We were all like Mellice, wondering how the conversation between Yuri and Bern would turn out. Well, Yuri got dumped. For all of Yuri's show of care for Bern, and Bern's care for Yuri, he will no longer be influenced by her. As it is, Yuri has yet to show any form of malice.
It appears that Queen Eliya was counting on Edward making a scene to discredit him. Well that is the issue with someone as easy to manipulate as Edward; the nobles may want to have him be their puppet, but the fool will also play into other people's hands.
I'm surprised an engagement was allowed if someone as important as Queen Eliya still feels the need to investigate Yuri. But the investigation probably has the purpose of finding some dirt on Yuri in order to control her. After all, Queen Eliya is making it quite clear she has no intention of leaving the throne to Edward, as it's to dangerous. It's only been one chapter since Gazelle and Louis talked about how dangerous the nobility and already we see what happens behind the scene. Even Alfred is concealing his intentions from his close ally Queen Eliya. Although to be fair, he has no reason to believe she will keep favouring him and we can even see that she has considered allowing Edward to be king, so it would be justified to be prudent.
It's too bad Alfred didn't show up at the party; I was looking forward to that.
There are some things I don't understand. Why would Alfred ask Eliya why she invited Iris? If Iris hadn't been there to prompt Edward's rage, how exactly would Queen Eliya have discredited him?
Queen Eliya sure has it tough with Alfred. She's selling him Iris and he's just ignoring it. He's shown genuine care for Iris so I can't imagine he wouldn't be interested. To be fair, now that the Edward faction is aware of Iris' existence and value, they would be unlikely to sit still and allow him to be engaged to her. Unless they were to be secretly engaged, such an action would likely hinder Prince Alfred's ability to do whatever it is he is trying to do.
And with that, the party is over, and I wonder what will happen next chapter.