Chapter 37
Lucy realized her oversight.
“My introduction is late.”
She looked at Bartholomew.
“Lord Bartholomew, this is Patrick Helio of the Marquis Helio family. Patrick Helio, this is Lord Bartholomew of the Paraday Duke family.”
With Lucy’s introduction, the two exchanged greetings.
Unlike Bartholomew, who remained quiet, Patrick showed interest in him.
He recognized that Bartholomew had been Lucy’s dance partner at the previous royal banquet.
‘The heir of the Paraday family is known for rarely appearing in high society…’
What had compelled him to attend the royal banquet before, and now appear at this social party?
Patrick glanced at Lucy.
‘Could it be because of Princess Lucy?’
The bond between the two seemed close enough for her to have chosen him as her dance partner.
Seeing two people who otherwise had no apparent connection act so friendly was unusual not only for Patrick but also for the other nobles present.
Reading the attention of the nobles, Patrick spoke.
“If it’s alright, may I introduce Princess Lucy to the other nobles?”
Lucy hesitated at Patrick’s proposal.
If she left her spot, what would happen to Bartholomew who stayed behind?
Sensing her concern, Bartholomew spoke.
“I’m fine. Please, go ahead.”
“But…”
What was her purpose in bringing him to this social party?
She wanted to show Bartholomew a new world, hoping he would find new pleasures.
If she left now, attending the party would serve no purpose for him.
Just as Lucy was about to say that Bartholomew should come along too, he leaned toward her.
“I prefer being alone.”
He whispered softly.
Lucy shivered at his pleasant low voice.
‘Oh!’
Although Lucy had often leaned toward Bartholomew before, this was the first time he had initiated closing the distance.
While Lucy was still surprised, both Cecil and Patrick couldn’t hide their astonishment either.
That brief action had made the two appear very close.
Bartholomew broke eye contact with Lucy and looked at the two men.
His blue eyes shone sharply.
“Understood. I’ll be back shortly.”
While the three engaged in a subtle standoff, Lucy didn’t notice and spoke.
“Shall we go this way?”
Patrick escorted Lucy.
Bartholomew followed their movements with his eyes while sipping his champagne.
Patrick took Lucy to Logan.
Ding!
[Talk to Logan Wolfield (3/3)]
[Conversation time: Free]
Lucy tensed up at the sight of Logan.
His stern demeanor made him difficult to approach.
And thinking back to the last social party…
Lucy secretly assumed that Logan had been the most offended by her words out of the three men.
She had openly struck at his pride.
‘Still, I need to make amends.’
Summoning her courage, Lucy spoke.
“Logan, it’s nice to see you again.”
“Princess Lucy.”
Logan greeted her.
“I apologize for last time.”
“I spoke carelessly. I hope you haven’t taken it to heart.”
Lucy said sincerely.
Logan stared at her quietly.
“That’s alright. You didn’t say anything wrong.”
He replied calmly.
Lucy felt relieved.
He wasn’t one to speak false words.
‘It seems he hasn’t taken my words to heart.’
She felt more at ease but was unsure what else to say.
Observing this, Patrick stepped in.
“Logan, how about inviting Princess Lucy to the hunting tournament we’re holding?”
Logan was slightly taken aback.
The hunting tournament was his event.
He had no intention of inviting Lucy, but now that Patrick had spoken in front of her, he could not refuse.
Logan let out a small sigh.
For the sake of social etiquette, and to put Lucy at ease, it seemed he had no choice but to invite her.
“If Princess Lucy would attend, it would be an honor.”
He said this with a clearly reluctant expression.
Lucy, suddenly invited to the hunting tournament, was flustered, but Patrick looked satisfied.
“I will introduce Princess Lucy to the other nobles. This way, please.”
Patrick led Lucy forward.
He introduced her to the nobles.
The nobles, somewhat stunned, exchanged greetings with Lucy.
Lucy realized something.
The faces of the nobles Patrick was introducing looked familiar.
Soon, she recognized them as the same nobles who had attended Elisha’s social party.
Patrick had invited them to help restore Lucy’s tarnished image.
Lucy was surprised.
Had she not known Patrick’s nature, she might have been deeply moved by such consideration.
‘What’s his ulterior motive?’
Is he expecting a favor from me?
Why is Patrick trying to appear favorable toward me?
Soon, Lucy understood.
Her criticism of him as a hypocrite must have bruised Patrick’s pride.
He was working so hard to mediate this, proving her judgment of him wrong.
To show his perfection.
‘He must have taken my words to heart.’
Lucy pondered.
Should she go along with his intention and reevaluate him, or maintain her stance?
Which choice would best increase Patrick’s affection?
From her past life’s experience, reacting positively to his kind exterior had lowered his affection.
To target him, it might actually be better to keep slightly provoking him.
While Lucy was thinking, a man called out cheerfully.
“Patrick!”
Patrick’s brows furrowed slightly upon recognizing him.
He quickly composed himself.
Lucy, watching closely, didn’t miss the brief moment.
“Oliver.”
Patrick nodded in greeting.
The man called Oliver looked at Lucy.
“Could you introduce me to this lady?”
Patrick didn’t hesitate.
He told Lucy that Oliver was Oliver Helio of the Smith family.
Hearing that Lucy was a princess, Oliver looked at her with undisguised interest.
‘Blatant.’
Other nobles would at least pretend to be polite, but Oliver openly stared at her.
“I’ve heard a lot about you.”
Lucy understood immediately that it wasn’t praise.
He must have heard about the incident at the last social party.
“You really put Patrick in his place, I hear.”
Oliver casually brought up a taboo topic.
Lucy and Patrick both understood it was deliberate.
Oliver had always felt inferior to Patrick.
He didn’t want to miss an opportunity to embarrass him.
“Patrick does have that kind of temperament. He doesn’t really like nobles.”
“Oliver.”
“What, did I say something wrong? You just organize events like this because your father commands it, but you don’t enjoy it at all, do you?”
Patrick’s expression darkened.
The mention of his father sharpened his gaze.
“Rude.”
Before he could speak further, Lucy intervened.
“Patrick Helio is making an effort for me at this event. Your words make me look foolish as well.”
Oliver was startled.
No matter her status as a discarded princess, Lucy was still royalty.
Calling her denigrating words unacceptable became a serious warning.
“That’s not what I meant.”
“Then you should have refrained from saying things that could be misunderstood.”
Lucy said coldly.
Since he wasn’t a target for her affection, she had no reason to hide her feelings.
“I expect you to apologize to Patrick Helio, who is making an effort for me.”
Reluctantly, Oliver apologized to Patrick.
His face slightly red, he couldn’t hide his displeasure, and soon departed.
“You should be careful who you befriend.”
Lucy’s comment made Patrick raise his eyebrows, then laugh.
“Careful who I befriend? No.”
Ding!
[Affection Change Detected!]
[Patrick’s affection has increased.]
[Affection: ?? → Affection: ??]
The system window notified that Patrick’s affection had risen.
[Social Party Revenge Quest Success!]
[As a reward, reputation increases by 100.]
[Reputation: -180 → -80]
The quest was a success.
This was the first achievement Lucy had gained entirely on her own, improving her stats and reaping the rewards.
