Ball

The carriage stopped in front of the Imperial Palace’s massive iron gates.

Towering ramparts and majestic towers filled Serina’s vision.

It was an overwhelming scale, incomparable to Highgrant Castle.

Before the carriage door opened, Roderick leaned close to Serina.

“Serina, remember. In the Imperial Palace, you are the daughter of the Rubia County. The Rubia family is located on the outskirts of the Empire and is not well known, so they won’t be too suspicious. I’ll explain everything, so don’t be surprised and just follow my lead, understood?”

Serina nodded.

Soon, the carriage door opened, and Roderick stepped out first, offering his hand to Serina.

She took his hand and carefully stepped out of the carriage.

Warm sunlight enveloped her, but the oppressive feeling of this vast space remained.

Lily and Amelia were speechless.

Amelia looked around with sparkling eyes, while Lily seemed very nervous, slightly hiding behind Serina.

“Welcome, Marquess Roderick.”

The Captain of the Guard of the Imperial Palace approached and bowed politely.

His gaze turned to Serina, but he did not linger for long, maintaining his courtesy.

“His Majesty the Emperor is waiting for you both. I will guide you this way.”

Following the Captain of the Guard’s guidance, the group entered the Imperial Palace.

Lily and Amelia repeatedly exclaimed in admiration at the palace’s splendid decorations and grand scale.

Intricate frescoes were painted on the high ceilings, and the walls were lined with golden decorations and statues inlaid with jewels.

Walking on the marble floor, it felt like even faint echoes could be heard.

After walking for a while, they finally reached a huge door.

On either side of the door, guards in golden armor stood motionless.

The Captain of the Guard bowed towards the door.

“Your Majesty, Marquess Roderick and Serina, daughter of Count Rubia, have arrived.”

As the heavy door slowly opened, intense light poured out from within.

A breathtaking grandeur overwhelmed Serina.

At the end of the long, wide hall, a golden Throne was placed, and a man with a dignified presence sat upon it. It was the ruler of this empire, the Emperor.

Despite his age, the Emperor possessed a deep and sharp gaze.

His eyes turned to Roderick and Serina, who stood in the center of the hall.

Serina lowered her head involuntarily at the Emperor’s gaze.

She could not dare to meet his eyes.

Roderick knelt first and lowered his head.

“Roderick Balter Nain, in charge of the western frontier, humbly accepts Your Majesty’s call and presents himself.”

Serina followed Roderick, kneeling and lowering her head. She recalled the imperial etiquette she had practiced countless times since childhood, maintaining a flawless posture.

She repeated the family name of Count Rubia, which Roderick had told her, in her mind and opened her mouth.

‘I am Rubia. Rubia, Rubia.’

“Serina of the Rubia County, it is an honor to be summoned by Your Majesty.”

The Emperor’s low voice echoed in the hall.

“Indeed, Roderick. And… Serina Rubia.”

The Emperor repeated Serina’s name, seeming slightly puzzled.

Soon, a gentle smile appeared on his face.

“Ah, the Rubia family! A loyal family that steadfastly defends the borders of the Empire. I heard the news that a daughter was born, but it was too far away to visit in person. To think she has grown up so beautifully.”

At the Emperor’s words, Roderick bowed with a more relaxed expression.

Serina was inwardly surprised by Roderick’s smooth handling of the situation, which prevented the Emperor from becoming suspicious.

“Raise your heads.”

Serina carefully raised her head.

The Emperor’s gaze was still fixed on her.

His gaze seemed to penetrate deep into her soul.

After the audience with the Emperor, Roderick and Serina were guided to their temporary residence by the Imperial Palace.

Befitting the Imperial Palace’s special hospitality, the room assigned to them was the epitome of luxury.

It had a spacious reception room, a bedroom, and even a personal servant.

“His Majesty seems quite concerned.”

Roderick said, crossing his arms and looking around the room.

Serina felt her body stiffen at the unfamiliar splendor.

“It seems too much, I feel burdened.”

“Feeling burdened is normal. This is just the beginning.”

Roderick chuckled and nudged Serina’s shoulder.

“Tonight is the welcome banquet. Many nobles will be attending, so don’t be nervous and just act as you normally do. Or, maybe you shouldn’t act as you normally do?”

Serina glared at Roderick.

“What are you talking about? Do you want to get hit?”

“You have to be careful with that kind of language! How nice would it be if you spoke softly, like a noble lady?”

Serina glared at Roderick.

“Noble lady, my ass.”

As evening approached, Serina was once again perfectly adorned with the help of her assigned maid.

The dark navy dress was embroidered with elaborate gold thread, and the design that slightly revealed her chest further accentuated her voluptuous figure.

The Imperial Palace ballroom was already crowded with numerous nobles.

The light from the chandeliers brightly illuminated the entire hall, and the beautiful music filled the space.

As she entered the hall with Roderick’s guidance, countless gazes turned to Serina all at once.

Among them were curious glances, but most were filled with blatant jealousy and envy.

Especially the gazes of the noble ladies were even sharper.

“Oh my, who is that woman? Standing next to Marquess Roderick.”

“I don’t know. I’ve never seen her before. Besides, that dress… to come wearing something so extravagant, isn’t it a bit much?”

“I heard she’s a daughter from some frontier family, she must be trying very hard to stand out.”

Serina faintly heard the gossip in her ear.

She tried to ignore it, but felt uncomfortable with the attention pouring down on her.

“Shouldn’t have come…? I’m already tired.”

At that moment, a group of noble ladies approached them.

The woman at the head looked Serina up and down with a haughty expression.

She was Selene, the daughter of Marquess Rian, one of the most prestigious families in the Empire.

“Marquess Roderick, it’s been a while.”

Selene bowed to Roderick.

However, her gaze soon turned to Serina.

“May I ask who this beautiful lady next to the Marquess is? I’m curious because I’ve never seen her before.”

Selene’s voice was coated with kindness, but it contained a subtle mockery.

It was as if she was trying to confirm whether you dared to be here.

Her eyes lingered for a moment on Serina’s deeply cut neckline.

Roderick skillfully placed his hand on Serina’s shoulder and said.

“Ah, Lady Selene. This is Serina, daughter of Count Rubia, who has been working with me on this mission. She hasn’t been able to visit the capital often because she’s from the frontier, but she’s taking this opportunity to greet you.”

Serina gracefully curtsied to Selene in accordance with Roderick’s words.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lady Selene. I am Serina of the Rubia family.”

Selene nodded at Serina’s greeting, but twisted her lips.

“The Rubia family? I’ve heard of them, but… it’s really hard to see them in the capital. But the lady’s dress… it’s very unique. It’s a rare design for the Imperial Palace ball.”

‘Ha, look at this bitch’s attitude?’

Saying it was unique was an indirect way of saying it was not formal and vulgar.

Serina’s face flushed, but she tried to remain calm as Roderick had warned her in advance.

Roderick smiled leisurely at Selene’s provocative words.

“Haha, Lady Selene’s words are reasonable. But Lady Serina’s beauty shines no matter what dress she wears, so wouldn’t you consider that much as a charm?”

Roderick gently wrapped his arm around Serina’s waist and praised her.

His actions were intended to protect Serina and show off his relationship with her.

‘Where do you think you’re touching, you bastard.’

Serina tried to knock Roderick’s hand away and gathered her Mana.

But it was a meaningless act.

She hadn’t inserted her Dildo just in case.

‘Damn it.’

In that fleeting moment of hesitation, Roderick’s hand was already firmly around her waist.

“Ugh!”

Serina let out a short groan and reflexively leaned weakly into Roderick’s arms.

On the outside, she looked like a frail woman relying on Roderick.

Serina’s voluptuous breasts seemed to be further emphasized as they were slightly pressed against Roderick’s arm.

The surrounding noble ladies and young ladies had expressions of blatant jealousy and displeasure.

Selene bit her lip, unable to say anything more at Roderick’s skillful response and Serina’s ‘frail’ appearance.

Her eyes were filled with anger and jealousy.

It was at that moment.

A commotion was heard from the entrance of the ballroom.

All eyes turned to that direction.

A man entered the hall with a confident and dignified appearance.

Wearing a red uniform, he was one of the most powerful figures in the Empire and the Emperor’s nephew.

It was Grand Duke Ares.