Episode 78

As we neared the capital, an increasing number of carriages gathered around us.

Some even bore the royal crest, signifying they carried members of the imperial family or high-ranking nobility. Inside the grand hall, the atmosphere was already thick with nobles gathered in clusters, sharing the latest gossip.

Among the murmur of conversations, a familiar name surfaced, the one currently at the center of all the rumors.

“She’ll attend today, right? Lady Sierra Drenihan.”

“She’s been appearing at social gatherings more often lately, so I suppose she will.”

The ladies looked around, then lowered their voices.

“And did you all see the latest issue of the Imperial Gazette?”

“Of course. There’s usually some major scandal at the turn of the year, but this one was a shock. Those two… getting married?”

The two in question were, of course, Grand Duke Ludwig Karsian and Sierra Drenihan.

While some dismissed the ridiculous rumor as mere gossip, others genuinely believed it. The tale of the two spending an entire week together at the Karsian estate in the south had spread like wildfire across the capital.

Some argued that Sierra had gone south for her health and Ludwig to oversee reforms in Navon City. But people tended to prefer sensational stories.

“Well, maybe they’ve decided to go public. They’ll definitely enter together today.”

Just as one lady was fanning herself and speculating, the chamberlain’s voice rang out clearly.

“Young Lord Serkhan Drenihan and Lady Sierra Drenihan have arrived!”

As expected, all eyes turned toward the entrance, where a striking father-daughter pair entered, drawing the attention of the entire room.

Serkhan Drenihan still possessed the kind of beauty that inspired poets to sing his praises. If anything, his allure had only deepened with age, like a flower blossoming on an unreachable cliff. Rumors of his cold, celibate life after losing his wife were known even beyond the empire’s borders.

And by his side was Sierra Drenihan, who looked even more beautiful than before. With her honey-blonde hair and intriguing pink eyes, she was like a doll crafted by a master artisan’s careful hands.

“This must be what they mean by unbearably beautiful.”

Many of the men in the room couldn’t help but murmur, momentarily captivated.

“Huh? It seems she didn’t arrive with Grand Duke Karsian.”

“I thought they’d come openly as partners, considering the rumors….”

“Maybe the rumors were exaggerated and false from the start.”

At this, a few young ladies’ eyes sparkled with hope.

The reason people misunderstood so readily was largely due to Ludwig himself. He had a distinct look and demeanor when dealing with Sierra compared to everyone else.

Ordinarily, Ludwig Karsian was a man with a cool, distant gaze and an indifferent tone—a veritable stone wall. And yet, in front of Sierra, he became as gentle as a fox, subtly wagging his tail in harmless playfulness.

Those who had even briefly conversed with him couldn’t hide their surprise at his change in demeanor around her. It was evident to anyone with eyes that Sierra was special to him. Even whispers about a mysterious mark appearing on Ludwig’s neck had circulated, with many speculating Sierra might be the one to whom he was bound. The rumors of their romance had drawn intense public interest.

Perhaps in response to this scrutiny, however, the two had decided not to feed the speculation tonight.

After Sierra entered the hall, a few other nobles and foreign royals arrived. Only then was Grand Duke Karsian’s name announced.

As the chamberlain opened the doors, an extraordinarily handsome man stepped inside, one whose beauty seemed beyond mere words.

His golden eyes, the color of sunlight, were unusually subdued, and his mouth was set in a stern line. Yet Ludwig Karsian’s face was so otherworldly that it drew gasps from onlookers, who stared as though seeing him for the first time.

Upon entering, Ludwig scanned the hall, his gaze cold and sharp, until it settled in one spot.

Though his expression remained impassive, a chilling aura emanated from him, causing those nearby to feel an instinctive shiver.

His intense gaze was directed toward none other than Prince Theodore.

Theodore was laughing, engaged in a lively conversation with Sierra.

Ludwig’s attention locked onto the two of them.

Sensing the heated stare, Theodore looked up, meeting the piercing eyes of a predator.

With a smirk, Theodore gave a nonchalant shrug, as if amused.

* * *

Unlike the other royals, Theodore was already mingling with the crowd, greeting families who supported him.

As I was quietly admiring his dedication, our eyes met. Excusing himself from his conversation, Theodore made his way over to me.

“Greetings, Prince Theodore.”

“It’s been a while, Lady Sierra. I heard you spent some time recuperating in the south. You look a bit tanned.”

The southern sun was strong, and even a short time outside could leave one sun-kissed. With my naturally pale skin, I found myself rather pleased with the healthy color I’d gained.

“Did the retreat help with your recovery?”

“Yes, breathing in the fresh air felt like it swept away all my fatigue.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

While we spoke, his gaze shifted over my shoulder, and he flashed a brief smile.

I was curious about what had caught his attention, but just as I was about to turn, the chamberlain’s voice rang out, louder than usual, with a tone of awe.

“Presenting Duke Selber, Lord Arzen Selber, and… Lady Jenna Selber!”

At the mention of that unbelievable name, people turned, eyes wide, to look toward the entrance.

“What?”

Even Theodore sounded as if he couldn’t believe what he’d heard.

Slowly, I turned to face the door.

The grand doors opened, and there stood Duke Selber and Arzen, entering the hall. Beside Arzen, escorted on his arm, was a young girl.

A silver-haired girl who bore a striking resemblance to Arzen.

Unlike when I’d seen her in the south, she entered with a radiant smile.

“Is that really Lady Jenna?”

“It’s been years since she disappeared… This is unbelievable.”

“But look at her; anyone can see she resembles Lord Arzen. That’s unmistakably Lady Jenna.”

Jenna, the center of everyone’s astonished gaze, smiled with satisfaction, making her dazzling debut.

The shock and disbelief quickly turned into a welcoming celebration.

People swarmed around the Selber family like clouds descending from the sky.

“Is it true, Duke? You really found your daughter?”

In response to someone’s question, Duke Selber, his face filled with happiness, answered with pride.

“Yes, indeed. Allow me to formally introduce her to you all. This is my long-lost daughter, Jenna.”

His words left no room for doubt. The people had no choice but to accept it—this girl was Jenna Selber. A true miracle had taken place.

The Selber family had invested every resource in searching for their missing daughter, but after years with no trace, rumors had even circulated that she must have met an untimely end somewhere far from home.

Yet here she was, making a shocking entrance. Despite the harsh years she’d likely endured, Jenna was breathtaking. Her radiant silver hair and clear blue eyes, like the depths of the sea, captured every gaze in the room.

“Congratulations, Duke!”

“Welcome back, Lady Jenna!”

“Thank you all for the warm welcome,” Jenna replied, smiling shyly as she accepted their congratulations.

“As His Majesty will be arriving soon, perhaps we should all move further inside,” suggested Duke Selber, holding Jenna’s hand gently as they walked together.

The crowd that had gathered around the entrance began to disperse.

I watched as Jenna, drawing every eye in the hall, gracefully made her way inward.

At that moment, she turned her head in my direction. Our eyes met, connecting in the space between us. Her previously sweet, almost painted smile froze for an instant.