Chapter 8.

On a fine afternoon, an outdoor party was held under the auspices of the Chelbon ducal family. It was an occasion for young nobles of the Empire to freely socialize.

The problem was that foreign envoys were also invited to the party as honored guests.

Because of this, Aiden, as the eldest son of the Foreign Minister responsible for assisting the delegation, was forced to attend. It was nothing short of torture.

“This spot looks good. Shall we sit, brother?”

“Y-yes……”

Aristie sat down at an empty table while comforting Aiden. For her, today’s party was the last event she would attend as the Empress-to-be.

The long period of royal wedding preparations was ending, and in about three weeks, she would finally ascend to the position of Empress of the great Empire.

She needed to be especially careful about her behavior at such an event. Fortunately, Estelle was nowhere to be seen. She heard that Estelle couldn’t attend because she was performing her duties as a saintess at the temple, which was truly fortunate.

If she had attended today’s party, Aristie wouldn’t have let it slide.

‘I wish Rose could have come too……’

Thinking of her bedridden friend, Aristie’s heart suddenly felt lonely. In the past, Roselina often had poor health, which made it rare for them to attend events together.

She was the one who would fit in best at parties like this.

‘I should visit her again soon. Oh, that person is…… Ryuel?’

While thinking about Roselina and gazing into the distance, Aristie suddenly locked eyes with Ryuel, who was sitting some distance away. He was with his friends, suffering from the young ladies crowding around him.

‘Ryuel’s popularity is still the same.’

Aristie sent Ryuel a sympathetic eye-smile. Ryuel returned her smile with a light nod and quickly turned his head away.

It was an act of consideration for her.

In truth, he must have been very glad to see Aristie. However, if he carelessly displayed their private friendship, it could cause unfavorable rumors for her, who was about to get married. Knowing this, he deliberately kept his distance.

Even though deep inside, he wanted to run to her and embrace her tightly.

‘Ryuel……’

Grateful, sorry…… With these complex emotions crossing her mind, the party began. A cheerful atmosphere heated up everywhere. Being an outdoor party, various events unfolded in different open spaces.

Women gathered in small groups, chatting or enjoying light ball games. In contrast, men were engrossed in active games like archery or sword matches.

Of course, Aiden showed no interest in such games. Instead, he looked around searching for someone, who soon approached their table. It was Princess Systea.

“Lord Aiden!”

When Systea greeted him with a bright smile, a smile appeared on Aiden’s face for the first time since entering the party.

“Y-you came.”

“Of course. We agreed to meet here, didn’t we?”

Seeing Aiden responding shyly and Systea speaking without reserve, Aristie immediately realized.

Princess Systea. She must be the woman her brother had been seeing lately.

“Aristie. Th-this is Princess S-Systea of the Sh-Shatra Kingdom.”

“I know, brother.”

Indeed, how could she forget the brave woman who had dared to declare the Emperor shameless?

“It’s nice to see you, Princess Systea. Do you remember meeting me at the delegation gathering?”

“Of course. I remember it well, hoho. Since then, I’ve heard many compliments about you from Lord Aiden.”

“Many? I don’t have much to be praised for…… Brother must have made things up.”

“Not at all. He only speaks the truth, especially given how tight-lipped he is.”

Princess Systea glanced at Aiden with a clever retort. Then, with prettily arched eyebrows, she asked,

“Have you heard that we’ve decided to date?”

Aristie raised the corners of her mouth without showing surprise.

“No, not yet. Brother is indeed tight-lipped. So much that he wouldn’t even share such important news with his sister.”

“I-I’m sorry, Aristie…… I sh-should have t-told you earlier.”

Aristie playfully reproached Aiden, who was sincerely apologizing.

“You should have. You should have told me beforehand, brother. What if I had been rude because I didn’t know?”

Aiden could only smile sheepishly. Aristie welcomed the connection with Systea with an expression of relief.

“My brother may be lacking, but please take good care of him, Princess.”

“I should be the one asking that. I’m quite lacking myself.”

Aristie burst into laughter at Systea’s wit. She had seemed unusual since the banquet, and now proved to be remarkably cheerful. She’ll be a good match for my brother.

With their hearts connected, Aristie and Systea enjoyed a pleasant conversation about Aiden. The official schedule of the delegation was almost complete, so today’s gathering was nothing more than light entertainment.

While the three were enjoying refreshments, a group of young ladies approached their table. Most came with the intention of becoming acquainted with the future Empress, who was about to have a royal wedding.

Being selected as a lady-in-waiting to the Empress would bring glory to their family, along with honor and power.

However, some were more curious about Aiden than calculating such benefits. He was too handsome to only see from afar. Or they wondered if he really stuttered severely as rumored.

“Hello, Young Duke! May I introduce myself?”

“I’m delighted to meet you. I’m Novella Mayer, eldest daughter of the Count of Yuter.”

“You can’t imagine how much I’ve wanted to meet you. You never come to gatherings, hoho.”

When the greetings poured in, Aiden tensed reflexively. With his brilliant golden hair and clear sapphire eyes, he wore an expression of being cornered that seemed a waste of his noble appearance.

He wanted nothing more than to leave immediately, but how could he?

“I, I am……”

Aiden parted his lips, stuttering. That’s when it happened.

“Oh my, what should I do!”

Systea exclaimed busily. Everyone’s attention, including Aristie’s, turned to her.

The front of Systea’s dress was badly stained. She had spilled her tea.

‘Princess Systea……!’

Aristie immediately understood Systea’s intention. She had clearly spilled it on purpose. To give Aiden an excuse to escape from the young ladies.

Not missing the opportunity, Aristie quickly stepped in.

“Oh dear, it’s soaked badly. This won’t do. Brother, please go help the Princess.”

Systea went even further.

“Please help me. I’m so flustered right now, and it would be a great help if the lord responsible for the delegation could look after me. Will you do that?”

Systea urged Aiden by reciting unnecessary words.

“Th-then just a moment……”

Aiden rose reluctantly and apologized to the young ladies around him. They were disappointed, but given the situation, they had no choice.

Instead, they focused their attention on Aristie. Meanwhile, Aiden escorted Systea to a secluded corner of the party venue.

“Th-thank you, Princess.”

Aiden loosened his collar as his tension eased, expressing his gratitude.

“For what?”

“For h-helping me.”

“Oh my, you noticed?”

When Systea opened her eyes wide with an exaggerated expression, Aiden smiled slightly.

“It was t-too obvious an act.”

While saying this, Aiden took out his handkerchief and wiped the stain on Systea’s dress. Systea felt her cheeks burning as she spoke.

“What should we do now? Should we hide here until the party ends? Or sneak out?”

‘I’d like to, but……’

However, he couldn’t do that given his responsibilities. Aiden shook his head and said,

“Let’s j-just rest a m-moment and go back.”

* * *

The two lay behind the bushes, enjoying a sweet rest. But the happy time didn’t last long.

Suddenly, Aiden sat up. Then he signaled to Systea beside him.

‘People are coming.’

Systea panicked when she understood the signal. They tried to leave, but were too late.

A large group had occupied the opposite side of the bushes, effectively trapping them by cutting off their exit.

“This spot looks good. Let’s set up here.”

“Alright. Hey, arrange the swords. Let’s have a friendly match!”

When the order was given, servants moved busily. The clanking of metal rang heavily in their ears. Judging by the occasional sound of the young duke of Chelbon’s voice, it seemed the young duke and his following young men were planning to enjoy a friendly duel.

Fortunately, the young men didn’t seem to notice Aiden and Systea. The two had no choice but to hide and wait for the right moment.

In fact, Systea wouldn’t mind leaving now, but she was being considerate of Aiden, who was reluctant to encounter the young men. The young duke of Chelbon, who sought to check the Yentrice ducal family, would surely gossip about Aiden at the slightest sight of him.