“Is the preparation for this year’s Gratitude Festival proceeding smoothly?”
The Emperor of the Ervia Empire, Simon Albertine, asked languidly as he stroked his chin.
He was seated comfortably in a luxurious greenhouse with glass walls on all sides.
Though it was still chilly early spring outside, the greenhouse was filled with flowers in full bloom.
“Yes, Your Majesty. I am personally overseeing the entire preparation this year as well.”
A reliable response came back. The Emperor turned his head.
Standing there with a respectful bow was Nicola Gelvero, who had become Chairman of the Privy Council at a young age several years ago.
As the youngest to enter the council, Nicola was known for his innate talent and broad insight.
“I trust you, so I’m not particularly worried…”
The Emperor gazed at the vibrant flowers planted throughout the garden with a peculiar expression.
“This year marks exactly ten years since my brother passed away.”
“Yes. I am aware.”
“The Empress was the first to suggest reading a eulogy during the memorial prayer.”
Nicola smiled and bowed even deeper.
“It would be most fitting to honor the late emperor with a eulogy during the Gratitude Festival, the grandest event of the year. Truly a wise suggestion by Her Majesty.”
Simon chuckled leisurely at those words.
“Yes, she’s my wife, but she still surprises me with her wisdom and thoughtfulness.”
He leaned back again into the armchair.
“As you know, I have high hopes for this year’s festival. More state guests are expected than in previous years.”
“Please rest assured. Everything will be prepared without issue.”
The Emperor looked at Nicola with pride. With him in charge, this Gratitude Festival would undoubtedly be a success.
“Then report back to me once the plans are ready.”
Just then—
“Father!”
A small voice interrupted, and the Emperor turned toward the greenhouse entrance.
A small child came running toward him.
“Prince, you shouldn’t run like that.”
Behind him stood Empress Grace, famously known as the ‘strongest mother in the Empire,’ with a helpless look on her face.
But Prince Xenon had already flung himself into the arms of his father, Simon.
Simon couldn’t help but smile brightly.
“Goodness, Xenon. What’s the hurry?”
The seven-year-old prince giggled as he rubbed his shiny black hair into the Emperor’s chest.
“I was studying medicinal herbs with Mother, but when I saw you from afar, I ran over!”
“Oh, I see. My adorable Xenon.”
Simon gently stroked his son’s head, looking utterly smitten.
“I apologize, Your Majesty. I didn’t know you were in the greenhouse…”
The Empress approached with an embarrassed smile. Simon shook his head.
“No, it’s fine. I was feeling a bit lonely, so seeing you and Xenon brightened my mood. Besides, I just told Nicola about your suggestion…”
“My suggestion?”
When the Empress widened her eyes, Nicola chimed in.
“Her Majesty suggested having a eulogy read during the memorial prayer at the festival.”
Grace gave an “Ah” and smiled.
“That’s right. Since it’s exactly ten years since the late emperor’s passing, I thought it would be proper to pay formal respects.”
Her brown eyes glowed gently. She indeed carried the grace of a beloved Empress.
Nicola simply bowed his head deeply instead of responding.
Then, nestled in the Emperor’s arms, Xenon raised his hand cheerfully and asked:
“Mother, will there be knight duels at this year’s festival too?”
“Yes, Your Highness. Are you looking forward to them?”
“Yes! I want to see Duke Tigres’ elite soldiers again!”
A troubled look appeared on the Empress’s face.
Last year, the duels had been dominated by Tigres’ performance. The entire event had practically been his stage.
The young prince had been completely enchanted by the well-trained knights and their polished movements.
“But this year, such great warriors might not be attending.”
Hearing this, Xenon’s expression fell into a pout.
“Why not?”
Before the Empress could answer, the Emperor gently stroked Xenon’s hair and said:
“Xenon, Duke Tigres is no longer in the capital. He returned to his territory a few months ago.”
“Then… his knights won’t come either?”
“Not entirely. But since some will remain in the territory, they won’t bring the whole force like last year.”
Xenon pouted with a look full of disappointment.
Watching him, the Emperor muttered quietly in dissatisfaction:
“…Why did that man, Aleon, have to leave so suddenly?”
But he quickly erased the expression and smiled again as he caressed his son’s head.
“Don’t worry, Xenon. The Empire still has many noble families with excellent knights. I’m sure this year will be just as exciting.”
“Yes, Father! I’ll watch the duels closely and become a great knight one day!”
Simon laughed at his son’s bright and bold declaration.
“You’re meant to be an emperor, not a knight.”
“Then I’ll be an emperor who fights like a knight!”
Grace, watching them with affection, smiled with soft eyes.
“You will, Your Highness.”
The warm atmosphere from the three filled the greenhouse with joy.
Even the attending servants nearby couldn’t hide their smiles as they watched the happy royal family.
Nicola, too, observed them with a proud look before quietly stepping away.
As the supervisor of the festival, he had plenty of work to do.
Leaving the greenhouse, he spoke to the members of the Privy Council who followed him:
“First, let’s finalize the plans for the charity event—that’s most urgent. We’ll discuss the memorial prayer ceremony afterward.”
“Yes, Lord Gelvero.”
The council members bowed their heads.
Nicola nodded and quickened his pace.
From behind, the sound of the royal family’s laughter echoed warmly.
The morning of departure to the capital for the Gratitude Festival.
“Wow…”
I stood among the bustling servants and stared blankly at Rubel.
“Ansen is seriously a genius, isn’t he?!”
My mouth dropped open with good reason.
Rubel’s once golden eyes, which always stood out, were now a completely ordinary shade of black.
“That’s amazing! How can medicine even change iris color?”
Honestly, Ansen might be more advanced than all the high-tech stuff from my original world.
I turned Rubel this way and that with awe, then beamed at him. He let out a soft chuckle.
Wearing the Tigres Knights’ formal uniform with his hair neatly tied back, he looked breathtakingly handsome.
I couldn’t help but admire his appearance again, smiling dreamily.
And with a fluttering heart, I thought—
‘Ah, truly…’
Just how happy would Estelline be?
As soon as we reached the capital, I planned to introduce Rubel to her.
In the original novel, the chemistry between them had been so sweet and beautiful.
The idea of watching them fall in love and act all cute together made me grin.
But then, my smile froze.
“Wait a second.”
“…”
“What if you attract too much attention? What if someone recognizes you…?”
Worried, I stared at Rubel. He avoided my gaze and turned his head.
He must’ve been thinking the same thing. His ears were slightly red from tension.
As I fretted anxiously, Rubel muttered under his breath:
“…If someone asks, just say I’m a distant relative.”
I clapped my hands in realization.
“Yes! Then it won’t be weird for you to be my escort knight.”
Rubel would be my guard knight throughout the entire festival.
Because I had pestered my father endlessly to make it happen—so I could introduce him to Estelline as quickly as possible.
And also…
“Lady Selenea!!”
I saw someone running toward me from afar and waved cheerfully.
“Huff…! I’m sorry! I was late picking up the new uniform!”
It was Cassian, who had grown even taller in the past few weeks.
I tilted my head at him.
“Cassian, how old are you exactly?”
It’s not normal to grow that quickly unless you’re in the middle of a major growth spurt.
“I’m one year younger than you, My Lady!”
“So… you just turned seventeen?”
“Yes! That’s right!”
I nodded. Just as I thought—he’s still so young. No wonder he’s growing like a weed.
Looking up at him—he was even half a head taller than Rubel—I clicked my tongue in amazement, then smiled and held out my hand.
“Well then, I’ll be in your care again for the next month, Cassian!”
Cassian grabbed my hand enthusiastically and smiled brightly.
“Yup! I’ll protect you again for sure!”
After nearly dying together in the Cursed Lands, a strong bond had formed between us.
But just then, Rubel—watching from the side—sighed quietly.
When I looked at him curiously, he muttered under his breath:
“…Back then, I was the one who protected you.”
“Huh?”
“Cassian just slept the whole time.”
My eyes widened.
“What are you talking about all of a sudden?”
But Rubel looked at me with a disgruntled expression, then abruptly turned away.
He walked off with long strides, leaving me standing there, dumbfounded.
