85. Allies and Enemies
Belia appeared in the banquet hall wearing a deep-colored dress tinged with red.
The striking contrast between this look and the delicate, pure bride she had been earlier in the day left everyone staring in awe.
Everyone was captivated by the usually pristine and innocent Belia now exuding an alluring presence.
Raoul felt the same way.
“Belia…!”
An uncontrollable desire surged within him. But too many eyes were watching.
He carefully reined in his feelings, hiding them as he always did.
“My goodness. Look at Princess Belia!”
“She is truly stunning.”
“But above all, her character is so admirable.”
One by one, the ladies began to voice their admiration for Belia.
And those praises reached Elin’s ears.
She hated Belia. Jealousy welled up uncontrollably.
Elin felt despair at discovering these feelings within herself.
Having always been the center of attention, being unexpectedly overshadowed by someone else was deeply unsettling.
And to make matters worse, the person she loved still held Princess Belia in his heart and hadn’t forgotten her.
“…I really hate this. I hate it so much.”
The brighter Belia smiled, the heavier Elin’s mood became.
“I need to talk to Father.”
Her twisted emotions could no longer be controlled.
Just then, Raoul gently draped an arm around Elin’s shoulder and spoke.
“Elin, shall we go congratulate today’s couple?”
He offered his arm.
Elin stared at him blankly for a moment, then her expression hardened as if making a decision.
“…Yes, Your Highness.”
As Belia and Khalid entered the reception hall, they approached the emperor, empress, and crown princess on the stage.
“Oh my. We should be calling you the Crown Princess now, shouldn’t we?”
The emperor rose from his seat to greet them.
“Thanks to Your Majesty’s grace, our wedding was a success.”
“Ha ha. No, no. I can’t believe how eloquently our Crown Princess speaks.”
The emperor exaggeratedly praised Belia.
Knowing that it was entirely thanks to Belia that the chief ministers were present in the empire, the emperor had been beaming every time he saw her lately.
After all, she had created the history that would elevate his prestige.
Belia smiled at the emperor before subtly turning to greet the empress.
“Your Majesty.”
It was their first meeting since that day.
The empress looked unwell.
However, the antidote seemed to be taking effect, and it wasn’t dangerous.
“…Why did you call me here?”
The empress’s tone was cold, dripping with disapproval.
“I understand it may be inconvenient, but I sincerely hoped Your Majesty would watch over us.”
“You’ve done something unnecessary.”
Belia simply smiled at the empress’s rebuke, knowing it wasn’t heartfelt.
Khalid silently watched the empress’s face, saying nothing.
“We will visit you properly another time, Your Majesty.”
“…Don’t come. You’re only a nuisance.”
“But now that we are officially part of the royal family, isn’t it proper to formally greet you?”
Belia smiled brightly, ignoring the empress’s refusal. The empress eventually turned her head away.
This brief exchange was enough. It gave them a plausible excuse to meet the empress again in the future.
They also offered a polite greeting to the crown princess, though it was noticeably more subdued than the one given to the emperor and empress.
As if to say she was insignificant in the presence of the empress.
“Everyone’s watching this.”
Yes. Let them remember clearly that the empress still holds the throne.
A faint smile tugged at Belia’s lips.
Khalid and Belia then turned and stopped at the center of the stage.
“We would like to thank everyone who has come to our wedding, and we hope you enjoy the celebration.”
Khalid addressed the crowd with a poised, confident demeanor.
Usually, Raoul would give such a speech in a setting like this.
Although it felt slightly awkward to hear Khalid give the toast, his natural confidence quickly dispelled any discomfort.
The music changed.
Belia and Khalid descended the carpeted stairs gracefully, finally reaching the center of the hall, hands clasped. Khalid’s free hand rested lightly on Belia’s waist.
“Phew…”
Belia exhaled, and Khalid asked with a teasing smile,
“Nervous?”
“Of course. This dance is just the beginning.”
They moved elegantly in time with the music, their motions fluid and natural.
“We’ll also need to greet Duke Tessa shortly.”
Belia twirled lightly, her red dress flowing and folding gracefully with each turn.
“I think Grandfather will be quite fond of you.”
“Who knows?”
Until they could see Duke Tessa’s reaction, nothing could be assumed.
“Belia.”
“Yes?”
“Raoul is watching us.”
Khalid whispered into her ear.
“Then smile even brighter. Let’s rattle him a little.”
Belia burst into a delighted laugh, sensing the sincerity in his words.
Their faces remained lit with smiles, and even the onlookers couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the beautiful couple.
After the song ended, Belia and Khalid moved to the edge of the hall.
“Khalid.”
Raoul approached them, Elin at his side.
“Congratulations on your marriage.”
“…Thanks.”
His words felt hollow, but Khalid hid his true feelings behind a smile.
“You must be feeling restless seeing our wedding when yours is coming this fall.”
He spoke with multiple layers of meaning.
“Ha ha. Well, anyone would feel strange before their own wedding,” Raoul replied casually.
“Congratulations, Princess.”
“Thank you, Lady Canterif.”
Belia and Elin exchanged a polite greeting.
“You look stunning today.”
Raoul complimented Belia. While the words were polite, they felt different coming from him. His gaze lingered, making Belia grit her teeth.
“Thank you, First Prince.”
“Red suits you.”
But Raoul continued, speaking to her again.
“…Does it?”
Nothing more was exchanged, and an awkward silence followed.
“Thanks for the congratulations, brother.”
Khalid smiled, wrapping an arm around Belia’s shoulder.
“We have many greetings to make, so let’s move on.”
Raoul watched as they disappeared into the crowd, smiling faintly, then turned to Elin.
“Shall we move on as well?”
Noticing Elin’s displeasure, Raoul gently cupped her cheek, moving closer.
“Elin? Are you feeling unwell?”
He smiled warmly, meeting her eyes.
“If you’re not feeling well, tell me. I can’t let you suffer.”
“Your Highness…”
Elin was slightly moved, but Raoul didn’t stop there, lightly pressing his lips to hers.
Startled, Elin hiccuped. Raoul’s eyes curved into a crescent as he said,
“Then let’s go see Duke Canterif.”
“…Y-Yes!”
She nodded, and Raoul held her hand firmly, leading her toward the duke. His earlier warmth was now replaced by a cold, determined expression.
“Princess! No…! Your Highness, the Crown Princess!”
While greeting several guests with Khalid, someone called out to Belia.
It was Rachel.
“Congratulations!”
Rachel, flushed with excitement, approached and offered her congratulations.
“You look absolutely stunning today!”
As Rachel struggled to contain herself, someone lightly pressed her head down with one hand.
“Rachel, you’re troubling Her Highness.”
“Oh, right! Y-Your Highness! This is my second brother.”
Beside Rachel, a very tall man greeted them formally.
“Nice to meet you. I am Locus Caprie, affiliated with the Central Knights.”
Khalid seemed familiar with him and offered no formal greeting in return.
“Oh, pleased to meet you, Sir Locus.”
“An honor to exchange greetings.”
Unlike bubbly Rachel, he carried a calm, composed demeanor. More scholar than knight.
Belia, intrigued by the contrast, stared at him. Khalid subtly blocked her view and addressed Locus.
“What brings you here?”
“Well… obviously to celebrate Your Highness’s wedding.”
“Don’t talk nonsense.”
Despite his casual appearance, he spoke with a sly tone. Khalid, accustomed to it, cut him off naturally.
“Ha ha ha. Why so serious on such a fine day?”
“I don’t like your attitude.”
As they bickered playfully, Belia approached Rachel.
“How have you been?”
“Great!”
Rachel smiled brightly. Belia leaned close, hiding her lips behind a champagne glass, and whispered,
“…How is the request I made coming along?”
Rachel’s eyes sparkled as she grinned confidently.
“It should be completed sooner than expected, so don’t worry! Ah, but…”
She paused, then asked with a pleased smile,
“Do you plan to talk about work on your wedding day?”
“…There’s no time,” Belia replied, trailing off in embarrassment.
“Hehe. You’ll be surprised when you check the documents later.”
Belia smiled at Rachel’s fussiness. Since Rachel had started assisting Belia, her father had told the children that she had the support of the Second Prince.
As a result, Rachel handled not only Belia’s charitable work but also more delicate matters recently.
“…It’s time to give Duke Canterif a proper gift.”
Belia smiled mischievously. She couldn’t allow Raoul’s influence to continue growing unchecked.
“Keep the documents safe. We’ll discuss this further after the wedding.”
While planning for the future, a tall, imposing figure approached.
“Your Highness, Khalid. Long time no see.”
“…Grandfather.”
It was Duke Tessa, Khalid’s maternal grandfather and head of the Western Nobles’ Alliance.
Belia narrowed her eyes, wondering whether he was an ally or an enemy.
