Chapter 88: [Chapter 088] Welcome speech
*Noticed*
- The translation isn't accurate and the language used is considered informal or "messy".
- It's recommended to add this to your reading list to stay updated.
- Readers are encouraged to support the original creators by purchasing the official version when it's available.
- There are links provided to support the translator financially.
- Readers are asked to enjoy the fan translation quietly and avoid causing any trouble or seeking attention.
That's all, happy reading everyone!
*********************************************
The atmosphere in the Atilad Hall was as bright as spring, not at all like the dead of winter. The hall's massive pillars were wrapped in verdant vines, as if an entire eastern forest had been transplanted indoors. The vines climbed and cascaded, creating a lush, green ceiling. Unlike the midnight balls, this welcome ceremony, which began before dusk, had the tall windows of the party hall wide open, allowing the setting sun to flood the lower levels. Scattered throughout the hall were summer roses that looked so fresh and vibrant they seemed real, but they were in fact the finest silk. Even those who touched the flowers were fooled by the lifelike scent and didn't realize they were artificial until they tried to pluck a petal.
The most special area was where the Emperor and Empress, along with the Crown Prince and his consort, were seated, and where the guest of honor, the Ninth Prince Epero and Prince Victor of Elacon, had briefly sat. The red roses adorning the armrests of the chairs there shone particularly brightly. As soon as they entered the party hall, Empress Grace and Crown Princess Doris felt as if they were walking on air. As they wandered around, they gasped when they saw the shimmering roses.
"Goodness, are those roses made of rubies?"
"Yes, Your Majesty. They're made from the gift Prince Victor gave to the Crown Prince."
"I had no idea the Crown Prince had such a good eye for aesthetics. Starting the welcome ceremony in the evening is also a thoughtful touch."
In fact, the Empress and Doris had been busy preparing for the Emperor's grand birthday celebration, and if this welcome ceremony had been too extravagant, they might have had to change their plans. Since both events were to be held in the same place, and the royal family's parties were traditionally quite conservative, they had been concerned. But this welcome ceremony, which Bardelnado had prepared, was to be a bright and cheerful affair, with light refreshments and dancing instead of the usual drinking and revelry. Although she had been worried that the welcome ceremony for her son might seem too simple, Empress Grace was delighted by the fresh atmosphere and clasped her hands together, taking in the sweet fragrance.
"I hear that Prince Elacon was also full of admiration as he toured the hall. Since he's Epero's closest friend, I'm glad the welcome ceremony is to his liking. Don't you agree, Doris?"
Doris was also impressed by the Crown Prince's skill but replied casually. There was something that bothered her more than this green feast.
"...Why is he here?"
A guest she hadn't invited. Bliere Acacia was chatting amiably with Prince Elacon.
****
Noura's gaze was fixed on the ruby rose adorning the main seat.
"If only we could sell that at our jewelry store..."
Her eyes quickly followed Doris to Bliere, who was standing in a corner of the party hall, conversing with Prince Elacon. Judging by the way they were chatting incessantly, Bliere's Elaconian was undoubtedly much better than she had expected. Bliere seemed to sense her gaze and gave her a bright smile whenever their eyes met, filling Noura with hope. In recent months, the jewelry store's sales had increased significantly, thanks to the jewels that adorned Bliere's dresses. She was clearly wearing that dress on purpose today. It was a profitable deal, considering the information she had provided about Doris. Even though she was no longer a lady-in-waiting to the Crown Princess, it seemed that her relationship with Noura would continue. Relieved, Noura, who had to take over the household in place of her sick earl, let out a sigh of relief. Just then, Doris moved. She approached Bliere gracefully to the rhythm of the lively welcome party music and smiled up at her.
"You seem to be enjoying yourself, Bliere."
"Oh, Your Highness!"
Bliere greeted her with a bright, innocent smile. Noiselessly following behind, Noura noticed that while Doris was smiling, her eyes were cold. The coldness intensified when she confirmed that the person standing behind Bliere was Roardnes.
"I'm sorry, Bliere. I thought you might be too sad to attend a welcome party like this, so I didn't send you an invitation. I was wrong."
Though her voice was filled with concern, her words were as sharp as a knife. It implied, 'Are you in a position to be smiling and chatting here?' But as always, Bliere blinked innocently and smiled beautifully.
"Oh! I didn't think that deeply about it... But don't worry, Your Highness. I wasn't offended at all. In fact, I was too busy to be sad!"
"Please, don't," Noura pleaded silently, her eyes darting nervously at Bliere.
"Don't smile at Her Highness like that. It's rude."
"I'm glad to hear that."
"Yes, I'm truly grateful. His Highness the Crown Prince has allowed me to prepare for this glorious welcome ceremony. It's been a busy few days, so I haven't had time to dwell on my sadness."
"What?"
Noura blurted out the question involuntarily, then clamped her mouth shut. Did she just say that she had prepared this beautiful party hall? Doris seemed surprised as well, forcing a smile.
"His... Highness?"
"Yes, didn't you know? I'm ashamed to say this, but I've been assigned to accompany His Highness Victor and Prince Epero."
Bliere glanced at the guests, who were already engaged in conversations. Noura quickly looked at the protagonists of the day. She had no idea about this. Of course, neither did Doris. In that brief moment, Noura saw a myriad of emotions flash across Doris's green eyes. And then, her sharp gaze turned to the distant Crown Prince before returning. Oh, this wretched Bliere Acacia. If only she would shut her mouth! As Noura resolved to give Bliere a thorough lecture about the Crown Princess someday, Bliere dropped another bombshell.
"As His Highness the Crown Prince's aide, I'll do my best."
"A bodyguard?" Doris laughed hollowly, as if the wind had been knocked out of her. But her eyes were shining brightly, and to Noura, who was standing close by, it felt like a sharp, piercing gaze.
"Why can't Bliere be His Highness's bodyguard?"
Bliere, who had been smiling brightly, suddenly asked with a gentle smile. Noura slowly watched as Bliere's innocent eyes turned cold. Her heart began to pound. Her lips, which were still warm with a gentle smile, were clearly speaking in her usual warm voice, but
"I'm not Countess Acacia right now. I'm Count Acacia, Your Highness."
It was because her deeply sunken eyes were shining so brightly. That image, along with the words 'His Highness's bodyguard,' pierced Noura's heart.
****
I clutched my slightly trembling heart and sipped champagne from a corner. I couldn't get Doris's shocked expression out of my head.
"Why did you abandon me?"
If I had kept her close, I could have pushed her forward. As I watched Doris return to her seat with a complicated expression, our eyes met. I smiled at him reassuringly, as if to say everything was fine. Wasn't it the Crown Prince who was in trouble, not me? At that moment, Noura, who had been following Doris, turned her head slightly toward me. I gave her a smile similar to the one I had given the Crown Prince. Surprisingly, Noura returned my smile with a more favorable expression than I would have ever imagined. I had no choice but to prove my worth in this way. It was a bit provocative, but since my image had been so foolish, people might think I was cheeky, but that was all. Instead, I had to pay more attention to Noura, who was looking at me with admiration. Since I wouldn't be by Doris's side, Noura would be my eyes, so I had to show her that I was not someone who would be discarded by Doris.
Victor, who had been touring the party hall with admiration, was called away by the Emperor along with Epero, so I finished a whole bottle of champagne. The reason I could turn Bliere, who couldn't drink well, into such a drinker was that I had been drinking a glass or two whenever I felt suffocated, to relieve my anger at Noebian. As I shook out the last remaining drop, I felt my head spinning and leaned against the wall, only to feel a warm sensation under my hand.
Follow curr𝒆nt nov𝒆ls on fɾeeweɓnѳveɭ.com.
"Madam."
"...Your Highness?"
It wasn't the wall I was touching, but Roardnes's hand. We were both wearing gloves, but perhaps because I was heated from drinking, the hand that briefly touched mine felt so hot that I startled and pulled my hand away. Roardnes's eyes darkened instantly. They seemed to be holding something back.
"You seemed to be enjoying your conversation with that bear-like fellow just now."
"Yes?"
Had I? I had been smiling as wide as I could to be seen by the Crown Prince from afar... I chuckled, realizing how ridiculous I must have looked, but at the same time, Roardnes's face hardened.
"No, it wasn't that enjoyable... It was more like funny stories."
The conversation between Victor and me was mostly nonsense, like the babble of foreign language beginners.
'The ruby rose. The best.'
***********************************************
Cheer me on 😍🤗🤩!!!!!!!!
Your votes, comments, and treats will really motivate me. You can treat me via
Trakteer: trakteer.id/gurujadul/tip
Saweria: saweria.co/ibuibujadoel
Ko-fi: ko-fi.com/guru_jadul