How to Tame That Gentle Male Lead - Chapter 2.9
“Lady Arnasus. It’s been a while.”
“Your Highness, welcome.”
As Resena gracefully curtsied, holding the hem of her dress, he continued speaking kindly.
“You look so comfortable, which is truly wonderful. I pray that only good fortune will fill your path going forward, Lady.”
“Thank you for your kind words. Please enjoy yourself thoroughly.”
People who remembered the old Resena, who caused incidents every time she met someone, were all astonished and couldn’t take their eyes off the two. But Resena felt her tension melting away, thinking she had handled the first conversation well.
Thus, three groups formed in the hall. One group surrounded Lorona, the saint. Another group encircled Crown Prince Eldis. And the remaining one tightly surrounded Resena, the protagonist of the birthday ball.
“You truly look in good spirits, Lady. I wish you continued good fortune.”
“Thank you, Countess Rawley.”
When she unwrapped the gift from Alken’s mother, Countess Rawley, a small music box emerged. However, the intricate and delicate carvings showed it had been crafted by a master artisan, which pleased Resena.
“I love the gift. Thank you so much.”
“Hoho. I’m truly glad you like it. Happy birthday, Lady Arnasus.”
“Now, it’s time for my gift.”
Baron Lava, who had been waiting in line behind, was eager to present his gift. Resena received the gift and unwrapped it. Whether he had borrowed his wife’s eye for fashion, it was a hair tie with pearls densely set along a long ribbon, which instantly brightened her face.
“Wow. I really like it. Thank you, Baron Lava.”
“I’m so glad you like it. My wife insisted I should give this.”
“Please convey my thanks to her as well. I’ll surely make good use of this. Hehe, it’s such a thoughtful gift.”
At the birthday ball before her regression, she hadn’t even properly opened the gifts as she was trying to prevent the Crown Prince and the saint from drinking the potion.
Now she could finally enjoy receiving gifts with some peace of mind.
‘Of course, I shouldn’t completely let my guard down.’
Resena smiled brightly as she received gifts from the flood of people. Her vibrant appearance, different from her previous arrogant demeanor, drew even more people.
“I really like it. Thank you.”
While unwrapping gift packages, Resena glanced toward the Crown Prince. Eldis was greeting people with a gentle face, seemingly unaware that she was looking at him.
‘Hmm… Lorona is still giving out things she made herself…’
The sight of her distributing homemade jam to people was still slightly perplexing. Unless made by a skilled chef, jam wasn’t really a good gift for nobles. It wasn’t even valuable tea… Moreover, the fact that she was giving out the same thing to people attending Resena’s birthday party as she was giving to Resena herself was a bit irritating.
‘But there’s no point in dwelling on such thoughts. I should cheer up. I didn’t expect to receive anything truly valuable from Lorona anyway.’
“Sis. I think you need to go back up now. It’s time for you to give the welcoming speech to greet everyone.”
“Alright, Renard.”
She gathered her thoughts.
Although she hadn’t received all the gifts yet, Resena went back up to the second floor of the hall. The hall was full of invited guests. The Duke and Duchess, sitting on chairs on the second floor, welcomed Resena.
“Welcome. We’ve been waiting for you to give the welcoming speech.”
“Yes. I’ll do it right away. Thank you for waiting, Mother. Father.”
The Duke smiled kindly and handed her a small brooch. It was a magical amplifier.
“To all those who have come here today, thank you so much.”
As she spoke into the brooch, her words spread throughout the hall. People turned their heads toward Resena, focusing on what she was saying.
Eldis and Lorona were also lending their ears to her. Resena continued speaking with a bright smile.
“I can’t express how happy I am that you’ve all gathered here to celebrate my birthday.”
Clearing her throat, Resena looked around.
The packed hall fell silent, with even the orchestra pausing their performance.
“I’ll happily receive all the gifts you’ve prepared for me. Because no matter what the gift is, it’s always joyful when it comes with sincerity.”
Resena smiled cheerfully, her eyes curving.
“Once again, thank you for coming. I hope everyone who came to my birthday ball enjoys the party. And I’d like to especially thank His Highness the Crown Prince for gracing my party with his presence.”
People’s gazes turned towards Eldis. However, he paid no mind and just listened to Resena’s words with a gentle smile.
“And I also welcome Lady Lorona Weiz, Baroness and saint, with whom I share a connection from the academy. Thank you so much for coming to show your support for House Arnasus as a representative of the temple.”
Resena delivered her final words.
“Now, everyone, please enjoy the ball. I too will happily enjoy this joyous day at the ball!”
Resena raised the glass that a servant beside her was holding. People also raised their glasses and shouted.
“To Resena Arnasus!”
“To House Arnasus!”
Wine glasses swayed. Resena handed the brooch back to the Duke.
As the toast ended, people began to converse with each other. The orchestra also started playing music again. The Duke and Duchess exchanged glances, then descended the stairs to the first floor of the hall to dance.
Resena, who was watching this scene with a light heart, turned to look at Renard as he came to her side.
“Sis. You should dance too.”
“Yes. But right now it’s too noisy, and I don’t want to join in. I’m planning to go down and accept dance invitations once things cool down a bit.”
“I see. That’s good too.”
After watching a dedicated attendant follow the Crown Prince, Resena turned her gaze to Lorona.
As expected, a dedicated maid was sticking close to her, offering wine. As if to prove that the drink didn’t contain poison, Lorona drank all of the wine, which wasn’t much.
…And then she engaged in conversation with a bright face.
‘That’s a relief. No poison was mixed into the party.’
As Resena felt relieved, she suddenly felt fatigue washing over her. Opening gifts while surrounded by people before giving the toast had already been quite physically demanding, and now after giving the speech, her energy was completely drained.
So Resena decided to go down to the first floor and head to the garden.
Being in a place with lush greenery would help her recover from fatigue more. After that, she planned to come back and receive gifts from people.
