CHAPTER 26
The banquet hall at the center of the imperial palace was once again in full bloom.
However, unlike before, a distinctly chilly atmosphere lingered.
Though nobles mingled, laughter was sparse. Their expressions were stiff, and voices barely rose above whispers.
Yevgeny, seated beside the Emperor, clenched her teeth so tightly her jaw trembled.
“Ugh…!”
Across from her, Dmitri looked unbothered as he casually sipped his wine.
The seat next to Dmitri remained empty.
It belonged to the person who had not yet arrived—the First Princess, Lirien.
Yevgeny glared at the empty seat.
“Why… why is that girl invited to a night banquet…?”
Even among imperial children, only those formally acknowledged were allowed to attend.
This rule especially applied to night banquets hosted by the Emperor himself.
Yevgeny had always held a sense of superiority over Lirien because of this very privilege.
That girl, who could only attend breakfast banquets, now sat at the same table as her?
“I—I’m the one the Emperor favors most…”
She clenched her fists, her lips twisting.
Just then, the Emperor looked up and stared toward the entrance.
Yevgeny turned toward his gaze, as did the rest of the nobles.
Click.
The doors opened.
A child in a white dress, pure as snow, entered.
Flowing golden hair glistened like spring sunlight, her violet eyes sparkling with unshaken grace.
A hush fell over the hall.
She walked with quiet confidence—neither proud nor nervous—as if this place were meant for her all along.
Her every step was refined, her poise noble.
The nobles watching were unknowingly captivated.
They realized what had changed in the girl.
“That’s… Princess Lirien?”
“Was she always that beautiful…?”
Whispers filled the room, but Lirien paid them no mind.
She stepped forward and bowed deeply to the Emperor.
“Your Majesty, Lirien of House Aerydium offers her greetings.”
Her voice was clear, echoing through the hall.
The Emperor gazed at her with narrowed eyes.
She was certainly his daughter—but she seemed like an entirely different being now.
Before he could respond, Dmitri stood and greeted her.
“Lirien, you’re here.”
“Yes, Brother.”
Yevgeny’s hands trembled.
“Why is Dmitri acting like that?! Since when did he care for Lirien…!”
She couldn’t understand it.
Before, he always ignored that girl. Now he treated her like a valued ally.
“How dare you treat her like she’s your equal…!”
Yevgeny bit her lip and turned to the Emperor.
But unlike before, he didn’t stop Lirien. Nor did he seem annoyed by her presence.
In fact, his expression softened slightly when he saw her.
Yevgeny’s vision blurred with rage.
“Even Father…!”
Just then, the nobles who had noticed the change in wind moved swiftly.
“Your Highness, what an honor to finally meet you again.”
“May Aerydium’s blessing shine upon you, Princess Lirien.”
“We were just discussing your wise words from the last banquet…”
In an instant, nobles flocked to her.
Even those who hadn’t spared her a glance before now vied for a moment of her attention.
Lirien, with an elegant smile, accepted their greetings one by one.
“Thank you for your kind words.”
“It’s my duty as a member of the imperial family.”
“I hope to serve the Empire alongside you.”
Each word was poised, each gesture regal.
Even the nobles who had prepared to ignore her found themselves nodding along.
Yevgeny was pushed to the background—left out of the circle she once ruled.
She bit her lip hard enough to draw blood.
“Lirien… you’ll regret this.”
