Chapter 42

‘This person….’

I paused from reading the invitation, lost in thought.

Aglaia Clyde, Speaker of the Imperial Parliament.

She was Etias’s aunt – the current emperor’s elder sister.

In the Star of Revolution world, power was centralised with the emperor, but laws were enacted by the parliament.

The emperor and parliament shared power roughly 70:30.

Parliament was formed of noble heads. Even an emperor couldn’t fully ignore it.

Indeed, Etias’s survival was partly thanks to parliament.

Speaker Aglaia Clyde couldn’t stop her brother from usurping her nephew’s throne, but:

She was able to use parliament’s power to prevent his purge.

Though Aglaia didn’t join Etias’s revolution, she was the only political figure on his side.

‘The person she hated most… was my father.’

Understandable, since he supported the emperor in deposing Etias.

‘Someone like her inviting me to her birthday party…’

Couldn’t be a good sign.

I read the message on the invitation.

I would like you to check something the Duke of Elemoer left behind.

Something Father left with Aglaia. I could guess what, but I needed to confirm.

“Send a reply saying I’ll attend.”

“Yes, my lady.”

After speaking, I looked out at Elemoer’s beautiful gardens. Water gushed from the fountains, birds sang melodiously.

‘Well, I have a card prepared for this day.’

After reacting to Katrin at the Government Office, two days passed before Etias finally recovered from the drug’s effects.

-Just look at me for a moment….

Recalling Katrin’s round eyes gazing at him, he pressed his fingers against his brow.

His heart was now giving him a clear answer about Katrin Elemoer.

“….”

“Your Highness.”

Caron handed Etias a letter from Speaker Aglaia.

Etias, who had been troubled ever since Katrin’s visit, silently accepted and opened it.

He knew it was her birthday invitation as usual. The answer was always the same:

Decline.

So this letter wouldn’t trouble him… unless something else was on his mind.

‘Did something happen?’

Etias was never one to worry unnecessarily. He preferred action to contemplation.

But if it concerned Katrin Elemoer, it could be different.

‘…Perhaps she bullied him.’

Imagining her wicked smile, Caron’s eyebrow twitched. Though Sistina had recently sent them much-needed supplies, Elemoer remained Elemoer.

As Caron pondered, Etias set down the letter with a thud.

He assumed he would refuse again.

But Caron had something to say before he answered.

“Her Excellency insisted you attend this year. She was disappointed you hadn’t come in recent years.”

“…She said she wants to introduce someone.”

“Pardon?”

“A woman.”

Caron raised his eyebrows in surprise.

“A matchmaker? But…”

Aglaia had tried arranging partners for Etias before – daughters from non-Imperial faction families eager for a royal title.

Even daughters of parliament members.

But Etias never showed interest in any.

“This time… it’s an Elemoer.”

Caron’s eyebrows shot up.

“An Elemoer? Her Excellency?”

Elemoer supported the emperor, didn’t they? Caron couldn’t hide his shock.

“Don’t tell me… not that Katrin Elemoer?”

Etias frowned down at the letter, no exact name written.

“I’ll find out when I go.”

Aglaia’s gardens brimmed with tables for her guests. Musicians played elegant melodies.

She wore her black hair pinned gracefully and a white dress, greeting nobles.

Though most guests opposed the emperor, Aglaia’s connections included many imperial faction nobles too.

“Oh my, you came! My dependable, handsome nephew.”

Spotting Etias approaching, Aglaia exclaimed, cupping her mouth with both hands.

All eyes turned to him. Though his simple shirt, vest, and trousers weren’t flashy, his tall frame and striking face stood out unmistakably.

“Congratulations, Aunt.”

Etias lightly kissed her hand as formal greeting.

Aglaia gazed at him with adoration, like he was the dearest being in the world.

The treatment he received here contrasted starkly with imperial court events.

She remained unmarried into her forties, vowing not to build her own family to protect Etias from the emperor.

“…Etias, as I wrote, there’s a lady I wish to introduce you to.”

His fingertips twitched. Elemoer. Instantly, vivid purple eyes flashed in his mind.

Aglaia smiled and gestured subtly.

A blonde woman stepped beside her and bowed to Etias.

“Your Highness. I am…”

Her green eyes sparkled.

“Lucia Elemoer. It is an honour.”

Aglaia clapped, introducing her enthusiastically.

Unaware Etias’s blue eyes had turned icy cold.

“Isn’t she beautiful? She’s seen you before but never spoken with you. Though the Elemoers have a complex history, her father, Sir Fadelmon, is quite upright.”

Fadelmon Elemoer.

Currently under Etias’s investigation due to Katrin’s accusations. His arrest had been delayed by parliament – now Etias understood why.

“….”

Etias stared at Lucia Elemoer with frosty, emotionless eyes.

Despite her bright smile, his expression remained unmoved, making Lucia’s eyebrows tremble.

Aglaia forced a smile and, reaching out, pulled Lucia’s wrist to bring her closer to Etias.

“It would be awkward if an old aunt like me hovered. Take a stroll through the gardens and talk.”

The noble ladies behind her laughed and nodded in agreement.

Etias gave a curt nod before turning to walk away. Lucia hurried to follow his retreating figure.

Watching them, Aglaia’s lips twisted greedily.

At that moment, a servant approached to announce a new guest.

“Lady Katrin Elemoer has arrived.”

Aglaia’s eyebrow rose sharply.

“Ah, the child I intend to teach a lesson has arrived.”