chapter_0022

Chapter 21 : Sister….? Mom….?

“Come on, tell me. What exactly do you mean by that… Sage?”

Elena slowly stepped back, her eyes carefully studying Ruan’s face.

The face she had longed to see — now she was taking her time, observing every detail.

Thick eyebrows, sharp eyes, a well-defined nose… lips that tempted her… she took in everything, one feature at a time.

Ruan watched Elena stare at him so intently, his expression turning awkward.

‘Hmm…’

So… she had figured it out, huh?

At this point, trying to deny it would only make things worse.

Saying “no” would be the same as admitting the truth.

As Ruan’s pupils wavered with uncertainty, Elena let out a quiet, amused chuckle.

Seeing that, Cedric’s expression darkened for a brief moment.

‘…She’s smiling?’

Having no clue what was going on, Cedric suddenly felt like an outsider.

And the fact that Elena, who usually treated him with such a cold, indifferent expression, was now smiling so warmly at Ruan only hurt his pride more.

Before the awkward atmosphere could stretch further, a powerful voice announced the arrival of the Emperor.

“His Majesty, the Emperor, enters!”

At the front of the grand banquet hall, the massive circular emblem on the stage’s wall burst into brilliant flames.

Fwoooosh!

It was the crest of House Velodenit, worshippers of the Solar Constellation, Soladir.

As a large passage opened behind the wall, the Emperor and the Imperial Princess appeared.

The crowd of nobles erupted into a single, unified cheer.

“We greet the Sun of Velodenit!”

Seizing the chance to break up Ruan and Elena’s oddly cozy interaction, Cedric didn’t hesitate.

“Ruan, let’s go.”

He forcefully pushed Ruan’s back, guiding him toward the frontmost table.

Elena watched Ruan’s retreating figure with a curious, intrigued glint in her eyes.

The man was a fascinating contradiction — both a beloved Sage, adored by the people, and the alleged perpetrator of the massacre six years ago.

It was impossible not to be drawn to such an intriguing figure.

But Elena wasn’t the only one watching him.

The Emperor, Kylock Velodenit, gazed down at Ruan from the stage.

‘I didn’t think he’d come… but here he is.’

He admired Ruan’s courage — knowing full well he’d be the subject of ridicule and suspicion, yet still choosing to appear.

When their eyes met, Ruan bowed his head respectfully.

The Emperor shifted his gaze to the gathered nobles.

“Welcome, honored guests.”

The Emperor’s deep, commanding voice instantly heightened the gravity of the atmosphere.

“Drink and make merry these next few days. There’s much to be done, so let’s skip unnecessary chatter.”

His greeting was brief and to the point — a reflection of his no-nonsense personality.

“Marquess Arcana. Begin.”

From below the stage, Lady Reyna Arcana, daughter of the Marquess, stepped forward.

She was a follower of Knosius, the Constellation of Knowledge.

“Ah… she’s beautiful.”

“One of the Empire’s three great beauties, Reyna Arcana…”

Her golden hair cascaded down her back, complementing her elegant black gown — a sight that captivated every eye in the hall.

The Marquess, Heleshia Arcana, took her place at a small table near the stage, ready to record the proceedings.

Both mother and daughter cast subtle glances toward Ruan, offering him small, playful winks.

Though the attention felt overwhelming, Ruan responded with a polite nod.

‘…They haven’t changed a bit.’

The Arcana family worshipped Knosius, the Constellation governing all knowledge of the universe and its celestial beings.

The stronger a descendant’s divine power, the more information they could receive from Knosius — including the histories and deeds of other Constellations and even glimpses of the future.

Without the Arcana family’s intervention, Ruan would never have been able to explain the massacre’s true circumstances to the Emperor six years ago.

They were undeniably his benefactors — though their overwhelming attention could be… a bit much.

“We will now begin the Celestial Affinity Ceremony.”

At her mother’s words, Reyna Arcana closed her eyes and brought her hands together in prayer.

Before her, an endlessly clear and luminous Celestial Stone began to take form.

“Oh… so that’s the legendary Celestial Stone of House Arcana.”

“It’s even larger than last year’s!”

“Hmph, that’s nothing compared to the stone I saw two years ago.”

“Ah, I remember the Princess’s ceremony back then. The resonance of her celestial path was magnificent.”

“Indeed — a truly unforgettable sight.”

“Those who are called forward, please step onto the stage.”

The first was a baron’s daughter, who approached the Celestial Stone with a mixture of nervousness and excitement.

As she drew closer, the stone began to shine in response to her celestial affinity.

Soon, an ethereal blue light took shape — the manifestation of her celestial path, connecting her to her guiding Constellation.

“That’s… the celestial path!”

“What level of affinity is that?”

“We should find out soon enough.”

“Lesser Radiance. It’s Lesser Radiance.”

Marquess Arcana carefully recorded Reyna’s words onto the official documents.

The ranks of celestial paths were divided into five levels: from the weakest Faint Glow, followed by Lesser Radiance, Steady Light, Full Brilliance, and finally the most powerful, Divine Star.

After the measurement was complete, the young lady descended from the stage, and the next person called stepped forward to stand before the Celestial Stone.

The order of the ceremony started with the baron households, moving up to viscounts, earls, marquess, and finally ending with the ducal families.

A household’s rank was determined by the power of their guiding Constellation.

Even if a Constellation’s abilities were specialized for war or diplomacy, if its overall strength was weak, the noble rank granted to its followers would also be low.

Because of this, the first day of the Celestial Affinity Ceremony, focused on the baron households, often felt slow and uneventful.

The ceremony, which had begun early in the morning, finally wrapped up late at night.

As soon as it ended, the Emperor promptly left the banquet hall.

Once his departure was confirmed, the nobles rose from their seats and began mingling, fully enjoying the festivities.

Princess Violeta prepared to follow her father.

“Violeta. You will stay here and greet the honored guests on my behalf.”

“What? But—”

“How long do you plan to avoid your responsibilities? These people will one day be your subjects when you ascend the throne. You should take this chance to familiarize yourself with them.”

“I don’t need them. I’m perfectly fine on my own.”

The Emperor cut her off, his tone turning stern.

“That is an imperial command. Return to the banquet hall and fulfill your duty.”

“Father…!”

“Do you think you can keep doing as you please? The throne is not a light burden, Violeta. I tolerated your childishness when you broke off your engagement — but that was enough. It’s time you act and think as a proper princess should.”

In truth, the nobles were merely an excuse.

What Violeta truly wanted to avoid was seeing her former fiancé, Ruan.

The Emperor saw right through her.

Though his words were wrapped in formality, the real message was clear: even if the engagement was broken, their families’ ties could not be severed.

The House of Serkatia had been loyal vassals to House Velodenit for centuries.

A personal falling-out between two individuals couldn’t be allowed to damage their political alliance.

“…Fine. I’ll do it, okay?”

“And no matter how informal the setting, you are still in the Imperial Palace. I expect you to observe proper etiquette.”

“…My apologies, Your Majesty.”

Satisfied with her reluctant compliance, the Emperor turned and walked away, shaking his head in exasperation as he headed back to the palace.

Violeta watched his retreating figure for a moment, then hung her head, clenching her fists tightly.

‘…This is so frustrating… so infuriating…!!’

***

The moment the baron households’ part of the ceremony ended, Ruan shot to his feet and made a swift, determined move toward the exit.

But.

“Where are you rushing off to in such a hurry?”

The assigned seating placed Ruan’s table deep inside the grand banquet hall — far from the main entrance.

Inevitably, before he could make his escape, Elena intercepted him.

“I believe we’re overdue for a little chat. Surely, I’m not the only one who thinks so?”

There was an unmistakable excitement in her voice.

“Follow me. I already found a quiet place where we can talk.”

Elena’s lips curved into a smile as she gently twirled her wine glass, a smile unlike any he had seen before — one of pure satisfaction.

Having his weakness perfectly exposed, Ruan had no choice but to follow her like a prisoner being led to judgment.

The quiet place she mentioned turned out to be the terrace outside the banquet hall.

“It’s beautiful.”

From the terrace, the night view of Yurvis, the imperial capital, spread out in all its dazzling glory.

But even that scenery paled in comparison to her.

With the city lights behind her, Elena stood with her silvery hair shimmering in the night breeze, her rose-colored dress elegantly tracing her graceful curves.

“What are you staring at so intently?”

“Ah… uh… it’s nothing.”

For a brief moment, he was completely mesmerized — like a fool drawn to the most breathtaking blossom in a field of snow.

“So, what is it you wanted to talk about?”

“Shouldn’t you be the one answering that? After all, you’re the only one who knows why you’re hiding your identity.”

“…”

“Don’t worry. I consider myself pretty good at keeping secrets.”

“Let’s just say… it’s my way of atonement.”

Though his journey was more about self-discipline, there was indeed a sense of atonement mixed in.

“Was it really you who did that… six years ago?”

He couldn’t talk about that.

“Yes, I.”

“You can tell me everything.”

As he tried to lie, Elena cut him off — stepping closer, so close her breath brushed against his ear.

“No matter what it is, I’ll believe you.”

Her soft voice, laced with an elegant fragrance, dulled his senses.

No.

He couldn’t let this happen.

But when did this woman become so… dangerous?

If he didn’t keep his guard up, he’d fall under her spell entirely.

And just then —The terrace door burst open, and the Arcana marquess and her daughter walked in.

“There you—! Huh?”

“Oh my.”

Ruan instantly snapped back to his senses and stepped away from Elena.

Just as he tried to collect himself, the most unexpected words reached his ears.

“Elena…?”

“Sister…? Mother…?”

Ruan’s eyes widened as he looked between the three women.

“Sister? Mother? Then… you’re… f-family?!”