Chapter 2. The Reception

“Mother, father.”

“Ruby.”

As soon as Eli and Ruby approached, Viscountess Rainier embraced her daughter.

Ruby, caught off guard by the sudden embrace, carefully embraced her mother. Although they didn’t say anything, their gestures of patting her back and stroking her back conveyed the message of “well done” and “thank you for your hard work.”

“You’ve had a long day. Are you feeling all right?”

The Viscountess released her embrace and cupped Ruby’s cheek.

The words made her feel strangely tearful.

“Of course. Eli’s always looking after me.”

“I’m glad.”

Viscountess Rainier took Ruby’s hand in one and Eli’s in the other.

“Thank you always, Earl. Ruby has always been good at everything on her own since she was young, so we got used to it and didn’t think to take care of her.”

“…….”

“And when she told us she was going to marry on her own, we thought she would have done just fine…….”

Viscountess Rainier looked at Ruby with wistful eyes.

Ruby had always done well on her own, so she knew she would be fine.

Her marriage to the Marquis of Grit, a high-ranking nobleman, only reinforced her vague belief that things would be fine.

After her marriage, she did not receive a single letter from Ruby saying that she was doing well, and it was only after she learned of the unfortunate incident between Ruby and Marie Grit that she realized that there was a reason why Ruby had not been able to send her a single letter.

However, their belated letter came from Eli, not Ruby.

The letter detailed all that Ruby had suffered for herself and Eli’s family.

But it was the very last chapter of the letter that stuck with Viscount and Viscountess Rainier. 

“Ruby doesn’t deserve me, but I will make her happier.”

The overflowing affection for Ruby until the end remained unforgettable.

“Thank you for loving and caring for Ruby.”

Viscount Rainier patted Eli on the shoulder with a smiling expression, remembering their happy wedding day. Eli remembered the day he met the Viscount in front of Ruby’s grave. Despite having a completely different expression then, it felt the same somehow.

“…No, thank you for entrusting Ruby to me. I will continue to do my best.”

Eli said, as if making a promise.

“As perents, those are really pleasant words to hear.”

Viscount and Viscountess Rainier, oblivious to this line of thought, exchanged glances and laughed. Their son-in-law really does love Ruby, they thought.

But Ruby couldn’t help but laugh. Eli’s face didn’t look like it did when he was happy, and she could only gently squeeze his hand.

“The reception should have started by now, so we can talk about everything else while you’re here.”

Eli, who looked at Ruby at the touch that touched him, smiled to indicate that it was okay.

* * *

“It feels different to see you out here, Your Majesty.”

“I hope you mean that in a good way.”

“I hope so.”

With Eli and Ruby away, the busiest people at the reception were Shannua and Katrina.

They were rarely seen outside of the balls held at the palace, but there was another reason why the nobles were so eager to catch a glimpse of them this time.

“By the way, this is my daughter, Your Majesty, Eileen.”

“You’ve never met my daughter either, Dana.”

The majority wanted to send their daughters to the palace as imperial concubines.

“It seems like I have to come out more often. The Empress would feel stifled if she stayed in the capital all the time.”

Shannua looked warmly at Katrina, ignoring the nobles who sought her permission to greet them.

Embarrassment flashed across their faces at his obvious rejection, and the atmosphere became strangely chilly.

“Haha… That’s a good idea.”

A moment later, the nobles gave a perfunctory response with awkward laughter.Katrina was the only one who remained calm in this atmosphere.

She knew that Shannua’s words and actions were all intended.

“It’s nice to see both of you cherishing each other.”

A foreign voice interrupted the awkward exchange of glances between the nobles.

Katrina’s gaze turned towards the owner of the voice.

A young noblewoman stood there, her eyes sparkling and her pupils so clear and crisp that they almost seemed innocent.

“I’m glad you see it that way.”

Katrina replied, and a shy smile of honor followed.

As Katrina stared at the face, Shannua’s gaze followed suit.

When she looked up at Shannua, her eyes fluttered weakly and she was embarrassed.

“What’s your name?”

Katrina asked, recognizing the moment.

“I am Ganessa, the daughter of Viscount Byton.”

“Ganessa,” she murmured, hearing the name.

“I’ll remember.”

“I’m honored.”

Katrina’s eyes widened at her answer, and Ganessa replied, her cheeks lighting up. A final glance toward Shannua was not forgotten.

But Shannua’s eyes were already on Katrina, who returned Ganessa’s greeting with a heartfelt smile.

Katrina scrutinizes her closely.

It was clear from the way her eyes darted back and forth that she had her heart set on Shannua. Still, she liked the sparkle in her eyes and the innocence of her face.

That kind of personality would serve her well in the palace. She would do her best to look out for the Emperor on her behalf.

That was what she thought at that moment.

“Greetings, Imperial Sun.”

Katrina was pulled from her reverie by a voice.

Her head turned slowly.

“……Hyde… Lord Rayon.”

Katrina quietly called out to the voice.

It was a very quiet voice, inaudible to most people but clear to Shannua, who stood right next to her.

Shannua frowned slightly, bothered by the title that had been added as an afterthought to the familiar name.

“I am late in greeting you, Your Majesty. I am Hyde, from the House of Rayon.”

The greeting was later than Katrina’s mutter.

“……Yes. The second son of the Count Rayon?”

Katrina asked, remembering the muttered title.

“Yes. I’m honored, you remember.”

Hyde bowed politely, like a man Shannua had seen a few times before.

Not the type to pay much attention to people outside of his circle, he remembered that he hadn’t seen much of Shannua, as he was not interested in politics like him.

“It’s been a long time, My Lord.”

“Oh, Lady Ganessa. It’s been a while.”

Katrina stared at him blankly, not saying a word as Hyde chatted casually with the nobles.

Then, noticing Katrina’s gaze on him, Hyde spoke in a friendly tone.

“How is Her Majesty, the Empress?”

Katrina curled her lips into a small smile and averted her gaze.

“It’s been a long time, Lord Rayon.”

But the hesitation was fleeting. Katrina’s gravelly greeting followed.

A distinctly different reaction stimulated Shannua’s nerves.

* * 

It was about this time that Eli and Ruby returned to the reception hall with Viscount and Viscountess Rainier.

“Thank you for coming. Thank you, Lynn.”

“You’re welcome.”

“So whose wedding is it anyway?”

Iana and Lynn were the first to approach them.

“It’s been a long time, Viscount. Viscountess.”

Lynn didn’t forget to greet Ruby’s parents.

Viscountess Rainier acknowledged the greeting with a smile and gestured for them to continue.

“The blessing of the priest, the Emperor and the Empress. I think this is the most lavish wedding I’ve ever seen.”

“You were very determined, weren’t you? I don’t know who will get married next, but it’ll be a burden.”

Count Chain and Baron Blora playfully nudged Eli.

“It won’t be, for what nobleman would be worthy of the Emperor and Empress’s time?”

Kane approached and lightly tapped Eli’s side. It was a signal that he knew about it but hadn’t mentioned it.

Sorvan, who had come to stand beside him, bowed in reverence.

“I didn’t mean to; I just wanted to look good for Ruby.”

Eli’s soft eyes fell on Ruby. Ruby, who’d caught his gaze while talking to Lynn and Iana, smiled casually when she and Eli made eye contact.

Their affectionate gestures were met with indifference by the four men, who just raised their glasses lightly with wine and champagne.

“Well, at least we’re still getting along.”

“Marchioness Grit.”

“It’s been a while.”

Four men greeted Emily, now the Marchioness of Grit, flanked by reverent Leton.

“Even the Emperor has been invited, so I’m sure he knows how much he has been thinking about this wedding.”

Emily said, looking around at the nobles who filled the reception hall.

Eli returned her greeting with a light tap on the shoulder.

“Where is Your Majesty?”

“Inside, I saw some unfamiliar nobles.”

“Unfamiliar noble?”

Eli was puzzled, as no noble had ever been invited that Emily didn’t recognize.

“I heard he’s the second son of the Count of Rayon.”

“Ah.”

Emily had never met the second son of Count Rayon, as he had left to study abroad before she could enter social circles.

“I suppose I’ll have to pay my respects to His Majesty, then.”

He needed to know how things were going.

With that thought, Eli excused himself and headed to the Emperor and Empress with Ruby.

“We are late in greeting you.”

“Thank you for coming the long way.”

Eli and Ruby thanked Shannua and Katrina for coming to the wedding.

In the meantime, the gawking nobles had moved on. They calculated that if they stayed, they wouldn’t be able to greet their daughters. Except for Hyde, who lingered at Eli’s gesture.

“No problem; it’s nice to use this as an excuse to get some fresh air.”

Unlike Shannua, who nodded in agreement, Katrina flashed a bright smile and took Ruby’s hand.

“I hear you have some good news; congratulations.”

“Thank you.”

Shannua glanced over at Katrina.

Unlike Ruby, who answered shyly, Eli, who stood off to the side, glanced at Katrina as she said it, then back at Shannua.

Shannua’s gaze shifted from Katrina to Eli, and when their eyes met, he raised an eyebrow at Eli as if to ask why.

“Thank you for coming, indeed.”

It was almost the first time he’d ever attended a noble family party outside of those thrown by the Emperor and Empress, so it was proof that, despite being removed from the front lines, Eli was still going strong.

Even if it was for the simple reason that Eli needed a special, glamorous guest, he hadn’t been able to invite him to his first wedding.

“So you were impressed?”

“Yes. This is my first time.”

“…It sounds like my other gifts haven’t been that meaningful then.”

Shannua crossed his arms and tilted his head up at him, as if to say something.

“No, it means that this gift was especially meaningful.”

Eli replied nonchalantly.

Shannua smirked at the innocent denial. It meant he was joking, too.

“Today must be busy because of the wedding, but it’ll be quiet starting tomorrow. Please feel free to stay during your visit.”

The guests’ celebration would end today, but the festivities to mark the couple’s milestone would continue for days outside the mansion.

All paid for by Eli, of course.

“I also hope to talk to your wife a lot while we’re here.”

Neither Ruby nor Katrina had seen each other before or since their marriage. This was despite the fact that their husbands, Shannua and Eli, were known to be close.

“I’d be honored if you did.”

Then she looked at Eli and asked, “Is that okay? ”

After Ruby’s pregnancy, he’d acted like she shouldn’t have been away from him at all.

“Sure. Whenever you want.”

Eli replied, looking at Ruby with affection in his eyes.

Katrina couldn’t take her eyes off the two of them.

Eli Grit had stood near Ruby throughout the greeting, his eyes never leaving her. It was evidenced by the way he grabbed her shoulders and waist, warning her to be careful if she wobbled for a moment.

“It’s been a while, Count Rayon.”

Eli greeted Hyde, who stood beside him, still tending to Ruby.

“It is an honor to be invited, Earl Rox.”

One of Shannua’s eyebrows rose and fell slightly at Hyde’s gratitude, indicating that Eli had invited him.

“Ah, come to think of it, it must be a long time since you’ve seen Her Majesty.”

Eli asked, looking at Katrina as if he knew nothing.

“It’s …….”

“It’s been a while.”

Hyde replied quickly with a shrug at Katrina’s lukewarm response.

It was a brief moment, but even Eli could vaguely see that the Empress’s reaction was out of character.

“You two must have been close.”

Shannua blurted out. He wanted to break the ice, and he wanted to know more about their relationship.

“We’ve known each other since we were children, as our families have interacted frequently.”

“Though that was a long time ago, when Lord Rayon took an unexpected and unplanned trip to study abroad.”

Hyde was calmly explaining when Katrina’s voice followed. She was trying to maintain composure, but her voice betrayed subtle emotions that couldn’t be hidden.

“It was a last-minute decision, and I didn’t get a chance to tell you.”

Hyde spoke cautiously, watching the Empress’s eyes. Katrina lowered her gaze silently.

“Now that I’ve returned, if Her Majesty calls for me, I will come anytime.”

“…Alright.”

Katrina replied, her emotions still raw but much more subdued than they had been at first.

In response, Hyde smiled in relief.

Shannua watched the whole thing unfold.

Hyde was the first to recognize his gaze.

“Her Majesty will be staying for a few days, so perhaps Lord Rayon would like to visit often and catch up.”

Before Hyde could lock eyes with Shannua, Eli spoke up.

“I’m sure you two old friends will have plenty to catch up on.”

Eli’s gaze flicked to Shannua as he spoke the last word. His crooked smile asked, 

“How do you like it?”

“…If Her Majesty wishes so.”

“As usual, Your Majesty, you have a big heart.”

Despite knowing it was an evasive answer, Eli pretended not to notice.

Meanwhile, Ruby looked at Eli for a moment before turning her gaze towards Katrina. She remained silent even after the Emperor’s response.

* * *

“What’s going on?”

“Huh?”

“I’m talking about His Majesty and Her Majesty.”

Ruby, who had come in after cleaning up the reception and laid down on the bed, asked Eli.

Ruby quickly realized she was getting tired and decided to go to bed first. Emily, Leton, and Damon would take care of the rest of the cleanup.

“Oh.”

“Are the two not getting along?”

“I’m not sure. I just heard that Her Majesty seems psychologically unsettled.”

Eli explained, laying out several pillows for Ruby to lie down on.

“It was the Emperor himself who asked to stay for a few days.”

“And that’s why you sent for Lord Rayon?”

“I suppose so. He was closest to the Empress before they were married, and I thought he might help stabilize things.”

Perhaps because she was of the opposite s*x, her husband, the emperor, did not seem to be very pleased with Hyde.

Thinking back to the old Shannua, he looked a lot different.

Come to think of it, the empress wasn’t the only one with a psychological change.

“I think we should have a girls’ outing tomorrow and go boating on the lake.”

Eli looked up, and Ruby hugged him around the waist.

“It helps me to forget about my worries for a little while.”

The answer bothered Eli, who knew when Ruby was struggling emotionally.

“It was quite effective at the Deven’s villa you arranged.”

“…Was it effective?”

“Of course. That was the first time I tried fishing. It was fun even though I didn’t catch anything for hours.”

“I’m glad.”

It wasn’t just about the activity itself, but Eli found the gesture of preparing so much for her touching.

“Just don’t push yourself too hard. You still need to be careful.”

“Okay.”

Ruby leaned against Eli and closed her eyes.

Somehow, she felt like they were on the same page, and she was going to try this, as long as she didn’t push herself too hard.

* * *

“You knew the Empress was close to Lord Rayon, didn’t you?”

“You didn’t know?”

Eli looked openly surprised.

“The two families are naturally close. I know they’ve been interacting since they were children.”

“You… don’t seem interested in your surroundings.”

“Information about high-ranking nobles is essential. You never know how it might be needed.”

“And you didn’t tell me?”

“Of course not; I thought you’d find out when you decided to get married.”

Both the Marquisate of Tules and the County of Rayon were neutral, belonging to neither the imperial nor the noble faction, but they were quite influential.

“I did research on the family. I just didn’t know they were close.”

It was listed in the information about the family she was to marry into, but it was highly likely that Shannua did not remember it.

He was full of irritation at the time, eager to marry into a noble family that Arlen hadn’t anticipated.

Still, it was only because of his position as Emperor that he had chosen a family that was politically untroubled and wouldn’t bother him.

“What an idiot…”

He regrets that.

He swallowed the last word and turned his gaze to the boats on the lake.

There were Ruby and Katrina, Viscountess Rainier and Emily.

TL NOTE: More advanced chapter of this story is already up to the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories