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Chapter 31
Before long, the carriage carrying Luiza and the duchess gradually slowed and came to a stop.
The mother and daughter arrived at the imperial palace and entered the banquet hall with their chins held high.
“Duchess of the Lauen House and Lady of House Lauen have arrived.”
They had expected to draw immediate attention, but the nobles’ reactions were far more indifferent than Luiza had anticipated.
To be precise, they weren’t waiting for Luiza at all—they were waiting for someone else entirely.
“I wonder what the Empress’s dress will look like today?”
“I know, I’m really curious too.”
Though irritated, Luiza also found herself looking forward to seeing Izaya’s supposed humiliation.
Just hurry up and arrive.
But soon after, she felt several gazes on her and frowned slightly.
“Apparently, the Duchess of Hallis said—”
“I heard from Marchioness Camellia that—”
She wanted nothing more than to slap those insolent women on the spot.
But time was on her side.
Hmph. Just wait. When Izaya shows up looking utterly disgraceful, even those arrogant noblewomen will lose their composure.
At last, after an agonizing wait, the horn announcing the entrance of the Emperor and Empress echoed through the hall.
The entire banquet fell silent as everyone turned toward the entrance.
Then, almost immediately, gasps began to spread.
“Good heavens…”
“Oh my…”
What captured everyone’s attention was the Emperor.
He wore a dazzling blue ceremonial robe adorned with jewels and silver embroidery—so extravagant it might have seemed excessive on anyone else. Yet his striking features made it look perfectly natural.
His youthful face still carried traces of boyhood, yet it possessed an otherworldly beauty, detached from the mortal realm. At the same time, his gaze radiated an overwhelming presence befitting a ruler.
Like a lone sun suspended high in the heavens, anyone who stood beside him seemed destined to lose their brilliance.
And yet, the Empress did not lose out to him in the slightest.
No—she shone precisely because she stood beside him.
Her black hair contrasted beautifully with the Emperor’s silver strands, and her pale face was accentuated by deep red lips.
Her elegant blue dress, at first glance, did not appear overly extravagant.
But with every shift of light, the jewels sewn into the fabric shimmered like a galaxy scattered across the night sky.
That subtle brilliance enhanced the Empress’s poise and serenity.
Every detail was breathtakingly flawless, leaving a deep impression on everyone present.
If the Emperor was the sun, then the Empress was the moon reflecting his light.
So the rumors that the Emperor and Empress are the most beautiful couple in the empire weren’t exaggerations after all.
Just as everyone silently agreed, the Empress leaned slightly toward the Emperor and whispered something.
At that moment, the Emperor’s cold expression softened into a faint smile.
Seeing the imperial couple smile together so naturally left the nobles staring in awe.
It was as if they were witnessing a masterpiece painting so beautiful that they couldn’t look away.
As all attention shifted toward the imperial couple, Luiza clenched her fists.
Those fools!
Even Luiza had been momentarily taken aback when she saw Izaya.
The fabric of the Empress’s dress was undeniably high-quality at first glance.
Luiza narrowed her eyes, searching for any flaw.
Still… the color looks slightly faded. And the design feels a bit outdated…
Then something caught her attention, and her eyes widened.
That ornament… don’t tell me?
She examined the dress more closely and smirked.
What is this? She just altered some old dress she had stuffed away in her wardrobe?
She was certain. It was the same worn dress she had seen before when she once rummaged through Izaya’s closet.
And the other accessories are new, but that necklace is completely outdated…
She clicked her tongue, amused.
I wonder how much they’ll laugh when they notice.
However, neither Luiza nor the other nobles dared to approach the Empress.
Because the Emperor stood beside her.
What is that look in his eyes…?
They had heard the rumors—that he was ruthless, violent, a cold-blooded ruler.
But seeing those sharp violet eyes in person made it impossible to move. It was enough to make one’s knees weaken.
At that moment, the Emperor firmly took the Empress’s hand and looked at her.
“Empress, the floor is slippery. Be careful not to fall.”
As if nothing had happened, his expression turned gentle.
Was I mistaken?
Those who witnessed the sudden shift in the Emperor’s demeanor questioned their own eyes.
Yet Izaya, having only looked forward, failed to notice anything unusual.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
As they reached the center of the hall, the Emperor gently lifted the hand he was holding and said formally,
“My Empress, would you grant me the honor of this dance?”
The noblewomen watching let out soft sighs.
“Oh my, what a perfect moment.”
“They suit each other so well.”
But contrary to their thoughts, Izaya’s mind was filled only with concern for Ernst.
Please… don’t make any mistakes today.
They had practiced dancing together, but just when she thought he was improving, he would inevitably make a mistake.
She had even whispered to him to stay calm right before entering the hall.
Though he had promised not to worry her, she couldn’t help it.
Still, she had no choice.
She took his hand.
“It would be my honor.”
Soft music began to flow through the grand hall.
Looking at Ernst with determined eyes, Izaya whispered quietly,
“Ernst, just do exactly what we practiced, alright?”
He frowned slightly in response.
“Just focus on me.”
And so, they began to move with the rhythm of the music.
Huh?
Something was strange.
Had he always been this good?
He had always been slightly stiff and awkward, but now Ernst moved as naturally as flowing water.
What… when did he get this good?
As Izaya lowered her gaze in surprise, Ernst slipped an arm around her waist.
“I told you to focus.”
For a moment she just stared at him blankly, then let out a small laugh.
To scold me for not focusing on the dance… does he enjoy dancing that much?
But soon, the music was nearing its end.
Izaya prepared to release his hand at the final beat.
Now should be fine.
She gave him a subtle glance.
Ernst, we’ve finished one song.
She expected him to understand and let go.
But… Ernst did not release her hand.
“Ernst?”
She called out in confusion, but he was only glaring sharply at the surroundings.
Looking at them like rivals… does he want to show off his dancing skills?
Well, he had trained hard, so it was understandable.
He is only fifteen after all.
Izaya smiled fondly at him, completely unaware that he had been glaring at the young nobles with killing intent.
Meanwhile, Luiza was spreading rumors among the nobles close to her.
“Her dress looked a bit worn… and I was right after all.”
The nobles gasped.
“So you’re saying the Empress’s dress was damaged in the fire and she had to repair an old one?”
“Yes. I clearly saw the same ornament in her wardrobe before.”
Luiza added with tearful eyes,
“As her younger sister, it breaks my heart. If I had known she would wear something so old and patched together, I would have lent her one of my dresses…”
For those who valued wealth, the Empress might have seemed modest. But this was high society—the empire where extravagance was virtue.
The nobles clicked their tongues in disdain.
“Normally one prepares a spare dress…”
“Oh my, didn’t you just say it looked elegant and refined earlier?”
“That was before I realized it was actually an old dress.”
“Still, her accessories are quite extravagant… perhaps all the palace budget went into jewelry.”
As they continued to speak ill of the Empress, Luiza covered her mouth and laughed.
Good. They’re all taking the bait.
And watching Luiza’s scheme unfold… there was someone observing her actions.
