'A Stranger'

After the incident with Marquis Vaudrin, the atmosphere in the ballroom shifted—if only slightly. The nobles, once brimming with thinly veiled mockery, now tempered their words with a forced politeness.

Whether it stemmed from genuine caution or simple self-preservation, Florian neither knew nor cared. It worked in his favor.

The princesses and Florian eventually decided to split up to socialize, each naturally gravitating toward the circles they felt most comfortable in.

Camilla was effortlessly holding court with a group of noble ladies, no doubt discussing her gown. Considering her kingdom's reputation for fashion, it was only natural that the women would be drawn to her. She looked pleased, gesturing gracefully as she spoke, her smile self-assured.

Bridget, on the other hand, had found herself among intellectuals. She was deep in conversation with an older man—her astronomy tutor—flanked by a handful of his students.