't have to go through this."

"Well, it will indeed be a headache for me," she admitted.

The realization that he was sending his reluctant daughter into this situation left Ian looking pale.

"Where will the tea party be held?" Aris asked.

"Since it's a special occasion, it will take place in the Spring Garden, where flowers bloom year-round," he explained.

"The Spring Garden?"

"Yes."

The Spring Garden was renowned as one of the most breathtaking gardens in the palace. It boasted an eternal spring, with flowers blooming continuously. Aris had always yearned to see it in person, having only glimpsed it in magazine illustrations.

This could be a silver lining in her predicament. She was growing tired of her sequestered life at home, so if she was to be compelled to attend the crown prince's tea party, she might as well take a detour and explore the Spring Garden.

There's no way I'd be chosen anyway, she thought, lifting her teacup to her lips.

She had only recently learned tea etiquette, practicing the proper motions tirelessly throughout the night. Her diligence seemed to have paid off; her table manners were executed with poise and grace.

"Don't worry, Father. I'm sure there will be ladies far more beautiful than I am, and the Crown Prince may not even find me to his liking," she reassured Ian, her soothing words offering him some comfort.

"I suppose that's a possibility..."

"Besides," Aris continued, "I've heard that Lady Violet is quite the beauty. I'm sure the crown prince will be drawn to the most gorgeous lady in attendance."

"But how can any woman be more beautiful than my daughter?"

Aris smiled bashfully at her father's words. While he might see her as the most beautiful girl in the world, she assessed herself more objectively.

She possessed appealing features, but she didn't consider herself a stunning beauty with flowing golden hair and twinkling sapphire eyes. In her own eyes, she was just an ordinary girl with plain brown hair and unremarkable brown eyes.