Mia and Irene hurried over from the other side of the dance floor.
"She's my friend, Chester. Watch your attitude." Mia stepped up beside Nora, blocking Chester's line of sight.
"Princess Mia..." Chester furrowed his brow, then shook his head. "Please don't cover for others. Why would you bring an Orc into the banquet for no reason—and a Cat-kin at that?"
Mia had no desire to waste words with him. Rather than confront him over logic, she merely said calmly, "This matter ends here. Your companion still needs to change her dress. I've already sent someone to prepare a replacement."
Irene took the wide-brimmed hat from Maple and placed it on Nora's head, covering her trembling cat ears once more.
"...Thank you," Nora said softly.
Irene smiled and shook her head, shielding her from the gazes on one side.
Chester's face darkened. He clearly had no intention of letting the matter rest so easily.
But he did not want to anger Princess Mia either. Otherwise, the princess's admirers around them would probably devour him whole on the spot.
In the end, he merely said, "Since she is Princess Mia's friend, then have her come out and apologize publicly."
"After all, she tripped my companion and tore her skirt. Asking for nothing more than an apology isn't unreasonable, is it?"
Seeing Chester take a step back, Mia breathed a small sigh of relief. Yet his demand still made her frown.
"I-I already apologized twice just now..." Nora said quietly from behind Mia.
Mia patted Nora's hand with her right hand, signaling for her not to panic.
Then Mia gave a slight bow and said softly to Maple, "I apologize to Miss Maple on my friend's behalf. Please forgive her."
Maple had wanted to leave long ago. She immediately waved her hands