CHAPTER 96…………….
After my complete victory in the brawl with Isabel, time passed swiftly once again.
Finally, the day arrived for both Prince Dmitri’s investiture as Crown Prince and the grand welcoming ceremony for him and the Imperial Elite Guard.
The palace was engulfed in an unprecedented wave of excitement.
I had arrived at the Diamond Hall early, waiting for today’s protagonist to appear.
Of course, I was also enjoying the sight.
“This is the second time.”
Counting both my past life and my present one, this was only the second time I had ever stepped foot inside the Diamond Hall.
In my past life, I had also come here when Dmitri was invested as Crown Prince, but unlike now, I couldn’t admire the hall so openly back then.
The hall was extravagance incarnate.
To explain—unlike the Emerald Hall, the Diamond Hall was reserved only for the gravest, most significant occasions.
The allocated budget alone exceeded that of ordinary banquets twentyfold.
Its magnificence was said to be equivalent to the combined annual budgets of nearly 250 noble families.
The walls glittered as though plated with solid gold, chandeliers hung heavy with actual diamonds befitting the hall’s name, and even the marble floor bore elaborate inlays of the royal crest, meticulously crafted by master artisans.
It was the pinnacle of luxury—so much so that even nobles proud of their vast fortunes could only click their tongues in awe.
“Every time I come here, I feel overwhelmed. Truly befitting the Imperial Family.”
“Well, it is the Crown Prince’s investiture. This much grandeur is only proper! By the way, what gift have you prepared for His Highness the First Prince?”
“I’ve prepared a trading fleet. And you, my lord?”
“I procured pearls from the Atalan Strait, famed for its black pearls. A rare specialty! It cost no less than billions in gold.”
“Oho, just like Lord Miroi indeed.”
While nobles chatted animatedly about what gifts they had prepared to commemorate Dmitri’s ascension—
“The First Princess is here as well.”
“She grows more radiant with beauty by the day.”
“I wonder what gift Her Highness has prepared? Being of the Imperial Family, surely it will be unimaginable!”
I listened to their gossip with a secret, sly smile.
“Oh, I’ve prepared quite the extraordinary gift indeed.”
I wasn’t sure what sort of waves it might cause on the Empress’s side, but—
“At the very least, it might be enough to drive a wedge between Dmitri and her.”
Straightening my back, I smiled with quiet delight. And just then—
“Paul Ellot greets Her Highness Lirien Sha Kaliberg, the First Princess. May the blessing of the Goddess Eridium be upon you. How are you, Your Highness?”
“Ah, yes. Lord Ellot.”
“If Your Highness does not yet have a partner, might I humbly request the honor of being your companion?”
“Ah…”
I quietly looked down at Paul.
Before the investiture, I had received countless invitations to be partners.
Among them was Paul Ellot, the man standing before me now.
I had deliberately declined, but apparently he had not given up. With a subtle gaze, Paul looked at me and said,
“Seeing that you’ve come alone, I assumed you did not bring a companion. What do you think of me?”
“I’m fine on my own.”
“Still, at such a grand banquet, uninvited groups may pester you if you’re alone. Allow me to remain at your side as your shield.”
He seemed unaware that he himself was one of those “uninvited groups.”
“Does he think I don’t know? His family is aligned with the Empress.”
The Ellot family aided the Empress’s natal family, the House of Duke Alfe, in siphoning off taxes overseas. They were so adept at it that evidence was nearly impossible to obtain.
“And suddenly he wishes to partner with me? Despite being in the Empress’s faction?”
It was obvious he was acting under the Empress’s orders.
I furrowed my brow and took a step back.
“I’m sorry, but I truly am fine.”
“Please don’t refuse so quickly. May I ask—without presumption—has Your Highness chosen a fiancé?”
“…What?”
“I wondered if your betrothal has already been arranged. Since Your Highness has already passed your coming-of-age ceremony. What would you think of me?”
“….”
What in the world is he talking about?
I fixed a sharp gaze on Paul and quickly discerned his intent.
“So this is the Empress’s ploy.”
Even though I was already eighteen, I had no formal betrothal.
Partly because I wasn’t ready, but also because—unlike in my past life—the Emperor had shown no signs of pushing for one.
So I had lived at ease, allowing Ilia and Mullin to fend off marriage proposals on my behalf.
I recalled my mother fretting that it was time I chose someone to stand by me. She had said she would carefully select candidates to present to the Emperor.
“So that rumor must have reached the Empress’s ears.”
I clicked my tongue. Her aim was clear—
To bind me to her faction, curbing my freedom, and to steal the credit for my achievements.
Such as my discovery of the orichalcum substitute.
“As if she doesn’t realize that things will eventually go her way regardless.”
Best to decline politely. A scene would only bring trouble.
I stepped back, ready to refuse him tactfully.
But Paul stepped forward again, closing the gap, just as I frowned and tried to retreat further—
A warm hand suddenly closed over my bare shoulder, its heat sinking all the way to my heart.
Startled, I turned—
Ebony hair. Fierce blue eyes that burned even beneath his polite demeanor.
It was Richard, appearing out of nowhere. Both Paul and I gasped in surprise.
“Forgive me, but this is awkward. I am Her Highness’s partner. I cannot yield.”
“W-was Lord Eliet truly Her Highness’s partner again this time?”
“Yes. Is there a problem?”
Paul faltered, glancing between me and Richard. I was so shocked that I couldn’t even protest Richard’s claim.
“Wh-what? Since when has he been watching?”
Richard’s gaze, sharp with displeasure, fixed on Paul.
His grip on my shoulder tightened.
Drawing me close into his embrace, he said,
“And if you know what is improper, you should not ask such questions. Was it not the first lesson of etiquette—that one must uphold the minimum courtesy owed to another?”
“N-no, I only worried for Her Highness—”
“An unnecessary worry.”
Richard’s smiling face belied the icy tone of his words.
Paul, struck speechless by Richard’s sudden appearance, hurriedly excused himself.
“I-I’ll take my leave now. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“Ah, yes…”
I let him go without hesitation.
Richard kept his frosty gaze on Paul until the man was completely gone.
Meanwhile, I… remained in his arms, racking my brain on what to do.
“Why did he suddenly embrace me? And since when has he been listening? I—I should at least tell him to let go.”
I tapped lightly at his chest, enough to draw his attention.
Immediately, his expression softened. As though he had never been so cold, he smiled warmly and released me.
“Are you well, Your Highness? He did not say anything to offend you?”
“N-no, I’m fine. He didn’t say anything particularly bothersome.”
“But you looked troubled.”
“Well, that’s because…”
I glanced up at Richard, then lowered my gaze to his chest.
“…Was he always this broad?”
I recalled how his one arm had completely encompassed me when he pulled me close.
Only then did I realize heat was rising to the tips of my ears.
I hurriedly tried to hide them beneath my hair.
“I wasn’t troubled. So… you needn’t be so angry.”
“You weren’t troubled.”
“Yes.”
Richard’s eyes narrowed slyly at my response.
For some reason, that look seemed unusually alluring today. I quickly turned my eyes away, feigning distraction.
Richard chuckled softly.
“May I stay by your side?”
“Weren’t you planning to?”
“Indeed. I merely asked out of courtesy.”
“…Very well.”
The moment Richard stood at my side, anyone who had been scheming to approach me immediately halted in their tracks.
“Like an insect repellent—very effective.”
Now I could wait for Dmitri in peace.
I waved down a servant carrying a tray of champagne and took two glasses, offering one to Richard.
He accepted gladly. But then my eyes caught on his sleeve, and I blinked in surprise.
“Lord Eliet… that is…”
“Hm? Ah, you mean this?”
Following my gaze, Richard gave a soft laugh.
“My treasure. Isn’t it beautiful? I hold in the highest regard the person who chose it.”
He looked at it as though it were a precious relic. I was briefly speechless.
What I had seen was the cufflink on his sleeve—set with the Blue Hope gem.
“That’s the cufflink I commissioned from Seritz Gloy for him… eight years ago.”
I had nearly failed to deliver it at the end of his birthday banquet.
When I finally handed it to him, it had become difficult to meet his eyes. And then, he had soon departed for campaign.
Yet here he was, still wearing it after more than eight years.
“You must have received far finer gifts since then. That one is terribly old now.”
“No matter who you are, Your Highness, it isn’t kind to belittle my treasure.”
Richard smiled mischievously, sipping his champagne—his eyes never leaving mine.
I fiddled with my glass, deliberately averting my gaze. I could feel his eyes still on me, but I didn’t dare meet them.
“So annoying.”
When we were younger, I was certain I held the upper hand.
But as time passed, he grew ever more sly and teasing.
Forcing my pounding heart to calm, I set down my glass.
And just then—
“His Imperial Highness, Dmitri Epsilon Kaliberg, the First Prince, enters!”
At the herald’s booming announcement, Dmitri appeared.
As befitted the investiture, he was dressed more splendidly than usual.
With his hair swept aside, his broad forehead revealed, his striking features shone all the brighter.
The young ladies clutched their hearts, utterly entranced by his beauty.
Ignoring them, Dmitri quickly scanned the hall, then spoke solemnly:
“Thank you all for coming.”
His lowered voice reminded everyone of the gravity of the occasion.
I smiled faintly as his gaze swept across the hall—ending upon me.
The banquet proceeded in full splendor.
Every Imperial Family member was present, save Emin.
The Empress stood proudly beside Dmitri, gazing at him with pride in his triumphs.
“A mother could not be more proud.”
“Thank you.” Dmitri replied evenly.
Then Yevgeni slipped her arm through his, beaming.
“Congratulations, Brother! You’ve worked so hard. But didn’t you miss me? You never replied properly to my letters—you’re too cruel!”
Puffing her cheeks, Yevgeni drew indulgent smiles from Dmitri, the Empress, and even Isabel.
Beneath it all was unmistakable affection.
Standing beside the Emperor, I observed the scene.
He glanced at me.
“Are you not going to him?”
“I already offered my congratulations.”
“I see.”
“Yes.”
“Then go to the Empress.”
He cast a glance toward her.
Mother was with Marchioness Ioline, struggling to converse with the centrist ladies.
Though she smiled, it was plain to us that she was forcing herself to lead the conversation.
“Go, and help her.”
“Yes.”
Given her distance from high society, this was unavoidable.
After excusing myself from the Emperor, I approached Mother.
Noticing me, her face brightened, and she reached out her hand.
Placing it gently on my arm, she drew me to her side.
The centrist ladies all curtsied gracefully.
“We greet Your Highness, the First Princess. I am Aileen Mili.”
“Kaena Hiris, at your service.”
“Loki Bianne. You’ve grown so much, Your Highness.”
I returned their warm welcome with a bow.
“It is a pleasure, my ladies. What were you discussing? From afar, it looked like a very cheerful conversation.”
Stepping subtly in front of my mother, I signaled with my eyes: I’ll lead. You rest.
She gave a rueful smile, but clearly relieved, nodded.
I then conversed with the noblewomen, discussing current trends, politics, and even ventures into new businesses.
Knowing the future, I answered their questions with sincerity.
The ladies listened, their eyes sparkling with admiration.
“We always knew Your Highness was brilliant, but to hear such wise counsel in person is truly remarkable.”
“Her Majesty must be so blessed. With such a capable daughter at her side, how reassuring it must be.”
“Our daughters only know how to indulge in luxuries—they would never dream of venturing into trade as Your Highness has. Oh, what shall we do with them…”
Several sighed in sympathy, shaking their heads.
At that moment, one lady, perhaps especially taken with me, gently steered the topic toward marriage.
“If Your Highness would not mind, might you consider forging ties with our family…”
The moment Kaena Hiris said this—and all eyes turned to me—
“Should not the matter of the Princess’s marriage be decided by me?”
Empress Dolores appeared, Yevgeni in tow.
And the atmosphere instantly grew cold.
