Episode 6
The Emperor’s palace, seen for the first time, was dazzlingly grand.
Having never witnessed it with her own eyes in her past life, fear overwhelmed her.
Brighter than the darkness of her blindness, the vivid scene now felt more constricting.
Reina clasped her hands, praying instinctively.
‘I can do this. If I prove my worth to the Duke, I can escape the Emperor.’
Arriving at the banquet hall, three royals already seated glared at her.
None seemed friendly.
This was a miniature battle for the throne.
Reina’s sudden appearance, previously unnoticed, naturally sparked their wariness.
A red-haired man with a fierce demeanor spoke gruffly.
“What’s this? Was there a royal like her?”
His crude tone lacked any regal dignity, but his aura was formidable.
Reina instinctively recognized him.
‘Scal Vincent Mernie.’
The former captain of the Emperor’s personal guard.
He’d spearheaded conquest wars alongside the Crown Prince.
A bespectacled man with purple hair tied neatly over one shoulder spoke.
“Reina Eve Mernie. Daughter of the Eve County’s heiress. Her brother likely died during a subjugation.”
His voice was dry, like reciting a dictionary.
Only Michael of House Prom would know such precise details about the obscure Reina.
Scal leaned forward, shouting.
“Huh? Why’d His Majesty invite someone like her? Total nobody!”
“We’ll find out when His Majesty arrives. For now, sit properly, Scal. You’re shaking the table.”
“Always holed up reading books, no wonder you’re so uptight.”
“And you’re dim because you swing a sword all day?”
“What? Wanna go right now? Duel me!”
“Low intellect always resorts to brute force.”
“You done talking?!”
Bang!
As Scal stomped and stood, the Crown Prince, silently listening, slammed his water glass down.
“Sit, Scal.”
At his quiet command, Scal ruffled his hair and sat obediently.
Michael stopped provoking him.
Reina quietly observed the Crown Prince, who quelled the commotion instantly.
Resembling the Emperor most, he was like a blank sheet.
His silvery hair and eyes, like a snake’s, exuded an eerie aura.
“Reina, come sit.”
He smiled, meeting her eyes.
His kindness hid unknown intentions.
The Emperor had approached her similarly at first.
His calm reaction suggested the Emperor had briefed him.
“Reina Eve Mernie greets His Highness the Crown Prince and my siblings.”
Reina completed her courtesies and took the lowest seat.
An uncomfortable silence, prickling her skin, followed.
“His Majesty the Emperor arrives!”
At the herald’s call, all four stood.
Reina bowed, awaiting the Emperor’s seating.
Then he stopped before her and said,
“Why are you sitting here?”
“Pardon?”
Was he questioning her presence now?
Unable to grasp his intent, Reina trembled.
Scal sneered.
“See? His Majesty didn’t invite her. Knew it was odd she’s here. With your permission, I’ll drag her out!”
Scal seemed ready to grab her arm.
The one who prevented this was none other than Crown Prince Siegfried.
“Apologies, I neglected to guide her seat in the rush.”
“Right. It was hectic. This was quite sudden.”
The Emperor smirked, gesturing to an empty seat.
“Go sit opposite Siegfried.”
“!”
Reina’s eyes widened at the unprecedented assignment.
The seat opposite Siegfried signified the second-highest favor.
Even Scal and Michael, who’d never sat there, stiffened.
“I-I’m fine here…”
“Are you defying my command? How dare you?”
“I misspoke. I’m deeply grateful for your boundless grace.”
Reina hastily retracted her words and moved seats.
She didn’t want this.
Even the lowest seat felt too close to the Emperor.
Unlike Scal, who turned away discontentedly, Michael observed her with interest.
“Now everyone’s in their place.”
The Emperor, seated at the head, smiled contentedly.
As he sat, maids poured aperitifs.
Tilting his glass toward Reina, he said,
“Do you know why I summoned you?”
His probing question made Reina swallow hard.
Hiding her unease, she replied calmly,
“Likely because of my marriage.”
“Oh? The Duke already told you? I’m behind, then.”
The Emperor’s eyes gleamed with surprise.
When Reina mentioned marriage, Michael adjusted his glasses and asked,
“Marriage?”
Curious about unfamiliar information.
The Emperor answered, pleased.
“Yesterday, Duke Crencia visited me. He wishes to marry Reina.”
The banquet hall fell silent.
Michael stroked his chin, murmuring,
“Then the imperial carriage at Crencia’s castle was Reina’s. I didn’t dig that far.”
He sighed, disappointed.
Reina and Crencia had no prior connection.
Even House Prom’s intelligence couldn’t identify the carriage’s occupant.
Crencia’s security was airtight, with all staff from the North.
Scal tilted his head, muttering,
“Huh? Crencia? Why’s he suddenly involved? Am I the only one lost?”
Ignoring him, Michael addressed the Emperor.
“But didn’t the Duke recently reject Your Majesty’s matchmaking? Why the sudden proposal?”
“Well, he said if it’s Reina, he’d follow my will.”
The Emperor seemed indifferent to the bride’s identity, as long as Crencia married a royal.
Michael glanced at Siegfried.
“Did you know, brother?”
“I was told just before coming here.”
“Still, it’s odd. Could there be ulterior motives?”
“Ulterior motives? For her?”
Scal scoffed derisively.
Indeed, few would propose to an insignificant princess with ulterior motives.
She offered nothing.
It was more like taking on a burden to the North.
Everyone seemed to agree.
“It’s certainly abrupt.”
Michael muttered skeptically, while Scal boomed,
“Hmph! Even Crencia couldn’t fully defy His Majesty! He held out for pride, that’s all! Hahaha!”
“You’re so simple-minded, it’s almost refreshing.”
At Michael’s jab, Scal’s face flushed, but he restrained himself, likely due to the Emperor’s presence.
The Emperor, silent until now, met Reina’s eyes and extended his hand.
When she took it, he asked,
“How long have you two known each other?”
