Chapter 144
This year’s Birthday Banquet was more dazzling and grand than ever.
Not only did it mark the Emperor’s 30th year on the throne, but also the first appearance in a hundred years of the Empire’s symbol—the Black Dragon.
The people believed it to be a divine blessing, and the Emperor himself looked proud of the fact.
Perhaps that was why the banquet hall was decorated with unprecedented extravagance, drawing constant admiration from the nobles.
“Look at these crystal goblets! All imported from the Serenia Isles.”
“And the curtains—they’ve been replaced with Imperial silk just for this banquet.”
“And that dragon statue at the entrance? I heard it’s solid gold.”
The noble ladies exchanged knowing glances, fans fluttering in their hands.
“Well, it seems His Majesty is eager to show off the new divine beast.”
“Of course. And let’s not forget Princess Piony—she’s made a fortune with that cosmetics business recently.”
“I heard because of it, Count Arman is on the brink of ruin…”
“Shh! Don’t say such things here. In His Majesty’s presence, we speak only praise.”
Since this was a gathering to honor the Emperor’s reign, the nobles were careful with their words.
Still, they craned their necks curiously to look around.
“By the way, isn’t the Black Dragon supposed to attend? I don’t see it yet.”
“I can’t wait to lay eyes on it. Just how big and majestic will it be?”
Few ever got the chance to see a living dragon. Every guest invited was brimming with anticipation.
Then—grand trumpet sounds echoed at the entrance of the hall.
A herald stepped forward and announced loudly:
“His Grace, the Duke of Agenta, enters!”
As the doors swung open, a tall man in a black cloak strode smoothly into the hall, followed by several knights of the Kistar Order.
His imposing presence instantly drew every eye.
“I never thought the Duke himself would attend the banquet.”
“Ever since finding his son after all those years, he’s been appearing in society more often.”
“But where is his son? Why has he come alone?”
As people whispered, the herald continued:
“The Young Lord Felix Agenta, accompanied by his partner—the Black Dragon’s master, Lady Eila—enter!”
At once, silence fell. Even the scattered conversations died completely.
Every gaze turned to the Duke of Agenta, and then to the pair who followed him.
“My, isn’t the young lord handsome. But that woman next to him—isn’t she the one who was expelled long ago from the Blanche family?”
“Yes. The girl who pretended to be the Blanche daughter, though she was only a commoner.”
“But how is she walking in with him?”
“Haven’t you heard? They met at the Academy and are in a relationship.”
“The Duke must be remarkable indeed. Even if she’s the Black Dragon’s master, to permit his son to court a commoner…”
Eyes narrowed among the ladies.
“But then… who is that child holding Lady Eila’s hand?”
“Could he be a distant relative of the Agenta family?”
“I’ve never seen him before.”
The boy’s delicate features, flawless as carved ivory, gave the impression of noble blood. Yet he resembled neither Felix, Eila, nor anyone else nearby.
Curiosity spread like wildfire.
“Perhaps some distant branch of the family? He must be noble if he’s invited here, but I’ve never seen him.”
“Same here. With a face that cute, I’d never have forgotten.”
Naturally, attention across the banquet hall began to focus on the boy.
The boy’s long black hair was tied with a red silk ribbon, a lace cravat neatly around his neck.
He exuded the graceful air of a noble young master.
Yet his face was sulky, lips pouting in obvious discontent.
“How long do we have to stay here, Eila? I want to go home!”
The boy tugged at her hand, whining. Eila pressed a finger to her lips gently.
“Shh. Just endure for two hours. Then we’ll leave.”
“But these clothes are too tight!”
Biyo pulled irritably at his cravat.
Perhaps it was a dragon’s nature, but he hated wearing anything on his body. Forcing him into layers of human clothing for this banquet was indeed torture.
“How do I take this thing off?”
He struggled with the knot until Felix quickly caught his hands.
“Hey—stay still. Do you know how annoying it is to fix that again?”
But Biyo smacked his hand away.
“I don’t care! It’s uncomfortable!”
His sharp tone, his eyes glaring upward—arrogant beyond measure.
In human form, Biyo was a reckless brat.
Too young and untrained in human manners, he often acted rudely without realizing it.
Felix squeezed his eyes shut, fighting his temper—when suddenly,
“Wow! What’s that?!”
Biyo’s attention was caught by something. He yanked free of Eila’s hand and bolted.
“It’s a giant cake!”
Before anyone could stop him, he darted between attendants straight to the laden tables.
In his wake, a lady nearly tripped, gentlemen cried out with stomped feet—chaos broke out.
“…Knew this would happen. I’ll fetch him, Eila.”
Felix rubbed his face and hurried after him.
With him gone, Eila could finally sigh.
“Who knew watching a child would be this exhausting.”
Still, with Felix chasing Biyo, she had a moment’s peace to glance around.
There are more guests than usual today.
Her eyes swept the nobles until she froze.
…Rosia.
Eila’s gaze sharpened.
Rosia stood chatting happily with the Blanche brothers, smiling radiantly, oblivious to Eila’s stare.
Then—Kedric’s eyes met hers.
“….”
His throat bobbed. Then, pretending nothing had happened, he turned back to Rosia.
Yet while talking, his eyes flicked toward Eila again and again.
….
He was keeping his promise—to act like family in Rosia’s presence.
Relieved, Eila turned away—just as Felix returned, dragging Biyo.
“Eila, what do we do? His clothes are ruined.”
Indeed, in that short time, Biyo looked a mess. Yellow stains dripped from his garments. Clearly, he’d made havoc at the food table.
“Oh, Biyo… what did you do now?”
She stroked his head.
“Didn’t I tell you not to run around here?”
“…But it was so uncomfortable.”
He lowered his head, face sullen.
Felix gave a short, disbelieving laugh.
With him, the boy was a tyrant. But with Eila—docile as a lamb.
Eila’s voice firmed.
“Apologize to Felix.”
Biyo pouted, turning reluctantly.
“Go on.”
At her urging, he fidgeted, then whispered, “Sorry, Felix…”
Felix stared blankly a moment before nodding.
“Don’t do it again.”
Eila squeezed Biyo’s hand warmly and stroked his hair.
“Good boy.”
Then, taking out a handkerchief, she wiped his hands and clothes.
Biyo leaned into her care with a shy smile.
“Clothes can be fixed with a cleaning spell, but… your hair’s all messy. I’ll take him to the lounge for a moment.”
“Should I come too?”
“No, it’s fine alone.”
Hand in hand, she walked Biyo toward the lounge—unaware of the eyes on her back.
Kedric excused himself, saying he needed some air. Quietly, he began following her.
