ITPMHFN 73

Chapter 73

Princess Annabel let out a faint breath as she gazed at the scene before her.

Her ruby-like eyes followed the flock of birds gliding gracefully beneath the grand hall’s ceiling.

“This is… more impressive than I expected. The technique, and the one who commands it.”

Her gaze turned toward Denok, who stood on the platform with his usual stoic expression.

He hadn’t looked like that when she’d met him at the last banquet — there was something… different this time.

Then, a soft voice drew her from her thoughts.

“The Empire’s magical skill is far more refined than I anticipated.”

Annabel composed her expression smoothly before turning toward Siren.

His eyes, deep and serene as the blue sea, caught the gentle light from the chandeliers and gleamed with mystery.

He was smiling, but it was impossible to know what he was thinking.

Her father had told her to seduce him at all costs, but Annabel had always felt uneasy around him.

Yet now, that same man was smiling like a child fascinated by a new toy.

“Luciano has always excelled at magic. The Grand Duke must be quite talented.”

“It’s not the Grand Duke who’s controlling it,” Siren replied calmly. “That thing moves on its own—powered by a magic stone.”

“What? How could that be…”

Annabel gasped before hastily shutting her mouth.

Reacting in surprise would mean admitting that even their own Empire was unaware of this technology.

But Siren had already caught her slip.

“Ah, so even the Empire didn’t know. Seems this is a technology unique to Luciano.”

His gaze shifted again, slowly, toward the stage.

There, beside the Grand Duke, stood a woman—radiant and graceful, her presence like the glow of a rose in full bloom.

She greeted the surrounding nobles with an elegant smile.

“So, everything began to change after that woman arrived.”

Siren lifted his champagne glass to his lips, half-hiding his smile.

But his eyes gleamed unmistakably with intrigue.

As the banquet officially began, people started approaching us one by one.

“Your Grace, how does that device actually work?”

“It runs on magic stones, doesn’t it? Can it be purchased?”

In an instant, Denok was surrounded by a crowd.

It was a sight that would have been unimaginable before.

‘Arbel and the guild members will be so happy.’

I hid a small laugh behind my glass.

They had worked tirelessly to prepare for this banquet.

Those tiny birds fluttering through the air were the result of countless nights spent refining every detail—Arbel’s magic engine, the delicate motion, the miniaturization—all fused into one.

Since it was the first technology of its kind not just in the Empire but across the entire continent, the reaction was explosive.

While Denok was trapped in a sea of eager nobles, a group of ladies swarmed toward me.

“Your Grace, do you remember me? We met at your father’s birthday banquet.”

“This event is simply splendid! Would you perhaps honor our salon with your presence next time?”

The air filled with perfume and the soft jingling of jeweled accessories.

Their overlapping voices made my head spin, but I managed to smile and respond politely—until a familiar voice cut through the chatter.

“Edith.”

The sound of his gentle yet commanding tone made everyone turn.

The ladies instinctively stepped aside, parting to make a clear path between us.

A man with neatly styled rose-colored hair and serene green eyes was walking toward me.

“Father.”

It was Duke Sertia—finally making his appearance.

“Magnificent, Edith,” he said, his face glowing with pride. “To see you standing here, so confidently before everyone… I couldn’t be prouder as your father.”

Several noblewomen smiled warmly at his words.

“Duke Sertia, you’ve raised an exceptional daughter.”

“Such a graceful and intelligent Grand Duchess—Luciano’s new era looks promising.”

“And what a fine son-in-law you’ve gained, my lord.”

The Duke bowed humbly and waved his hand modestly.

“It’s all Edith’s doing. She’s always worked diligently since childhood. Ha ha.”

The nobles nodded, murmuring, “As expected of the Sertia family.”

I forced a smile, though my heart tightened at the memories his words stirred.

Yes, I was diligent.

Pointlessly so.

Only I knew the suspicion and calculation hidden behind that fatherly smile—how carefully he was testing me even now.

“The Grand Duke himself said this banquet would have been impossible without the Grand Duchess.”

“Truly?”

The Duke turned to me in mild surprise, tilting his head.

“I thought so. I could sense your touch all throughout this hall.”

“You flatter me, Father. I still have much to learn.”

I answered carefully, meeting his gaze.

He looked around the room with feigned fondness.

“At first, I was astonished when I heard you’d even offered part of your dowry to repair the Grand Duke’s estate.”

A faint gasp rippled through the crowd.

The noblewomen exchanged subtle glances behind their fans.

Ah.

How masterful.

In that brief moment, he had smoothly elevated the Sertia family above Luciano’s.

His words implied that Luciano’s success was thanks to Sertia’s sacrifice.

I bit my inner cheek gently.

“It seems your efforts were well rewarded. You’ve gained such a fine husband, after all.”

His gaze flicked just past my shoulder.

It was closer than I expected, and I instinctively drew in a breath.

“Don’t you agree, Your Grace?”

“…!”

Before I could react, a familiar warmth pressed gently against my back.

Denok’s arm slid naturally around my waist.

“I can’t disagree,” he murmured in that low, steady voice that brushed my ear.

“The Luciano family owes its revival entirely to my wife.”

Then he leaned in a little closer, whispering softly enough for only me to hear:

“Don’t you think so, my lady?”

I heard a few noblewomen gasp softly nearby.

“No matter how it began,” Denok continued calmly, “I now hold my wife in the deepest affection.”

His tone was gentle but filled with quiet conviction.

It sounded so sincere that it startled me.

…You’re much better at this act than I thought.

When I looked up, he met my gaze with a tender smile.

The Duke glanced at us, then nodded with a pleasant laugh.

“You look wonderful together. Still, as a father, it’s only natural to feel a little lonely.”

Then he stepped closer and said warmly:

“If you don’t mind, shall we take a walk? I’d like to see more of this place—you must have many things you’d like to show your father.”

He chuckled lightly.

“When else will I have such an opportunity? It’s not every day one gets to tour a fine son-in-law’s home.”

The nobles around us laughed softly again.

He looked every bit the image of a kind, affectionate father.

And so, I too had to play the role of the perfect daughter.

“Of course.”

I bowed slightly, wearing a shy smile.

“There’s so much I’ve been meaning to tell you, Father.”