Chapter 41

“Marquis?”

The one who had come looking for Diana was Philip. He was already standing beside Diana, smiling. Recognizing Philip, Diana greeted him.

“It feels like it’s been a while. Have you been well?”

“I’ve been well. It’s been a while since I’ve seen you too, Diana. You seem the same as ever. Maybe you’ve gotten taller?”

“I haven’t grown. I’m not a child anymore. That time has passed.”

Diana and Philip exchanged light greetings. Since Sophia and Diana had been close since childhood, Philip was also a familiar figure to Diana.

“Are you working today instead of attending the banquet, Diana?”

“Yes. I’ve been worried about this and that. The banquet, and other things…”

Diana smiled awkwardly as she watched Evan and Sophia dance passionately from afar. Philip looked at them too.

“That’s quite a lively dance.”

“…Yes. It’s so lively it makes me nervous.”

Knowing the relationship between Sophia and Evan, Philip understood why those two were moving their legs so quickly. As Diana watched Philip, who was still smiling even though his daughter was trying to kick the Emperor’s shin, she asked,

“May I ask you something?”

“Of course.”

“What do you think about the rumors going around about His Majesty and Sophia?”

Philip couldn’t possibly be unaware of the uproar over Evan and Sophia’s engagement in the social circles. Yet, since he hadn’t taken any action, Diana suddenly wondered about his true feelings.

“You mean the engagement rumors.”

Philip understood the meaning behind Diana’s question.

“You must be curious why I’m staying quiet about Sophia’s engagement rumors.”

“Yes. I wondered if you were considering marrying the two. I once tried to suggest marriage to Sophia and was thoroughly rejected.”

“Really? You thought about Sophia and His Majesty getting married?”

Philip became interested in Diana’s words.

“So, do you support their marriage? Do you want them to get married?”

“Yes. Honestly, I know the reputation and power of the Christine Marquisate. I think a union between the Imperial family and the Christine Marquisate would have a positive influence.”

“Oh, is that so? So you actively support their marriage.”

Philip smiled broadly at those words.

“Was that answer as His Majesty’s aide?”

“Pardon?”

“I mean, can you sincerely bless their marriage as a friend, not just considering political or familial advantage?”

“That…”

Caught off guard by Philip’s unexpected question, Diana hesitated. She hadn’t thought that deeply about Evan and Sophia’s marriage.

“…I haven’t thought about it that much, but I might feel a little sad. Since we spent our childhood together, if they have their own time, I won’t be able to spend as much time with them.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. But if they really decide to get married, I’d support them.”

“Right, right. So for now, you just feel a bit sad about it. That’s how you see His Majesty’s marriage.”

Philip nodded with a smile.

“By the way, Diana, have you thought about marriage for yourself?”

“I have, but I want to focus on work for now. My parents talk about marriage, but I’m putting it off.”

“That makes sense. Parents do care about their children’s marriage. I’m the same.”

“…….”

“Whoever marries Sophia will have to be thoroughly vetted by me.”

Diana felt she wanted to offer sympathy to the man who would marry Sophia in the future. As long as Philip was involved, marriage would not be easy.

“Or I could find you a good groom, Diana. Or maybe you’d like to work at our mansion instead of the palace? We’d always welcome someone as talented as you.”

“I appreciate the offer, but I’d prefer to finish my work as an aide. Marriage can wait.”

Just like father and daughter, Philip made the same suggestion as Sophia. Since Philip was even harder to refuse, Diana quickly changed the subject.

“Did you come to the banquet to see His Highness? Sophia told me you already know his true nature.”

“That’s right. But I wanted to see for myself. It’s been a while since the last Imperial banquet, so I thought something interesting might happen.”

Turning his head, Philip smiled.

“Looks like a guest is arriving.”

At Philip’s words, Diana’s gaze followed his. Arthur was walking over. Diana’s eyes widened.

“It’s been a while, Duke. Are you enjoying the banquet?”

“…….”

Unlike the cheerful atmosphere of the ballroom, Arthur’s face was not so bright. Arthur glanced at Diana, who was standing beside Philip, and spoke.

“I’d like to speak with you alone, Marquis.”

“Is it something you can’t discuss here? If so, I understand.”

Philip readily followed Arthur. He also nodded to Diana with a gesture. Diana stared blankly at the backs of Philip and Arthur as they walked away.

What’s this? A sudden conversation…

Diana suspected it wouldn’t be anything good.

*   *   *

The dancing had ended. As soon as Sophia finished dancing with Evan, she threw off her gauntlets.

“Finally, the worst is over.”

“But this is a banquet hall with other people, so maybe keep your voice down, okay?”

The ladies and gentlemen who finished dancing returned to their seats. Sophia, too, returned to Diana with a refreshed expression.

“If I’d danced a little longer, I really would have kicked his shin. It’s a shame. There aren’t many chances to kick the Emperor’s shin in front of everyone.”

“If you really want, you can dance with him again. From the outside, you and His Majesty’s dance was the best.”

“No thanks. I don’t want to dance just to kick him.”

Sophia looked around.

“By the way, where’s my father? I saw you talking to him earlier.”

“He left for a bit. The Duke wanted to speak with him privately.”

“Oh, really?”

“Yeah. But it didn’t look like it was going to be a pleasant conversation… I wonder if it’s okay.”

Unlike Diana, Sophia was unconcerned.

“Of course. He’s learned the truth about the Grand Duke, so maybe he’s looking for my dad because of that. But my dad expected it.”

“That’s true…”

“Don’t worry. My dad isn’t the type to go along quietly, no matter who he’s dealing with.”

“That’s also true.”

Diana wondered why she was worrying. After all, the Marquis Christine wasn’t afraid of even the Imperial family.

“So now the families are talking to each other? Fathers with fathers, daughters with daughters.”

Sophia’s eyes were now fixed on the crowd in the distance. At the center were Kahil and Irene, and people were eager to speak to them.

“Shall we go too?”

With a sparkle in her eyes, Sophia walked lightly toward them, and Diana followed. Diana kept her eyes on Kahil. Kahil was still silent, answering everyone’s questions with nods.

“Oh my, we meet again. How have you been, Lady?”

Sophia approached Irene and Kahil with a smile. Irene recognized Sophia, and their gazes met. The moment their eyes met, the air around them changed.