A pleasure to meet you all, said the Empress as she nodded and smiled gracefully.

That smile tugged at my heart as I grabbed my chest unknowingly.

How can our Empress be so pretty?

Even among the many ladies, her ethereal beauty was unmatched.

If a newly bloomed rose were to become a human, wouldnt it look like her?

I fixed my eyes on the Empress, mesmerized.

Oh, my god

I heard a soft voice from among the ladies.

The person who spoke was none other than Lady Bennett.

Lady Bennetts eyes upon seeing Damian shone with a soft tremulous light.

Damian, who noticed her strong gaze felt uncomfortable and looked in another direction.

She was so blatantly transfixed by Damian that the other ladies began to stare at her.

Without realizing it, I opened my mouth.

Wow, Lady Bennett must have grown up so loved at home.

Even when in front of other people, she doesnt care about her facial expressions.

At that moment, Lady Bennett snapped out of it and began to call out to the Empress.

Your Majesty, Im so happy to see you like this! Its Leona Bennett!

Even though she might be a relative of the Empress, is it acceptable to address her without formality?

Perhaps its just me being biased since she threatened me not a while ago.

Just when I thought Lady Bennetts behavior wasnt acceptable-

A stern voice rang out.

Leona Bennett, I heard you were here.

The Empress looked at Lady Bennett with cold, unfeeling eyes.

Just because youve inherited a part of the Rochesters blood, does that entitle you to appear before me in such a way?

W-What?

What made you think you could set foot in my palace and then attend this tea party without my permission?

In an instant, the atmosphere became heated.

Lady Bennetts face turned pale as things werent going the way she expected.

The Empress continued.

I know about everything.

Y-Your Majesty, the Empress?

The guards around the palace have already recounted to me what youve said, thats all.

Lady Bennett looked like she had been hit hard in the back of the head when she heard that.

You told the guards you were my relative and that if you werent let in, you would fire everyone?

Hey, thats not it!

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They said you left them no choice but to let you into the palace.

Perhaps with nothing to say, Lady Bennett licked her lips.

The Empress in turn raised the tip of her lips.

You even made an excuse that you had been invited in advance..how strange is that.

The ridicule coming from the Empress was sharper than broken glass.

I never even said that, denied Lady Bennett.

A deafening silence engulfed the hall.

No matter how trivial it may have seemed, impersonating the Empresss orders was a grave felony.

Who are you to fire people who serve at this palace?! asked the Empress rhetorically.

Your Majesty, Empress! I am, I mean-!

Under pressure, Lady Bennett hastily raised her voice.

The Empress proceeded to stare at Lady Bennett with piercing intensity.

But then she let out an annoyed sigh.

Fortunately for you, his Highness, the crown prince is here so Ill endure you for now.

T-Thank you, Your Majesty!

But if something else goes against my wishes.

Any warmth that was left in the Empresss voice vanished as she gave a warning.

I will hold you and your father, Baron Bennett accountable. Do you understand?

Lady Bennett gave a quivering nod as she froze in fear.

As quickly as the Empress said so, her expression changed as she turned around and addressed the guests with a gentle smile.

Im sorry if I startled everyone.

Ah, of course not. Your Majesty.

Dont say that, your Majesty.

Faint smiles appeared on the lips of the ladies who shook their heads to hastily refute what the Empress thought.

I fully understood what they were thinking.

The way the Empress scolded Lady Benett, I honestly felt relieved just like them.

Even if you are related to the Empress, that doesnt give you the right to abuse or bully the ladies of other noble families.

If you were to remove the label of The Empresss relative, she would be the lowest-ranking lady among all our guests.

Actually, I dont really like comparing statuses

But in my defense, Lady Bennet was the first one to mention statuses and titles.

Raising my head slightly, I glanced at her.

She remained silent, biting her parched lips.

I think itll be quiet for a while now.

After what just happened, I had a smug look on my face.

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep