Chapter 3 – Imperial Palace Banquet (Part 4)

Everyone in the banquet hall was taken aback. Monterno Freynante, the Crown Prince, was not someone who often made appearances, as he was busy handling the affairs of the imperial palace in place of the Emperor. Yet, here he was, at Tartenon’s banquet, of all places.

“Could it be that he is trying to improve relations with the Grand Duke?”

“We shall have to wait and see.”

The people bowed respectfully to the Crown Prince, but they were divided in their opinions on Monterno’s attendance at this banquet.

Once inside the ballroom, Monterno waved his hand, and the nobles straightened up their postures.

“Don’t mind me, just enjoy the banquet.”

It was difficult to relax and enjoy the banquet in the presence of the second-highest person after the Emperor. The unexpected arrival of this figure caused Tartenon’s brow to furrow slightly before returning to its original expression.

Reubellina squeezed Tartenon’s hand, giving him a subtle cue. Catching her meaning, Tartenon approached Monterno, with Reubellina by his side.

“It is an honor that you have graced us with your presence at the occasion of my betrothal to Lina, Your Highness the Crown Prince.”

“Reubellina and you are betrothed?”

“That is correct.”

Monterno fell silent for a moment, seemingly displeased with the current situation, which was unfolding without his knowledge.

“Reubellina.”

Monterno addressed her name tenderly. Despite the sudden summons from the Crown Prince, Reubellina gracefully curtsied without a hint of panic.

“I am honored to meet you, Your Highness.”

“How did this come about?”

“I can only apologize, Your Highness.”

She had always followed Monterno like an affectionate younger sister, and Monterno had also treated her with the same warmth as a real sibling.

“Inferno!”

When Monterno called out, Inferno abandoned Bellaruse and stood before him.

“I heard some distressing news while I was coming here. Is it true?”

“Brother, it’s not-“

“Your betrothal to Reubellina is a promise between the imperial family and the Ducal household. Have you recklessly broken that promise on your own?”

“It’s not like that…”

“I am greatly disappointed in you, Inferno. How dare you engage in such a preposterous act without even obtaining the Emperor’s approval? His Majesty has stated that he cannot condone this. Nor can I.”

The nobles exchanged glances, sensing the multiple meanings behind Monterno’s words.

‘Ugh, that fool!’

Reubellina sighed at Monterno’s words, which had directly pinpointed the very dilemma she had been wrestling with.

At this rate, she and Tartenon would be accused of having an affair. Reubellina inwardly sighed at Monterno’s political acumen, which could resolve the situation with a single statement.

‘Not just anyone can become the Crown Prince.’

What she needed now was a statement of permission from the Ministry of Rites. If the temple granted it, she could break the matrimonial vow with the Imperial House even without the Emperor’s approval.

Monterno’s stern expression was a nightmare for Inferno. From a young age, Inferno had been trained never to defy Monterno. The outwardly gentle and amiable Monterno was different when it came to Inferno.

Inferno was a prince who had the right to the imperial throne, so he could threaten Monterno’s position. The situation was different from simply doting on his younger sister.

Therefore, when they were alone, Monterno showed no mercy to Inferno, physically assaulting him and raining down scathing insults. The fear that had taken root since childhood was now ingrained in Inferno’s very bones, leaving him unable to escape.

When Inferno failed to respond, the nobles clicked their tongues. Even for a wayward prince, he was still a member of the imperial family. The nobles were aghast to see Inferno, who was supposed to stand above them, behaving like that.

Inferno could hear the nobles murmuring their disparagement, but he could not bring himself to speak. Bellaruse stood beside him, with a resentful expression.

‘Ah, what a mess.’

It didn’t look good. Thinking that the situation would only get more complicated, Reubellina stepped forward with a bright smile. 

“I am quite alright, Your Highness. I understand your concern, but since the heart of the Second Prince has turned elsewhere, I have no choice but to let go of my own feelings.”

“Let go? Was the love you harbored so light that it can be easily discarded?”

In an instant, her love of over a decade had been reduced to mere triviality. Outraged that Monterno was treating her love so lightly, an indescribable fury boiled within her.

Nevertheless, she smiled. As an untitled noblelady yet, this was the best act of defiance she could muster.

“Where is the light heart and where is the heavy heart? And this is not just simply a matter of love. The people of the noble families may not know much, but they hold loyalty in high regard. If they easily betray the person who trusted them, who would then follow Your Imperial Highness?”

“…….”

Monterno could not respond to her words. One wrong move and he could make enemies of all the young nobles present.

The nobles who held office now were the Emperor’s men, not the crown prince’s men. Most of the young nobles at this banquet had to become the people of the Crown Prince, as he was set to become the future Emperor.

Therefore, Monterno had to choose his words carefully. If rumors spread that he treated the nobles’ loyalty lightly, he would not be able to gain the support of the young nobles. As the Crown Prince could not directly control the social circles, Monterno had to be mindful of such gossip. The tradition that the Imperial House could not become the “Stella” of the social circles had thus ensnared him.

“I understand your affection for me prompts your words. I am grateful for Your Imperial Highness’ concern.”

Reubellina took a step back. The nobles were impressed by her gracious attitude, which had opened an exit for Monterno. Even though her 10-year engagement had been denied, Reubellina was withdrawing, mindful of the Crown Prince’s reputation – truly deserving of the title “Stella” of the social circles.

“I will acknowledge Inferno’s mistake and look into ways to rectify the situation out of my affection for you.”

“You don’t have to, Your Highness.”

“I am simply saddened by this.”

Although he pretended to speak for Reubellina’s sake, every noble present could sense his regret for the wealth of Duke Asillious. Despite Inferno’s fault, Monterno was nonchalantly trying to fix the disrupted situation, leaving Reubellina silent.

“Well, what do you say? If you wish, I will do it.”

When she didn’t answer, Monterno urged her on, but she remained silent.

It was Tartenone’s stern words that broke the tense atmosphere of the banqueting hall.

“Since the Ministry of Rites has congratulated us on our engagement, there is no issue.”

“The Ministry of Rites?”

“Yes. They have even issued a statement regarding the improper actions of the Second Prince.”

At Tartenon’s words, all the nobles gasped in surprise.

‘What? The Ministry of Rites has issued a statement?’

Reubellina’s eyes widened in surprise at his words.

The Temple rarely interferes in the affairs of the nobility. But the fact that the Ministry had issued a statement meant they viewed the matter of the Second Prince and Bellaruse as quite serious.

“It must be because the breach of loyalty between the nobility and the Imperial House was a grave matter, prompting the temple to act.”

Tartenon responded without any change in expression, showing a subtle mockery with his gestures. In his hand was a glass of wine.

“If even the temple approves of the engagement, and His Highness the Crown Prince gives a toast, it couldn’t be more perfect.”

Tartenon mocked Monterno subtly. The crown Prince who had failed to even comprehend the temple’s intent now frowned and was expected to give a congratulatory speech.

“I have not heard of any such statement from the temple.”

“It must have been issued just now.”

As Tartenon glanced briefly towards the banquet hall’s door, as if on cue, the door suddenly opened, and an imperial chamberlain entered.

“Your Highness the Crown Prince! His Majesty summons you!”

It was an incredibly inconvenient timing. Tartenon smiled slyly and turned his body to the side.

“It seems urgent. You should go quickly.”

Though his attitude was arrogant, Monterno couldn’t say anything else. If he delayed here, he might become known as someone who disobeys even when summoned by the emperor.

Monterno tried to act nonchalant as he spoke to Tartenon.

“You’re fortunate, Grand Duke.”

“Well, we shall see who is the truly fortunate one.”

As Monterno looked at him with an angry gaze, Tartenon didn’t budge at all.

“Shouldn’t you be going? His Majesty is waiting.”

Monterno clenched his fist as he followed Tartenos’ gaze toward the impatient servant. With the servant’s repeated urging that the Emperor awaited, Monterno finally departed.