Transmigration: Step Into The World of Books And Become The Strongest!

"Princess Sharon, may I come in? There's an important letter for you."

Sharon was slightly startled and glanced doubtfully at the door.

"A letter?" she muttered to herself in confusion.

However, she quickly regained her composure and said, "Come in, the door is unlocked."

The moment she finished speaking, the door suddenly swung open, revealing a beautiful maid with a cold, indifferent expression.

She was slightly short in stature, with long black hair cascading down her back.

Her brown eyes, filled with barely concealed disgust and disdain, locked onto Sharon.

Stepping inside, the maid held a gold-colored envelope and stopped a meter away from Sharon.

"This is an invitation to the birthday party of Young Lady Celine, daughter of the Duke of Everhart," she stated, extending the letter toward Sharon.

Sharon quickly stood up and took the envelope from her hand.

"Why would I receive an invitation?" she asked doubtfully, scrutinizing the letter from all angles.

Celine, the eldest daughter of the Everhart family, was a proud and arrogant woman.

Using her status as the Duke's daughter, she often oppressed those weaker or of lower standing than herself.

Had Sharon ever crossed paths with her? Yes—but that was two years ago.

Back then, she had purchased a bracelet at a shop, unaware that Celine had wanted it as well.

From that moment on, Celine despised her and saw her as an enemy.

After learning of Sharon's status as an outcast and the neglected princess of the Royal family, Celine's hatred only grew stronger.

Yet now, the very person who despised her had suddenly sent a birthday invitation—something that left Sharon both confused and suspicious.

The maid's expression remained cold as she shook her head dismissively.

"I don't know," she replied calmly, a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips. "Perhaps Young Lady Celine simply wishes to be friends with you."

Sharon's face stiffened at those words. Ever since news of her status as an outcast princess spread, many had looked down on her—especially the arrogant and self-important noble children.

Among them, Celine, the most revered of all, was undoubtedly the one who harbored the most contempt and disgust toward her.

And now, she wanted to be friends?

Sharon would never believe it—not unless there was some hidden motive behind it.

Regaining her composure, she tucked the letter into her pocket.

"Thank you for the letter," she said lightly.

The maid gave a small nod but said nothing. Without another word, she turned and walked away.

Meanwhile, Arthur, who had been watching the entire exchange from the kitchen, raised an eyebrow slightly.

'Even a mere maid dares to act so arrogantly toward Sharon. That really shows how low her status is in the Royal family,' he muttered quietly, narrowing his eyes.

Since he already knew the full plot, he naturally recognized the maid's identity—she was the personal attendant of the third princess.

The third princess was the daughter of the King and a concubine. Her status wasn't particularly high, but it wasn't low either—somewhere in between.

Well, considering she was born to a concubine, it wasn't too surprising. Even so, the King's concubines all came from noble families, whether of high or low rank.

As a result, the third princess still held a higher status than Sharon, who had been born to a mere maid with no standing.

Arthur's gaze shifted to the letter as he recalled the upcoming events in the plot.

'Is the masquerade ball plot about to begin?' he whispered, raising an eyebrow.

The masquerade ball was the birthday celebration of Celine, the little antagonist who had always tormented Sharon.

It was called a masquerade ball because all the noble children attending were required to wear half-face masks to conceal their identities.

At the party, various festivities would take place—dancing, cake-cutting, and other entertainment.

Of course, it would be an enjoyable night for the guests. But for Sharon, it would be anything but—she would be the prime target of the nobles' cruelty.

Although this plot wasn't particularly significant, its psychological impact on Sharon was devastating—one that would linger well into her adulthood.

It wasn't too surprising, considering that the current Sharon was still fragile and weak, a stark contrast to her future self—the ruthless tyrant who would one day ascend the throne.

Shaking off his thoughts, Arthur approached Sharon and casually asked, "Did you receive a letter, Princess? What does it say?"

Sharon's expression darkened for a brief moment, but she quickly masked it.

"It's an invitation to the birthday party of Celine, the eldest daughter of the Duke of Everhart," she replied honestly.

Arthur raised an eyebrow, feigning curiosity.

"Are you going?"

Sharon hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. "I don't know."

She lifted her gaze, her eyes lingering on Arthur's handsome features before biting her lower lip. Then, after a moment of hesitation, she asked, "Do you think I should go?"

Arthur was slightly taken aback. As simple as the question seemed, it signaled something significant—Sharon was beginning to rely on him, seeking his opinion.

To him, this was an undeniably good development.

"Since Young Lady Celine invited you, you should definitely go," Arthur said bluntly.

"But..." Sharon hesitated, worry evident in her expression. Just as she was about to protest, Arthur cut her off.

"Don't worry. If anyone dares to bully you, I'll protect you," he assured her, his tone serious as he gently patted her head.

His words felt like warmth in the middle of winter. Sharon's heart skipped a beat, and a faint blush crept onto her pretty face.

"Hmph..." She scoffed, turning her face to the side. "I didn't know you could be so sweet-tongued."

Despite her cold demeanor, a soft, beautiful smile played on her lips—one she couldn't quite hide.

"[Ding! Sharon Valura's affection increased by +7 points.]"