episode_0106

Chapter 106: Imperial Party

As the sun set and darkness began to settle in the early evening, I waited for Isis in front of a famous salon with a carriage.

‘What kind of dress will she wear?’

Normally, her image to others would suggest a sophisticated and elegant design without much exposure, but since she shows a different side when she’s with me, I can’t be sure.

Just as I was imagining various looks and feeling excited, Isis finally appeared.

“Ruan, have you been waiting long?”

Her dress hem fluttered with the wind.

The black dress, reinterpreted in a modern style for good mobility while retaining key features, had a slit in the lower part and a low-cut back, revealing her dazzling legs and shoulder blades.

Of course, it wasn’t overly revealing; it merely emphasized her sensual charm.

The problem was that her charm overflowed so much that it almost overshadowed the beauty of the dress.

As I stared blankly, Isis approached and shyly examined herself.

“H-how is it? Does it look strange?”

She was cautiously glancing at me, seemingly worried that I might not like it.

‘What kind of lunatic would dislike this?’

If such a person existed, there would be a 100 percent chance they were either gay or not human.

I gave my honest impression.

“Truly… beautiful.”

“R-really? Thank you. You look handsome too.”

Isis’s eyes swept over my body.

I, too, was impeccably dressed in a suit to attend the imperial party.

My physique wasn’t lacking to begin with, and my diligent training seemed to have paid off, as my muscles were appropriately developed, making the suit fit perfectly.

I chuckled and extended my hand.

“Shall we go then?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

With another thank you, Isis took my hand and boarded the carriage first.

After I also got in, the carriage started moving.

We didn’t speak for a while. Of course, it wasn’t awkward or anything like that. We were just enjoying a moment of peace together.

I became lost in thought, watching the rapidly passing scenery outside the window.

‘Nothing will happen this time, right?’

Just when things seemed to be going peacefully, the Dark Cult would rampage, making it difficult to let down my guard even for a minor event.

Moreover, an imperial party is quite a big event, so it weighed on my mind even more.

‘Still, there shouldn’t be any major problems, right?’

It’s an imperial party, after all.

All the imperial guards would be on ironclad alert around the area, so even if it were the Dark Cult, it would be difficult for them to cause trouble.

Even if an incident occurred, I wouldn’t need to do anything; the Imperial Knights would handle it.

While I was internally rationalizing to try and enjoy the party, the carriage arrived in front of the party venue.

I got out first and surveyed the party venue.

Dazzling lights poured down, and luxurious decorations placed throughout, along with the red carpet on the floor, added to the splendor.

‘How many years has it been?’

It’s been about three years since the engagement of the Crown Prince and Remian Herana.

This place was, as always, lavish.

“Sister-nim. Hold on.”

“Excuse me.”

Isis, holding my hand, stepped onto the ground.

We affectionately linked arms and proceeded to hand our admission tickets to the guards.

“…Confirmed. You may enter.”

“Yes. Thank you for your service.”

After a brief admission check, we entered through the door opened by the guards.

Simultaneously, the announcer proclaimed our arrival.

[Lady Isis Friuli, the eldest daughter of the Friuli household, and her partner, Lord Ruan Friuli, entering!]

The moment the voice spread, all eyes within the party hall turned to us. Their gazes were filled with admiration, jealousy, and ugly desires.

Enduring it all, we crossed the hall and headed towards the place of honor.

Facing the imperial family, we knelt and paid our respects.

“”We greet His Majesty the Emperor.””

We hadn’t planned it, but Isis and I uttered the same words at precisely the same moment.

Is this all due to the Emperor’s power?

As I was thinking foolishly, wondering if one gained a unique skill that made everyone pay respects upon sitting on the Emperor’s throne, a solemn voice descended.

“Raise your heads.”

Under an unprecedented and irresistible pressure, I raised my head and saw the Emperor’s face.

‘Rutran Solias.’

This man, with his red hair, golden eyes, antique-style beard, and dignified physique, was indeed the ruler of the vast empire.

From his entire body, I felt a powerful magic that was by no means inferior to Cain’s.

‘He’s trained hard.’

To refine his inherent power without relying on authority—he is truly diligent.

Perhaps that’s why he became Emperor.

The Solias family doesn’t necessarily pass the throne to the eldest son.

“Your Majesty the Emperor. We congratulate you on your 43rd birthday. We pray for your continued good health.”

“Indeed. This year has seen many events. I hope for auspicious tidings for the Friuli family as well.”

“We are grateful for your benevolence. We have prepared a gift, please accept it.”

At Isis’s nod, the servant who had been silently following us quickly handed the gift to the imperial butler.

After our brief greetings, we withdrew from the place of honor.

I subtly looked back.

‘Your face will be pierced, you bastard.’

The Crown Prince, seated beside the Emperor, was staring intently at Isis. His eyes hadn’t left her since we first appeared.

Isis, meanwhile, completely ignored him.

At this level of blatantness, the Emperor probably already realized the Crown Prince’s feelings.

Still, it was a relief that he didn’t intervene.

If the Emperor had tried to force Isis into the position of Crown Princess, I would have had to stage a rebellion.

‘Well, just kidding.’

As I was having such absurd thoughts to myself, I took off my suit jacket and draped it over Isis.

“Wear this.”

“Huh, what?”

“Men are looking. Cover yourself.”

Honestly, while I couldn’t stop their thoughts, I couldn’t bear to let them openly gaze at Isis’s skin as if licking it.

Even the Crown Prince couldn’t tear his eyes away, so what more needed to be said about the others?

Isis smiled sweetly at my consideration.

“…Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

“It’s nothing. It’s only natural as your partner. Shall we find a suitable place to sit first? There’s still time until the party officially begins.”

“Yes. Let’s do that. This way.”

Perhaps because she had attended the imperial party several times before, Isis immediately found a place to rest.

As we sat opposite each other, resting, the announcer proclaimed the arrival of another attendee.

[Lady Skadia Maryland, the eldest daughter of the Maryland household, entering!]

The doors opened, and Skadia appeared.

Dressed in a pure white gown, Skadia looked like a snow fairy from legends.

Her dazzling silver hair was dreamlike, her blue eyes were cool yet haughty, and her slender figure was truly captivating.

Despite attending alone without a partner, there was no sign of humiliation about her.

Because everyone present knew that she hadn’t failed to find a partner, but had simply chosen not to.

Skadia, who was slowly entering, suddenly fixed her gaze on us.

She examined Isis and me, then slowed her pace for just a moment.

Although she quickly regained her original speed, the fact that she was agitated could not be hidden.

The sharp-eyed ladies, catching this, began to whisper about Skadia and me.

“Oh my. Did you just see that?”

“Yes. Her eyes met with Lord Ruan’s.”

“Could it be that she still has lingering feelings?”

“Perhaps. Lord Ruan’s reputation has been improving lately, hasn’t it?”

“What a shame! If only she had held out a little longer, who knows what might have happened!”

It was truly ironic.

While they were engaged, the prevailing opinion was that Skadia was too good for him, but after the engagement was broken, as my reputation improved, people started saying that she might have made a foolish choice.

Something about missing the chance to become a Marquess’s wife?

Of course, it was just nonsense from ignorant people.

I had no intention of becoming a Marquess in the first place.

Feeling complicated, I downed my drink in one gulp, shaking off the unpleasant feelings.

After that, familiar faces continued to appear.

“Your Majesty the Emperor, it’s been a while. Happy birthday.”

Ethan Gloucester, whose true intentions were as always difficult to guess, and…

“Oh ho ho ho! You’re too kind!”

Felicia, the noble lady with drill curls who revealed almost half of her violently large breasts.

And finally, Alisa appeared, wearing a dress with considerable exposure, quite unsuited to her personality.

Her thighs were visible, and the upper part of her chest was exposed, stimulating men’s desires.

There was no way she would have chosen it herself, so it must have been 100 percent forced by her family.

“Oh my. Look over there. She’s alone.”

“Did she fail to find a partner? Her appearance is quite usable, but is something else lacking?”

“Just like a bastard child, after all. No dignity whatsoever…”

For reference, Alisa was also alone, just like Skadia. Yet, the reactions were so vastly different for only one reason: she was a bastard child.

Many young lords couldn’t take their eyes off her beauty but found it hard to approach her.

And those who did approach were only those who wanted to treat her as a one-night stand.

Ultimately, Alisa rejected all of them and went out to the balcony.

Just as I was watching her go.

“Ruan!”

Abel, handsomely dressed in a suit, and Uni, adorned in a dress, approached us.

“Abel? What are you doing here?”

“Ah, actually, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince gave me an invitation. After some thought, I decided to attend. I’m glad to see you.”

It seems the Crown Prince was considerate enough to give them general invitations. Sending VIP invitations would only invite the jealousy of other nobles.

That’s why I didn’t even know they were here.

“P-President-nim, it’s a pleasure to meet you!”

Uni, who was clinging to Abel’s side, gave Isis a rigid salute.

She was so nervous her movements were like a robot’s.

Isis, momentarily flustered, looked down at Uni’s straw-colored head and let out a soft laugh.

“Pfft! Yes. It’s been a while, Uni. I’ve heard a lot about you putting effort into student council activities. Isn’t it very tiring?”

“Oh, no! President-nim is the one who goes through a lot. If there’s anything you need me to do, just say the word!”

“It’s good to hear you say that. Then you two enjoy the party. Let me know if you run into any trouble, alright?”

“Yes! President-nim! Thank you!”

After their cordial conversation, Abel and his companion left, saying they would see us later.

“They’re good friends, aren’t they, Ruan?”

“They’re a bit too good for me, honestly. More importantly, would you like to eat something? You must be quite hungry.”

“Hmm… maybe later. The speech is about to begin.”

Not long after she spoke, the Emperor’s speech began.

The speech wasn’t very long.

“Thank you all for attending. I hope you enjoy the party. For the glory of the Solias Empire!”

[For the glory!]

Along with the toast, everyone cheered and drank the wine in their hands.

Immediately after, the main party began, and we—or rather, Isis—were bothered by nobles flocking to network.

I stayed by her side.

As much as I wanted to just run away, I couldn’t leave Isis defenseless among the swarming wolves around her.

Of course, Isis wouldn’t get entangled with them, but this was a matter of heart, not practicality.

As time passed in this manner, people soon dispersed, and peace returned.

“Whew… This is quite tough.”

“Pfft! You must be very tired, weren’t you? Sit down and rest.”

“Sister-nim, was it like this every year?”

“Yes. Though this year seems particularly severe.”

Isis tilted her head, looking troubled.

She was currently a hot commodity. Among the women of prime marriageable age, her reputation was the best, and her future was bright.

That’s why unmarried men were desperate to at least show their faces to her.

Just as we were catching our breath, chatting, the atmosphere of the party hall suddenly changed.

Turning my head, I saw numerous nobles, each with their partners, moving towards the center.

Coincidentally, a classical melody flowed, and couples began to move their bodies to its rhythm.

‘It’s dance time.’

Realizing this, I stood up.

Then, perfectly imitating the etiquette of a noble house, I extended my hand to Isis.

“Beautiful lady. Will you grant me the honor?”

“R-Ruan? What is this…?”

“Can’t you tell by looking? I’m asking you to dance. Make your choice quickly. Will you dance with me? Or will you abandon me and go to another man?”

“Honestly…”

Isis, who had been surprised, smiled wryly at my playful words and took my hand.

“Of course, I’ll dance with my handsome Ruan.”

“You made a good choice.”

“Then I look forward to it.”

“The pleasure is all mine.”

We walked to the center of the floor.

Embracing each other, the moment our eyes met, we began to twirl through the melody.