Chapter 149: Banquet
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
“Xiao Han, that is the princess.”
Xiao Han, adorned in a magnificent gown and clutching a delicate lace fan, veiled her face as she gazed upon the individual who held the arm of the Third Prince.
The young woman before her possessed a captivating beauty, strikingly resembling the figure Xiao Han had witnessed on the live-stream. It was no wonder that she had garnered the attention of numerous esteemed gentlemen overnight. Thoughts raced through Xiao Han’s mind as she contemplated the realization that her beloved harbored affections for this newly discovered princess. She couldn’t help but feel a tinge of disbelief. Was it possible that the deep affection shared between her and her sweetheart throughout their upbringing paled in comparison to mere physical attractiveness?
“It is quite remarkable,” Xiao Han remarked with deliberate nonchalance, though her tightened grip on her dress betrayed her true sentiments.
Observing Xiao Han’s subtle reaction, the girl standing beside her pursed her lips in disdain. Xiao Han had always exploited her status as the Duke’s daughter to ridicule girls and other noble ladies of lesser standing. Now that a princess had emerged who outshone Xiao Han in both beauty and nobility, the girl couldn’t pass up the opportunity to witness Xiao Han’s discomfort.
Wearing a hypocritical smile, the girl condescendingly stated, “Xiao Han, you are overthinking things. No matter how beautiful the princess may be, she will not wed the Marquis’s son. His Majesty and the Queen would never approve.”
Xiao Han gritted her teeth in bitter resentment upon hearing the girl’s belittling words. Yet, she found herself unable to provide a retort. After all, the girl’s assertion was correct. It was implausible for the princess to marry someone below the rank of Duke.
Furthermore, Xiao Han’s beloved happened to be the son of a marquis. Even if she were to inherit the title in the future, her highest possible standing would be that of an earl, bereft of any significant influence. Not to mention the princess, Xiao Han herself might struggle to persuade her Duke father to accept a union with an earl.
Satisfied with Xiao Han’s angry expression, the girl smirked and walked over to the dessert counter, procuring a small cake for Xiao Han. “Her Highness believes that indulging in sweet delicacies improves one’s mood. Xiaohan, it seems you are truly angered by your sweetheart. Partake in something sweet and find happiness!”
The girl’s words turned Xiao Han’s face icy cold. She forcefully pushed the girl aside, oblivious to the curious gazes of those around them. Lifting her foot, she deliberately crushed the small cake beneath her elegant shoe. Paying no heed to potential repercussions from the royal family or the banquet organizers, she departed from the event venue, leaving behind a trail of bewildered onlookers.
Xiao Han’s brother was also engaged in conversation with the Eldest Prince at the banquet, bearing witness to the unfolding spectacle. Once Xiao Han departed the venue prematurely, he expressed his apologies to the Eldest Prince.
The Eldest Prince regarded the young man before him, who offered his apologies with a smile. In a gentle tone, he reassured, “Xiao Chen, there is no need for such words. The Duke has showered Xiao Han with affection since her youth. I believe her straightforward nature is a product of that love.”
Before Xiao Chen could respond, the Second Prince emerged, attired in a finely tailored black ensemble, positioned behind the First Prince and Xiao Chen. Flashing a smile, he remarked, “The Duke’s excessive indulgence has rendered his daughter unruly and arrogant. I fear he may come to regret it in the future.”
Xiao Chen’s countenance remained unchanged as he returned the Second Prince’s greeting with a smile. “Your Highness, you speak the truth. I shall go in search of my headstrong sister now. Your Highnesses, please excuse me.”
The Second Prince nodded in agreement, sporting a smile as he watched Xiao Chen depart alongside the First Prince.
As Xiao Chen stepped out of the banquet hall, the smile on his face swiftly dissipated, replaced by an indifferent expression. Instead of seeking out his sister, he opted to leave the palace altogether.
Seated within the flying car, Xiaochen recollected the face of the Second Prince, causing his mood to sour instantly. The Second Prince, Luo Li, remained as bothersome as ever. Furthermore, Xiao Han’s restless nature baffled him. She could have attended the banquet with grace, but instead chose to draw attention to herself.
He truly failed to comprehend how his father, a master of manipulation, allowed his sister to grow so unassuming. Instead of pursuing someone even more exceptional, she remained steadfast in her affection for that Marquis’s child. Her constant envy towards other noble ladies due to that infatuation was beyond his understanding..
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