High Society Party

The night has been far from pleasant for Lady.

Dinner hasn't even started yet, but she already feels like getting a mild case of indigestion. The amount of attention she received as soon as she entered the dining hall was stifling. Apparently, a lot of people have gathered for tonight's special occasion.

Aside from the members of the main family, there are also those from the branch families - and there are many of them. It was then that she recalled that the Mireille's are considered a clan. While most of their power, wealth, and influence are coming from the main family, the branch families are still seen just as distinguished and significant.

'Oh, gosh, when will this end...?' Lady grimaced as she continued to trail after Maximilian who was still not finished greeting the guests.

'If I was still in my previous body, I would have already collapsed moments ago.'

It's already been half an hour since they've begun making rounds. He keeps engaging in one conversation after another, and even then, he does not look a bit least tired. It gave her the impression that he's already used to this kind of thing. But then again, as the host of this upscale party, he's obliged to give out greetings as part of some sort of formality.

'Learning more about others is fun, but in this case, I'm not even sure if these people are genuine or not. Knowing this family, the layers of their facade are bound to be thick.'

Getting a bit bored, Lady decided to take a look around her surroundings.

The hotel's private dining hall is the definition of exquisite. From the intricate design on the wall interior to the posh decorum and classy displays, everything is on point. There is a resplendent chandelier hanging from the ceiling, some sophisticated paintings and sculptures, and even a magnificent view of the city's nightscape.

Rather than welcoming, though, for someone who used to be a commoner like Lady, it appears imposing. She prefers watching the stars outside instead of doing it from inside that place. It's such a waste that she has to stay there the whole time, especially since it's a perfect evening to do some stargazing.

'Well, I can just sneak out later when no one is looking. Screw the whole father-and-daughter comedy show. I'mma enjoy this life in one way or another.'

Ecstatic to try out that idea, she brings back her attention to the visitors Maximilian is greeting at the moment. Lady decides to stay on her best behavior for a while longer, hoping that this ends soon. Yet, at one point, she catches sight of Fallon at the other side of the dining hall. Like them, he and Calixtus are having a conversation with the guests.

'Oh, seems like I'm not the only one who has it rough. Even the other children need to join the adults in this greeting parade...' she mused to herself and looked around some more until she saw her other cousins with their respective parents.

'What the?! Is this for real?! They are actually being proper?!'

Lady is flabbergasted.

Seeing her cousins acting well-mannered, it's almost hard to believe that they were the ones who bullied her earlier. They even seem to be doing better than her. Their polite smiles are immaculate - almost as if they've been permanently carved there, and their social skills seem to have been polished, making them look eloquent despite their age.

Because of that, they are able to blend well with the crowd, unlike her.

One of them noticed her staring. He stares back at her for a moment before smirking and calling the other two. With that, the three of them began snickering among themselves while looking at her.

They're definitely mocking her again.

"Hmph. Show-offs…" Lady huffed, crossing her arms.

"I see that those brats are not only big-headed. They're also two-faced-"

"What're you going on about now? Focus," Maximilian cut her off, voice low yet sharp, clearly displeased to find her distracted yet again.

With a sigh, she just did as he told her. Not that she has other choices, anyway.

She brought back her focus on their exchange with the visitors. Everything they said sounded like gibberish to her - she could not understand. The only things she is able to comprehend are the compliments and praises, which she can somehow tell are not genuine at all.

"My, the Young Miss is so pretty."

"She looks just like you, President."

"Seems like beauty can indeed be found in one's genes."

"The Young Miss will surely grow up to be a charming lady."

"She'll hook up with a rich and handsome man in no time."

"I bet she's smart and talented, too."

"Well, she's the President's daughter, after all."

Lady simply smiles the whole time. Rather than admiring her sincerely, though, she has a feeling that they're only saying all of that to please and gratify Maximilian.

'Then again, just what do they know about me? To them, I'm only a random kid who popped out of nowhere. If he's not here with me, I don't doubt something similar from earlier will happen once more.'