Author: alyalia

The emperor and the crown prince couple left the duke’s estate first. The unmarried second and third princes decided to stay at the banquet hall and mingle with nobles of their age.

 

Rakrensius personally stepped forward to send the three people back. Creating a visual effect on purpose, he pretended to form a hand seal while chanting a spell. All the guests who had already experienced the teleportation spell when they arrived couldn’t take their eyes off the scene in awe.

 

“Well then, enjoy yourselves,” the emperor said as a farewell before the three figures vanished.

 

For those who wished to return home, the wizards who attended as the groom’s groomsmen handed scrolls they had prepared in advance. A lengthy and complex process ensued as they verified each person’s identity and confirmed that the formula on the scroll was indeed set to lead them into their respective homes.

 

Meanwhile, the garden was enveloped in the full embrace of evening. The small orbs decorated between the garden’s shrubs and trees and illusion magic performed by wizards lit up the area as brightly as daylight, adding to the ambiance. The banquet, which began with the cutting of the six-tier cake in question, was also a grand success.

 

“That banquet dress is incredibly beautiful…”

 

“The prince can’t seem to take his eyes off her. It’s beyond honey dripping from his eyes. It seems like he’s already lost focus…”

 

“If a woman as gorgeous as the lady had chased after me and confessed love at first sight, I’d give her my heart and soul. Oh, should we start calling her as princess consort now?”

 

“No, she’s the Duchess of Ansi. Maybe the problem is that Nepelsian lack such handsome men…”

 

After having to wear a modest and extremely formal dress for the official ceremony in adherence to imperial customs, Selleana seemed to unleash herself by appearing in a striking red dress with a daringly open back, leaving a powerful impression right from the start of the banquet.

 

“Want to try the wedding cake? They say it’s really delicious. I thought it was just for show because of the floral decorations…”

 

“Aren’t those hydrangeas decorating the cake? I’ve never seen hydrangeas stay that fresh for so long. Must be magic, right?”

 

“Before the cake, try the Hampgonyu wine first.”

 

“I’ll go with the wine spritzer first. It’s wine mixed with soda water—perfect to wet my throat.”

 

The wedding cake, deliberately made one tier higher than the crown prince couple’s, was also well-received. The wines, diligently procured by the Benichi Trading Company and Michi’s shop for today, captivated everyone’s taste buds. Meanwhile, the quartet Selleana had invited to the Victory Festival ball three years ago was once again gladly invited to enliven the party.

 

“Darling, shall we see the dance skills I taught you?”

 

“… I’m not confident, but today is your day, so I’ll gladly comply.”

 

Although the banquet didn’t strictly adhere to the formal procedures of a banquet, the first dance naturally belonged to the main couple of the day.

 

“Now, place one hand here and hold my hand with the other.”

 

Just like when she made a move on him three years ago, Selleana guided his firm hand to hold her waist tightly. Thanks to their familiarity with each other’s bodies, his touch, wrapping around the curve from her waist to her hips, was exceptionally gentle.

 

“One, two, three, two, two, three.”

 

With Selleana’s voice counting the beat, the two began to move as if they were one.

 

“Back then, when I moved forward, you followed me, and we ended up bumping into each other.”

 

“…It was my first time learning, so I couldn’t help it.”

 

“I was so excited, thinking we were going to hug.”

 

“Really?”

 

“My heart felt like it was going to explode. Even though I was so drunk, I remember it vividly.”

 

Wanting to get closer to the man who didn’t dislike anything she said, she insisted on teaching him to dance. Back then, she only thought of him as a delightful conversation partner. She never imagined she’d become bold enough to seduce him for a night, not even when she offered to teach him to dance.

 

“What were you thinking back then? Why were you so willing to do everything I asked?”

 

“Nothing at all. Just talking to you felt like a dream, so I ended up doing whatever you suggested.”

 

“Really?”

 

Selleana chuckled softly, and as the two drew closer in step, she left a light kiss on his lips. When they moved apart and came back together, Rakrensius captured Selleana’s lips. As the melody changed, their movements quickened. Guests who had been watching them with admiration while enjoying drinks and food clapped along to the beat.

 

Surrounded by so many people, Selleana couldn’t stop smiling as she matched her movements with her beloved. She sent a gaze full of affection to Rakrensius, who was tense, trying not to make any mistakes.

 

“…Lea’s absolutely over the moon.”

 

[Rakrensius didn’t even get a proper night’s sleep last night.]

 

“He seems to look rather well for someone who didn’t sleep.”

 

[He said to be a good accessory for Selleana, he had to take care of himself. He had been using all sorts of things like grain packs and skincare treatments for the past month.]

 

“Well, it seems Miss Lea is head over heels for his lover for a reason.” Agnesia, who was watching them from afar while conversing with Di, chuckled.

 

Speaking of Agnesia, she didn’t want to stay at this banquet any longer than necessary, but given the occasion, she was enduring it. The disguise glasses she put on as soon as her role as a bridesmaid ended were a great help. Without them, people would have kept glancing at her to catch another glimpse of her pure beauty. Still, she hated crowded places, so Agnesia hid in a secluded spot, nibbling on the food and martini she had brought with her.

 

Doloret was busy as usual, discussing business with various investors, Rosalli had brought a partner today, and Michi was always surrounded by people, so Agnesia couldn’t go near her. Fortunately, Di, still in a reduced state, kept her company. Being a distortion in a fate herself, Agnesia could communicate with Di.

 

Time passed, and after the couple’s dance ended, a new melody began.

 

Oh, it’s the Ranteta dance. This is Rosi’s favorite song.”

 

[She must be having a blast with the grandson of Gillosen.]

 

Wow… I don’t know much about dancing, but that’s the most graceful dance I’ve ever seen. Rosi moved like a butterfly.”

 

The following songs were lively, fast-paced dance tunes chosen to entertain the guests. Rosalli, attending a Nepelsian-style banquet for the first time in a while, was thrilled and dragged her partner, Joshua Gillosen, to dance joyfully to one song after another. After enjoying three songs in a row, the two headed to the drink stand to quench their thirst.

 

Um, Rosalli?”

 

A cautious voice called out to Rosalli. Even without looking, Rosalli immediately recognized who it was. There had been a gaze that never left her while she danced with Joshua. The gaze directed at her was quite different from the envious looks of the gentlemen who had admired her and showered her with gifts.

 

“It’s been a while, Lord.”

 

“…Uh, yeah. Right… It seems you’ve been well…”

 

It was Evan Glen, the heir to Duke Glen and Rosalli’s legal brother.

 

“If you’re in Nepelsian, you should visit home.”

 

“I did visit.”

 

“…Huh?”

 

“My home, you know. The one on Chantelen Street.”

 

Ah…” Evan was at a loss for words at Rosalli’s curt response.

 

It had been almost two and a half years since Eirene’s return had caused a rift between Rosalli and Evan. Disappointed with Glen, Rosalli suddenly ran away and embarked on a trip abroad, leaving no chance to clear up the misunderstanding. Even trying to send someone after her was difficult since Rosalli was under the protection of the Benichi Trading Company. So, all he knew was that she had been staying in Gillosen for a long time, and then she returned without a word, bringing along someone presumed to be her lover. That someone turned out to be none other than the grandson of the King of Gillosen, which made it clear that the swan of Nepelsian’s social scene hadn’t gone anywhere…

 

Where do I even begin to untangle this relationship…. Evan Glen, feeling troubled, glanced at the man who had been standing protectively by Rosalli’s side.

 

The eldest grandson of the King of Gillosen was reputed for his incredible martial skills and bold personality, though whether it was fame or infamy was unclear. Yet, in person, he seemed quite amiable and gentle. He had been anxiously watching to see if Rosalli’s feet would hurt as she approached or if her wrist holding the wine glass would ache.

 

As the future head of the Glen family, Evan wanted to mend his relationship with Rosalli, and he saw this as an opportunity to properly acquaint himself with Joshua Gillosen. If her lover persuades her well, maybe Rosalli could soon let go of her old grudges…

 

“Nice to meet you, Sir Joshua Gillosen. I’ve heard of your reputation. My name is Even Glen.”

 

With unfounded optimism, Evan extended his hand for a handshake with Joshua. However, there was no response from Joshua Gillosen. He simply looked down coldly at Evan Glen’s hand, which was about half a span shorter than his own.

 

Uh, Sir…?”

 

“…”

 

“I hope we can get along…”

 

“…”

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