Penny had always been a simple-minded girl.
But to deal with the vile Prince Carter, she had no choice but to learn how to play along.
The feeling made her deeply uncomfortable.
Some people were naturally good at disguising themselves, while others were the opposite.
Without a doubt, the beautiful and virtuous Penny Lancaster belonged to the latter.
Pretending to be on good terms with Prince Carter while maintaining a safe sense of distance was no easy task for her.
That was precisely why Marquis Henry had kept an eye on his daughter throughout the banquet.
He was afraid that something might go wrong.
This act had to continue at least until after the tournament.
By then...
Thinking of that goal, Penny found renewed courage in her heart.
She ate the fish slowly and delicately, occasionally raising her glass of juice to lightly clink it against Prince Carter's wineglass.
The more calm and demure Penny appeared, the more obsessed Prince Carter became with her.
After picking too many fragrant, wanton roses, one would begin to miss the understated naturalness of wildflowers.
Carter was in exactly that state right now.
The banquet lasted until nearly midnight. An open space had been cleared in the garden beside the count's castle, where a bonfire was lit.
Quite a few young nobles had encountered girls who caught their fancy during the banquet.
The established nobles gathered with merchants and distinguished knight-lords.
They discussed the commerce and tax revenues of their fiefs.
Everyone could find their own role at the banquet.
Bard Ingram, having been invited as a performer, was not included in the following bonfire feast.
With his beloved Vielle slung over his back, he followed the comedy troupe's carriage away from the castle.
Standing outside the outer main gate, he looked back with