No one sees more beech than the surface

After that visit to the palace, the Baron found out about what had happened, so he scolded Noelle during dinner for hitting a soldier. That's not something a girl should do.

"I was only defending my honor, father."

"But that's not the proper way, heavens. I don't know when I allowed you to train like this."

"Sister, I think it's best for you to leave those things alone. They're not for girls."

"The world is a cruel place, a woman should be prepared for anything. Men will not always be there to protect you, sometimes it's they who hurt you."

"Noelle, don't talk like that. Sometimes you say things that can hurt your sister's feelings."

"Well, I see the reality of the world. A world where women are the most vulnerable and yet they prefer to adapt rather than raise their voice and prove that they are capable of anything."

Noelle's parents are surprised by the child's words. Obviously, inside her is not just an ordinary girl, but the soul inhabiting that small body belongs to an adult woman, a very dangerous one who knows the cruelty of the world. After dinner, everyone goes back to their rooms. Odette follows Noelle, but as she passes by, Odette trips and falls. She immediately cries out, calling attention to herself. Her maid rushes to help her, while Noelle simply continues on her way. However, everyone nearby watches Noelle as if she pushed the clumsy girl.

"What are you all looking at? I didn't do anything to her, but if I want to, I can push all of you down the stairs."

The girl looks at them with annoyance, causing them to retreat and return to their activities. Of course, they cannot accuse her because she is the daughter of their bosses, but Noelle truly becomes frightening when she gets angry. Despite appearing angelic, she is more like a demon.

Odette is taken to her room by her maid to treat her wound, as she scraped her knee. Meanwhile, Noelle simply retires to her own chamber to rest for a while. It's annoying having to put up with Odette. Until now, Noelle has noticed that the girl enjoys playing the victim. Perhaps she is not as good as the novel described her.

"But it doesn't matter. It's the prince who will have to live with her."

Noelle laughs at her own words because if that girl is just pretending, sooner or later, she won't be able to handle it and will show her true nature. But that will be Francis' problem for choosing her as his wife.

Noelle was already turning 15, and the party was just starting. Everyone greeted and congratulated her, even the queen herself attended the event. Undoubtedly, the center of attention was the albino girl, surrounded by the most prestigious ladies of society. However, for the other girls close to Odette, it was just a display of Noelle's selfishness. Noelle was very different from the sweet and kind Odette, who, on her 15th birthday, had asked for the party budget to be donated to orphanages instead. The prince heard about this good deed and was enchanted by Odette's kind heart. Of course, none of those who supported Odette realized the reality.

Noelle, even as a child, accompanied her mother to meetings and often shared her opinions with the social circle of the Baroness. Her opinions were always accurate, and she even suggested that charity events could raise more money through auctions of artwork, designer dresses, or crafts from the finest artisans. The plan worked, and much more was collected compared to the simple donation-focused parties where some people didn't contribute anything. Since she was eleven years old, Noelle herself had visited needy places, bringing donations from her family to the surrounding villages. The queen was naturally amazed by Noelle's performance, which is why she advocated for her to be the heir princess. However, the king had not yet made a decision on this matter, as the Baron had also not mentioned a possible engagement between Noelle and Francis again. Even with the party at its peak, the queen requested a private meeting with Noelle and the Baroness, so they went to an adjacent room. Odette persisted, so she was also there, sitting alongside Noelle.

"I would be delighted to know that my crown would be in good hands. I hope the Baron and the king decide to confirm the engagement. What do you think, Baroness?" the queen asked.

"Well, I believe the prince would be perfect for my Noelle."

Noelle merely pursed her lips; that boy meant nothing to her. While the women were engrossed in conversation, Noelle reached out to grab a cookie, but a complaint was heard and when they turned, it was revealed that tea had spilled on Odette's dress.

"Sister... it's hot..." Odette said.

It was quite evident that she had purposefully spilled the tea, but since Noelle's hand was stretched forward next to her, it seemed as if Noelle had been the one responsible.

"Oh, terrible! Olivia, come and help Miss Odette," the queen exclaimed.

The queen beckoned her maid, Olivia, to assist Odette.

"I apologize, Your Majesty... it always happens like this," Odette said.

What Odette said insinuated that Noelle always did the same thing to her. The queen signaled Olivia to take Odette away.

"Don't worry, accidents happen," the queen reassured.

"This girl, no matter how much time passes, she never learns to hold a cup. Noelle, are you okay?" Noelle's mother asked.

"Yes, Mother, it didn't splash on me. I can't explain how it could have happened," Noelle replied.

Everything continued as normal, and Odette returned wearing a different dress. Later, the three bid farewell to the queen. Once they left, Olivia informed Noelle that Odette had timidly mentioned that such accidents happen frequently when her sister sits next to her.

"She had a bruise on her arm and scraped knees. Your Majesty, do you think that girl..." Olivia hesitated.

"No, Olivia, I don't think the same as you. On the contrary, Miss Noelle is not mean, just straightforward with her words, that's all," the queen stated firmly.

The queen summoned Francis; there was something she needed to discuss with him.

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