ITETD 36

Chapter 36

The emperor’s greenhouse party—held strangely in the middle of winter—had two main topics that everyone couldn’t stop talking about.

First: the greenhouse itself, an over-the-top display of wealth and power.

Second: the shocking appearance of Duke Hertrio… escorting a commoner woman.

Since the emperor and his splendor were a given, it was the duke’s date that captured the nobles’ attention.

No noble family would ever turn down the chance to marry off a daughter to a young, unmarried duke. So many had tried—quietly pushing their daughters toward him—that you could spend a whole night just listing all the attempts.

But every time, the duke had rejected them coldly and clearly. No chances given.

Some families had even sent direct marriage proposals, but the duke responded with polite refusal letters. He didn’t even meet them in person.

Eventually, rumors spread: “Maybe the duke isn’t into women,” or, “Maybe something’s wrong with him.”

But the duke, Calix Axel Hertrio, never cared about any of the rumors. He just stayed in his territory and only came to the capital when the emperor summoned him.

It might’ve been easier for people to let go… if he were at least ugly.

But no—Calix was ridiculously handsome.

That was why noble families, especially their daughters, just couldn’t give up on him.

And now… he appeared at an imperial party, arm in arm with some random commoner girl he barely even knew?

Most of the people here were dying to see her face.

Even the emperor was attending this party, which made it a very big deal.

Sure, the girl was said to be a powerful mage and had joined the knights, but she was still just a commoner—and didn’t even have an official title yet!

And yet, the duke brought her as his personal partner, even sharing private, friendly moments in full view of others.

Everyone who saw them thought the same thing:

“That girl must be talented in other ways too…”
“Or the duke must have very high standards.”

Either way, the gossip flew fast.

At one table, a group of noblewomen whispered together.

“Didn’t he bring her to the estate just three months ago?”
asked the Marchioness of Part, who’d once tried (and failed) to marry her daughter off to Calix.

“Yes, that’s what I heard too. Right after the emperor’s birthday celebration.”

The mysterious woman who had appeared in the Hertrio estate three months ago was now well-known among capital nobility.

“I don’t even know if she’s actually a strong mage. No one’s ever seen her in action.”

Others nodded in agreement.

“Could it be… he only brought her because of her looks? Surely he wouldn’t create a scandal by having a child out of wedlock…”

That was whispered behind a fan by Countess Coupin, whose family had also tried and failed to arrange a marriage with the duke.

“Bringing a commoner woman to an emperor’s party? Even if it’s supposed to be more casual, there are standards, you know.”

Tsk. Someone clicked their tongue.

It was just like Calix to ignore what everyone thought. Still, none of them expected him to go this far.

And yet—despite all the judgment—they had to admit one thing:

The two of them looked amazing together.

The noble ladies’ gossip was nonstop, but the noble young women had a different reaction.

No one dared to speak about it first—it felt like admitting defeat.

So instead, they all pretended not to care, stealing secret glances at Calix and his partner.

They couldn’t believe the duke had really brought a commoner. But that woman… she was undeniably beautiful.

“They… kind of look good together.”

One noblewoman caught herself thinking it, then quickly covered her mouth.

“What am I thinking?!”

But she couldn’t help it. She found herself completely drawn in, watching as Calix and the mysterious mage danced.

It wasn’t just her. Everyone’s eyes naturally followed them—they were mesmerizing.

* * *

“What are people saying?”

“That you’re too handsome, and I’m too pretty.”

Calix leaned in and whispered. I replied casually, holding a glass of champagne.

We had danced a few times and now sat at a small table off to the side of the greenhouse.

Around us were rare and exotic flowers, sparkling under the lights. There was even a little manmade stream flowing nearby. Magic butterflies flitted through the air.

I raised my hand, and one landed gently on it. When I blew on it, it turned into glittering light and disappeared.

“And apparently I’m shameless for walking in here like I belong—even though I’m just a commoner.”

I kept that thought to myself as I watched the butterfly vanish.

The moment I entered the greenhouse, I had secretly opened my magic sense to the max.

Basically, I was using my magic like a personal eavesdropping system—it let me hear what people all around the room were saying.

Unfortunately… all I heard was gossip. About Calix and me.

“What’s the duke’s type?”
“Is she really a mage?”
“She’s just a commoner!”
“Wow, this greenhouse is amazing.”

Even though I used magic to do it, nothing useful came out of it. Just petty chatter.

So I cut the magic off.

“Maybe it’s because the emperor hasn’t shown up yet.”

It had been almost an hour since we arrived, but neither the emperor nor the crown prince had appeared.

“So what—are we supposed to just entertain ourselves?”

But then why had the emperor told Calix to make sure I came?

“I thought he’d at least show up on the first day.”

I’d been so distracted by the possibility of running into the female lead that I hadn’t prepared myself for the emperor at all.

Just then, a royal attendant stepped into the center of the ballroom, raising a crystal glass.

Clink, clink.

The clear, high-pitched sound drew everyone’s attention. The music stopped.

Then the attendant raised his voice.

“Presenting His Imperial Majesty, the Sun of the Empire—Yerevalen D’Bah Kastina Shudafed Loravan III—and His Highness, Prince Adrian Kilian Mephis Loravan. Please rise!”

The whole room went silent. Everyone stood up and adjusted their posture.

Calix turned to me.

“Rena, come here.”

He pulled me gently to his side, placing me just behind him.

I could tell he was on full alert.

Suddenly, I felt a spike of anxiety.

“What if the emperor recognizes me?”

Should I use magic to blur my face slightly? Just in case?

I almost did it, but then I remembered what happened on the train. If there’s another mage with the emperor, they might notice.

“Better not cause unnecessary trouble.”

While I kept my head down, Calix gently squeezed my hand. It was warm—and somehow, that single touch calmed me.

“Right. I shouldn’t be worrying about me right now. I should be worried about the crazy male lead who might try to kill the emperor.”

Thinking that helped settle my nerves.

Then, I heard footsteps approaching. More than one person was coming.

Everyone bowed.

Then, the attendant shouted:

“His Majesty the Emperor has arrived!”

“His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived!”

A part of me wanted to look up… but I forced myself to stay still.

Then a deep, powerful voice echoed through the greenhouse.

“I’m glad to see everyone enjoying the party.”

It was my first time hearing the emperor’s voice—but I knew right away.

“That’s him.”

My heart thudded.

It was commanding and noble. No one could doubt that this man was the one in charge.

Without thinking, I bowed even deeper.

“What do you think of the empire’s new greenhouse? I’m very pleased with it. Are you as well?”

I could feel the emperor looking around.

Was it just my imagination, or was he staring at me for a long time?

“Why did he invite me?”

“If he realizes who I really am…”

What would he think—knowing I was the child of the people he had killed?

“How does he see me?”
“A poor orphaned girl?”
“The daughter of traitors?”
“Or just a tool to bring him power…?”

Without realizing it, I looked up.

It wasn’t intentional.

And in that exact moment—

Our eyes met.