‘Why that expression…?’
I narrowed my eyes, fixing my gaze on Duke Roger.
If anyone were to rejoice over Ian renouncing his claim to the throne, I had thought it would be Hayden Roger.
Though I didn’t know the full story, Duke Roger always seemed intent on obstructing Ian’s path in one way or another.
Yet now, even from a distance, it was clear that his expression was grim—his demeanor distinctly subdued.
The fact that the Duke wasn’t smiling at such a public event was unusual in itself.
‘What’s going on?’
Before I could observe him more closely, however, he abruptly turned and left the banquet hall, his departure leaving me even more confused.
Did this mean that even Hayden Roger wasn’t in favor of this outcome?
“…Isn’t that right, Grand Duke?”
My thoughts didn’t last long.
All eyes turned to us as the Emperor, seated on the throne atop the dais, deliberately addressed Ian.
Hundreds of gazes locked on the two of us—more precisely, on Ian and myself standing beside him—snapped me back to reality.
The stares were so intense that I almost felt a phantom sensation of needles pricking my cheeks.
This was on an entirely different level from when we had entered the banquet hall earlier.
“……”
Unconsciously, I grasped Ian’s hand tightly.
I thought he might glance down at our clasped hands, but instead, I felt him squeeze back gently.
Though neither of us spoke nor met each other’s gaze, the small action felt as though he was trying to ease my tension.
Meanwhile, the Emperor, who had been watching us silently for a moment, turned her attention away and continued speaking in her usual calm tone.
“My younger brother—Grand Duke Ian Cloud—has insisted, time and time again, that he will never claim the throne and has asked me to allow him to renounce his succession rights.”
The faint jab in her words caused a few nobles to flinch noticeably.
Just as some of the Emperor’s closest advisors were unnecessarily wary of Ian, there were nobles who, despite Ian’s disinterest, fervently supported him.
In essence, the Emperor’s statement was a thinly veiled rebuke aimed at both groups.
She crossed her legs elegantly.
“Moved by his earnest plea, I have decided to accept his request.”
Her decisive words sealed the matter, and murmurs rippled through the banquet hall.
However, it seemed that most weren’t surprised by the content of the announcement itself. Instead, they were astonished by the fact that Ian had voluntarily given up his claim and that the Emperor had merely honored his decision.
Some among both the Emperor’s faction and the noble faction openly furrowed their brows in disapproval.
‘Perhaps a charge of lèse-majesté might knock some sense into them.’
For once, I had the distinct impression that the two opposing factions were likely thinking the same thing.
After allowing the murmuring nobles ample time to process the news, the Emperor finally clapped the armrest of her throne lightly.
“I trust that all of you will graciously accept this decision, reached after much deliberation between the Grand Duke and myself.”
Beneath her bold declaration lay an unspoken sentiment: What can you do about it if you don’t like it?
Fortunately, the nobles in attendance weren’t foolish enough to miss the underlying message of their sovereign’s words.
Before long, the hall fell silent again, and the Emperor, looking around with satisfaction, smiled.
“It seems I’ve talked longer than usual. I hadn’t intended to interrupt your pleasant evening.”
Her hearty laughter filled the hall.
“Please, continue to enjoy the banquet. After all, your enjoyment of an imperial event is one of my greatest joys.”
With that, the Emperor gestured toward the orchestra, and the musicians picked up their instruments.
Soft music resumed, and as if her business here was complete, the Emperor quickly exited the hall, guiding the Empress with her.
They seemed so harmonious as they left together that it was almost enviable.
‘Well, I suppose it’s about time for us to leave too…’
I had already met Diana, had conversations—even if they’d gone in entirely unexpected directions—and there was no longer any reason to stay.
At least, that was the plan, until a petite figure with platinum blonde hair came dashing toward us with all the speed her short legs could muster.
“Grand Duke! Grand Duchess!”
The loud voice calling out to us from afar drew all the attention that had just dispersed back to us in an instant.
Princess Louisa skidded to a dramatic halt in front of us, glancing around quickly. Seeing her, the startled nobles hastily averted their gazes.
It seemed that the Princess could be helpful at times like this.
However, she clearly wasn’t interested in them.
Bowing theatrically, Louisa lowered her voice and spoke in a conspiratorial tone.
“How did it go?”
“…Pardon?”
What was she talking about?
“Diana Lawrence, of course!”
“Oh.”
That’s when I finally recalled something I had forgotten.
The mischievous princess had been so wary of Diana that she had boldly declared she would play the wedding march when Ian and I entered the banquet hall.
After glancing around, I leaned closer to whisper in her ear.
“Don’t worry. Lady Diana Lawrence has no feelings for the Grand Duke anymore.”
“…Huh? Is that true?”
“Yes, I just spoke with her a little while ago.”
“You spoke with her…?”
The princess narrowed her eyes.
Though she didn’t say it aloud, her expression clearly conveyed her thoughts: Really? Since when have the two of you gotten so close?
I simply smiled in response, trying to remain composed.
After all, I couldn’t exactly say, “Well, Diana suddenly grabbed me and declared she’d remain single for the rest of her life. I certainly didn’t see that coming!”
When I didn’t provide a clear answer, the princess scrutinized me suspiciously for a moment before stepping back with a thoughtful hum.
“For now, I’ll believe you.”
Her tone made it clear she was doing so reluctantly.
Fortunately, I had learned over the past few months of dealing with the princess that the best way to handle her in moments like this was to quickly change the subject.
“By the way, congratulations. It seems your official coronation as Crown Princess is finally happening.”
“Well… Her Majesty insisted so much. What choice do I have?”
Despite her feigned indifference, her shoulders rose noticeably, betraying her excitement.
I stifled a laugh.
“Of course. You’ll be extremely busy from now on. There must be a mountain of work waiting for you in just a month.”
“Oh, right. That’s actually why I came over right now—to ask the Grand Duchess about Diana.”
Was Diana really that bothersome to her?
Thinking about it, in the original story, the princess wasn’t quite a central villain, but she wasn’t just a passing extra either. She had been relentless in tormenting Diana.
Perhaps that’s something I won’t have to witness anymore…
While I was lost in brief contemplation, the princess glanced between Ian and me with a sly grin before taking a step back.
“Anyway, you two look great today in your matching outfits. Very stylish. Simply the best.”
She gave us a thumbs-up, retreating with an exaggerated show of reluctance.
Before she got far, however, a chamberlain—clearly sent by the Emperor—appeared and dragged her away with a sour expression.
Being the Crown Princess doesn’t seem easy. If it’s already like this…
For the first time, I felt a little sorry for her.
But my fleeting sympathy didn’t last long.
The reason?
Immediately after the princess left, nobles began circling around us like vultures.
Normally, a member of the imperial family who renounced their claim to the throne would be treated like a discarded kite, losing even the few supporters they had left. But the Emperor’s emphasis on Ian’s voluntary renunciation seemed to have piqued their hyena-like curiosity.
At least this time, I wasn’t their target. That dubious honor fell to Ian.
Feeling like a helpless herbivore suddenly dropped into the Serengeti, I edged closer to him.
“Um, Ian.”
“Yes, Eloise?”
“…Should I stay by your side?”
It was a generous offer, but his response was unexpectedly cryptic.
“I’m not sure that’ll be possible.”
Ian gestured with his chin toward a group of noblewomen watching us with unrestrained interest.
Their faces were unfamiliar, suggesting they weren’t people I usually interacted with. If I got caught up with them, it was clear I’d face an exhausting situation.
“Hmm.”
With a soft sigh, I let go of Ian’s hand.
“…Eloise?”
“Good luck. You’ve got this.”
When it comes to moments like these, self-preservation is key.
It didn’t take me more than five seconds to decide to abandon Ian and make my escape.
Ignoring his suddenly forlorn gaze, I quietly slipped out of the banquet hall.
I’ll come back in about thirty minutes, I thought.
I trusted my husband to handle things on his own for a while.
Come to think of it, maybe that’s why the Emperor had made her swift exit as well.
As I mused over this, I moved toward the back garden, away from the crowd.
It was then that someone suddenly grabbed my arm without warning and yanked me forcefully.
“Ugh…!”
A sharp pain shot through me as the world spun, and the next thing I knew, my back hit a cold wall.
Standing before me was none other than—
“Hayden Roger.”
“We need to talk.”
With his cold, dark green eyes gleaming ominously, Hayden Roger glared down at me.
• • •
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