The next morning, Rhea visited Argus's mansion quite early to prepare for the said spying mission. She did not know many details except that she would have to attend the Royal Ball held tonight to welcome the envoy from the Kingdom of Elysian that included the eldest Princess Calista and a few other official nobles.

Princess Calista's role in the novel was quite a miserable one according to what Rhea thought. Since the Elysian Kingdom was not that rich and was in dire need of help, for them the Princess needed to get married to the Crown Prince. Because of this, this envoy is on top of that like a marriage proposal. Everyone knows of it. However, in the book the Prince refuses because of his love for Rhea which builds up the pressure on the poor Princess to convince him. Since that fails, she then turns to bully and remove Rhea from her path. Which equally fails terribly.

For now, since the story has diverted a lot. There won't be any problems. And she was hoping to become friends with the Princess.

Currently, she sat in front of Argus in one of the lavish formal sitting areas. She had witnessed this before during her stay over here, however, it was a mere glance through the quarter-open door and she failed to get a proper look at it. But now she sat, observing each and every detail from the corner of her eyes, thinking about how cozy and beautiful this room was. The interior was quite ordinary compared to the exterior walls of this room, however, it matches the theme of the rest of the house perfectly.

On the table between them were all kinds of desserts and pastries that she couldn't even count or name.

"Do you comprehend what you have to achieve?"

"Of course. You want me to find the white gem."

"That's exactly what I don't want you to do."

"Oh, but you told me to find out the current gossips and inform you of any families who are acting prouder than their standing? Isn't that to find out who has the white gem?"

"Yes, it is. But it's different from actually finding one. You indicate the location, while we will do the action of getting it."

"If I stumble upon the white gem at the party, then should I follow it?"

"No. Just tell me. I'll take care of it. It'll be too risky."

"Don't think so little of me. I took care of those drunkards you know."

"Who were barely conscious. You don't know how to fight, do you? Ever held a sword? A gun?"

"That....how hard can it be?"

"Don't. If you're going to be like this, then you don't even have to gather information. I'll seek some other way."

"Hey! I said I can do this and I will do this."

"Fine but promise you'll put your safety above the job, okay?"

"All right.....I'll see...."

"Don't see. Promise?"

"Fine. I promise."

"Good."

"...the Princess is also gonna be there, right?"

"Definitely. However, she will be with the rest of the Main Royals so we will only give them a courtesy greeting."

"Oh but I want to talk to her more. I can't wait to meet her! After all, she is my favorite character in the book. At least she did something, made an effort to do something for herself and her Kingdom even if it was evil doings. Moreover, her beauty is said to be unreal. Smooth, glowing chocolate skin with huge diamond eyes and pupils of the color of dark coffee that were deep...."

As Rhea went into her fantasy land, Argus silently stared at her,

"...Do you have a crush on her?"

"Well in the book these lines were written so it can be said that she's gorgeous."

"...she's not even that pretty..."

Argus muttered in low breathe.

"Did you see her? How is she??"

Overhearing him, Rhea's eyes lit up with excitement flickering.

"....fine. Normal."

"Oh come on, at least give a more reaction than this. Is she as pretty as the book says?"

"Well to be honest....you look far pretty..."

Argus blurted out. His ears turned red upon seeing heat rise to Rhea's cheeks after his remark. He coughs, averting his gaze, and adds,

"Anyhow, do keep an eye on Marquess Helen. We do have suspicions on her so it's better to be closer to her."

"All right. I got it."

"You do remember the rules of a noble gathering right? And even dancing?"

"Naturally! What do you take me for? I was a noble before after all....although....that was before I came into this body..."

"I figured it would be like this which is why I've contacted Lydia to help you."

"Oh, Lydia didn't mention that she was invited to the party as well?"

"It's because she wasn't. Her father was. Only members of the Imperial Council or Royal members can go."

"I forgot you're Rastos's cousin. Wait...then shouldn't I be addressing you as your highness?"

"Have you ever called me by my title before after you found out my identity?"

"...no"

"Then it's fine. What's more is that I prefer it this way. It's enough to have all those snakes calling me this way."

"Snakes? You mean the aristocrats?"

"Yes. You'll know soon what I mean. By the way, your dresses for tonight are prepared. When Lydia comes, ask her to help you select one."

"Dresses?"

Rhea narrowed her brows in surprise and confusion.

"Yes, I could not figure out what you like so I purchased all of them for you. You can now select one of them to wear for tonight."

".....how many did you buy exactly?"

"Twenty-five. I apologize, I did not know what else to do. Typically, Madam Estelle makes customized clothing which is why there was only so few dresses ready-made to wear."

"...."

Rhea's mouth went open. The person in front of him has just casually flexed about buying two dozen dresses from a Royal Designer that takes about 6 months to 2 years to make a single dress depending upon its design and he had not only just flexed about it but even more so apologized about buying too little.

"Madam Estelle? The Royal Designer? How....Why...."

"Oh, right you must be surprised since she only makes dresses for the Royal. Well, I am a Royal in case you forgot."

"I know that but....man, you have a lot of money."

He starts laughing at my informal comment at being amazed.

"Of course I do. That's why I'm enjoying living here."

"Of course you do."

That day was all spent on Rhea relearning an aristocratic women's education in summary from Giselle. At first, it was supposed to be Lydia. However, she was too soft. Whenever Rhea would make a mistake, she would instead give her a dessert and say she did good and compliment her on how she's adorable no matter what she does. Seeing as how this wasn't helping her, she soon invited Giselle for help who even though was still soft, but at least called out for her mistakes so that she could fix them.

After a few hour's worths of sweat and tears, with loads of breaks in between, Rhea felt ready for the party. She also selected a dress after getting help from Lydia and Giselle. While Argus had the rest of the dresses packed as gifts. Now, this is something, she highly protested against. But regardless of all her objections, Argus's stubbornness was above all. His reason for his actions is that he already bought all these dresses so what will he do with them? There's no woman in his household.

Before long he took his leave to get ready while Lydia and Giselle along with the maids helped Rhea get ready for the party.

"Don't you think he's going overboard? What will I do with all those dresses? It's too much!"

"I think it's romantic. You should gladly accept them as a gift."

"What? Romantic? It's not that like that..."

"Then should I call it friendship?"

"Well isn't it friendship?"

"I don't know. I don't think it is."

"Don't be absurd. Lydia, what do you say about this?"

"Needless to say, don't be absurd. He hasn't expressed his feelings....yet."

"Lydia....please don't start talking like Giselle now..."

"What can I do if she's right?"

"If you want help, we can mention you a few reasons."

"And what reasons would that be?"

"Well starting off, he's only gentle to you. Haven't you noticed? He keeps up this iron wall against us and is even quite blunt sometimes."

"I don't think he is blunt...he is just normal and friendly and kind..."

"That's because he is only like that with you so of course, you would believe that."

"Oh and isn't he also sort of protective of her?"

"Yes, you're right! He is!"

"Protective?"

"He looks out for you so much! Even going as far as purchasing your house only to give it back to you!"

"I know right! When I complained jokingly about this, his reason for doing so was because you were in an unfamiliar environment and needed some help and he should help knowing your situation. When I asked him why doesn't he help me then since I am in the same boat as you two, he gave me that cold iron gaze like I said something he didn't like."

"Oh come on, he isn't like that. Moreover, he didn't give the house back to me."

"Oh right...I forgot. He plans to do it in a few days, after renovating and putting new furniture to replace the things that Ryker broke."

"...what?"

"Oops, it was supposed to be a secret I think. Forget I mentioned anything!"

"On a serious note, you should think about why is he doing so much for you?"

"There must be a reason."

"I don't think there is one. I mean if I were to support you, it would be just because, without any intentions. Therefore, he is also like this."

"Yeah, but you would do that since I'm your friend. Is he your friend?"

"Of course."

"Then does he consider you only a friend?"

"That....I think so...."

"You think or are you sure?"

"I....enough....you girls are like those nosy ladies at the parties, poking their noses, acting as marriage bureau, setting up couples."

They both laugh at Rhea's comment and add,

"Fine, We'll stop here."

"But do think about it, okay?"

"....fine."

Before long, Rhea got all ready wearing a white lace gown with a beautiful fall and frills which was topped with embroidered flowers of lilac color started from the mid till the end that looked absolutely real. Her long greyish hair was braided to one side with the same flowers trailing down the braid. With pinkish slightly mauve makeup, her overall look was ethereal.

"Wow..."

"You truly are the female lead of this book..."

Both Lydia and Giselle started clapping along with the maids who praised Rhea.

"Why are you guys applauding? It's embarrassing...."

"What about jewelry?"

"Are you only going to wear earrings?"

"Yes, I don't want to go too heavy on the jewelry."

"I wish I could go with you."

"Same here. Only Royals and affiliated can go."

"I thought the Marquis is well known to go to such gatherings."

I asked Lydia, who retorted sadly,

"He did but he refuses to take me with him."

"That's odd. I figured he adored you enough to listen to all your requests."

"Yes but he does not want me to come into the eyes of the Royals, claiming it's dangerous."

"I suppose that is a satisfactory concern."

"However aren't you already in contact with a royal?"

"Who? Duke Argus? It's true.....I never thought of that..."

"Him too but I was referring to Rastas."

"Oh right. I forgot he was a Crown Prince."

"It's all right. It is easy to forget seeing his antics."

All three of them giggle while a knock comes from the other side of the door. After a small come-in, Argus strides in wearing a black royal commander's head uniform. It was like a black short coat with medals on one side. His normally tousled hair was gelled and pulled slick back with few strands still being loose and escaping onto the forehead. The exposed forehead gave him another look that made him even more attractive.

"We are going to be late if you don't....hurry..."

His concluding words come almost out as a whisper since he's surprised to see Rhea all dressed up. She looked attractive and lovely. Normally he did find himself thinking how pretty she was but seeing her so dressed up, he was suddenly filled with urges and implicit thoughts that he wished he did not have. He felt his ears turn red when Lydia pushed Rhea forward, snickering,

"How does she look?"

"Doesn't she look stunning?"

Their actions must have embarrassed Rhea as well as she flushed and retorted,

"Guys....stop it. Argus, ready to go?"

"...yes."

Argus cleared his throat afterward realizing that his voice sounded slightly hoarser than usual.

Lydia and Giselle said their goodbyes and before taking their leave, they whispered in Rhea's ear reminding her of the conversations they held before. Rhea in response playfully nudges their shoulder while advising them to stop.

After they left, awkward silence spread throughout the room. Both did not say a word, until Argus recalled something and widening his eyes for a split second, brings out a sleek dark navy blue box from one of his inner coat pockets.

He presents the box to Rhea who cautiously while still being surprised, opens it to find a delicate yet beautiful-looking bracelet which was the same color as her eyes.

"What's this for?"

"A gift? I want you to wear it."

"A gift? What for?"

"It's a tracker. Just in case you get caught up in some mess, I will be able to find you straight away with this, if you press the button on it, it will send a signal to me."

"Button? Where?"

Rhea observes the tiny platinum object that had tiny flowers built on it in a line. One of the flowers, possibly the middle one, contained a button in its center that looked like a gem from the outside.

"Do I press this?"

Upon Argus's nod in agreement, Rhea with curiosity that flickered in her eyes, like a child that's given a new toy to play with, immediately pressed the said shining gem-like button.

Within seconds something started beeping. Flinching due to the sudden noise, Rhea looks in front to see Argus pull back his sleeve to show a bracelet that was blinking. Its blue light blinked with its noise like a signal. And when he brought his wrist closer to the bracelet Rhea was holding, the light started glowing, even more, this time without any break in between. Argus's bracelet was simpler and a plain black thin rope-like with a small, tiny blue gem in between from where the light and sound would protrude.

"Oh wow!"

Rhea thought to herself that this is like a lesser version of a GPS tracker.

"This way if you need help, you can contact me."

"All right, thank you. I'll wear it."

"This reminds me....did Lydia give you that dagger?"

"Yes, she did. I have it hidden right here."

Rhea was about to pull her dress up to show the dagger tied to her thigh but Argus quickly puts his hand up adding,

"No, it's fine. Just be careful, okay?"

Rhea giggles at his worrisome words. He has been like this since yesterday. Seeing him all worried about her, makes her feel happy.

"Don't worry. It'll be all right. Now, let's go. Shall we? Don't want to end up getting late."

"Yes, you're right. Let's go."

Argus offers his arm in front to escort her and Rhea cheerfully takes clutches arm.

Upon arriving at the party, the attention that was primarily towards Princess Calista diverted immediately towards Rhea. There were multiple reasons behind this. One being that Duke Argus who never once came with a company to a public event, had arrived with a partner. Even more, it was Rhea Leneghan, an attractive lady that recently became the target of gossips due to her family losing their nobility status along with the death of her father. Another reason that of course had already been hinted at before was Rhea's beauty. Since she was after all the female lead, her beauty transcends all barriers. Regardless of whatever various kinds of rumors spread about her, everyone did agree on one thing that Rhea Leneghan was ethereally beautiful. Her eyes, her smile, her slender body, even her voice. Everyone who only saw her fell in love with her.

However, all these stares were becoming too much for her. Ever since she had become Rhea, she had not attended a public event and underestimated the stares. Reflexively, she hides behind Argus's arm where she was softly clutching onto the corner of his clothes with her two slender fingers. Seeing her action, made others think of her existence as adorable.

However, when Argus's cold glare fell upon them, they immediately started averting their gazes and clearing their throats.

"Are you sure you can handle this?"

"I thought all I had to do was talk. Why are they all staring at me? Do I look weird?"

"No....as expected, you are a female lead after all."

"But I am not anymore. I changed the plot, remember?"

"Yes but still to me, you will remain a female lead. Good luck."

Argus then walked towards the other side when he spotted a few of his business partners gathered together. However, his words that he had no idea the impact his words that he just blurted out on instinct that was acting on his feelings made on Rhea.

She flushed and reflexively raised her voice when she noticed Argus walking away,

"What is that supposed to mean? Argus!.....ack! I mean...my duke!"

Recalling that she was in public, she reprimanded herself for calling Argus like that. However, it was too late. The people nearby had already heard her.

"Did you hear that? She called him Argus."

"Are they close?"

"They came together today so of course they must have that kind of relationship."

"I see. I had heard that they were sighted together in public as well a few times."

"Then does this mean the Duchy of Dallarosa is finally going to be getting a Duchess?"

"But why her? Isn't she a fallen noble? She's just from a bankrupt family."

"Maybe she just wants to hog all the Duke's money."

"That could be it."

"Or maybe she still is looking for ways to get back her noble status."

"Poor Duke. I pity him."

Yes, I pity him too. Why did he choose me for this task again? Rhea thought, nervously chuckling upon hearing all the gossips. They are already talking so bad about me. How am I supposed to get close to them? This is going to be tough.....