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    After a moment.


    Surprised voices began to spring up one by one from the guests.


    Was that too far, even for Lady Be?


    I hear you. That was too rude of her.


    It doesnt matter if she knows the organizer, too hit a child.


    The guests standing nearby were reluctant to speak up.


    Lady Be, what are you doing?!


    At the piercing shout, every person in earshots distance was wide-eyed.


    It was for good reason, as it was the first time Charlize has ever spoken with such ferocity.


    She took a step forward, her fists clenched.


    Seeing the blood-curling gaze, Lady Be involuntarily shrank back.


    W-What is this?


    The next moment, Lady Be put up a piqued expression.


    Now thisdid I just get intimidated by that girl?!


    No way! I wont have this!


    Lady Be gritted her teeth and raised her voice.


    Why are you looking daggers at me? Are you going to hit me?


    Instead of responding, Charlize red at Lady Be with an icy gaze.


    A strange pressure emanated from her silent stare.


    Just as Lady Be said, I wanted to hit right then and there.


    However.


    This is Siennas Tea Party.


    And didnt Damian deal with the exact same problem and not let it get to him?


    I cant lose my sense of sound judgment if the Crown Prince had acted with consideration for this tea party.


    Closing her eyes briefly, Charlize opened them again.


    Lady Be pretended not to be discouraged and raised her voice.


    If Lady Charlize starts a fight, it will disgrace the image of Viscountess Antes, the host of this tea party!


    Well, to my eyes, it seems that Lady Be has already disgraced Viscountess Antes.


    What did you say just now?!


    At Charlizesposed reply, Lady Bes face turned red.


    In contrast, Charlize had cooled down and spoke rationally.


    The children invited to this tea party are children whose parents had devoted themselves to the North.


    Look, Lady Charlize!


    Because of their parents sacrifice, the people of the empire can live safely.


    Charlize looked back at her children, pursing her lips at the same time.


    Look at themyou really believe youre in the right here?


    At that question, peoples eyes reflexively turned to the children.


    No


    Shes right.


    Gasps erupted spontaneously from peoples mouths.


    The children were huddled together, their frightened faces apparent for everyone to see.


    Viscountess Antes is someone who will be a great future Marquess of the North.


    Well, who doesnt know that?!


    If you knew, shouldnt you haveprehended how Viscountess Antes intended on mending the childrens aching hearts? Charlize spoke sharply.


    Besides, this tea party is not only attended by those children but also by Her Majesty, the Empress Dowager, and Her Majesty, the Empress.


    Thats right, both of her majesties are here!


    Lady Bes face went white.


    Do you think its dignified of you to make a fuss about your status on the spot?


    So incessant! Making something out of nothing!


    Lady Be.


    In an instant, a cold voice called Lady Be.


    Ah, Viscountess Antes?


    Lady Be raised her head with a brightened expression.


    Sienna, who had arrived on the scene at some point, stood in the way between Charlize and Lady Be.


    Viscountess Antes is a noble among nobles. Surely, shell take my side as a fellow aristocrat!


    With that belief, Lady Be looked at Charlize, pitying her.


    Isnt Lady Charlize being too sensitive?


    Sienna stared nkly at Lady Be.


    Lady Be desperately tried to sway Sienna to her side.


    Theyre lowly kids at best. Theyre not even that hurt


    Please return home.


    huh?


    At Siennas calm voice, Lady Bes eyes widened.


    Im telling you to go home.


    Sienna said so coldly, without any hesitation.


    What, why me?!


    Lady Be was stupefied as her face grew ever redder.


    I am the daughter of the Be family, and a rtive of Her Majesty, the Empress.


    So?


    So?! You would rather send me out than that kid!


    As Lady Be said earlier, I am the host of this tea party.


    After saying that, Sienna grabbed Bets wrist.


    So, wouldnt it be my right as the host, to decide whos suited for my tea party?


    At the same time, Sienna slightly strengthened her grip.


    Lady Be twitched as her shoulders became taut.


    The feeling of her wrist being constricted was akin to a chain being wrapped around it.


    It was that tight.


    H-Hey!


    Lady Be tried to force herself loose but to no avail.


    Perhaps because Sienna carefully controlled her strength, Lady Bes gripped wrist felt no pain.


    However  .


    N-Noif I put my mind to it, I can break away from her grasp!


    Unfortunately for Lady Be, whom Sienna had no intention of releasing, she struggled once more but Sienna did not budge one bit.


    Ive decided that Lady Be is unsuitable for my tea party.


    Viscountess Antes!


    Sienna gently pulled Lady Be closer as if she were in no mood for further protests.


    Lady Bes eyes widened.


    Even if it was something so painstakingly simple


    She couldnt free herself from Siennas grip.


    Thats right. Although people see the gentle face on the outside, on the inside, Sienna is a warrior whos been fighting beasts in life-and-death situations for over ten years.


    When she recognized that fact, Lady Be felt goosebumps run down her spine.


    Oh, Lady Be. You should be grateful to me.


    Hitting the nail on the head with her timing, Sienna opened her mouth, speaking softly.


    Will I, Viscountess Antes, personally be escorting Lady Be out?


    Upon hearing those words, Lady Bes face became crumpled.


    For what she did to that child, Sienna was giving Lady Be a taste of her own medicine.


    Hey, let me go!


    You choose, Lady Be.


    Sienna smiled an icy smile as she watched Lady Be wriggle her wrist pitifully.


    Will you go quietly, or will I have you be forcefully taken away by the knights of Antes?


    But, Viscountess!


    I wonder if itll help your judgment if I tell you in advance.


    Siennas smile grew a little broader.


    The Knights of Antes take after thend they came from, and they arent as polite as the knights of the empire.


    Lady Bes eyes shook violently.


    However, Sienna only met her gaze with a calm look.


    .um, h-have a good time.


    In the end, it was Lady Be who withdrew.


    There was nothing more embarrassing than being dragged out by knights here.


    After Lady Be had left, Sienna looked back at the people and smiled.


    Just a bit ofmotion. Sorry, everyone.


    Wow


    Charlize looked at Sienna in a new light.


    It was because Sienna had expertly taken care of Lady Be.


    Even nobledies from other noble families would not have been able to cope with it so masterfully.


    Damian, who watched the situation unfold from the side, jokingly asked.


    Why is Sienna acting so responsibly?


    Your Highness, give credit where credit is due.


    Charlize, who was ring at Damian when she said so, immediately came to her senses and tended to the hurt child.


    Hey, are you all right? Ill have it treated right away!


    But the child covered her wrist and shook her head.


    Hey now, itll be fine, reassured Charlize.


    are you sure?


    Yes. Itll heal after applying some ointment.


    Hearing those words, the child looked up at Charlize, still doubting her.


    I guess the child really took to heart what Lady Benner said earlier.


    Charlize squinted her eyes.


    Is it because of what she said? Listen, if youre hurt, you should seek treatment.


    Ha, but.


    But what? Come here.


    Charlize held out her hand to the child with a gentle expression.


    After some slight hesitation, the child grabbed Charlizes hand.


    She wriggled her fingers a bit.


    Her hands were so warm that Charlize somehow felt like crying.


    ***


    With a first-aid kit ced on the table, Charlize sat the child down in front of her.


    Give me your hand.


    The child cautiously held out her hand.


    Charlize carefully examined her injury, scrunching her forehead as she sighed lightly.


    Its a scratch.


    An injury from a fingernail.


    How does someone treat a child like that, scratching the back of a childs hand with their fingernails?


    Charlize felt a burning sensation inside her.


    Although the cut wasnt deep, it seemed like it would scar if not treated properly.


    Even if it stings, be strong.


    Charlize dabbed the back of the childs hand with a cotton ball dipped in disinfectant.


    The child breathed in and out and closed her eyes tightly.


    Charlize praised her in an admirable voice.


    Its okay. Youre doing well.


    It was true, the child didnt tear up or whimper until after Charlize applied some ointment and ced a gauze over it.


    Its normal for kids her age to whimper when theres stinging


    Charlize was sorry for what had happened to the child but quickly refrained from sighing.


    All right, all done.


    Charlize smiled proudly after applying the gauze neatly over the scratch.


    However, the childs expression was not as bright.


    Why the long look?


    As Charlize looked at the child with curious intent, she heard a faint voice.


    Im sorry.


    Hmm? Why?


    Its my faultthemotion happened because of me.


    The childs shoulders dropped a bit.


    It would have been better if I had endured a bit more


    For a moment, Charlize choked up.


    The child reminded her of herself when she was younger.


    Five-year-old Charlize would me herself, thinking that everything was her fault.


    Charlize unconsciously stretched out her arms.


    Char-, sister Charlize?


    The childs eyes widened.


    Charlize embraced the child in her arms, holding her tightly.