Chapter 27: Engagement Party (5)

“I am Aurelia Belz. My father and Prince Oliver’s have been closely associated through work.”

With these words, the young lady, dressed in a glamorous deep-red gown, curtsied gracefully. Her lustrous black hair was neatly braided and styled up, exuding sophistication. At a glance, it was evident that she was a high-ranking noblewoman.

(Aurelia Belz. This person is probably from the Duke Belz family…this is the “other house” that Oliver-Sama said earlier that he had been offered a marriage proposal.)

Leiefe, quickly grasping the situation, responded as Oliver’s fiancée.

“I am Leefe Quin Tarrant. And this is my spirit, Rene.”

“I am pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Beside Leefe, Rene flashed a charming business smile. No one would suspect that this refined and handsome man usually belittles and mocks his master, Leefe. It was almost unbelievable, even for Leefe herself.

Normally, attention should have shifted to the excessively attractive Rene at this point. However, Aurelia had different plans. After glancing at Rene, she looked at Leefe with curious eyes.

“To command such a high-ranking spirit, Leefe-sama must be quite a skilled mage.”

“More of an alchemist, really… I practiced as a potion maker in the Distoria Kingdom.”

“Well, I also have an interest in potion-making. I studied under the royal court magician.”

Intrigued by this unexpected topic, Leefe’s eyes sparkled. As the conversation unfolded, other young ladies, apart from Aurelia, began to approach.

“Congratulations on your engagement, Leefe-sama.”

“Prince Oliver and you make such a lovely couple.”

“Please tell us about Prince Oliver’s usual demeanor. I’m a fan!”

Being suddenly bombarded with conversations, Leefe blinked.

(To be approached and talked to so much at a social gathering…!)

In her past life’s social gatherings, she was treated with caution as a villainess, involved in troubles, and feared. In this life, her sister Aria had stolen all attention with her captivating saintly charm.

To have peers gather around like this felt like a dream. Overjoyed, Leefe secretly reported to Rene.

“R-Rene, could it be that I’m finally making friends?”

“I hate to burst your bubble, but this is different. People are gathering around because you are Prince Oliver’s fiancée. Wake up.”

“Ugh… I knew that! But let me enjoy this situation a bit longer…”

Though initially happy about the newfound companionship, Rene’s insight, gained from witnessing Leefe being shunned and avoided despite initially getting along, couldn’t be underestimated.

(I thought the magic potions I’ve been bringing to every social gathering for over 300 years would finally come in handy… but I was overly optimistic.)

Feeling a bit down, Leefe raised her head. Even though she knew the outcome, she wanted to savor this fleeting moment of happiness.

However, Leefe’s blissful moment was about to vanish in an instant.

A clearing cough was heard, and the crowd that had formed around Leefe parted to make way.

The only one who didn’t step back was Aurelia from the Belz Ducal family.

“I would like to inquire about the relationship between Leefe-sama and Prince Oliver.”

After the young ladies made way, Sonia Mayer appeared, her chocolate-brown hair gently swaying. She was the one who had been dismissed by Oliver just a while ago.

“Ah, trouble.”

Rene, who seemed to have been observing the exchange from a distance, muttered softly, prompting Leefe to hurriedly silence the impolite contractual spirit.

“I apologize. This is our private matter.”

“What does ‘trouble’ mean?”

“I wonder.”

While Sonia elegantly tilted her head like a proper lady, it was impossible for Leefe to say something like, “It means you.”

When Leefe tried to cover it up with a laugh, Sonia asked again.

“Prince Oliver has rejected engagements with even the most beautiful young ladies. I am greatly interested in Leefe-sama, who managed to capture his heart.”

“Well, yes.”

(The situation doesn’t feel favorable!?)

As Leefe anticipated, Sonia smiled slyly and continued.

“I want to know about the courtship between Prince Oliver and Leefe-sama. Surely, Leefe-sama possesses qualities superior to those of the prestigious young ladies of the Shinwood Empire.”

“!?!”

(Superior qualities… like being able to burn entire nests of interfering dragons, freeze and seal volcanoes about to erupt, or effortlessly handle troublesome forbidden spells because of connections with the Demon King… What!?!)

“Miss, what you’re thinking right now is definitely different.”

With Rene’s whisper, Leefe nodded, her eyes wandering. She truly believed that was the case.