Cecilia returned to the mansion in anger. She couldn't believe she was humiliated in such a way! She was not going to forget this!

Ever since that day, Cecilia started attending small parties held by the noble ladies. During those parties, she boasted her painting skills, claiming it is ever better than the popular Angel's works. She also didn't hide her dislike towards Angel.

Angelina knew this. But she just let it be. All of Cecilia's actions wouldn't matter after the envoy's banquet. But right now she has other things to care about.

For example, finding a new dress to wear to the envoy's banquet since her gown was taken away.

Before when she sneaked into Evelina's room as Lia, she could have just took her gown back. But she decided no to. If she were to wear the gown to the banquet, what awaits her is a long scolding from the duke and public humiliation if Evelina decides to make a scene about it.

But there's a way to take advantage of this situation...

That is why, aside from stealing Evelina's hair accessories and ruining them, Angelina too took one of Evelina's best gowns. This gown is one of the only gowns Evelina owned that isn't plain.

**************

On the day of the banquet, Angelina didn't see Alice. She guessed Alice was still dealing with the grief. But Rienne and Arianna were able to attend.

While chatting with a group of aristocrats, Angelina spotted Evelina approaching her from the corner of her eye.

"Lady Evelina is as beautiful as ever."

"It's an honor to meet you, lady Evelina."

"Lady Evelina, your gown is simply dazzling!"

"That gown just matches you so well, lady Evelina!"

Evelina sweetly smiled as a response to the wave of praises and turned to Angelina. Her eyes were full of sadness and disappointment.

"Sister... Why did you steal my gown? If you wanted it you could've asked me. I would have definetly gave it to you!" Evelina grabbed Angelina's hands and held it with teary eyes that could make anyone be bewitched.

"Lady Angelina did such a thing..." One whispered to another.

"That isn't like her at all..."

"This has to be a misunderstanding right? Lady Angelina couldn't possibly be so lowly..."

Even though she heard their whispers, Angelina wasn't faced. She still kept the elegant smile on her face as she responded to Evelina.

"Sister, I'm sorry. I didn't know it would upset you. I thought that... Since you decided to wear my gown for today's banquet, I could use yours... My apologies, I have misunderstood!"

"...." Evelina frowned at Angelina's words. She wanted to say something but she couldn't find the right words...

"So that gown is really lady Angelina's?"

"Pfft... Lady Evelina borrowed her younger sister's gown..."

"Why is lady Evelina so upset when she too wore her sister's gown?"

Evelina was taken aback by their words and left after she said, "ah! My apologies Lina... That's not what I meant... I don't blame you! This is merely a misunderstanding..."

Then she hurriedly walked away.

'Hmph, what misunderstanding? She clearly saw what I was wearing when we got on the carriage... How could she not notice? Haha! Her face was gloomy the whole carriage ride and now she wants to pretend that she never knew?' Angelina smiled triumphantly.

The banquet began shortly after the imperial family arrived. Everyone sat down on their arranged seats and began feasting.

"Greetings your majesties." Count Walter and princess Cecilia bow respectfully to the Emperor and Empress before taking their seats.

"I hope your highness enjoyed your stay at Duke Skyler's estate." The empress muttered gently as she held the Emperor's hand on the table. Her hostility wasn't obvious but it wasn't so hard to find.

"Haha... Yes they treated me very well there..." Cecilia laughed awkwardly.

Count Waltster sensed the tension and tried to lighten the mood. "Thank you for your majesty's consideration. We are honored to be here today. Our kingdom is deeply ashamed of what happened and offer our sincerest apologies."

"Hm." The empress nodded, her eyes weren't even looking at the embarrassed count.

Cecilia felt a burning glare directed at her. It was Princess Elizabeth...

"Your majesties are truly blessed to have such a cute daughter... I would love to have a daughter as cute as her in the future..." Cecilia forced an admiring smile to appear on her face.

"Ew." Elizabeth exclaimed with a disgusted expression.

"...." Cecilia froze. She didn't imagine her to be so rude.

"Now, now Lizzy... That's not how we speak to our special guests..." The empress 'scolded' with a proud expression.

"But she's weird." Elizabeth furrowed her brows.

"Um... How so?" Cecilia asked.

"Well for one, you smell horrible. It's obvious you've put on too much perfume. Two, your gown is ugly. The bright red only makes you look like a big, fat tomato. And third, your gown is way too revealing of the chest. What? Trying to catch my dad's eye?" Elizabeth pointed out with a dark expression.

The nobles burst into laughter. Even the usually composed Arianna let a few chuckles slip out her mouth.

"You..." Cecilia was left speechless. She was about to stand up and start arguing, but before she could count Waltster changed the topic.

"Well how about we present the gifts now? Shall we?" The count clapped his hands and a servant came in with a scroll that listed all the items the Lina kingdom had prepared.

All kinds of toys, rare jewels, pretty gowns, and even rare animals were presented. Though this might be seen as rare luxuries to the others, Elizabeth wasn't impressed. She actually felt bored...

Seeing Elizabeth's unimpressed self, count Waltster felt nervous. Little girls her age would've been jumping with excitement if they saw such amazing gifts, why is she so unimpressed!? The emperor would definitely be displeased if Elizabeth wasn't satisfied with the gifts... The count's previous confidence disappeared.

But they did have one last card to help them gain the emperor's favor...

What was on the count's mind, the emperor and empress was well aware. Why else would they bring their most beautiful princess with them?

"One last thing your majesty." The count stood up and gestured to Cecilia.

Cecilia, who had lost her past self-assurance and courage, rose to her feet and performed a curtsy.

"Our Lina kingdom is truly ashamed of the second Concubine's vicious action and offers our most dearest princess. Please accept her." The count bowed.

"Count, there's no nee-"

"Princess Cecilia is very skilled, your majesty. She can dance, sing, paint, and play three musical instruments!" The empress tried to step it but was interrupted by count Waltster.

"If your majesties would like me to, this princess will display my skills." Cecilia added.

The Emperor felt uncomfortable but he wanted to give the Lina kingdom some face. He didn't have any intention to let Cecilia become his concubine but he would let her show off her skills just this once. The empress knew this thus she held herself back.

After a moment of silence, the emperor sighed and allowed it.

Cecilia regained her arrogance and chose to demonstrate her painting skills. Due to the banquet hall being filled with tables, everyone moved to the ballroom instead.

Shortly after, all the painting supplies needed were brought over by two palace servants.

"I'm quite expectant. Princess Cecilia have been boasting about her skill for quite some time now..."

"She claimed her skills are even better than Angel's."

"Hope she won't disappoint..."

"Is it really true that princess Cecilia's skills are better than Angel's?"

"Well how about we put that to the test?"

Just as Cecilia sat on the stool in front of the easel, a feminine voice sounded among the crowd that immediately caught other's attention with her words.

"Princess Cecilia, you've been spreading word of your painting abilities, which you claim to even best mine. Not only that, you too have been tarnishing my name repeatedly. That, I cannot let slide. If it is allowed, will your highness grant me the honor to have a match with you?" A female figure, wearing a white coat and mask, stepped out of the crowd.

Hearing her words, the originally expressionless Elizabeth raised her brows with interest.