Eventually, the moon hung over the tip of the palace spire, signaling the beginning of the Founding Festival Ball. Envoys from various nations, including the Kingdom of Arlas and the Kingdom of Ravic, gathered to celebrate the anniversary and marveled at the couples dancing gracefully under the chandeliers.
“How beautiful.”
“Indeed. I heard they got married in about a month, and they seem to be a perfect match.”
“They look like the first emperor and her consort.”
“Exactly what I was thinking.”
Everyone agreed as they watched Kayden and Diana dance, embracing each other closely.
Kayden gracefully continued dancing, occasionally whispering to Diana. She would blush and scold him, only to end up laughing, and Kayden would chuckle playfully in response. It was clear from this scene how deeply they were in love with each other. Every time their eyes met, they couldn’t hide their smiles, which made the onlookers’ hearts flutter.
Finally, the music ended. Kayden and Diana stopped and bowed to the crowd. After a round of applause, they held hands and left the dance floor. The envoys, who had been watching like predators eyeing their prey, hurriedly approached them.
“Your Highness Third Prince!”
“It’s been a long time, Your Highness. Last time at the Founding Festival, I was unfamiliar with…”
“I heard you made a great contribution in the recent defense battle. Ah, and this must be the famous Third Princess Consort who has been the talk of the continent. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
For the past few years, the Founding Festival parade had been led by Rebecca and the knights of the first order. As a result, other nations had implicitly considered Rebecca as the crown princess and the envoys were so busy talking to her while ignoring Kayden.
But this year, news spread that Kayden had dramatically won the defense battle. At first, there was suspicion that the result might have been manipulated. However, as soon as they saw Kayden in person, all doubts vanished. The envoys’ minds were filled with the image of him waving to the crowd during the Founding Festival parade and dancing gracefully just a moment ago. Thus, they desperately tried to converse with Kayden to make up for the time they had ignored him.
Kayden engaged in conversation with them, not too humbly but graciously. Diana also participated in the conversation with a bright smile. The envoys were satisfied and left only after they were convinced that Kayden didn’t hold a grudge against them or their kingdoms.
After dealing with each envoy one by one, Kayden and Diana finally found themselves relatively alone.
“Diana, let’s go,” Kayden whispered, noticing that the attention of the crowd had shifted elsewhere.
Diana nodded. Holding hands, they quietly left the ballroom.
“This way.”
Kayden led Diana to a lounge at the end of the hallway. He handed her a bundle of clothes he had prepared and cleared his throat.
“I prepared some comfortable clothes, but… I’m not sure if they’ll fit. Try them on the inside first.” With that, Kayden gently pushed Diana into the dressing room and closed the door.
After a while, Diana emerged, dressed in the new clothes with a cloak draped over one arm. She squinted at Kayden, who had also changed into more comfortable attire. “The clothes fit perfectly.”
“Hmm, really? That’s a relief.”
Kayden, pretending to be indifferent, took the cloak from her arm and draped it over her shoulders, tying the ribbon.
“Is there anything special you want to do or a place you want to go?”
“Not really. I haven’t given it much thought… What about you, Kayden?”
“Anywhere you want to go.”
“That doesn’t help. I don’t know anything since it’s my first time.”
Diana playfully pinched his arm, feigning annoyance. Usually, Kayden would whine about the pain and rest his head on her shoulder, but this time, he paused.
“Diana, there’s a problem.”
“Yes? What do you—”
Diana, startled by his serious expression, widened her eyes. Kayden met her gaze with a slight frown.
“I know it sounds selfish, but the thought of experiencing the Founding Festival with you for the first time makes me really happy.”
Diana was momentarily speechless, her mouth slightly open in surprise, but Kayden was sincere. He had some experience with big events, having snuck out of the imperial palace with Elliot to enjoy the Founding Festival as a child. For example, he knew that as midnight approached, a masquerade parade would start crossing the streets, and instead of ringing bells to announce midnight, colorful fireworks would be launched into the sky. But aside from that, the fact he was sharing Diana’s ‘first’ made his heart race.
He murmured earnestly. “Do I seem like a pervert?”
“…Why are you saying that like it’s a sudden realization?”
“Still, you like me this way, don’t you? Right?”
As he finished tying the ribbon, Kayden quickly kissed the tip of her nose and smiled mischievously. Diana blushed and playfully slapped his arm.
“Will you stop saying such silly things?”
“Sorry, sorry. I’ll stop. Shall we go?”
Kayden laughed, raising his hands in mock surrender. Then he summoned his magic, chanting softly.
“Elfand.”
A breeze seemed to stir in the room momentarily, and a white leopard appeared, its tail flicking. Kayden lightly stroked Elfand’s head and turned to Diana.
“Let me introduce you. Diana, this is Elfand, a high-level spirit of light. Elfand, this is Diana.”
Since they had to sneak out of the imperial palace, traveling on Elfand was the safest option.
Diana, trying to hide her nerves, smiled at the golden eyes staring at her. Surely, it won’t notice that I’m an elementalist just by touching me… right? I’ve never heard of such a case among other elementalists…
Kayden had told her about the plan to ride Elfand, so she had concealed her mana even more thoroughly from the moment they left the ballroom. She hadn’t summoned a spirit herself, so unless Elfand had a special ability, it shouldn’t notice. But she couldn’t help feeling anxious.
“Hello… Lord Elfand.”
<…Hmm? You know how to speak politely? But why are you talking so casually with me?>
Yuro, please be quiet…
As Diana hesitated and reached out to greet Elfand, Yuro grumbled and complained in her mind. Diana barely maintained a smiling face as she watched Efland slowly approach her.
Grrr. Elfand, who made a low growling sound, brought its nose close to Diana’s hand and sniffed it. Diana’s heart skipped a beat.
Please, just let it go. She waited nervously for Elfand’s reaction.
It was at that moment.
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