Chapter 14: Unexpected
The grand ballroom of the palace was nothing short of breathtaking.
Chandeliers dripped with crystal, casting a warm golden glow over the extravagantly dressed nobles twirling across the dance floor.
The scent of fresh roses and expensive perfumes filled the air, mingling with the rich laughter and murmur of conversations.
Katherine stepped into the room alongside her aunt Yevon, the Countess's elegant presence commanding attention as they entered.
Katherine, dressed in a deep emerald gown that accentuated her striking features, had no intention of drawing too much attention to herself.
She had come with a plan—to observe, make connections, and perhaps find an investor for her future business venture.
However, the moment she stepped inside, she froze. Her eyes darted to the raised platform at the front of the ballroom, where an announcement was being made.
"Presenting Her Royal Highness, Princess Laura, accompanied by His Majesty, the King!"
Katherine felt her breath hitch.
Princess? The King?
Her gaze snapped to Yevon, who merely gave her a knowing smile.
Is that King Linceo from the books? And his daughter Laura? The female lead who's going to be Florante's lover?
"Aunt Yevon," Katherine whispered sharply, her voice barely above a breath. "This event is hosted by the palace? The royal family? You never mentioned that."
Yevon chuckled lightly, sipping from her wine glass. "Did I not? What a small oversight." Her eyes twinkled with mischief. "It just so happens that I am acquainted with the royal family."
Katherine barely managed to suppress her shock.
Acquainted? My aunt is friends with the royal family?
That changed everything.
How influential is Aunt Yevon... and why? How? What kind of family do I really belong to?
She had been preparing for an evening of polite noble conversation, but this—this was far beyond what she had expected.
As she struggled to process this revelation, a sweet voice called out.
"Oh! Lady Katherine, is that you?"
Katherine inwardly groaned as she turned to face the young woman she had been hoping to avoid—Princess Laura herself.
The world's beloved female protagonist was even more stunning in person than Katherine remembered.
Dressed in an airy pastel gown that made her look like a walking dream, Laura had the kind of delicate beauty that made people instantly adore her.
Her golden curls framed her soft features, and her bright blue eyes shone with delight.
Katherine barely had time to react before Laura glided toward her, her hands clasped together excitedly.
"Oh, it truly is you! How wonderful!" Laura beamed, reaching out as if to take Katherine's hands, but stopping just short, as if hesitant. "I was hoping to see you again after our brief meeting at the last gathering. You left quite the impression."
Katherine blinked. What impression? I barely spoke to you.
Still, she forced a polite smile. "Your Highness, it is an honor to be here at your event."
Laura giggled, waving a delicate hand. "Oh, please, there's no need to be so formal! Just call me Laura. And if you'd allow me the honor, I'd love to call you Katherine."
Katherine hesitated.
Most noble ladies weren't so forward with their friendships, and yet Laura acted as though they had known each other for years.
Why is she being FC with me? Did I miss something last event?
But before she could think of a way to politely decline, Laura had already looped her arm through hers, guiding her away from Yevon, who merely raised a brow but said nothing.
"You must sit with me for a bit," Laura insisted. "There are so many things I'd love to talk about with you!"
Katherine sighed internally. Well, there goes my plan to quietly network.
***
Seated at a beautifully adorned table, Katherine found herself reluctantly engaged in conversation with Laura.
The princess was just as sweet and naive as Katherine had imagined, but she was also incredibly persistent in keeping Katherine entertained.
"I admire you, Katherine," Laura said suddenly, tilting her head slightly. "You have this air of confidence... of independence and grace! It's refreshing."
Katherine almost choked on her drink. "I... do?"
Laura nodded enthusiastically. "Most noble ladies are so caught up in etiquette and gossip. But you... you seem to have a goal, something beyond just attending parties."
Katherine studied her carefully. Is she more perceptive than I gave her credit for?
I am a little confused about what my goal is though... but yes, right now, I do have a goal in mind, and she is correct.
Laura smiled, leaning forward slightly. "To be honest, I've been curious about your family ever since the first ball. The Countess's household has always seemed so... different. And that carriage of yours! It was unlike anything I'd ever seen. I've wanted to interact with you since then, and now that I know the Countess has a young niece, I'm even more excited. I'd love for us to be friends."
Katherine blinked at her, caught off guard by Laura's openness. It was unexpected—but not unwelcome.
Before she could respond, Laura leaned in with excitement. "Oh! I nearly forgot. I was planning a small tea party with a few close friends. Would you like to come?"
Katherine hesitated.
A tea party?
It sounded like the kind of gathering she usually avoided, filled with giggling noblewomen discussing fashion and suitors.
But then, a thought struck her.
Wait... a tea party.
Her mind raced.
A place where noble ladies gathered to chat, drink tea, and enjoy delicate pastries.
It was a perfect setting for relaxation, gossip... and commerce.
What if I started a café?
She remembered the cafe she visited the first time she got here. She straightened in her seat, her mind suddenly overflowing with ideas.
A proper establishment where noblewomen could gather in an elegant but casual setting.
It wouldn't just be about tea—it could serve high-quality desserts, imported coffee, and unique pastries.
It would be different from the usual noble gatherings because it would be a space where people came to indulge, to experience something new.
But what theme should it have?
Should it be a cozy, casual space where people felt at home, or something grand and luxurious that fit noble tastes?
Should it have a soft, girly charm with pastel décor and delicate floral patterns?
Or perhaps something with an elegant, modern aesthetic—sleek furniture, dark woods, and gold accents?
Then there was the menu to consider.
What kind of teas should she serve?
Should she introduce coffee, something that was still rare in this world? And what about the pastries?
She wasn't much of a cook herself.
Oh no. Who's going to cook? She needed a chef, someone skilled enough to bring her vision to life.
How many staff should I hire? I need to decide on uniforms too.
So many things to prepare.
Katherine was a little lost in his thoughts, she almost forgot she was in the presence of the princess.
Laura was still looking at her expectantly.
Katherine quickly composed herself and offered a charming smile. "Your Highness, I would love to attend your tea party."
Laura clapped her hands together, delighted. "Wonderful! Oh, I just know we'll have such a lovely time."
Katherine chuckled, taking a sip of her drink. Yes... I think this might turn out to be quite beneficial after all.
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***
By the end of the evening, Katherine found herself enjoying the ball more than she had anticipated.
Not because of the boring noble introductions and nonsense chatters.
But she seemed to understand a bit how to work in this society to her advantage.
While she had originally planned to focus solely on networking, she had instead gained something more valuable—an idea, a potential business model, and an unexpected ally in Laura.
Should I let her know about the business I am thinking? She shook her head, "It's too early to trust a lady I just befriend today."
But she's the female lead, right? Isn't she supposed to be the perfect girl with perfect personality? Katherine paused and think.
She decided to wait a bit before involving Laura directly in her business. She can perhaps ask her help on other things in the future.
A princess as an ambassadress doesn't sound too bad after all.
As she made her way back to Yevon's side, her aunt gave her an amused glance. "You and Princess Laura seem to have become quite friendly."
Katherine exhaled, shaking her head with a small smile. "I suppose she's not so bad."
She is very useful for business. She will help me get rich in this unknown world.
Yevon smirked knowingly. "She's one of the most influential young ladies in high society. A friendship with her could open many doors."
Katherine hummed in agreement.
She had initially seen Laura as nothing more than an obstacle, a character she didn't want to get involved with.
Katherine accepted she is a side character nothing more, but like they said back in her world, if opportunity strikes, take it while it's hot and boiling!
If she played her cards right, she could turn them all in her favor.
Money, money, money.
As the carriage carried her home, Katherine leaned back against the plush seat, her mind spinning with excitement.
She had a new plan now—a business she could call her own.
In this boring world, with no internet or electronic gadgets, she finally found something to do.
The road ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: she wasn't just going to survive in this world.
She was going to thrive.