TOPWL 18

“Hmm.”

Without warning, Khalid reached for the cherry on the glass Yudit was holding and popped it into his mouth. The syrup-soaked cherry made a squelching sound as it was crushed between Khalid’s teeth, releasing a strong fragrance.

“Too sweet.”

Khalid grimaced as he spoke. For some reason, Yudit felt a bit triumphant.

“Well, it’s a cake.”

“Lost your taste, huh?”

Khalid clicked his tongue briefly and picked up a sandwich. Yudit silently thanked the Craven family’s chef, who had marinated the cherries in syrup.

“I didn’t know you’d participate in such a banquet.”

“You must be somewhat displeased with my presence. Just by that expression, I can feel it’s worth coming here.”

Despite Khalid’s provocation, Yudit did not take the bait. Yudit casually took a spoonful of cake and replied indifferently.

“Displeased? No, it’s just nice to see you after so long.”

“We saw each other just a few days ago, though.”

Yudit paused, wondering when they had met. Then he remembered that he had crossed paths with Khalid when he went to meet Reginald.

“See you soon.”

That was what it meant.

“You must have missed me quite a lot, considering you came to this banquet.”

It was a counterattack of sorts, but there was no response from Khalid. Khalid merely looked at Yudit’s face and gave a small, amused smile.

“Seems like it.”

When Yudit was alone, nobody paid attention to him, but now, as Khalid approached, one by one, people started showing interest. Yudit began to feel a little overwhelmed by the attention.

As the focus shifted to them, Selena peeked her head out and looked in their direction. Khalid, recognizing his host, approached and greeted her.

“Thank you for the invitation, Lady Selena.”

“It’s an honor to have you here, Your Grace.”

After that, they exchanged some more polite small talk. The first one to excuse themselves was Khalid.

“I’ll go greet some other guests for a while.”

“Yes, there are many interesting things to see, so please enjoy.”

As Khalid left, the crowd parted like waves, making way for him. Men and women alike watched him with a mix of admiration and envy. Some Omegas even boldly released their pheromones in his direction. The strong scent lingered in the air, even reaching the area where the food was. Khalid, unfazed, simply continued on his way.

“So… how was it?”

Selena asked Yudit cautiously.

“Yes?”

“… Th atmosphere was a bit tense between you two that day. I invited both of you hoping you’d make peace… Did you have a chance to talk?”

So that’s why she invited Khalid to this small banquet. Yudit, who had come thinking Khalid wouldn’t be here, wasn’t thrilled by Selena’s kindness. However, he couldn’t respond harshly to Selena, who was blushing like a young girl and looking at him with sparkling eyes.

“We haven’t really had a chance to talk yet, but thank you for your consideration.”

“Oh, no, it’s nothing. I’m sure everything will be fine if you communicate”

Selena firmly believed that they were lovers. Of course, with Khalid’s acting, it was understandable that she might think so, but it was hard to believe that Selena was so convinced, especially after seeing him crawl under his brother’s legs. Yudit was unsure if Selena was naive. Did others also think that? Yudit was feeling confused when Selena came closer, lowered her voice, and spoke.

“I think… His Grace might be jealous.”

“…Jealous?”

Yudit looked at Selena, and she nodded.

“Yes. We were on the balcony that day, right? Maybe he thought we were having an affair. He might have been jealous because of that… and then…”

Selena, who had been excitedly continuing her explanation, trailed off. She knew what had happened that day. Among the curious and contemptuous people, Yudit had also felt a genuine look of sympathy. Yudit paused for a moment, wondering how to respond to Selena.

“Thank you for your concern.”

“Oh, no… I’m the one who…”

Selena faltered, lowering her head. Her eyes were red with unshed tears. The poor girl clearly felt guilty about what had happened that day. But she hadn’t done anything wrong.

“I’ll try to have a proper conversation later tonight. Thank you for arranging this gathering.”

Yudit had a soft spot for those who showed him pure affection. She unconsciously targeted his weakness.

“Um, Your Highness, you don’t usually go out much, do you?”

“Yes. That’s the case.”

“Shall I introduce my friends to you? Unlike me, they are calm and kind.”

“Lady Selena is just the same.”

Selena smiled brightly at Yudit’s words.

“Thank you for saying that.”

As a servant came in to refill the food, Selena politely excused herself to Yudit and spoke to him.

“Just a few dishes that don’t smell, please take them outside. Also, make sure to offer champagne and juice to the guests in their glasses.”

“Understood.”

As Yudit stared at Selena giving instructions to the servant, she shyly spoke.

“Because of their bustles, the wives and ladies can’t come in. I thought it’d be better to take the food outside so they can at least eat something, rather than just leaving it to be wasted.”

“That’s a wise decision.”

“Wise? I should have thought about the size of bustles, but that’s my fault.” Selena sighed as she looked down at her own bustle.

“Also, the lady wearing the feathered hat looks like she’s catching a cold, so please offer her some warm tea and a shawl, if needed. The lady with the blue bracelet prefers cold water over drinks.”

“Yes, understood.”

Selena continued giving the servant various instructions, making sure the guests at the banquet wouldn’t feel any inconvenience. Yudit was once again surprised at how much attention to detail was required for even a small banquet, and he was further impressed by how meticulous and considerate Selena was.

“Sorry, I keep getting distracted while Your Highness is beside me.”

“No, it’s fine. You’re very thoughtful, Lady Selena.”

“Am I? I only hear compliments because whenever Your Highness is present.”

Selena’s mood brightened after hearing Yudit’s compliments. She lifted her heavy dress and introduced Yudit to her acquaintances.

“This is Lady Lyett.”

“Hello, Your Highness. I am Lyett Lane.”

“Nice to meet you, Lady Lyett.”

Lyett raised her head adorned with butterfly and feather decorations and greeted Yudit. Although Selena’s attire was also extravagant, Lyett’s outfit was just as splendid. However, due to the large bustle, they couldn’t both sit comfortably on the spacious three-person sofa, so they had to sit facing each other. Yudit awkwardly sat next to Selena. Selena, knowing that her dress was making Yudit uncomfortable, looked embarrassed.

“This latest fashion is quite uncomfortable, but I can’t avoid it.”

“I’m fine.”

“Are you sharing some interesting stories?”

At that moment, a voice suddenly cut in from the side. It was a low, husky voice, unusual for a woman. Yudit instinctively turned his gaze in that direction, the voice felt slightly familiar.

“Sonia, where have you been?”

“I just brought some food since it’s out.”

The woman named placed a plate full of food and a bottle of champagne on the table. Sonia noticed Yudit and greeted him.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Your Highness. I’m Sonia Rant.”

“Nice to meet you. I’m Yudit.”

“We’re acquaintances.”

Sonia said with a bright smile. Yudit now remembered. She was the woman who had been on the terrace with Reginald. Her pale blonde hair and blue eyes, with a small mole on the side, made her strikingly attractive.

“I didn’t know you two were friends.”

“We became close recently, didn’t we?”

Sonia said warmly to Selena. Selena blushed like a teenage girl admiring an adult woman and nodded her head.