Chapter 23

The sound of snickers could be heard. Liliana instinctively knew that they were not directed at her.

Tilting her head towards Lucia, standing nearby, she asked with puzzled eyes.

“Why is the atmosphere like this? Did I do something wrong?”

“Smile.”

Instead of answering, Lucia gave her a brief piece of advice. Liliana followed it and smiled softly. It was closer to an elegant smile than her usual bright one.

Liliana’s face was lovely and full of life without a fan covering her face. She looked around with her crescent-shaped eyes and soon realized.

The people were not only looking at her but also at Beatty.

Liliana’s mind slowly started to work. Thinking back to the Empress Dowager’s words just before the gazes gathered and the snickers started, she began to understand why.

‘It seems Lady Gabriel mocked me again. And the Empress Dowager helped me out.’

With this conclusion, Liliana looked up at the Empress Dowager. Lifting the hem of her dress, she bowed.

“It is an honor, Your Majesty. I will always strive to serve the people.”

The Empress Dowager responded with a pleased expression.

“The Empress Consort is diligently looking after the people at the Emperor’s side, leaving nothing to be desired.”

This statement was akin to saying, ‘We are managing just fine without an empress.’

This matter seemed to end with Liliana being praised and Beatty alone feeling embarrassed. However, a hearty laugh from a man was heard from one side.

The Empress Dowager’s kind gaze turned in that direction, narrowing slightly. It was barely perceptible, but it was clear she did not particularly like him.

“Empress Consort Liliana has indeed done a commendable job. I wonder if Duke Gabriel could contribute to this cause?”

With those words, Liliana knew who he was. He was Beatty’s father and a man whom Helio viewed unfavorably, Duke Gabriel.

Liliana’s fingertips trembled. Seeing up close someone who would contribute to her demise was not a pleasant experience.

The Empress Dowager, hiding her displeasure, asked with a smiling face.

“How would you contribute?“

“I wish to provide clean blankets to the slums and employ them in the Duke’s household to create jobs.”

Providing clean blankets or places to sleep would render the curtains Liliana had gifted useless. She realized he was wary of her.

Yet, there was no surface-level issue. The Empress Dowager seemed to think there was nothing to criticize, nodding.

“It is good to see everyone thinking of the people at my birthday banquet.“

“Isn’t it? My daughter cares so much for the people. She always strives to assist His Majesty.”

Duke Gabriel finished speaking and looked at Helio.

‘We wish to hasten the engagement.’

Duke Gabriel’s words were clear.

Helio met his gaze with an enigmatic smile.

“Indeed.”

Helio said only that one word. Then he looked at Liliana.

“Empress Consort, have you learned much about the empire?”

Caught off guard by the sudden question, Liliana quickly composed herself and smiled.

“Though I still lack, Princess Lucia has been a great help.“

“Well, I asked a needless question. You’ve prepared such a splendid banquet.”

Helio, seemingly satisfied, nodded.

“It seems you could handle the next Foundation Day as well. You appear to have a strong bond with Princess Lucia.”

That statement was equivalent to saying,

‘I have no thoughts of an engagement yet.’

Understanding the implication, Duke Gabriel turned sharply to glare at Liliana with a predatory gaze, like a beast eyeing its prey. Breaking out in a cold sweat, Liliana took a small step back.

“Your Highness, are you unwell?”

Lucia asked cautiously. Liliana shook her head, but her pale face indicated something was wrong.

Thinking the tension of the moment was too much, Lucia gently patted Liliana’s back.

“Take a little rest. There are plenty of rooms. Sophia, take care of your mistress.“

“Yes, Your Highness.”

Sophia approached and supported Liliana.

Helio’s gaze followed the unsteady Liliana. Concern flashed briefly in his eyes before disappearing.

Everyone present watched Helio. His feelings towards Liliana could not appear to be anything more than political.

Once again adopting his complete imperial demeanor, Helio leisurely conversed with Duke Gabriel as if engaged in a duel of words.

* * *

Liliana left the banquet hall and walked down the corridor. Her pounding heart seemed to calm down a little away from the people’s gazes.

“Are you feeling better?“

“Yes, I didn’t know I was such a coward.”

Though she had boldly faced Helio, now she was helpless against someone who genuinely wanted to kill her. The irony made Liliana laugh a little at herself.

As she was about to enter a room, turning back towards the hall, she saw a man with two glasses of wine wandering the corridor. She intended to ignore him and pass by, but the man called out to her.

“Empress Consort Liliana!”

Liliana turned sharply to see who had called her. It was a man with attractive red eyes and well-tanned skin, but Liliana regarded him with wary eyes.

He was the man who had been standing near Beatty. Given his resemblance to Beatty, he might not be a direct sibling but likely a relative.

“I am Vail Gabriel.“

“Gabriel…“

Liliana’s suspicion was confirmed. She nodded awkwardly, then tried to move past him, but Vail stepped before her with a faint smile.

“I came here specifically to meet you. It would be a shame if you left.“

“I have nothing to say to you.”

Liliana tried to walk past him, but Vail was taller, making it difficult to bypass him easily. Seeing her attempt to avoid him, Vail asked with a puzzled expression.

“Why are you so wary of me?“

“You’re being rude.”

Liliana glared up at him. Vail seemed taken aback, not expecting her to respond this way.

Liliana pushed against his shoulder, trying to leave. What she hadn’t anticipated was the wine Vail held in both hands.

As he tried to stop her, the wine spilled, soaking her upper body quickly.

While Liliana stood frozen in shock, Vail hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief, attempting to wipe the wine from her cheek and neck. But before his hand could touch her, she swatted it away.

“Unpleasant.”

Her words were not just due to her wariness. She truly felt disgusted.

When Vail’s fingers brushed her cheek, the sensation was nothing like when Helio had cleaned sauce off her hand. It was intensely uncomfortable.

Vail quickly apologized.

“I am truly sorry. At least take this handkerchief.“

“I don’t need it. And don’t wait for me like this again. I already know how much Lady Gabriel dislikes me.”

Liliana thought Vail’s actions were deliberate. She hadn’t made a single mistake today, so she believed this was a ploy to create a minor fault. She swiftly left the scene.

Vail watched her go, muttering to himself.

“I really didn’t mean to… This is frustrating.”

However, Liliana didn’t hear his words.

She was in a hurry to wipe off the wine spreading from her face and shoulders to her dress. She knocked on the nearest door and entered.

Contrary to her expectation of an empty room, someone was standing inside. Just as she tried to recall where she had seen the face, he introduced himself with an awkward smile.

“I am the Emperor’s aide.”

“Ah, Sir Ternz.”

Liliana hastily nodded.

“But how did this happen…“

“Sir Vail Gabriel kept bothering Her Highness until he finally spilled wine on her.“

“Sophia.”

Liliana stopped Sophia. Despite her high status, she was still wary of how others might perceive the situation. Sophia seemed to realize this, bowing her head in apology.

“It was just an accident.”

Ternszlooked troubled and murmured.

“If His Majesty finds out…“

“He doesn’t need to know. Please don’t tell him.”

As Liliana spoke, the door opened, and someone entered. From the confident manner of entry, she knew who it was.

“Taking a break and overhearing something interesting, it seems.“

“Your Majesty.”

Liliana gathered her hands below her waist and bowed. Helio approached her instead of acknowledging the bow.

He reached out to touch her wine-soaked hair. Liliana stared blankly at him.

It was entirely different from when Vail had offered a handkerchief. Liliana felt her heart race slightly at Helio’s gesture. Even when he frowned, displeased, it was the same.

Helio extended his hand to Ternz, who quickly handed over a handkerchief. Helio took it and began wiping Liliana’s cheek and neck. But the wine had already dried and wouldn’t come off quickly.

“Who did this? Vail Gabriel?“

“He was holding the wine, and I accidentally bumped into him. It’s no big deal.“

“You think you’re blind? Do you think you just bumped into him?”

That was true. This wouldn’t have happened if Vail hadn’t blocked her with two glasses of wine.

Helio cautiously touched Liliana’s shoulder. When his hand reached her collarbone, Liliana pulled back, embarrassed.

“I… I’ll do it myself!”

As Liliana’s face turned crimson with embarrassment, Helio also looked sheepish, clearing his throat.

“… I’m sorry. That wasn’t my intention.”

While the two stood awkwardly, clearing their throats, Sophia and Ternz exchanged glances. They quietly began to step back and leave the room.

Just then, the door burst open again.

“Helio!”

The tall, charismatic woman who entered was none other than…

“…Lucia.”

Princess Lucia.