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CHAPTER 12
Evgeni’s voice rang through the banquet hall:
“Sister, I saved you a seat beside me.”
The room fell quiet.
All eyes turned to us—some expectant, others amused.
She smiled sweetly, her hand gracefully gesturing to the empty chair beside her.
The chair was intentionally placed one seat below her in rank.
Subtle. Calculated.
“Won’t you sit with me?” she asked again, louder this time.
I felt Ilia tense behind me.
“…Princess, what should we—?”
“Nothing,” I said calmly.
Then I walked forward.
Evgeni’s expression lit up in victory for a split second—
Until I passed her table completely.
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
I made my way to the head table, where the seats for the direct imperial bloodline were placed.
My seat. The one Evgeni had tried to claim as hers.
A noble stammered, “P-Princess, that seat is—”
I calmly sat down and looked up at him.
“It’s mine.”
The hall went utterly silent.
Evgeni stood frozen, still smiling, but her fingers were clenched tightly around her skirt.
She hadn’t expected this.
The Emperor arrived shortly after.
Everyone bowed.
He walked in, expression unreadable as always, and took his seat at the center of the high table.
His eyes passed over me for a beat longer than the others.
And then—
He said nothing.
He didn’t correct me.
That silence spoke volumes.
Evgeni must have felt it too, because she lowered her eyes quickly, her smile faltering.
The banquet proceeded.
Dances, toasts, prayers at the imperial altar.
But under the glittering lights and cheerful music, a quiet war was being fought.
I could see it in the glances exchanged by the nobles. Some were watching me now—not with pity, but curiosity. Others whispered behind fans, gauging which sister would rise first.
At one point, the Crown Prince approached.
“Enjoying the banquet, Ririen?”
“It’s very… lively.”
He smiled faintly.
“I see you’ve taken your rightful seat.”
“I was tired of standing in the background.”
He chuckled under his breath.
“You’ve drawn more eyes tonight than Evgeni. That’s rare.”
“I didn’t come to be seen. I came to be remembered.”
His smile disappeared.
A flicker of calculation passed over his face.
“…Be careful.”
“I always am.”
Later that night, as I returned to my palace, Ilia was practically dancing beside me.
“Princess! You were brilliant! Everyone was staring! Even the Duke of Avelant nodded in approval!”
I smiled faintly.
“Let them watch. The more they see, the less they’ll underestimate me.”
Because tonight, I hadn’t just challenged Evgeni.
I had claimed my place.
