The palace was beautifully decorated. Why not? It was the celebration of the return of the youngest princess.

Everyone was busy preparing.

“Huh! Finally finished.”

“Princess, you look so beautiful.”

Bella wore a beautiful pink dress with matching ribbons.

“Yes, our princess is so cute.”

At that moment, Emily entered, holding Kevin’s arm.

“Oh my!” she exclaimed.

“Bella, you look so beautiful.”

“Haha! Thank you, sis.”

“Yes, my daughter looks beautiful every second,” Kevin said.

It wasn’t just flattery— you guys truly looked gorgeous. No lie to main characters beauty.

“Shall we?” Kevin held out his hand to Bella.

“Yes.”

She took his hand while Emily held her other hand.

Hand in hand, the family walked to the banquet.

*****

A fantasy-world banquet—how special could it be! Bella had always dreamed of this. She had seen grand parties at Dawson House, but never truly enjoyed one.

This was a royal banquet. There would be delicious food, music, and dancing. How amazing it would be!

They reached the banquet doors and entered.

But Bella, once excited, suddenly felt dull.

What? Why was everyone staring at her like that?

She hid behind Kevin’s cloak.

Everyone in the hall watched her with sharp, judging eyes. Kevin glared at them, and they immediately lowered their heads.

He patted her back reassuringly.

“It’s okay. If you want, I can have them kicked out.”

“What? No, why would you?”

“No, it’s okay. We should teach them a lesson later. First, enjoy the moment.”

'What type of lesson, sis?'

They moved down into the hall.

Someone stepped forward and asked Bella, “May I have the honor of dancing with the princess?”

“I… I don’t know how to dance,” she replied.

“It’s okay, I can teach you—”

“I-it’s okay if you don’t want to d-dance,” he stammered nervously and ran off.

What just happened?

Kevin, who had been glaring at everyone, stepped forward.

“My daughter will dance with her papa, right?” he said, offering his hand.

“Yes,” Bella replied happily, taking it.

They began to dance.

Kevin and Bella, neither of whom knew how to dance, fumbled terribly. Yet somehow, they managed to finish the dance.

Ugh! What an embarrassing moment.

*****

Bella walked down a dim hallway, returning to her room.

She had thought the banquet would be fun, but keeping up with everyone had been exhausting. Emily and her father handled it perfectly.

Maybe it was because she wasn’t used to such grand events that she felt so tired.

As she walked, she suddenly sensed someone following her.

Turning around, she saw a maid standing a little distance away, her face hidden in shadow.

The maid took a step forward. “Who’s going to save you now?”

The maid’s face became visible to Bella.

It was Lev—the same maid who had blamed Bella for her past mistakes.

Lev drew a knife from her back.

The woman had clearly lost her mind.

Bella took a step back in fear.

She couldn’t speak. Words were stuck in her throat.

Lev steped slowly.

“You… you brat! My whole life was ruined because of you. Now you won’t live happily!”

She laughed maniacally and swung the knife.

Bella shut her eyes tightly.

Thud!

Two pair of hands wrapped around her.

Opening her eyes slowly, Bella saw Leo holding her, while Lev was on the floor.

A black aura was surrendering her.

Lev struggled as it became difficult for her to breathe.

More aura started to emite as if it's going to cover the whole world. Bella's vision blurred.

“Leo, stop it,” she whispered.

The darkness overwhelmed her, and Bella lost consciousness.