Chapter 6
I was concerned that he might bring up what I had done a few days ago, but fortunately, Benya retained his usual calm smile and reached for me. I reciprocated with a smile and took his hand.
"Hello to you as well. You look splendid today."
"Ah, I've put in my best effort to appear so. So that I don't look like some ruffian next to a prominent lady."
A tingling sensation emanated from our linked hands. Him in a black frock coat suit, with his silver-gray hair, sky-blue eyes, and dimples. I find it hard to divert my gaze from him.
"Shall we proceed, then?"
"Sure, let's go."
Let's head to the court banquet together, everyone.
* * *
A black bracelet adorned with butterfly motifs made from pearls and onyx emitted a tranquil yet refined charm. I released a sigh while admiring my wrist adorned with the bracelet.
"Such a gift... I'm not sure how to properly thank you."
"It's nothing. Compared to what you've done for me, Sasha..."
Alfonsina, her silver eyes shimmering, offered a shy smile. She appeared even more warm and lovely today, likely due to her choice of wearing a fresh peach-colored dress.
Her glossy black hair cascaded down long, adorned with a single silver bow. Standing next to her, Lethias seemed on the brink of grinning from ear to ear.
He was probably the happiest person present. With the inclusion of having a dog, he certainly seemed like he had triumphed.
"You're incredibly kind, Alsie."
"It's just a small gesture."
"What do you mean small? Thank you so much. I'll treasure it."
"I'm glad you liked it. By the way, I heard you're planning to raise a puppy…? He mentioned barely getting approval from the Ducal Prince..."
"N-not approval. It's not like I need that guy's permission! I was merely seeking for his understanding! Who would dare to oppose me when I decide to raise one?"
Neither Benya nor Alfonsina responded to that comment, so Lethias had to sigh and voice his thoughts. Well, he probably would have done so regardless.
His timing was just impeccable because someone arrived right at that moment.
"Alsie, there you are! Good evening, Duke and Ducal Prince. You all arrived early."
"Ah, Princess Parke."
It was Adriana. Of course. Just as in the original story, her white lace dress resembled snow, and the flowing pearl accents in her white hair gave her an aura of a winter snow goddess.
Her sparkling pink eyes swiftly scanned the four of us gathered on one side of the banquet hall before lingering on Benya for a moment. Then, her gaze shifted to me, who stood beside him.
"Sasha is here too. I was expecting to see you today, and I'm glad the Ducal Prince brought you along."
"I didn't bring her, Princess."
"Yes...?"
"It's the other way around. She brought me here."
Benya's casual tone carried a playful undertone as he turned to me and lifted a corner of his lips.
Amidst the amicable chuckles of Lethias and Alfonsina, Adriana, who had been regarding us with a momentarily bewildered expression, also burst into laughter.
"That's good to know. Anyway, is this your first time visiting the imperial palace, Sasha?"
"Yes. To be honest, I'm quite nervous."
"Ah, there's nothing to worry about. You're the most stunning person in this place, Sasha. Juan, what are you doing? You didn't have to leave so quickly."
Our "siscon" Ducal Prince glanced over with his usual disgruntled expression, then turned around and departed, to Adriana's evident surprise. An embarrassed expression colored her features.
"He..."
"It's alright, Princess. Let him be."
"I apologize, that guy can be quite... Juan!"
Hmm, why is our chiuni** siscon Ducal Prince suddenly not heeding his sister's words? Just as Adriana hurriedly chased after her brother, a resounding trumpet call echoed through the air.
(**Chuunibyou (中二病 / 厨二病), often shortened to chuuni or chuu2, is an often-derisive Japanese slang term for the embarrassing behavior of 13-to-14-year-olds. The term literally means "Middle [School] 2[nd Year] Syndrome" (often translated as "Eighth-Grader Syndrome" in US media).)
"The Sun of the Empire, His Imperial Majesty the Emperor has arrived!"
At that moment, every individual gathered in the grand ballroom paused their activities and paid their respects. After a brief moment, the Emperor, flanked by princes on either side, strode in.
"... Everyone, you may raise your heads."
The Emperor, whom I was seeing in person for the first time since my reincarnation in this world, bore a resemblance to a slightly older version of Knoxus, though with a gentler and more serene aura.
I would say his demeanor shares similarities with that of his eldest son. His profound eyes were akin to Assad's. Though he appeared a bit wearier. Is he unwell?
His experienced gaze, carrying a hint of fatigue, swept over the assembled guests in the banquet hall. Soon, his voice, tinged with the same weariness, resonated again.
"It appears the number of attendees increases with each passing year. Such a heartening sight."
“It’s all thanks to your Imperial Grace, Your Majesty.”
"I shall take my leave now, allowing you all to enjoy the festivities. And do not forget the charitable donation, as this banquet is a recurring event."
Laughter erupted all around. Following his concise yet impactful congratulatory address, the Emperor exchanged a few hushed words with both the Prince and the Crown Prince before departing.
Rumors circulated about his intentions to pass on the throne in recent times, and now it seemed more like an established reality.
In the original narrative, the Emperor transitioned the throne to the Crown Prince following his marriage.
As the Emperor exited, the banquet hall swiftly regained its buzz of activity. I whispered softly, glancing up at Benya, who had draped his arm over my shoulder.
"Is His Majesty unwell?"
"He doesn't favor these types of settings. Especially when both of his Highnesses are present."
"Why?"
"Watching his two sons bicker about every minor detail must be quite the ordeal."
"Oh heavens, why are you saying such things about me in a place like this? This is the Imperial Palace."
The Crown Prince, who had approached unnoticed, playfully chided Benya while placing a hand on his shoulder. Truly the embodiment of the male lead, he looked resplendent in his splendid purple uniform.
"My apologies, that was a slip of the tongue."
"Is it just me, or does your sincerity seem to be lacking? Nevertheless, I believe I haven't had the pleasure of meeting this exquisite lady before."
"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."
His purple gaze lingered briefly over my head as I executed a courteous bow. After a moment, Assad's attention returned to Benya, and he spoke.
"This isn't fair. You alone possess such a captivating companion."
"Your Highness appears to have been abandoned by your own companion."
"You wound me where it hurts. But I've heard you've gained a new member in your household?"
"... Has that piece of news already spread?"
"Do you not realize how skilled your brother is in spreading information? By now, he's probably broadcasting it throughout the entire Imperial capital."
Benya now appeared genuinely remorseful about his spur-of-the-moment agreement, but fortunately, he didn't retract his words. Lethias, on the other hand, exhibited a boldly open expression.
"Are you referring to me, Your Highness? What do you think I did?" (Lethias)
"Every time I see you, I genuinely believe you're an unsuitable fiancé." (Assad)
"Oh my, when you put it like that…" (Lethias)
"Your Highness, I apologize. This young lady, for a moment, she was conversing with her brother..." (Adriana)
As I had anticipated, Assad's partner was Adriana, as it had been in the original. The difference lay in the fact that there didn't appear to be any particularly romantic connection between the two.
"Ah, my companion has returned." (Assad)
"I apologize." (Adriana)
"You have no reason to apologize. The existence of younger siblings always brings about complications. Would you not agree?" (Assad)
At this, the heroine, our duke, and even the charming Alfonsina nodded in unison. Consequently, Benya's expression became quite amusing.
"I've heard that lobsters are being served…"
"Do not feel too lonely, Ducal Prince. The Prince, too, has someone resembling a younger sibling, isn't that right?" (Adriana)
"Who are you referring to? I had only my late younger sister before."
Upon Benya's somewhat sardonic retort, an awkward silence swept through the group for a brief moment.
Not just Adriana, even Lethias and Assad, known for their cheerfulness, wore rather perplexed expressions. Only Alfonsina averted her gaze, showing no reaction.
God, could it be that Miss Heroine is considering me as a substitute for their deceased younger sister? I hope that wasn't a deliberate slip.
Just as I was on the verge of addressing the awkward ambiance in a straightforward manner, another individual unexpectedly entered the scene.
"Nowadays, I feel suffocated by the stench of snakes wherever I go. I'm genuinely curious, though, don't you wish to switch out your pet, Hyung?"
A man who moved with the grace of a black panther and seemed poised to provoke a conflict. It was, of course, Knoxus.
In stark contrast to his irreverent speech and twisted smirk, his purple eyes, clouded with introspection, locked onto me.
To be exact, they were focused on Benya's arm, which is casually draped around my shoulder.
Predictably, such a brusque comment stirred a more genial atmosphere than before. Thankfully, before Lethias could retort, Assad swiftly intervened and responded.
"Duke, kindly pardon my brother's impoliteness. Are you purposefully attempting to stir trouble on an occasion like today? If you have grievances, might I suggest you voice them to Imperial Father?"
"Our benevolent Imperial Father yearns for Hyung's filial piety rather than mine. Regardless, Hyung remains the same even on such an occasion. Could you not find another milieu to seek companionship?"
"I wasn't aware you harbored such envy. 'I wished I were part of their circle,' is that it? Is that why you've taken to frequenting the hotel and employing the casino as your excuse lately?"
"I differ from Hyung, as I abhor snakes. The reason I happen to visit that dubious establishment is due to the establishment manager's famed beauty. Never did I imagine I'd encounter her here."
"Put aside your coarse habits. Abstain from inciting conflicts on an occasion like today. You wouldn't even have the assurance of victory, would you?"
"Hey, what's so extraordinary about a day like today? It merely entails squandering money in honor of the long-deceased, those long-dead individuals older than fossils. Religious individuals seeking donations and artists unheard of by us are merely extras. When did the imperial palace become a venue for the circulation of dogs and cattle..."
Observing the two princes amiably exchanging taunts without much concern for the onlookers' eyes, Adriana intervened in a gentle, pacifying manner.
"Now, let's cease this quarreling and regain our composure, Your Highness. Today is meant to be greeted with joy and compassion, correct? Your Highness Knoxus, Sasha is an esteemed vassal of the Serpente. Therefore, it's only natural that the Ducal Prince accompanies her."
Thank you for the update ^^
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