54. Imperial Banquet (3)
“That person is…”
“We met at the hunting competition.”
“That’s right. She personally defeated the demon.”
A murmur spread among the nobles.
“Lady, I am Hanna, the Countess of Selled.”
“Nice to meet you, Hanna.”
And one by one, people approached Bella.
It started with a few Countesses, but eventually, she was surrounded by numerous individuals.
As the Lady, possessing the power of the temple and the imperial family, she was sure to exert a significant influence not only in the social circles but also beyond.
That’s why there were many who sought to befriend her for their own gain.
Of course, those who had previous ties with Lucia observed from a distance, refraining from approaching too hastily.
Lucia was originally the flower of society and the leader of the social scene.
It seemed that some thought they could challenge her intentions.
“His Royal Highness and Her Royal Highness are here to dine!”
As all eyes focused on Bella, once again, the doors of the banquet hall opened.
This time, Richard and the Princess Consort entered.
Everyone respectfully acknowledged their presence as members of the imperial family.
As the Prince and Princess Consort made their way to their seats, the Emperor and Empress finally arrived.
“His Imperial Majesty and Her Imperial Majesty are here to dine!”
Once again, everyone inside the hall paid their respects.
As the Emperor and Empress reached their seats, a melody began to flow through the banquet hall.
“Everyone is aware that this summer banquet is special.”
As the orchestra began to play soothing music, the Emperor started his speech.
“In the empire, after 200 years, a Lady has emerged. The delay of the banquet by a month was for this purpose, and I believe you will understand.”
The Lady symbolized many things.
Peace and security, nobility and dignity.
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Over the course of 200 long years, the symbolism had become more ambiguous and abstract.
She was sometimes spoken of as a representative of the absolute or a deity.
It was all metaphorical, of course.
The Lady was merely an entity capable of handling the power of the temple better than ordinary priests and clergy.
The quantity, purity, and density of the power she inherently possessed were just different.
“I believe everyone will welcome the Lady’s presence. Lady, do you have anything to say?”
Of course, Bella, the protagonist of ＜Empire’s Flower＞, had one additional special trait.
The ability to use her power, typically used for healing and blessing, for offensive purposes as well.
Thanks to this, with just her presence, the Empire could deter other nations.
An entity capable of large-scale healing and even attacks made a significant difference in terms of power.
“I only wish for everyone’s peace and rest. There is nothing else.”
Bella smiled, knowing well what the Emperor expected.
With a calm and kind response, the hall buzzed once again.
This world expected such things from Bella.
To be kinder and more benevolent than anyone, to surprise everyone and make them feel her charm.
But at the same time, to be a more threatening presence than anyone else.
Kind and benevolent, beyond easy criticism or reproach by anyone, yet desired to be a lethal weapon against enemies.
Whether Bella’s expectations aligned with reality, the Emperor’s satisfied expression suggested they did.
“Then let the banquet begin.”
The gentle orchestra’s performance became splendid.
As they started playing dance music, the rhythm quickened, and the melody became more diverse.
As the music began, the nobles paired up with their partners and stepped onto the dance floor.
Bella turned her gaze to find Owen.
“Lady.”
“Lady, I-.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Lady.”
She could hear voices around her calling out to her, but Bella only searched for Owen with her eyes.
And there, in her sight, was…
“…What.”
Owen, Lucia, and even Kyle were seated together at the same table.
Perhaps due to the banquet having just begun, people were flocking around them.
Those who seemed like nobles or heirs, businesspeople, and even Lucia’s entourage.
“Why are they all together?”
It was natural for people to gather around them.
That was Owen and Lucia.
Even Kyle seemed to be someone of interest to many nobles.
Yes, that was true, but…
“Kyle said he’s close with Owen… No, it’s because Kyle likes Owen.”
As Bella pondered the reasons, she let out a sigh.
“Am I being foolish? Watching them act like that in front of me and just observing from afar? As if it’s enough for a person you love to be happy…”
It seemed that Kyle was a person similar to “Bella.”
That’s why “Bella” had been so hesitant.
Knowing that they were similar individuals.
“I should make a move.”
Bella found it incredibly difficult to understand such a mindset.
Not wanting to hurt anyone or thinking both were good people.
What was the point of that?
The current scene was no different.
If the person I love and care for is happy?
Of course, it’s a joyous occasion.
But if the person standing beside them in that picture is someone else, then it’s different.
“Even if I have to steal it.”
If the person I love is happy, so what?
It would only make me sad and difficult.
In that case, it was better to be more selfish and aggressively pursue what I wanted.
Even if I had to forcefully take a place, I would feel a better sense of satisfaction than misery.
“Lady.”
While Bella’s attention was captured by the three individuals,
A newcomer stepped into the space surrounding her.
“Princess Consort.”
“Your Highness…?”
It was Princess Consort Daisy.
A character of minor importance in ＜Empire’s Flower＞.
Mentioned simply to solidify Bella’s position in society.
She often socialized with Hannah, the Viscountess of Sellead.
“Princess Consort.”
“Oh, you can call me casually. Just call me Daisy, Lady.”
“…Is that okay?”
It felt a bit awkward for some reason.
Nevertheless, to keep the original flow, Bella forced herself to reply.
“Sure. Can I call you by your name, Lady?”
“It’s an honor.”
It was the first time they exchanged words at their first meeting, but it didn’t matter.
Anyway, that’s how the original was.
Thinking like that, Bella chatted with Princess Consort Daisy and Viscountess Hannah of Sellead.
“Oh my. It’s Duke Verdin and Lady Edelte.”
“That’s right. Well, after stalking so persistently, you finally got him, huh?”
“Easy to get bored, yet strangely persistent…”
From Daisy and Hanna’s mouths came the familiar tales of those around them.
Turning my head at a sense of foreboding, I saw the two heading towards the dance floor.
“You’ve matched your outfit perfectly. Red and black… to show the union of families, right? It might be intended to make everyone think of the Edelte Countess’s dignity.”
“Maybe. Being that Edelte Countess.”
Belar belatedly realized the meaning behind the two’s evening attire.
“Union of families? Could it be…?”
Engagement.
And marriage.
—
“Is this your first dance at a gathering?”
As they made their way to the dance floor, Lucia asked Owen.
“I haven’t danced at gatherings before.”
He nodded, knowing it to be true.
It was as written in “Flower of the Empire.”
Owen had no memory of dancing at gatherings.
“It seems I’m leading the way this time. Quite an honor, in many ways.”
Lucia smiled mischievously.
Very satisfied and joyful.
“Seems like you’re enjoying it.”
“Oh… Did I show it?”
“A little.”
As Owen smoothly replied with a smile, Lucia couldn’t help but smile back, as if acknowledging there was no escape.
“Sorry.”
“No need to apologize.”
Owen replied curtly, taking Lucia’s hand.
While he hadn’t danced at gatherings before, Owen had received thorough education in etiquette, making it impossible for him not to know how to dance.
“Am I doing well?”
“I’ve learned everything, so.”
“Just because you’ve learned doesn’t mean you can do it, Owen.”
When Lucia pointed that out, Owen simply smiled faintly.
“Anyway. You’re too perfect, it’s intimidating.”
Interpreting his laughter in a certain way, Lucia blushed and tilted her head in excitement.
Following through with the next move, she placed her hand on Owen’s shoulder.
Owen’s hand reached Lucia’s waist.
He firmly supported her waist as they spun around.
As they did, Lucia’s dress billowed as if petals of red and black flowers were flying around, creating such a dazzling movement that it seemed as if they were dancing in a whirlwind.
“Look at this. All eyes are on us.”
“Even those who…?”
“Many are fixated on you alone.”
“Hmm.”
Perhaps Owen felt it was true, so he remained silent.
Lucia exhaled softly, taking Owen’s hand and spinning herself around.
Upon returning, she whispered in Owen’s ear as she held him close.
“Seeing a new face like yours, you must be debuting, right?”
“Ah.”
It seemed she was referring to those ‘fixated’ people from earlier.
“…The other side must be debuting too. Saw them at the hunting competition last time.”
Their gaze then shifted to the opposite side.
As Owen attempted to turn his head following Lucia’s lead, her hand touched his cheek.
“No need to look over there.”
“…”
In Lucia’s eyes, there was an emotion he had encountered twice before, from the carriage heading towards them and from Ocian.
‘If this happens again, it’ll be the third time.’
By now, he should have recognized what that emotion was, but he still did not know its name.
“Lady, is it.”
In his two memories, she only wore such eyes when it was related to Bela.
So, that was what he brought up.
“…How did you know?”
Emotions in her crimson eyes seemed to burn intensely.
“I thought you wouldn’t know.”
“Well…. Because, Lucia, you have that kind of look.”
Though feeling a bit flustered, Owen answered honestly.
“I remember feeling that way before. Whenever the story of a saint comes up, you have that look.”
“Huh…?”
Yet, for some reason, Lucia’s face showed surprise at hearing an unexpected answer.
‘Didn’t I ask about this?’
As Owen was pondering, Lucia belatedly spoke up.
“Owen… Did you realize from my reaction?”
“Well…?”
Apparently, that wasn’t it.
As Owen was contemplating, a satisfied smile suddenly appeared on Lucia’s face.
“Oh, I see. So that was it. Well, you don’t understand these things well.”
“If it’s about this…?”
“No, nothing. It’s fine if you don’t know. Actually, I wish you remained clueless till the end. Let the other side suffer a bit.”
It was hard to understand, but Owen simply nodded his head.
Since she said so, he decided to go along with it.
“By the way, what kind of look did I have?”
When Lucia opened her mouth again, she brought up such a question.
This question was a bit awkward.
Even for Owen, it was a problem where he didn’t have a clear answer.
He could only vaguely describe it in general terms.
“It seemed like a look mixed with obsession and possessiveness.”
“A look mixed with…? What does that mean?”
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“Well….”
Lucia narrowed her eyes.
She herself seemed unable to grasp it.
“It’s an emotion, to begin with, right?”
“Right.”
“Are there emotions that could be mixed with obsession and possessiveness?”
In response to Lucia’s question, Owen reconsidered the names of various emotions.
Among them, those with a persistent and intense red sensation.
‘Devotion, desire, repression….’
But it wasn’t any of those.
He could say with certainty.
‘…Jealousy?’
And the last thing that emerged was that emotion.
One that could blend well with obsession and possessiveness, that kind of thing.