**Spinning Around, Oh What a Mess – Part 1**
"Good morning, Lord Felix."
"Indeed. It feels like it's been a while since we've shared a meal together."
After five days of battling a high fever, I had finally recovered enough to join Felix for breakfast. While I was bedridden, he had sent over an extravagant number of get-well gifts, prompting the maids to gush about how "loved" and "cherished" I was.
*(Felix never misses an opportunity, does he? I’ll have to play my part as the perfect fiancée too.)*
"What are your plans for today?"
"I thought I’d take a leisurely stroll and do some research."
"Please don’t overexert yourself—the ball is just around the corner."
"Of course, I’ll be careful."
That’s right—while I was confined to bed, the ball had crept up on us, now just three days away.
I’d spent my recovery frantically memorizing the guest list and other details from my sickbed, so I hoped I’d manage somehow.
*(From what the maids say, Felix’s popularity is no joke. The ball will undoubtedly be a battlefield.)*
As emperor, he was not only handsome but also skilled in both magic and swordsmanship, with a gentle demeanor and charisma to match. It was no surprise he had legions of admirers.
*(And yet, he’s hung up on Elsie? Talk about peculiar tastes.)*
Regardless, as the prospective empress and a saint, I couldn’t afford to be underestimated. I had to be in top form.
After breakfast, I headed to the library with Mariel when I spotted a familiar flash of gold approaching from the opposite direction.
"Good morning, Byron."
"Good morning, Saintess."
Since that day, Byron’s attitude had softened ever so slightly. Word of how I’d saved the knights had spread not just through the castle but across the country, boosting my reputation.
Not that I’d planned it, of course. Still, if my presence as a saint could bring the people even a little peace, I was glad.
Later, in the library, I searched for information about fluctuations in mana but found nothing useful.
"Where on earth did my mana go...?"
The mana I’d absorbed from the rod was long gone, and even after my recovery, my reserves had only replenished to about 15%.
It felt as though a lid had been firmly clamped over them.
"...Sigh."
"What’s with the sigh? Something troubling you?"
I looked up to see Rufino gazing down at me, a book in hand.
This was our first meeting since the incident at the magic tower. The memory of his confession flashed through my mind, making my heart skip, but I quickly forced a smile.
*(Come to think of it, Rufino’s discreet and knowledgeable. He might be the perfect person to ask.)*
"Hey, do you know anything about sudden drops in mana?"
"Drops in mana, you say?"
Rufino stroked his chin thoughtfully before answering.
"I’ve heard of monsters that drain human mana. If you’d like, I can look into it further."
"Such monsters exist? Yes, please do."
Once again, I was reminded of how reliable Rufino was. With nothing more to gain from my own research, I stood to leave.
---
"At the ball, I’d love to share a dance with you, if you’re willing."
"Of course. Dancing is one thing I’m actually good at."
"I’ll look forward to it."
After parting ways with Rufino—who promised to contact me if he found anything—I spent the rest of the day strolling the castle grounds to rebuild my stamina.
◇◇◇
The day of the ball arrived. Dressed in an exquisite gown and flawless makeup, I made my debut in the grand hall of the palace, illuminated by dazzling chandeliers and filled with nobles in resplendent attire.
"Tiana, are you all right?"
"Yes. Thank you."
"Glad to hear it."
Felix’s warm smile beside me drew a chorus of envious whispers from the young ladies behind us.
*(This is Tiana’s first social event, but thank goodness my body remembers the etiquette.)*
Without my past-life memories, someone as uneducated as me would never have survived this. Even walking would have been a disaster.
"My, is that the Saintess? How stunning...!"
"She looks like a goddess. A perfect match for His Majesty."
Thanks to Mariel and the maids’ efforts, my impression seemed favorable, and I sighed in relief.
The blue gown Felix had commissioned from the empire’s top designer was breathtakingly beautiful—so much so that I’d gasped when I first saw it.
The fact that it matched his eye color was a masterstroke in our "perfect couple" act, leaving me genuinely impressed.
*(Still, Felix is practically glowing tonight.)*
Dressed in a navy and gold formal suit adorned with ornate decorations, Felix was unbelievably radiant.
"You look beautiful, Tiana."
"Th-thank you... You too."
As guests streamed in to greet us, Felix seized every opportunity to play the doting fiancé.
A light hand on my waist, whispered compliments—even I couldn’t stay composed under such attention.
"How heartwarming to see you two so close."
"Indeed, the empire’s future is secure."
While our affectionate display served its purpose, I could feel the daggers in some of the noblewomen’s stares.
*(Of course they’d resent a foreigner swooping in to claim the empress’s seat.)*
Eventually, Felix was pulled away by ministers, and I reassured him with a smile that I’d be fine on my own.
"Call for me if anything happens."
"Of course. I’d like to make some friends too, so don’t worry."
---
The moment I was alone, people swarmed around me. Most were just currying favor with the future empress, but I welcomed the chance to network.
I flitted between groups, gathering information. Apparently, the current socialite among the empire’s young noblewomen was its sole princess.
*(She hasn’t arrived yet, has she? I’m sure her name was on the guest list...)*
Just as I was hoping to greet her, a voice called out from behind. Turning, I found myself facing a cluster of noblewomen.
"What an honor to meet you!"
"Yes, we’ve only ever read about saintesses in books!"
Though their cheerful chatter about imperial fashion was informative, I soon noticed they were the same ladies who’d been shooting me venomous looks earlier.
Then, mid-conversation, they suddenly fell silent and turned to me with smirks.
"Forgive us, we’ve been rambling on..."
"Perhaps the Saintess isn’t familiar with these topics?"
"Well, she *is* from Faron Kingdom."
"............"
Their lips curled into unmistakable sneers.
*(Ah. Here we go.)*