As soon as the sun rose, Amanda sent invitations for a dinner party at the Crown Prince’s palace. It would be held that very same evening. Because of the suddenness of the event, numerous maids and servants were striding up and down the halls, frantically preparing for the guests.
Oliver decided to hold off the Empress’ soldiers outside the compound, while Amanda did her best to prepare for the dinner party. She scanned the list of guests, then she paused at the name “Countess Viviana.”
“How many people will attend the surprise event? It would not be an exaggeration to say that it all depends on her.”
Stella Viviana. A towering social figure in the capital, a woman who walked on the path of misery because of the son she had in wedlock. Amanda, who had knowledge of the future, blackmailed the countess with knowledge of it. Although they had somewhat become friends after several exchanges, Amanda had never really been able to guess what Stella really thought. Amanda hoped that Stella was on her side, but her loyalty was uncertain.
“Will she attend the dinner party?”
If Stella knew of the standoff with the Empress’ soldiers, she may refuse the invitation. And if Stella, one of the most influential people in society, did not come, the number of people attending the dinner party was likely to drop significantly as well.
The nanny looked worriedly at Amanda before offering her counsel.
“You have done everything you could, Your Highness. It is up to the will of Heaven now. Do not worry about outcomes you cannot change.”
Amanda gave a faint smile and nodded towards her nanny.
“Yes. I have no choice but to wait for the results.”
It would be a waste of time to think about things that were no longer in Amanda’s hands. She cleared the thoughts that floated in her mind, and turned her attention to preparing for the dinner party.
At the time, Amanda did not know of the unexpected guest that would come.
The dinner preparations were complete. A first-class chef had finished preparing the lavish banquet despite the extreme time pressure, and the banquet hall in the palace was decorated luxuriously. Amanda greeted the ladies who entered the hall one-by-one.
“Welcome.”
The guests would reply in enthusiasm.
“Thank you for inviting me, Your Highness. You look even more beautiful today.”
“I’m flattered. How’s your daughter doing? I heard she debuted a while ago.”
“Oh, thank you for remembering that.”
Amanda was having light conversation with each of the arrivals, when another voice called out to her.
“Your Highness.”
Amanda turned her head towards the familiar voice behind her. It was Scarlett, one of her ladies-in-waiting, and she smiled in greeting.
“I intended to arrive first, but I’m sorry to say I’m a little late.”
“No, you are still quite early.”
“I wanted to be the one to come here first and help you.”
“Thank you. I appreciate your loyalty.”
Amanda and Scarlett exchanged friendly greetings and moved towards the other arrivals. Scarlett’s role was to keep the flow of conversation going on next to Amanda, making it easier for Amanda give individual attention to each guest.
Soon after, Amanda saw a group of women approaching the entrance. In the lead was a single woman, and it was apparent that a very influential figure had arrived. Amanda finished her current conversation with ease, then approached the new guests. Soon, it was possible to see the woman that was in the lead.
‘For that person to be here…’
It was Lady Yulia, the flower of the capital. She was not only the daughter of the prestigious Necrensi family, but also a famous woman in the Keith Empire, known for her fashion and striking beauty. Amanda had briefly encountered her at an Imperial Ball.
Although Amanda sent Yulia an invitation to the dinner party out of formality, she didn’t expect for the other woman to actually attend. Her appearance was a complete surprise.