Chapter 107
Princess Serciarin swept her closed eyes across the banquet hall.
‘He’s not here.’
Princess Serciarin revealed a dissatisfied look.
She couldn’t feel him.
Five years ago, he told her his name and his presence felt distinctively different from other people.
‘Joshua.’
Princess Serciarin sighed deeply, unable to conceal her disappointment.
It was the first time she felt that way before, and no one had been able to reproduce the same feeling she got from him.
As such, she had always been dreaming of meeting him again.
She was curious about how she would feel once she met him again after all this time.
“It has been three years—”
“Yes? Serciarin, did you say something?”
Prince Kiser tilted his head upon hearing Serciarin's muttering.
“Oh, brother, it’s nothing.”
“Alright.”
Princess Serciarin shook her head with a little smile as Prince Kiser swept his gaze across the crowd.
All of a sudden, Prince Kiser revealed a friendly look with bright eyes.
“Lady Charles.”
“...”
As Prince Kiser walked down the imperial staircase with a gentle smile on his lips, Princess Serciarin's demeanor darkened as she stared at her brother's back.
For ten whole years, Princess Serciarin lived her life in the Magnificent Flower Palace under the ‘protection’ of His Majesty the Emperor, but three years ago, His Majesty decided to let her step outside the Magnificent Flower Palace for some reason.
Even though her freedom was limited to only attending imperial events, Princess Serciarin was satisfied to be able to get out of the palace that she had been stuck in for more than ten years.
“I thought that I’ll see you once I was out of the Magnificent Flower Palace.” Princess Serciarin sighed once again.
A group of young men looked at Princess Serciarin and started whispering among themselves.
“Rumor has it that she’s one of the most beautiful ladies in the history of the empire. Now that I’m looking at her, I think it’s true.
“How could a rumor like that be unfounded? Well, if Lady Charles' beauty is like a rose with thorns, then Her Highness’ beauty is similar to an untouched white lily.”
“I want a pure and elegant woman like Her Highness rather than a woman like Lady Charles.”
“Wake up, man. You’re just a second son of a count, the difference between your status and Her Highness is like the difference between heaven and earth. For goodness’ sake, she’s a princess.”
The young men were gossiping for a reason. Princess Serciarin was just too lovely for them to ignore. She had blonde hair, black eyes, and a pristine white complexion, as well as distinct facial features. She truly deserved to be called a stunning woman.
Furthermore, Princess Serciarin's every gesture was noble, and she always smiled with every move. If one were to nitpick, then it was unfortunate that Princess Serciarin was blind and looked frail. Still, she possessed an appearance and grace that every man would love.
“Hey, be quiet! His First Highness might hear you.”
At that, the young men immediately closed their mouths.
In addition, they also noticed His First Highness approaching them.
Eventually, Kiser arrived at his destination with a warm smile.
“Lady Charles.”
“Charles di Pontier greets His First Highness Kiser ben Britten.”
Kiser’s smile deepened at Lady Charles’ greeting.
“Let's do away with the pleasantries. I feel awkward to be at the receiving end of your stiff attitude.”
“Well… It’s not like that.” Charles shook her head.
“You don’t want to see me?”
“Yes?” Charles muttered blankly. She seemed like she was doubting her ears.
Kiser smiled and explained, “It has been three years since I last saw you at my birthday event. That is why I had to ask.”
“Ah.” Charles flushed red in embarrassment and said, “My apologies, Your Highness… I was busy and couldn't attend. I should have come to represent my family.”
Prince Kiser shook his head at Charles’ muttering. “I’m well aware of your family’s circumstances, so you don’t have to worry.”
“What do you…” Charles’ eyes widened.
“I mean… I really wanted to see you. Uh,?now that we have met, would you like to dance?”
“...!”
The audience stared agape and with wide eyes. They didn’t really hear His First Highness’ words, but Kiser’s gesture made it clear.
“His First Highness asked her to dance?” Natasha mumbled, looking somewhat annoyed.
“If that's the case, why do they have to set the stupid rule that whoever stands out most will have the honor of dancing with His First Highness?”
“His First Highness can do whatever he wants, though...”
“Perhaps he is unaware? Otherwise, why would he dance with Lady Charles?”
“Her family’s practically a peasant family now…Look at her strutting around, using her beauty to…”
“Oh, my. Don’t say that...”
The envy and jealousy of the many noble ladies converged on Charles.
“...” Charles chewed her lower lip. She remained silent and didn’t say anything.
Her family was currently in turmoil, and she had only survived through it all by her ability to read the room.
Charles was also surprised. His First Highness definitely knew everything.
‘Then, why?’
Charles stared at Kiser with an indescribable look.
His First Highness, Kiser ben Britten, still had a warm smile on his lips.
However, there was no way His First Highness was unaware of her family’s situation.
Charles knew that she would become public enemy number one if she were to accept his hand.
Right now, she had to prioritize the safety of her family.
“Please accept my apologies…” Charles seemed like she was agonizing and struggling to make the right decision, but she eventually revealed a resolute look and spoke with conviction, “I’m not sure if I’m allowed to dance with Your Highness.”
“Why?” Prince Kiser seemed perplexed.
‘Wasn’t this something every woman here desires? To take my hand in theirs?’
He was the First Prince of Avalon—heir apparent to the most powerful man in the empire.
Unfortunately, he was unaware that his status was like poison to Charles.
Unlike Charles, Kiser had always done whatever he wanted.
He didn’t have to know about such a nuanced feud among nobles.
No, it was more accurate to say that he simply didn’t have to care about what the nobles think of him.
As far as Kiser was concerned, he simply felt that by extending his hand to Charles, he was showing her support.
The rejection made Kiser feel as if something had shattered inside of him.
“Lady Charles, do you… not like me?” Kiser’s smile was turning stiff.
“No…It's not like that.”
The chatter around them only grew louder as Charles had no idea what to say.
“Is she refusing His First Highness’ hand?”
“The audacity. She’s no longer the daughter of a wealthy family, yet she dares to do that?”
Natasha chuckled as she took in the clamor of the surrounding nobles.
“She seems to be oblivious to the obvious.”
“What are you talking about, Natasha?” asked one of the noble ladies.
Natasha pointed at Charles with her chin and said, “Will the soon-to-be maid of the Crombell household dare to dance with His First Highness?”
“God, is that true?”
The women burst out laughing at Natasha's words.
“Isn’t that right, Young Master Gehog?”
Gehog chuckled and responded, “She isn’t bad as a trophy maid.”
“Hahahaha.”
At the laughter, Charles clenched the hem of her skirt hard. She had no idea what to do.
'I'm not sure how I'm supposed to respond…'
As Charles remained silent, Kiser's expression slowly hardened.
“She already has a partner.”
Charles found a ray of light amidst the darkness. “You…”
Kiser stared dumbfounded at the handsome man next to Charles and asked, “Who are you?”
In response, the handsome man showed perfect manners, as per imperial etiquette.
“It is an honor to meet you, I am Baron Joshua Sanders.”
“...”
Silence descended upon the banquet hall, and only Joshua’s pleasant voice could be heard.
***
In a room specifically made for Emperor Marcus’ own use, Emperor Marcus chuckled as he stared at the man bowing in silence beyond the curtains. They weren’t in the usual meeting room where Emperor Marcus received his visitors.
“I really want to see their reaction after seeing knowing that you appeared before me after going into hiding for five years.”
“...”
“I think this is the first time that we’ve seen each other face to face, and this is such a wonderful meeting. Don’t you think being a Duke of Avalon isn’t so bad even if we can’t take over the Swallow Empire?” Emperor Marcus leaned closer to the silent man and added, “It’s only a matter of time before a war breaks out when news that you went out of hiding and defected to Avalon. Anyway, our plan has to be carried forward by ten years due to unforeseen circumstances. Also, what are your plans regarding him?”
The man slowly rose to his feet in response to Emperor Marcus' question, and his green hair fluttered with the movement. His glowing green eyes also brightened as he responded without any hesitation.
“Please trust me and leave it to me. I promised the results will be satisfactory."
“I’m looking forward to it…” Emperor Marcus stared at the mysterious man and smiled. The latter’s true name then emerged from Emperor Marcus’ mouth as he said, "Draxia bel Grace."
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