Chapter 57

As Helio escorted Liliana to the center of the banquet hall, the orchestra began to play a graceful tune with a more rhythmic tempo.

The two moved skillfully to the music, their steps perfectly synchronized.

“Your dancing has improved in the past few months.”

“It’s thanks to Hesdin.”

Liliana gave the credit without hesitation. It was her turn to spin, but Helio held her waist tightly, making it impossible for her to move.

As the orchestra’s music played on, Helio looked down at Liliana intently. Before she could ask what was wrong, he spoke dissatisfied.

“…Have you been dancing with that dandy all day?“

“Well, social dancing requires a partner.”

Liliana, not understanding the source of Helio’s discontent, responded as if there was no problem.

Helio sighed softly and resumed moving to the music.

“I suppose this is what jealousy feels like.”

It was only then that Liliana understood what Helio meant. She tried to appear indifferent, but her ears turned red, revealing her embarrassed feelings.

Liliana felt flustered that her face was so exposed to Helio. Her steps faltered slightly, causing her to stumble.

But Helio lifted her by the waist, and her shoes, hidden under her dress, momentarily left the ground.

Liliana tightened her grip on his hand in surprise, but seeing Helio’s calm expression, she breathed a sigh of relief. Fortunately, no one else had noticed what had happened between them.

“Is it so surprising that I’m jealous?”

“I know you’re prone to jealousy.“

“What nonsense. This is the first time I’ve ever felt jealous. Do I seem like the type to be jealous?”

Would it be crazy to find Helio’s arrogant words endearing? Liliana lowered her head, laughing, and followed Helio’s lead gracefully.

Having read the original story, Liliana knew how jealous Helio could be.

When a little boy told the Empress Dowager he loved her, Helio would beg to be said the same.

Of course, his reaction when the male protagonist was first introduced was the most intense.

“Next time, please be my partner. Hesdin is a bit stiff. He doesn’t dance as well as you do.“

“Sure.”

Helio smiled at Liliana’s flattering words.

The music swelled, and the dancing couples spun in circles.

Amidst the colorful dresses, Liliana’s eyes met someone’s. It was Agrina Gabriel, who smiled warmly but firmly.

Liliana felt as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over her. At this banquet, she had to introduce Lady Liston as her godmother and help Agrina integrate into society.

Only then could Agrina build a foundation to become the Empress.

The man in front of Liliana sent her a tender look, but it felt as if something blocked it from reaching her.

She could feel Helio’s genuine respect and affection, and she had no doubt about the sincerity of his feelings.

But Helio would eventually have to take an Empress. That was the duty of an Emperor.

Liliana had to choose a woman who wouldn’t harm her and make Helio’s bride. She vividly imagined Agrina standing beside Helio, wearing the Empress’s crown.

“Liliana.”

At the sound of his intimate voice, Liliana looked up sharply. The music was nearing its end, and they were moving slowly to the rhythm.

Despite making no mistakes, Helio seemed to sense her somber mood.

“Is something wrong?“

“My feet are a bit swollen.”

Helio narrowed his eyes and clicked his tongue. The dress hid her feet, making it impossible to check their condition.

Suppressing the urge to sit her down immediately, he said,

“The shoemaker’s work is shoddy, it seems.“

“No, the shoes are beautiful.“

“They’re hidden under the dress, so comfort is more important than beauty.“

“They’re visible when I walk up the stairs.”

Liliana spoke shamelessly, but Helio was not swayed.

“I’ll call for a new shoemaker. Someone who can make beautiful and comfortable shoes to your liking. We can’t keep an incompetent one in the palace.”

He intended to fire the current shoemaker. Liliana’s excuse would cost someone their job, and her face turned pale.

“I’m really fine; it’s just that I’ve been dancing for too long. There’s nothing wrong with my shoes.“

Liliana’s lie was obviously unconvincing. Helio noticed her clumsy attempt to cover up, realizing that her swollen feet were an excuse.

Helio’s gaze moved slowly, scanning their surroundings, but nothing seemed unusual.

He wanted to ask what had dampened her mood but sensed that she wouldn’t answer honestly. Deciding to let the matter rest for the moment, Helio allowed the issue to drop.

The music came to a graceful end. People left the center of the hall, some with their partners, others awkwardly alone.

Helio intended to stay with Liliana, but she had different plans.

“This kind of grand banquet doesn’t happen often.”

Liliana gently let go of Helio’s hand and walked toward Lady Liston. Helio missed the small hand that had rested so calmly on his own but didn’t try to stop her.

Indeed, staying by Helio’s side at the banquet would only solidify her image as the Emperor’s consort without gaining anything else. It was time for Liliana to start building connections among the other noblewomen.

“I guess you won’t have time to spend with me now.”

Helio felt disappointed at Liliana’s change, though he also welcomed it. But it was the right thing to let her go.

Liliana needed to become much more potent than now to achieve his desire.

* * *

Lady Liston stood beside Agrina. Given that Lady Liston wouldn’t have approached Gabriel herself, Agrina must have initiated the conversation.

People watched with curious eyes as Lady Liston stood with a member of the Gabriel family.

“Lady Agrina of the Gabriel family greets Her Highness, Liliana.“

“It’s been a while, Agrina.”

Liliana deliberately called Agrina by her name in a clear voice.

The scene of a lady who had lost her daughter to the Gabriels, a princess threatened by them, and a noble lady from a branch of the Gabriels all standing together was undoubtedly an interesting gossip.

“I heard that you organized the hunting tournament, Your Highness. It was a splendid event. I think it was the most innovative and fair tournament in history.“

“You’re too kind. I still have much to learn, so there must have been some shortcomings.”

As Liliana spoke modestly, Lady Liston chimed in as if she had been waiting for this moment.

“There were no shortcomings at all. Despite unfamiliar with the Empire’s culture, you’ve organized an excellent hunting tournament and court banquet. I look forward to your future endeavors. His Majesty must be very pleased.“

“Is it because you’re fond of me that you see everything positively, godmother?”

Liliana asked shyly, and Lady Liston replied with loving affection.

“That might be part of it.”

Liliana and Lady Liston appeared to have a close relationship. Agrina also engaged in a pleasant conversation with Lady Liston, thanks to Liliana.

People concealed their curiosity behind fans and whispered to one another.

“Lady Agrina of the Gabriel family chatting with Marchioness Liston… the Duke won’t stay quiet if he finds out.“

“Didn’t you know? There’s been a rumor that the Gabriel branch family is trying to become independent.“

“That’s nonsense. What support could they possibly have if they break away from the Duke?“

“Well, since they can’t even get a land, they probably want to stand on their own, even if it means becoming a barony.”

Their speculation was wrong. The Gabriel branch family didn’t want independence; they intended to overthrow the dukedom.

But no one at the banquet realized this audacious plan.

“If the Gabriel branch family wants to break away, the only option would be for that young lady to marry into a good family.“

“How ironic that she’s with the Empress Consort… is she aiming to be the second wife of Count Lackl?“

“That wouldn’t be so bad.”

The idea that the Gabriel branch family might break away from the dukedom made some people rude. They laughed as if sharing a delightful joke, their expressions rather sinister.

Despite hearing their crude jokes, Agrina’s expression didn’t change. Her temperament wasn’t easily swept up by the atmosphere, yet she didn’t come across as rigid.

All these controversies would instantly end if Agrina spent even one day with Helio.

A single glance from Helio would impact people more than a hundred words.

Agrina was carefully watching Helio, regardless of what others were saying. To become Empress, the wisest course was to gain Helio’s recognition.

“Beatty Gabriel is stepping forward.”

Agrina whispered to Liliana with a smile. As she said, Beatty was gracefully approaching Helio.

Beatty exuded an elegant yet daring aura with her traditional dress accentuated by boldness. The way her dress spread as she curtsied was both beautiful and extravagant.

Smiling beautifully, Beatty extended her hand to Helio.

“Your Majesty, would you honor me with a dance?”

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