IMNTI CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 43

Luisa carefully brought each item from her plate to her lips with refined movements, her gaze drifting to the opposite side of the hall.

As soon as the Empress descended to the first-floor hall, she focused on Bella. Naturally, noble ladies gathered around her. Even from a distance, their excited chatter sounded like perfectly synchronized birdsong—but Luisa couldn’t have been more pleased, since she paid them zero attention.

She’d been tense about being pulled into conversation as the crown prince’s fiancée, but thankfully, that didn’t happen. Instead, she calmly focused back on her meal.

“Luisa, want me to get you something to drink?” Damien, who’d been assisting her with food, asked tenderly.

“I’m good. I can handle it. You should go do what you need.”

“What could I need to do? I just want to be with you.”

“You’ve been staring over there nonstop. Your face looks like you want to say something.”

“I’m probably watching someone else.”

“Damien.”

“Yeah?”

“You go. Remember: I’m a full adult who’s already had her debutante ball.”

“I wish that were true, but to me, you’ll always be my little sister.”

Severe symptoms. Luisa set her plate down and gently pushed Damien’s arm.

“Come on, go. You’re drawing even more attention by staying.”

She really just wanted to eat in peace without him lingering by her side. But he leaned in, murmuring something, stealing the spotlight between them.

“Luisa…”

“This is a rare banquet. Enjoy it, okay?”

“How can I enjoy it without you?”

“Go on, please.”

“…Okay.”

Her insistence was so decisive that Damien backed off like a corrected pup. Perhaps he sensed she’d snap otherwise.

Watching him walk away, Luisa picked up her glass of wine, the pink liquid gently swaying.

“Wine always restores my inner peace.”

She surveyed the tables—princes of wine carrying various vintages—but Rose’s wine was being brought round again and again. Despite increased production, many nobles were still clamoring for dozens or even hundreds of bottles, and demand remained high.

“Hmm. Still tastes amazing.”

It’s not just because I’m selling it—Albert truly poured himself into perfecting this.

Even an inferior copy wouldn’t come close. I’m confident of that.

Though I won’t let one appear.

Luisa swirled her glass with a slight smile—and froze when an unwelcome voice reached her ears.

“Ah…”

Turning slowly, she faced the noble who had come to her.

“…Your Highness, the Second Prince.”

She bowed gracefully, masking her dismay: Prince Seinp  had come to greet her. She hadn’t expected that.

Drawing her hand to her chest, she offered a respectful nod. Noblewomen nearby sighed at his beauty.

“How could someone look so perfect?”

“Like a living portrait.”

“…Wait—does Lady Blake actually know the Second Prince?”

“Maybe she’s acquainted because she’s engaged to the First Prince?”

“Ha—do you suppose she’s shamelessly flirting like she did with the First Prince?”

“Wow… if that’s true, she’s still shameless and rude.”

Though Seinp approached her, onlookers apparently believed she’d made the first move—an annoying sign of attention she wanted no part of.

“It’s best not to heed the words of the ignorant,” Luisa murmured.

Seinph, soft in tone, replied with a sharper edge: “Oh? Have you heard them already?”

“I don’t understand what you mean.”

“Ha. Let’s just say… I see you look well.”

His darker blue eyes studied her from head to toe.

“I was worried when you didn’t respond—is everything okay, kind of reckless?”

Ah… he brings up the gift after all.

She winced lightly.

“…I’m sorry. I was hit hard by a cold; I didn’t get a chance to thank you. But… how did you know I was ill?”

“Aha, a cold?”

“Yes. The seasons in the North are quite cold.”

“Hmm…”

He made a curious snort and tilted his head. His playful eyes betrayed excitement.

“I thought so too. The seasonal cold in the North—you likely caught a cold. Was I right?”

“Yes… I guess so.”

Why does he seem so pleased by that? Luisa couldn’t suppress a frown.

“Well then, now that you’re better, would you care to dance with me?”

Are you kidding? This conversation was hard enough. I can’t possibly dance, especially not here.

No chance. She dropped her chin to avoid giving away her discomfort.

“…I’m sorry. I’m still not fully well, so I couldn’t dance with the regiment leader earlier. Unfortunately.”

She deliberately emphasized the regiment leader so he’d realize who she preferred—preferably far from Prince Seinp .

Seinp  covered his mouth and burst into laughter—almost maniacal. His laughter was so forced it was uncomfortable.

“It seems I made a serious oversight. I almost made a big mistake. That’s not right.”

“Thank you. The regiment leader would understand.”

Without another word, Ludwig excused himself.

Although rumors began to swirl around them, Luisa didn’t mind. She composed herself, signaling the steward to inform Damien she’d be in the powder room.

I wonder if Damien will ever show interest in Bella.

Later, if the Northern forces need Purification skills, time spent with Bella might bring them together.

When will they come North?

The flood of miasma roses from the East to the North can’t be handled indefinitely. It’s time to assess them firsthand.