“His Imperial Highness, the Crown Prince, and Her Imperial Highness, the Crown Princess, have arrived!”
With the booming announcement of the attendant, the doors of the banquet hall swung open.
My eyes were blinded by the brilliant light, and for a moment I felt dizzy. I relied on Julion’s hand to steady myself as I took my steps.
“Julion’s hands in mine tightened,”
“Don’t be nervous, Rohiriel.”
Julion whispered softly, as if he thought I was feeling nervous.
Between his low murmurs, I caught snippets of conversations—discussions on the Empress’s treatment, rumors circulating about Casian, and even the recent incident concerning the Emperor’s health.
“Greetings to Her Majesty the Empress, the moon of the empire.”
As my vision gradually adjusted, I straightened my posture and offered a respectful greeting to the Empress.
The Empress appeared more radiant than any other time I had seen her.
Her red hair was elegantly styled with intricate decorations, and beneath them, her deep golden eyes no longer held the weariness of a sickly woman.
The Empress’s lips curled upward in a captivating manner, and her low, melodious voice resonated throughout the banquet hall.
“Spring has indeed arrived.”
The Empress’s golden eyes arced beautifully.
With a smile directed at Julion and me, she slowly rose from her seat.
The bustling noise in the hall subsided, and all eyes turned towards the Empress.
“On the fifth day of the prime month, I hereby declare that spring has arrived in the Sertizan Empire.”
Prime Month, also known as the Month of Roses, was a time when flowers of all kinds bloomed and the cold winds receded, making it the best time to enjoy the breeze.
To allow the common people to rest as well, the imperial warehouse was opened, and a festival was held throughout the entire empire.
“Today, let’s eat and drink together and forget our worries.”
Through wide-open windows, pink flower petals fluttered into the room.
Starting with the petals sitting on the empress’s red hair, the pre-prepared cloth fluttered, showering a cascade of petals.
Following that, the orchestra began to play.
The first piece was a soft waltz.
“Rohiriel.”
Julion bent slightly with one hand on his shoulder.
“Will you give me the honor of taking your first dance?”
I blushed and shyly nodded, a timid smile forming on my lips.
“Of course, Julion.”
The corners of my smiling mouth quivered.
I blushed with embarrassment at the prospect of having to do something I’d never done before.
Julion, too, seemed embarrassed, as his ears turned red.
‘You don’t have to try so hard.’
But still, I appreciated his effort.
I follow his lead and step onto the dance floor.
We danced in time with the music, taking step after step, one circle, then another. Before we knew it, we were in the center, attracting the attention of the nobility.
“Rohiriel.”
As our faces drew close, Julion whispered softly.
I looked up at him. He had a serious expression on his face.
Another twirl.
As our faces drew closer, Julion continued to speak.
“Do you know anything about the Knights of Roxis Cassian?”
I do.
They were one of the main people who tormented me.
“I was surprised to see Roxis on the guest list.”
The music got louder, and the tempo became faster.
I quickly moved my feet and leaned on Julion.
“I’ve been wondering why he attended the spring festival this year, especially since he hasn’t come for the past few years. So, I checked the list of attendees and kept an eye on it.”
“Thorough as always.”
“Even so, there’s only so much we can deduce from just names.”
In other words, he was asking for my help.
He wanted me to provide information about the attendants brought by Roxis.
We spun around again to the music and clasped each other’s hands.
“Tell me. I thought it was strange too. Roxis isn’t the type to come to a place like this. He despises these trivial and childish festivities.”
Instead of wasting time on frivolous and immature games, Roxis Cassian has always chosen to engage in more productive activities.
He scoffed at Liliana, who attended every single one. No matter that I had become a crown princess, his decision to attend the spring banquet was unexpected.
Julion’s arm swiftly pulled me, and I found myself cradled in his arms, my waist bending backward.
“Ted William, Reid Cassell, Granthia Bell, Darhart Rondheim, and Seshrat Randell…”
From Julion’s lips, closely pressed to my ear, the familiar names of Roxis’ subordinates flowed in succession. As the matrix of names continued, my body stiffened.
As if noticing my change, Julion patted me gently on the back and spun me around in a circle.
“Stay focused, Rohiriel; Roxis Cassian is watching.”
The music, which had reached a climax, was now racing towards its end.
It gradually slowed down, and the intensity was adjusted, allowing the murmurs from the crowd to become audible.
“Do you know anyone among them?”
Julion’s voice, lowered even further, pierced my eardrums.
I clenched my sweaty hands and nodded slightly.
And as we drew close again, I urgently whispered,
“They are individuals skilled in concealment. Special knights trained for ambushes and assassinations by Cassian.”
Because they were trained to follow only Cassian’s orders, it was hard to understand why they had come as mere attendants of Roxis.
‘Did Father make a move?’
If he did, it wouldn’t be an ordinary matter.
Duke Cassian was cautious and prudent.
He was not someone who would hastily bring his subordinates into a crowded palace to conduct some business.
‘If Roxis acted on his own…’
Father must be in the dark about this.
Then it would be a significant problem.
Roxis was known for his frequent mistakes.
That may have been the reason why he lost Hemion Martin.
If he had acted independently this time, it could have led to considerable trouble.
“What do you think their purpose is?”
With a swift turn, Julion and I switched positions.
As we moved our feet to the steps, I caught a glimpse of dark navy hair in the crowd.
The silver eyes, with their murderous aura, stared directly at me.
I clung to Julion’s shoulders and replied,
“Hemion Martin. There’s no other reason.”
As the music reached its boisterous finale, we exchanged positions once more and faced each other.
Julion’s golden eyes met mine with a somber intensity.
“I will send more knights.”
He meant he would send knights to the Garnet Palace, where Hemion Martin was.
Finally, as the music ended, thunderous applause erupted.
We greeted the guests with bright smiles, as if we had never engaged in a serious conversation.
“You look beautiful, Your Highness.”
“Wow, who knew His Highness could lead so well?”
“Your Highness, your dancing was so lovely, we couldn’t take our eyes off you.”
Stepping on flower petals scattered across the ballroom floor, I slipped a little away from Julion’s side.
He, too, was occupied with the greetings of approaching nobles.
“Your Highness, I am Marilyn of the House of Cornet. We met before, but you’ve become even more beautiful.”
“I’m Bahaness from Loteinga.”
“I’m Cherry from Ielga.”
I could barely move a few steps as the young ladies rushed up to introduce themselves.
Amidst all of this, there was a particularly eye-catching presence.
“Sis Rotty!”
She came running, her rich blonde hair flowing, and she bumped fists with me as soon as she reached my side.
“It’s been so long! I thought I’d never see you again. How have you been, sis?”
“Yeffa.”
Her sparkling emerald eyes gazed solely at me.
It was the same mocking look she used to give me when she taunted and trampled me.
Moreover, it was evident that she already knew that I had recently collapsed.
‘If Yeffa knows, then it’s likely that the others from Cassian already know too.’
Despite our efforts to control the rumors, it seemed we couldn’t entirely contain them.
As Yeffa familiarly chatted with me, the other young ladies around us were taken aback and whispered among themselves.
“Who is that young lady? How dare she speak to Her Highness like that?”
“Isn’t she a Lady of Cassian?”
“Is she Her Highness’ younger sister?”
“They seem close.”
Yeffa, basking in the attention of the ladies, raised the corner of her mouth in satisfaction.
When I was still in Cassian duchy, she had always wanted to assert herself and stand above me, but now, as the Crown Princess, her attempts to use her status seemed comical.
I pulled my arm out of Yeffa’s grip and said,
“Yeffa, it’s been a while. But you shouldn’t forget our roles here.”
“…… Huh?”
“Maybe not when it’s just the two of us, but we’re in public, and behaving like this will give people something to talk about.”
Yeffa’s face seemed slightly disgruntled, as if she had bitten into something bitter.
I chuckled and brushed Yeffa’s hair behind her ear.
“Did you run all the way? Your hair is all messed up. I told the maids to take good care of you even when I’m not around. This is a bit disappointing.”
Yeffa, now reduced to the role of a spoiled young lady who needed care, scowled briefly, then forced a smile when she realized the attention from others.
“I guess I was just too happy to see you… haha.”
The corners of her mouth twitched as she laughed.
I responded with an even more charming smile.
But just as I was about to say something more, a maid burst into the hall, and the door swung open with a loud creak.
“W, we’re in trouble!”
Everyone looked at her in disbelief, as it was not common for anyone to dare to interrupt the flow of an imperial banquet and make such a loud noise.
I, too, was surprised when I saw who it was.
“There’s a fire in the infirmary!”
It was Natya, the same woman who had dressed me up earlier in the day.
