Chapter 100

At first, I thought the organizer was naturally His Highness the Crown Prince, but Lirika's name suddenly popped up. Not only that, but the Secret Garden became famous, and all sorts of stories began circulating.

Inside, it was said that there were magnificent buildings made entirely of gold and jewels, and that any member of the Sandberry Alliance could use the various artifacts displayed there.

'But maybe the back part isn't entirely exaggerated...'

Due to the complex magic practice, Lirika had to produce a considerable amount of artifacts every day.

It wasn't just a simple magic circle but multiple incantations intricately engraved inside the jewels.

The artifacts she created were neatly stacked in the royal storage.

She often gave the lighter artifacts as gifts, mostly to people she trusted, which often overlapped with the Sandberry Alliance members, leading to such rumors.

Haya would return to her estate when early summer came and ascend to the capital again when early winter arrived.

The sparkling summer vacation always made her feel relieved. Besides, Haya seemed to be doing other things besides teaching her.

Especially after having long conversations with her mother, she would sometimes take a week-long break from classes.

"Lady Princess!"

Diala raised her voice and spun. The fact that her steps didn't tangle was entirely because Diala had lifted her lightly and then set her down after the turn.

With her feet not touching the ground, there was no way they could tangle.

Lirika, surprised, looked at Diala. Only then did Diala puff out her cheeks.

"Please focus on me when we dance. I don't like it when you think about other things."

"Ah, I'm sorry."

Lirika nodded, acknowledging that it was indeed impolite to dance alone. Diala chuckled.

"Then, when you host your first tea party, please invite me."

"Of course!"

Lirika said emphatically. Diala smiled, delighted. Lirika thought her fangs were indeed cute.

At thirteen, one enters the teenage years and is granted a bit more authority. It's said that noble families like the Sandar are given the right to speak at meetings, and there are quite a few old noble families that grant similar authority.

In the case of Takar, at thirteen, one is allowed to host gatherings independently.

Until now, she could have small gatherings, but they were more like friendly meetings among acquaintances rather than social gatherings. The places where they could meet were also very limited, but from thirteen onwards, it was different.

One could host a salon, issue anonymous invitations, and rent any venue, whether it was the Sun Palace or the Sky Palace.

Of course, since Ludia was currently the highest-ranking woman in the royal palace, her permission was needed to rent a venue.

But since the Empress wouldn't refuse the Princess's request, it meant she could host a party anywhere.

The first party after one's birthday is called a debut party, and it was customary to personally arrange everything for a thirteenth birthday party.

Of course, the guests were mostly of the same age. From thirteen until a year or two before adulthood—such parties were often referred to as 'semi-social events.'

Lirika said,

"But it will take some time until the party is held. Is that okay?"

"Of course. I can wait ten years."

Diala finished the dance with a smile and led Lirika out of the floor, saying,

"Can we eat now? I'm really hungry."

"Sure, sure."

Knowing Diala's appetite, Lirika guided her to where the food was, especially the meat.

Where does all that meat go in her slender body?

As she marveled, the same exclamation was heard.

"The Wolf Knights' food expenses are said to be ten times more than other places. It doesn't seem to be a lie."

Lirika turned in surprise.

"Athil!"

"I see Your Highness."

Holding a plate in one hand, Diala also greeted elegantly. Athil smirked as he handed his cloak to Jazz, who was standing beside him.

Jazz was still in the same style, though the material of his clothes had become more luxurious. The tilted paju knife was now his identity.

When Lirika greeted him, Jazz bowed.

Lirika asked,

"How did you get in? Weren't you not supposed to come today?"

"Since I can't come, I sneaked in."

"That's not allowed."

"What's not allowed? I want to participate in my sister's birthday party."

Athil shrugged and kissed Lirika's cheek.

"Happy birthday."

He continued,

"But why don't you grow taller? It seems like I have to bow more every day."

"I have grown."

Lirika widened her eyes and lifted her heels.

"I'll grow this much soon."

"Uh-huh, sure."

Athil replied indifferently.

Athil, who was now seventeen, was already tall and had grown even taller, looking more like a young man. Takar, who had regained his strength, was now very relaxed and—selfish.

He still seemed to wander through the back alleys with Jazz. There were rumors that the security in the slums had greatly improved.

And there were newspaper articles about how many corrupt slave traders he had taken down.

Jazz had proven his abilities over time. While he had gained recognition, according to Lat, "It also earned him some resentment."

More noble companions like Pai had appeared, and according to Brin, there was a strange tension between the two factions.

While Lirika and Athil were having a short conversation, more and more people began to look their way.

"Your Highness?"

"Prince Athil seems to have arrived."

"When did he come?"

"Should we go and greet him?"

"Isn't he not supposed to come today?"

As their whispers reached her, Athil's face turned sour, and he pulled Lirika's wrist.

"Let's dance."

"Ah, okay."

As she was being led, she waved to Diala, who waved back.

They quickly moved across the floor diagonally. Athil looked around and said,

"There's not a single decent person here. Be careful. Don't fall for some weird guy."

"Fall for a weird guy?"

Athil squeezed her hand tightly. His blue eyes sparkled.

"You're thirteen now. There will be guys who will come close, saying you're beautiful, pure, like a fairy of the trees, cute like a squirrel, or sweet like a sugar fairy—saying all sorts of nonsense."

Lirika opened her mouth slightly. Athil, serious, said,

"If you hear such nonsense, tell me immediately. Got it?"

Lirika rolled her eyes. She said softly,

"I don't think anyone will say such things. Besides, those adjectives are... embarrassing."

Before she could say it was embarrassing, Athil jumped.

"I'm not thinking that! I'm saying I hear it! Got it?"

Lirika widened her eyes and suppressed a laugh.

"Yes, I understand. Thank you."

"Anyway, it's annoying."

Muttering, Athil continued,

"Don't wear dresses that cover your ankles, or rather, don't even then."

Though she didn't know what he meant, Lirika nodded obediently. She might leave the palace before she had to wear such dresses.

Avoiding people, they reached the diagonal end, and Athil said as he left the floor,

"I'm leaving now."

"See you later."

"Sure."

Smirking, Athil quickly disappeared to the terrace. Jazz approached quickly.

"The basket you gave was delicious."

"Oh, really? I'm glad. I wasn't sure if you liked sweet things, so I put a variety in."

"Since you're close to Princess Lirika, I'm using my influence to say this, but Feri is here. She would be very happy if you greeted her."

Lirika chuckled and nodded.

"Got it."

"Thank you, Princess."

Pai bowed exaggeratedly and left for the terrace.

'Let's see, where is Miss Feri...'

While looking around the hall, other children approached. She couldn't miss the opportunity to speak to the Princess alone.

Since she was the host of the party, she could freely talk to anyone. Lirika introduced herself and was soon surrounded by children.

Dealing with each one would be exhausting, so Lirika decided to take a direct approach.

"Have you seen Lady Feri Sandar?"

The children looked at each other and then led Lirika to where Feri was standing in a corner.

"Miss Feri."

"Princess Lirika!"

Feri looked up in surprise and quickly bowed.

"Can we talk for a moment?"

The eyes of the children standing around Lirika sharpened, but Feri didn't notice.

Once labeled as unfit, one remains forever unfit. Anyone could see from Feri's eyes that she was considered unfit.

Thus, Feri was always on the fringes of society. The only ones who danced with her and spoke to her were her own Sandar family.

Even within her family, some would look away when they saw her eyes. Feri tried to understand their fear, but being constantly rejected made her look only at her own feet.

It was hard not to meet anyone in the room and suffer, but it was also hard to face the disdainful gazes of everyone outside.

She preferred reading books at home to going out. She read and reread the story of the magic girl Lirika.

Filled with adventures and brave stories she couldn't do herself, she would regain the courage to attend parties again.

Given this, Feri wouldn't miss Lirika's birthday party. She wanted to see her from a distance.

But to have the protagonist speak to her was unexpected, so it was natural that she didn't notice her surroundings.

"Yes, of course."

Feri's cheeks flushed, and her eyes sparkled. Lirika separated from the crowd and was left alone with Feri.

Looking at them, it was clear how much the siblings resembled each other. The same beige hair and golden eyes.

"Thank you for coming."

"No, I had to come!"

Feri shook her head.

"Are you feeling better?"

"Yes, I'm all better now. Thanks to you."

Feri smiled. The amount of care the Viscount Sandar had for his only daughter, who had returned from the brink of death, was evident from her attire.

"I really want to invite you to our estate, or even just to our house in the capital. Ah! There's a parade this year. If you happen to visit our estate, please spend some time with me."

Feri mustered all her courage.

'A parade?'

Though puzzled, Lirika nodded without showing her confusion.

"Got it."

Feri's face brightened even more. Lirika promised to invite her next time and left.

It was still early spring, so the sun set quickly, and the party ended. After the last guest left, Lirika sighed deeply.

Only then did Brin and Raub approach. Brin smiled and said,

"Thank you for your hard work, Princess."

"Brin, I really, really deeply understand how good it is to have you."

Lirika hugged Brin. She had grown tall enough to rest her head on Brin's chest, not just her skirt.

It was still early spring, so the sun set quickly, and the party ended. After the last guest left, Lirika sighed deeply.

Only then did Brin and Raub approach. Brin smiled and said,

"Thank you for your hard work, Princess."

"Brin, I really, really deeply understand how good it is to have you."