Chapter 3 – Imperial Palace Banquet (Part 1)

The nobles’ eyes moved at the mention of the host of the banquet hall. Everyone watched curiously as the cloaked figure entered the room.

“Could it be the Duke Asillious?”

“He wouldn’t host such a banquet if his daughter had an untoward incident.”

“Then who could it be?”

A tall man escorted someone and entered. The nobles gathered in the banquet hall were surprised at the sight of the two and could not continue their conversation. As soon as he entered the banquet hall, an attendant of the imperial palace pinned a red flower on him, symbolizing that he was the host of today’s banquet.

“Oh my.”

“I-it’s Grand Duke Speraum!”

“Isn’t that the young lady Asillious next to him?”

“My goodness!”

Many words were exchanged, but no one dared to approach Tartenon boldly. Whenever the man with silver hair and blue eyes looked around the banquet hall with a cold expression, the nobles who met his gaze hastily averted their eyes. It was not only because Tartenon had fallen out of the emperor’s favor, but also because there was no one who could match his prestige.

‘They all lack courage.’

Reubellina silently mocked the nobles who could only look at Tartenon without daring to approach him. Even though Tartenon was the powerful Grand Duke of the North, this was the imperial palace, where the emperor, who was higher than the Grand Duke, existed. If the attitude of these people who revered the Grand Duke reached the emperor’s ears, Reubellina wondered how would the Emperor react.

Tartenon picked up two champagne glasses, handing one to Reubellina and holding the other in his own hand. Lifting the one he offered her, she waited for him to speak.

“Today’s banquet is to celebrate the engagement between Lina and myself. I hope the invited nobles will enjoy the event.”

“There will also be gifts prepared by the Duke at the exit, so please take one each.”

Reubellina added to Tartenon’s words. Unmoved by the stares of the nobles who looked at her and Tartenon in disbelief, she clinked her glass against his. The clear, ringing sound echoed through the banquet hall.

She smiled wryly and glanced at Inferno and Bellaruse, who couldn’t take their eyes off her. The glaring gaze of Bellaruse was more concerning than Inferno’s observing look. Noticing their reactions, Tartenon turned his body to stand in front of Reubellina.

“There’s no need to worry about them.”

“Who’s worrying about whom?” 

They were worthless people. Reubellina smiled gently and leaned her head against Tartenon’s arm.

One by one, the nobles approached, pausing at the sight of the well-matched couple.

“Congratulations, Grand Duke.”

“My, my, Count Payne. You’re the first to congratulate me, thank you.”

Reubellina extended her hand, and the Count placed a kiss on the back of her hand, showing his respects. Reubellina silently praised herself for wearing gloves today and gave a nod at Tartenon.

“Thank you, Count.”

“Not at all. You two really suit each other well. So, where will the wedding be held?”

“It will be in the domain of Speraum, not in the capital.”

“Then you’ll be leaving soon.”

“Yes, but we plan to attend a few tea parties and banquets. Ah, isn’t your eldest child’s birthday coming up soon, Count Payne?”

“That’s right. We’re planning to hold a banquet in two days.”

“I’ll consider attending if you send me an invitation.”

“Well, I-I’d be honored if you could…”

“It’s the least we can do for the Count who congratulated us first.”

Tartenon spoke softly. At his words, the nobles, who had hesitated to approach due to Inferno’s presence, eagerly approached the couple.

“Congratulations! I am Viscountess Catrine…”

“I am the Baron of Huanti…….”

In an instant, the two were the center of the banquet, surrounded by people.

Bellaruse bit her lip as she watched the scene. 

Though once engaged to Tartenon, it had been in name only. She endured the jealousy and harassment from the princess simply for taking the position. It was all because of the princess that Bellaruse hadn’t been able to make a proper appearance at the banquets, for she had turned up at every one and was sick of hearing how the Baron was doing. The princess’s spiteful comments about her family at every banquet had been unbearable.

To escape this torment, Bellaruse had turned to Inferno, who had always looked at her with longing eyes. It was clear the princess would ultimately take the Grand Duke’s side, relegating her to the role of a mere concubine. 

Tartenon’s indifferent attitude, who simply nodded without saying much when she brought up breaking off their engagement, also played a part. She realized she would never find happiness with him, and thus, she was determined to win over Reubellina’s betrothed.

If she stood by Inferno’s side, she felt that the title of ‘Stella’ would be hers. She put in great effort to capture Inferno’s heart, convinced that her new alliance would bring her the recognition and happiness she sought.

‘But what is this now!’

Inferno could not take his eyes off Reubellina, and she had been pushed aside. She had to find a way to turn this situation around by any means necessary.

Bellaruse looked around. In her envious eyes, she saw the young lady of the Marquis of Essent burning with jealousy.

‘I can use that woman.’

A beautiful, yet ghastly smile formed on Bellaruse’s lips.

***

The corners of Reubellina’s mouth quivered as she struggled to keep the smile on her lips, but with Inferno and Bellaruse watching in the distance, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

Tartenon, who was escorting her, firmly grasped her hand which had grown cold with tension. He also covered her hand with his other hand.

The nobles who witnessed the scene cooed around the couple, praising how romantic it looked and how well they suited each other. Reubellina’s ears burned from their comments, but she continued to maintain her gentle smile without showing any discomfort.

‘I can handle this.’

After all, she had lived as Inferno’s fiancée for years and she was used to smiling in the banqueting hall. A smiling face is the only way to make an opponent lose composure.

If Bellaruse, who watched her with sharp eyes from afar, was a significant adversary, Melanie from the Marquis Essent family, who glared at her, was still far from a real threat.

“Lina.”

The affectionate voice reached her ears. Reubellina turned to the low voice. Her cheeks flushed as she recognized the handsome face of Tartenon, who had stepped forward to greet her.

‘What, why is he so good-looking!’

Reubellina blinked her eyes repeatedly, thinking that such a handsome face was not good for her heart. Tartenon then spoke again.

“You look tired.”

“Not at all.”

Reubellina answered calmly, her eyes smiling.

The nobles, intimidated by Tartenon’s presence, didn’t dare question their engagement or ask about their former betrothed. If the banquet proceeded smoothly like this, she could leave the social circle as the Grand Duke’s fiancée.

‘Who cares about the social scene in the capital once I’m in the North.’ 

It was not easy to lead a group of young ladies and play the role of a leader. She had to remember each of their names and birthdays, send them good tea when they were unwell, and buy various hair ornaments in different colors to distribute as compliments.

‘Hmm, yes. Come to think of it, it was quite an expensive endeavor.’

Being the “Stella” of the social circle was not something anyone could achieve. Even with abundant charm, beauty, and refined etiquette, those without money often failed to secure that position.

The social circle was a place where money held sway. Reubellina had just witnessed it – when she mentioned the gifts, the people’s gaze changed.

‘Even the most renowned nobles aren’t immune to the allure of freebies.’

As Reubellina silently wished for the banquet to end peacefully, she noticed the young lady of the Marquis of Essent, Melanie, approaching them.

‘Oh, come on.’

To keep her eyebrows from furrowing, Reubellina smiled more brightly. With all her attention on Melanie, she didn’t even notice Tartenon’s brief glance at her.

While Reubellina was mentally counting, Melanie had already reached them. She was impressed that Melanie had managed to approach them without bumping into other nobles.