The first reason was that the Duke of Yentrice held the position of Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the second was that from this year, Aristie was also tasked with hosting the delegation as the future Empress.

The Duke’s frequent absences from home recently were also due to this.

Thanks to this, Aristie was able to focus on her duties with considerable freedom from her father’s watch. As time passed, the day finally arrived for the meeting with the delegation, and Aristie headed to the palace, having dressed early.

“I greet the sun of the Empire.”

Her greeting to Khalid as she crossed the hall was no different than usual.

Despite having said countless times to do away with such formalities between them, Aristie, like a parrot, always repeated the same words to the Emperor.

Moreover, perhaps because of the awkward conversation they had last time, today it sounded particularly more formal, as if she was being rebellious.

“You’ve had a long journey since morning.”

Khalid smiled bitterly, unable to take his eyes off Aristie. Her radiant blonde hair and the vibrant red dress made her look like a goddess.

From her necklace and earrings to her tiara and the tips of her shoes, the splendor was at its peak.

Aristie, who usually wore more subdued dresses and restrained her accessories, appeared in formal attire for an official event, making Khalid’s heart race uncontrollably.

“Sit. In your place.”

Khalid tapped the armrest of the chair beside him, and Aristie quietly climbed onto the platform and sat down. While the protocol officers busily prepared for the entrance of the delegation, they silently looked down.

In such moments, it was always Khalid who broke the silence.

“Actually, I didn’t sleep well last night.”

“Is something troubling you?”

“Not really, but I got excited thinking about sitting side by side like this today.”

“Excited, you say…”

“It’s been a long time since I’ve welcomed state guests with someone. Thinking that from now on, it will always be with you made me so excited that I couldn’t sleep.”

He was a novice in romance and didn’t know how to say sweet words to a woman. Even when he did, there was always genuine sincerity at the core.

Aristie liked this honest side of Khalid. But recalling their previous conversation and the image of him with Estelle during the festival, she couldn’t respond to Khalid’s words.

For the time being, she felt like keeping her mouth shut and just getting by.

“Still, you should get a good night’s sleep. Make sure to have some night tea that’s good for sleep tonight.”

In the end, she responded stiffly. She wanted to comfort him, who had been guarding the throne alone, but couldn’t bring herself to do so.

As silence fell again, Khalid looked hesitant.

Ah, that expression means he wants to say something, doesn’t it?

“Perhaps the other day…”

As expected, Khalid began to speak.

But when Aristie looked at him, he quickly mumbled.

“No, it’s nothing.”

“……?”

While Aristie watched with wide eyes, the Minister of the Interior approached and announced that the preparations were complete. It was time to meet with the delegation.

The order of the meeting was determined considering the friendship and diplomatic relations with the Ferzen Empire, as well as the prestige of the countries. The first delegation was naturally led by Grand Duke Torjan from the Brighton Principality.

“Your Majesty, have you been well?”

“Uncle! I’ve wanted to see you. How have you been?”

Khalid personally approached and exchanged greetings with the Grand Duke. The Brighton Principality was established after the fall of the invading Cordio Kingdom. It was currently ruled by Khalid’s uncle, Grand Duke Torjan.

In truth, there was no need for the Grand Duke to personally visit the Empire. However, he missed his homeland and wanted to see Khalid, so he used the delegation as an excuse to visit.

“It’s been a long time. It’s good to see you again, Grand Duke.”

Aristie also greeted him modestly from the side. The Grand Duke responded cheerfully.

“You’ve become even more beautiful, Aristie. It’s okay to speak comfortably since you’re not married yet, right?”

“Of course. You can call me comfortably anytime.”

The Grand Duke treated Khalid and Aristie without formality, as if they were his own children.

After exchanging pleasantries for a while, he lowered his voice and whispered to Khalid.

“I’ve heard that remnants of Cordio’s forces are active in other countries. They might have infiltrated the delegation, so keep an eye out.”

Khalid’s eyes flashed sharply upon hearing this. It was a gaze that welcomed rather than guarded against enemies.

He often had this look when leading on the battlefield. The Grand Duke, understanding his mind, asked subtly.

“Why, are you itching for action? Is it too peaceful for you?”

Then, as if revealing a secret, he suddenly spoke to Aristie.

“Aristie, as long as Khalid is here, you don’t have to worry about the Empire. This guy is a war fanatic. He’s just waiting for someone to make a move. If given the chance, he’ll…”

“Uncle.”

Khalid gently restrained the Grand Duke. However, Aristie raised the corners of her mouth and played along with the Grand Duke.

“I’m curious. To see His Majesty leading the battlefield.”

“You’d be surprised. Just seeing it would make your knees tremble. He’s practically a different person…”

“Uncle!”

Khalid restrained him more firmly. He didn’t want to reveal his ruthless side in front of Aristie.

As he gave a glance with a distorted expression, Grand Duke Torjan laughed heartily and theatrically backed down.

“Hahaha! Understood, Your Majesty. The troublemaker will step back and rest.”

With the Grand Duke retreating, Khalid took a breath and returned to his seat to welcome the next delegation. Duke Ashray from the Adrean Empire followed, and then Princess Systea from the Kingdom of Shatra cheerfully greeted them.

Everything was proceeding smoothly, as thoroughly prepared.

However, when the fourth delegation appeared, an unexpected incident occurred.

“Prince Icaryuel of the Ludrian Kingdom is here!”

Aristie prepared to greet him warmly.

The Ludrian Kingdom was a friendly nation, and it was also the country where Khalid’s sister, Princess Terosia, had a royal marriage. Hence, she intended to host the delegation with more care.

Yes, that was all she thought.

Until she saw the beautiful silver-haired young man walking in with a gentle smile she had seen before.

‘Ryuel…!?’

Aristie was stunned, recalling the name, and then was taken aback.

‘Ryuel! How is he here!’

Aristie wasn’t the only one surprised. For some reason, Khalid also seemed shocked to see Ryuel.

Even though he hadn’t visited the Ludrian Kingdom during his sister’s wedding due to acting as regent. In other words, he had never seen Ryuel before.

‘I knew he was from another country, but to think he was a prince!’

Aristie, in shock, suddenly remembered the incident during the Harvest Festival. When she was escaping from the handsome competition, Ryuel had lifted her up, and she had jokingly said he seemed like a prince.

But to think that joke would become reality…

She hadn’t realized it then, but now she could see that he definitely had the bearing of royalty. He was handsome by nature.

Moreover, today’s Ryuel, dressed in his kingdom’s formal uniform, was dazzling enough to capture the attention of all the women just by passing by.

Perhaps noticing Aristie’s gaze fixed on him, another exceptionally handsome man, whose beauty exceeded the usual category, spoke.

“Welcome, Prince Icaryuel.”

It was Khalid.

And his face was not welcoming at all.

Ryuel, lost in thought as he walked toward the platform, looked up at the Emperor, and then at the future Empress standing beside him.

The mouth that had opened to greet them froze at that moment.

“Ar…”

He managed to utter only a short word.

It was so sudden, so delightful, and above all, he was speechless, mesmerized by Aristie’s beauty, who was dressed up so splendidly.

“Prince Icaryuel.”

Khalid called Ryuel again.

Only then did Ryuel regain his senses and respond.

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty. I am Icaryuel Rizenhower Glen Ludrian, the representative of the Ludrian Kingdom’s delegation.”

“I am pleased as well. You’ve made a difficult journey from afar.”

“Not at all. The Ferzen Empire is a country I wanted to visit and learn from. I am just grateful for the opportunity.”

“Since you’ve come all this way, I hope you enjoy your stay. If you have any suggestions regarding the policies between our countries, I would be happy to hear them.”

“I will also deeply appreciate any insights Your Majesty may offer.”

The formal conversation proceeded elegantly. Normally, this would conclude the greetings, and the guest would step back, but Ryuel was different.

As soon as the conversation with the Emperor ended, he immediately shifted his gaze to the side and asked politely.

“Are you Lady Aristie?”

Aristie’s heart sank. However, she answered without showing it.

“Yes, I am.”

Ryuel’s smile grew brighter at her response.

“It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard a lot about you from my sister-in-law. She misses you dearly.”