A Battlefield

"Congratulations, Lady Aksia! It has been a while since we last saw each other. I think it has been three years..."

"It is late, but happy birthday Lady Aksia, and congratulation on your debut. This is my son –"

"You are as beautiful as ever, Lady Aksia. You are truly the Duke and Duchess daughter..."

Even in my past life, I've always been uncomfortable when it involves dealing with a large number of people. And now that I'm getting flock by a lot of nobles all at once – I can confidently say that I hate it. They were all speaking at the same time, and I can't even understand what they are saying. Some said something along the lines of 'It's been a while' although I can't really remember them, some congratulate me, and some seem desperate to either introduce themselves or their sons and daughters.

Hariz, who escorted, suddenly disappeared from my side. After our conversation earlier, we never talked again. We just stood in silence while waiting, until it was already time for my entrance.

– then he just disappeared. Maybe... it's revenge? However, perhaps it's a good thing. From now on, he will definitely bother me less. If he somehow continues to put effort into wanting to apologize, then... I'll give him some credit for it.

Smiling politely at them, I raised my right hand, and everything was immediately put into silence, "I appreciate everyone's kind words, thank you very much."

I gave them a slight vow before giving them another smile, "How about we all sit down?"

If the Duchess can, she would probably scold me because of the way I silenced them. However, I just did what I think would fit at the moment. I wouldn't have done that if they were higher ranked nobles, but they weren't. It's something I can be sure of since I made sure to memorize every noble name, identity, and information about them that there is.

And so, we did sit down. We ended up at one table. The conversation went pretty... well. Our topic changes as we talked. The nobles who talked to me are mostly women, we talked about the latest trend and some things related to their business in the hopes of getting my – the Euridice support and interest.

Some noblemen tried introducing me to their sons and daughters which I answered politely with a 'I would love to meet them' however, I didn't promise that I'll meet them.

It's my way of politely declining them since I can't just bluntly reject them.

Talking to them... is suffocating, to say the least. They might be speaking with respect, and they might be smiling at me, however, they will also willingly bare their fangs at me once they find a flaw or something that they can use against me. Whether it's in my past life or now... I guess people like them will never stop existing.

They are trying to please me, to get me to their side, but they're the one who will pull me to the ground once they find an opportunity. It always made me curious what's making people act this way... do they really think that they can rise into power by pulling others down? Are they simply evil? Are they doing it for survival? It's really a wonder.

While conversing with them, I can't help but secretly let my eyes wonders. It's been a while since the party started, but I haven't seen the Second Prince – Anakin yet.

He's supposed to be here as the Royal family representative but... did something change in the story?

"Lady Aksia, is it true that you're going to be engaged to the Crown Prince?" I blinked as I stared at the man who asked. I immediately controlled my expression before I can frown. How did... they know?

That was originally the plan, but now that the Duke decided to postpone the decision about my engagement, no one should have known about it – or maybe it was spread from the Palace?

"I do not mean to be rude!" He abruptly said, "It was just that... some nobles were talking about it." He said as he avoids my eyes. I glance at the others only to see that they were also doing the same. I almost let out an amused chuckle.

I guess they want to see which side did the Euridice family took. Did we take the Crown Prince's side? Or the Second Prince?

I smiled, "What an interesting rumor." The nobleman's smile widened, it's as if his nervousness has disappeared seeing my reaction.

However, "In the end, rumors are just rumors. You should already be aware not to believe in such things without concrete evidence." Seeing my cold look, he immediately looked down.

"My apologies!"

Euridice family isn't respected and feared just because we're in a rank that's just next to the Royal family – it was also because Euridice family is known as the sword of the Lansera Kingdom. When it comes to war and military power, the kingdom relies on us too. As I said before, the Duke trains talented individuals. Not just about swordsmanship, but also Magic.

And the Duke of Euridice, my father, Lancer Euridice is also one of the few talented swordmasters in the whole Kingdom. If we choose a side between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, it will surely make a difference between the factions.

If they see our action or 'decision' as something that can be used for their own benefits... they will surely make their move and use it to their advantage.

That's why in the game, when Duke Euridice – Aksia's father decided to proceed with Aksia's engagement with the Crown Prince, I honestly thought that it was a reckless move. I can't really come up with any reason why the Duke did that since he doesn't seem to be reckless and desperate for power.... but maybe, it was just for the plot.

Sitting here while listening to them talk, it was really... tiring.

From here, I can also feel the stares of others. I can even hear some of them talking behind my back, they can probably talk like that since they knew about my 'real' situation. That I'm actually an ignored and abused daughter.

I wonder if they even knew that I can hear what they are saying?

I closed my eyes for a brief moment before opening them again. This is far from a debutante or a party – a party is where you're supposed to enjoy yourself. I already know from the beginning though, that this is simply a battlefield. A fight where the use of weapons is not needed, but one mistake could lead to one's downfall.