Chapter 51
“No! Kids, come here!”
Erina wrapped her arms around Resen and Lia’s waists, pulling them away from the attendant.
Mitzu, who had been amusedly watching the children’s antics, quickly pulled Poi back after receiving a sharp glare from Erina. Fortunately, Poi had only put the attendant’s finger in his mouth without actually biting down.
The previously quiet atmosphere, where everyone had been attentively listening to the Emperor, had completely disappeared. Now, the hall was filled with murmuring voices.
“Are those children really dragons?”
“Aren’t they the lost heirs of the Harrison family?”
“They must be dragons; they’re beautiful yet fierce. Their personalities seem to take after their uncle rather than their parents.”
These whispers, passed from mouth to mouth, eventually reached Erina’s ears. She felt a surge of frustration.
It was fine if they called the children beautiful, but why did they have to add remarks about them being dragons or being fierce?
The children, however, remained blissfully unaware, smiling contentedly in Erina’s embrace.
“Hey, aren’t you going to go before His Majesty already?”
The attendant, still in shock from what had happened, hesitated for a moment before urging them again. He seemed reluctant to raise his voice too much, likely fearing another attack.
Seeing him anxiously tugging at his sleeve, Erina hurriedly took the twins by their hands. After all, they couldn’t afford to dawdle when summoned by the Emperor of an entire nation.
The children, as if they had never displayed any hostility, obediently followed Erina.
Tap, tap, patter, patter.
Tap, tap, patter, patter.
Tap, tap, patter, patter.
The rhythmic footsteps of the four crossing the grand banquet hall echoed throughout the space.
The Emperor, standing on the platform, fixed his gaze on the approaching Harrison triplets. Meanwhile, behind him, Dylan wasn’t looking at the mischievous nephews—his eyes were on Erina.
That morning, during her fitting session, she had worn her hair up, secured with a pin. But for the banquet, she had styled it in a half-up look with soft waves, adorned with a large floral and ribboned hairpiece.
‘Hmm, she looks prettier and more dazzling like this.’
Dylan imagined her natural blonde hair and smirked. He made a mental note to prepare many beautiful hair accessories for when he eventually brought her to his domain.
“Come forward and introduce them to me,” the Emperor said with a benevolent smile.
Although they looked about five years old in human terms, they were actually only six months old.
They weren’t yet developed enough socially to introduce themselves in front of so many people. As expected, the children simply stared blankly at Erina, waiting for her lead.
In the end, Erina stepped forward, bowing deeply before the Emperor. Then, she whispered into the children’s ears,
“Shall we tell His Majesty your names? He says he’s curious about you.”
“Ah…? Okay!”
The children, who took great pride in their names as dragons, eagerly nodded.
“I’m Resen!”
“I’m Lia! I like collecting insects and plants!”
“I’m Poi! Erina Mama is the prettiest!”
Starting with Resen, each child cheerfully introduced themselves.
Never before had anyone talked to the Emperor in such a manner. And yet, the unspoken rule had just been broken, by three of them in a row!
The nobles and high-ranking officials in attendance couldn’t hold back their laughter at the children’s adorable introductions. Even Princess Anna, standing beside the Emperor, let out a small chuckle.
It was hard to tell whether it was genuine laughter or just an amused sigh, but at least she had reacted.
The Emperor, noticing this, looked at her in surprise before shifting his focus back to the children.
“Resen, Lia, Poi. It’s a pleasure to meet you. You are all so lively—it’s good to see. Your outfits today are quite splendid as well.”
“They match with Erina!”
“They’re satin, so they shimmer!”
“We’re going to dance!”
Their bright, clear voices rang through the platform as they chattered excitedly.
The Emperor continued to listen with the same gentle expression, like a grandfather indulging his beloved grandchildren.
However, Dylan, who had been observing from behind, smirked. He had caught the Emperor’s gaze lingering not on the children’s faces but on their chests.
‘Hah, it must be hard to be so obvious.’
Dylan scoffed internally, watching the hall with an indifferent expression.
He was scanning the room for any potential threats. Since he couldn’t oversee the outskirts of the palace personally, Hael had been assigned to thoroughly investigate.
He had deliberately spread rumors stating that: ‘The young masters of the Harrison family have returned. They will be attending the banquet.’
If there were any factions still vying for control of Harrison’s power, this would be their moment to strike.
The triplets hadn’t even gone through their second molting yet. A mere flick of a hand could easily put their lives in danger.
Dylan wanted them to take the bait. Setting up another trap later would be a hassle, and if they were going to make a move, it would be best to eliminate them all at once.
However, up until now, nothing had caught his attention.
“Now, now, my young guests. Please wait a moment. Let’s move inside and talk more comfortably.”
The Emperor gestured toward the space behind the platform, and the attendants swiftly moved to open the doors leading to the inner chamber. Naturally, everyone followed suit.
Erina hesitated. She wasn’t sure if she was supposed to be included in such a setting. However, the children, and even Dylan, ensured that she came along.
It was only then that the Emperor seemed to notice Erina’s presence. His gaze lingered on her briefly before losing interest. His attention remained solely on the young heirs of the Harrison family.
The path led to a vast chamber that was hard to believe was merely an extension of the banquet hall. Every corner of the space was just as opulent as the grand hall itself.
Erina was about to let the triplets sit on the sofa while she stood quietly behind them when Dylan called her over.
“Miss Erina, this way. You may sit here.”
Dylan said, standing up quickly to offer the seat he had been occupying. It was the seat right next to the emperor, undeniably the most prestigious seat after his.
Dylan’s overly courteous treatment of Erina drew curious gazes not only from the emperor and his guards but even from Princess Anna, who usually showed little expression.
The children, seeing this, wriggled in their seats, eager to have Erina sit next to them instead.
“Erina! There’s plenty of space next to Resen!”
“L-Lia can move her dress! There’s space here too!”
“Erina Mama, come here!”
Each child patted the seat beside them, calling for Erina with all their might. She stood there, looking awkward and unsure of what to do.
Her heart pounded in fear, what if they were being too loud in front of the emperor and ended up getting thrown out for being disrespectful?
Surprisingly, it was an unexpected person who saved Erina from this predicament.
“Pl-please, s-sit next t-to me.”
The voice, weak and breathy, came from none other than Princess Anna. She patted the cushion beside her with her twig-like fingers.
Erina’s gaze met Anna’s. The princess was tapping the seat gently, her eyes expectant.
‘C-Can I really go there?’
Instinctively, Erina glanced at the emperor for permission. Fortunately, he seemed more intrigued than displeased. In fact, he even looked pleased with Anna’s action.
Carefully, Erina took the seat beside the princess.
Dylan and the Harrison family members looked visibly disappointed. However, Erina knew that no matter whose invitation she accepted, someone would be left dissatisfied. Sitting beside the princess felt like the safest choice.
Anna stole glances at Erina before hesitantly speaking.
“Y-you… s-smell nice.”
