By Zephyria 
The pristine white marble floor of the banquet hall sparkled dazzlingly.
The large frames and tapestries adorning the walls accentuated the grand atmosphere of the hall, while dozens of chandeliers hanging from the high ceiling scattered brilliant light like starlight, adding a fantastical charm.
Emperor Arnold appeared to be in high spirits as he celebrated his birthday. Sitting on the golden throne carved with lions, he smiled continuously while enjoying the festivities.
A red carpet that began at the entrance stretched all the way to the emperor’s feet. People lined up on the carpet, stepping forward one by one to offer their congratulations and gifts to the emperor.
This was quite a rare spectacle, with an array of unique and extraordinary gifts pouring in, reminiscent of a competition. In particular, the gifts from Kazarzhan drew gasps of admiration from everyone.
“Your Majesty, happy birthday.”
As her turn came, Yuria Beatrice stepped forward and presented a handkerchief she had embroidered herself. Her embroidery skills were so unimpressive that even the empress couldn’t help but laugh out loud upon seeing it.
Instantly becoming the subject of mockery, Yuria blushed and lowered her head. However, her gift was not yet finished.
“Your Majesty, I would like to offer a humble prayer of congratulations. May I proceed?”
Emperor Arnold, who had been indifferent to the trivial gift, suddenly brightened up. He had always been unable to resist the prayers of a saint.
“Of course! What are you waiting for? Quickly lay a cushion on the floor!”
As soon as the emperor’s command was given, a large, flat cushion was placed in front of Yuria. The attention of the crowd began to focus on her.
Yuria took a small breath and knelt on the cushion. With her hands clasped together and her eyes closed, she appeared almost reverent.
Yuria’s lips began to move. As her heartfelt prayer continued, the mark on her shoulder blade glowed white.
Wow!
Those witnessing the sacred sight gasped in amazement. The reactions of the foreign guests were particularly enthusiastic.
Killian and Larisa were equally astonished. Larisa nearly dropped her knife, while Killian’s dark eyes sparkled as he let out a small whistle.
“That woman is incredible, huh? The crown prince isn’t just being protective for no reason.”
Larisa remained silent, tightly pursing her lips. Her fiercely narrowed eyes turned back to Yuria, and soon she spotted the crown prince attentively caring for the saint.
The sight was so tender that it drove her nearly mad with envy. She couldn’t comprehend that the ideal type she had long dreamed of was being taken by another woman, especially one of lowly status like a saint.
Larisa abruptly turned her head. Clenching her jaw and trembling her fist, she caught Killian’s eye as he sipped wine beside her.
“That’s ugly, Lara. Your face is full of jealousy.”
“Don’t just sit there, help me out.”
“Help you how?”
“You know what you’re good at!”
Killian shrugged as if he didn’t understand. This only fueled Larisa’s anger further.
“That saint or whatever, go charm her! I want you to create an opening for me!”
“Well, I don’t really feel like it.”
Killian replied nonchalantly. He was buried in a plush chair, swirling his wine glass. The red wine inside rippled, and through the transparent glass, Alexis and the saint were reflected. A sly smile crept onto Killian’s lips.
“That’s something you have to do yourself.”
“Are you really going to be like this?”
“Lara, have you forgotten our Kazarzhan’s national motto?”
“Those who desire, seize.”
Recalling the motto, Larisa’s expression became more resolute than before. Killian nodded in satisfaction and raised his glass toward her.
The main dinner began. The long tables lining the walls of the banquet hall seemed endless.
As the feast continued, entertainment such as music, short plays, and dances unfolded on the open stage in the center. Guests were engrossed in enjoying the banquet while watching the performances.
Hundreds of guests were seated at their designated spots. The higher their status, the closer they sat to the emperor, while those of lower rank were seated at the edges.
Yuria sat near the center of the long table. Fortunately, she was flanked by Claude Vandell, the commander of the knights.
Having been visibly tense just moments ago, Yuria’s face relaxed as she moved away from the high seats. She chatted and laughed with Claude, enjoying the banquet.
From a distance, Alexis watched Yuria and Claude’s cheerful interaction. Seeing the people he cared for happy brought a faint smile to his lips.
It would have been better if he could join them, but he didn’t feel particularly regretful. He was the crown prince and had to fulfill his duties.
Alexis wiped the smile from his face and returned to his original stern demeanor. Nearby, nobles were bustling about, flattering the emperor and empress.
His blue eyes scanned their faces closely, then swept across the banquet table. Such a gathering was an excellent opportunity to gauge the factions supporting the current empress.
As Alexis surveyed the surroundings, his gaze suddenly landed on the man sitting closest to him. It dawned on him that there was another person who needed to fulfill his duties beside him.
Cecile Adrian was dressed more formally than usual for the birthday celebration. His newly tailored formal attire complemented his exceptionally fair skin.
When he wasn’t smiling, he appeared rather cold, and even now, he looked oddly sharp. His posture, sitting without a hint of disarray, exuded the authority of royalty. But what did it matter? Alexis could clearly see that Cecile was lost in thought.
He glanced down at Cecile’s plate. It seemed he was still stuck on the appetizers, with hardly any signs of having touched the food.
“Why are you picking at your food like that?”
Cecile turned his head at the question. As if coming back to his senses, a clear light returned to his emerald eyes. He briefly glanced at Alexis before letting out a long sigh, as if burdened by the weight of the world.
“I’m just not very hungry.”
“Your sensitive nature isn’t going anywhere.”
Alexis chuckled lightly. He knew that Cecile had been particularly concerned about the birthday celebration. Even today, it was evident that he was more tense than usual.
Casually cutting his food, he said, “I hear the empress personally planned the menu. If you don’t even touch it, people will start talking.”
“Isn’t it better than forcing myself to eat and causing a scene?”
“You know that all our actions will be subject to various speculations.”
“…….”
“At least eat a little. Don’t go bothering the poor attendants later, saying you’re hungry.”
A dish of oysters covered in a soggy sauce was replaced with tenderly sliced lamb, ready to eat.
Cecile stared blankly at the switched plate before reluctantly picking up his fork. It was hard to refuse Alexis’s consideration, as he was immune to it.
But once he took a bite, it was actually quite good. Chewing the juicy meat instinctively, Cecile fell back into his thoughts.
Today was the very birthday celebration in question. Thanks to the special care he had taken, Princess Larisa had been getting through without any major incidents. If they could just get through today safely, the troubles Cecile had feared would not come to pass.
Cecile’s gaze habitually swept across the table opposite him. A rather distant spot was reserved for the Kazarzhan royal family. However, in a moment of distraction, he realized Larisa was nowhere to be seen.
Flustered, Cecile stared ahead, trying to assess the situation, only to lock eyes with Killian, who was far away. He raised his wine glass with a mischievous smile. Cecile stiffened his expression and quickly looked away.
About ten minutes passed when a servant approached Alexis and whispered discreetly.
“Your Highness, the princess of Kazarzhan requests a meeting.”
As if he had expected this, Alexis’s expression did not change. He took a sip of wine before responding.
“That’s troublesome, Your Highness.”
“He said he would wait until you arrive.”
“Oh dear, it seems he plans to stay up all night.”
“He also mentioned that if you do not come, there will be a great uproar.”
“…….”
As a sharp gaze pierced through him, the servant bowed his head repeatedly. It felt as if he had committed an irreverent sin just by delivering a threat to the crown prince.
“…I apologize, Your Highness.”
Alexis, sweating profusely, stared at the flustered servant before brushing his hair back. The strong hand that swept his platinum hair aside left it slightly disheveled.
“You’re so reckless that it’s not even worth getting angry over.”
Alexis tossed the napkin aside. As he pulled his chair back and stood up, a startled Cecile grabbed the hem of Alexis’s garment.
“Your Highness!”
Just as Alexis had taken a step, he paused and spoke nonchalantly.
“Why do you look so surprised? Didn’t you expect the princess to come on strong at least once?”
He was right. But Cecile couldn’t easily shake off his anxiety. His grip on the hem tightened.
“…Can I not go with you?”