Vanessa was not particularly tall, only a little above average height.
Victoria, however, really was rather short. Standing beside her, Vanessa looked like a parent following behind a child.
Victoria gave a dissatisfied little huff and pattered a few quick steps ahead, putting some distance between herself and Vanessa.
Two successive groups guided them, and after winding through the Imperial Palace, they arrived at a side hall.
Victoria glanced at the standing clock nearby. "Wait a moment. The ceremony will begin shortly."
Vanessa nodded.
There were quite a few people nearby. Their gazes fell on the two of them, each with their own purposes, and Vanessa felt rather uncomfortable.
Yet whenever she looked up, those gazes all turned away.
Victoria, beside her, simply sat expressionlessly in a chair.
Occasionally, someone approached, but they merely offered a perfunctory greeting on their family's behalf before immediately leaving.
After sitting for a little while, Vanessa could no longer bear it. She leaned close to Victoria's ear and asked quietly, "Why... are they acting like this?"
Victoria glanced at her and shook her head lightly. "I spend most of my time in the Library and have little contact with aristocratic circles. They aren't interested in me, either."
"Then why do they even come over?"
"Court etiquette has always been like this. The nobles leave everyday matters to their servants, then waste their time on this sort of meaningless socializing." Victoria sighed softly. "Mind your behavior later. The Seven Great Nobles are all watching you. Don't embarrass me!"
Vanessa swallowed.
Seeing how nervous she was, Victoria softened her voice. "You only need to follow the proceedings. As long as you don't do anything unnecessary, even if something goes wrong, someone will smooth it over for you."
"Everyone here wants the ceremony to proceed, including His