Chapter 43

Diana, who had witnessed everything up close, could vividly see and feel it all—the faces of the nobles, stunned in shock the moment Kahil began to speak, and the atmosphere that changed in an instant.

“I didn’t expect there to be so many capital nobles here. Oh, do I have any fans here? If so, you can come over. Don’t be shy, really!”

Just moments ago, there had been many ladies blushing as they watched Kahil. But now, things are different. Far from being shy, the ladies trembled as if they’d seen a monster. The difference between the Kahil in the books and the real Kahil was that stark.

Even though Diana already knew, it was still an unsettling sight to experience firsthand. Gradually, she began to hear the murmurs of those nearby.

“The one who just spoke—is that really His Highness?”

“…It seems so. I thought he was just quiet, but this is unexpected.”

The mood was still confused, but Diana knew well that this despair was only the beginning.

“Your Highness. By the way, is that the gift Lady Irene gave you?”

“Oh, this? Yeah. She said it’s my present.”

After the dance, a servant holding a sword stood by Kahil’s side, presumably to present Irene’s gift. Sophia spotted it and smiled.

“That’s a really beautiful sword. Could you show it to us?”

“Should I?”

At Sophia’s words, Kahil snatched the sword from the servant and grabbed the scabbard. He gave it a tug, then tilted his head.

“How do you open this? Oh, is it like this?”

Kahil struggled awkwardly for a while, then finally drew the sword from its sheath. When he raised it, the blade caught the light and gleamed.

“Oh! This is cool!”

Excited by the sparkling sword, Kahil swung it around in the air. The startled servant tried to stop him.

“Your Highness, please don’t swing the sword like that in the middle of the ballroom…!”

“Lady Irene! How do I look? Isn’t it cool?”

Kahil puffed up with pride as he looked at Irene. But Irene just stood there, unable to say a word. No, she couldn’t speak—her face was frozen in shock.

“Goodness, it seems Lady Irene’s gift is really to His Highness’s liking. He looks so happy.”

“…….”

“You must be pleased, Lady Irene.”

With Sophia’s final comment, Irene’s shoulders began to tremble. Now, as the nobles started to realize Kahil’s true nature, whispers spread.

“My word, could it be—he doesn’t even know how to handle a sword?”

“And to wave a sword around in the middle of the Imperial ballroom—he doesn’t even know proper etiquette…”

Now it’s happened.

Even though Diana had expected this, seeing it unfold before her was disheartening. She looked at Irene. More shocked than expected, Irene clenched her fists and suddenly turned away.

“Lady Irene!”

Those around her called out, but Irene didn’t look back and ran straight out of the ballroom. The people left behind stared blankly in the direction she’d disappeared. The only ones unfazed were Kahil and Sophia.

“Huh? What happened? Why did Lady Irene leave so suddenly?”

“Who knows? Maybe she’s not feeling well?”

“Oh, is that so?”

If only it were just her health—Diana felt a little sorry for Irene, whose heart had surely been shattered. Even so, Kahil was still smiling brightly.

*   *   *

Kahil’s impact was immense. Just a short while ago, the ladies who had blushed at him had all vanished, and the nobles were now whispering among themselves. Of course, Diana didn’t need to listen to know what they were talking about.

No noble in the capital would still hold illusions about Kahil. For a while, stories about Kahil’s true nature would be passed around.

“Society never has a quiet day.”

“That just means there are plenty of interesting things happening.”

Now, Diana and Sophia watched the atmosphere of the ballroom from behind. Of course, the one smiling most was Sophia.

“I expected some shock, but I didn’t think Lady Irene would storm out of the ballroom. She must have really liked the Grand Duke.”

“Well, they were talking about engagement. She must have had high hopes. He was supposed to be her fiancé, after all—the man she’d spend her life with.”

“That’s true. In any case, if she was shaken this badly, she’ll probably stop trying to link me with the Emperor now.”

Of all the things Irene said, Sophia disliked most being matched with Evan.

“The Emperor hates it, I hate it too. You can see the intention clear as day—trying to bundle together people who dislike each other. Honestly, seeing that kind of thing just makes my blood boil.”

“Does Lady Irene dislike His Majesty that much as well?”

“That family? I told you—they’re the ones who dislike the Emperor. Being a duke’s daughter doesn’t make her any different.”

Diana knew Arthur didn’t like Evan, but now she realized his daughter Irene felt the same. There was a time she’d considered Irene as a possible Empress, but Diana put that thought aside for good.

“Oh my, it’s been so long, Lady Christine.”

Just then, a man approached Sophia and Diana, rubbing his hands together. It was Bihor. Sophia recognized him.

“Oh, I wondered who it was—Baron Gam, right?”

“To think you’d remember me like this, I’m truly grateful. I believe I once sent you a gift as well—though I’m not sure if you received it.”

“Well, I wouldn’t know about that. I don’t recall.”

“That’s understandable. You must receive so many gifts. I met the Marquis earlier, but he said he had to leave. I wish I could have talked more.”

Bihor smiled widely and greeted Diana as well.

“Hello, Miss Aide. I believe this is our first time meeting. I’m Bihor Gam of the Baron Gam family.”

“Oh, yes. Hello. I’m Diana Amber of the Amber Viscountcy. I’m working as an aide at the banquet today.”

“Of course, working so hard for His Majesty—it’s truly moving.”

“No, it’s nothing that grand.”

“Nothing grand? You’re known as His Majesty’s closest aide in the Empire. I hope we meet again someday.”

Who is this guy?

Even though it was their first meeting, Bihor’s praise made Diana uncomfortable. But his compliments didn’t end there.

“I also greatly enjoyed your dance, Lady Christine. To see you and His Majesty dance so beautifully—no wonder there are rumors you’ll be the next Empress.”

For Sophia, Bihor’s compliments didn’t sound like praise at all.

“I sincerely support you both. I hope you marry and have imperial heirs who resemble you.”

“It’s best to give up on that dream early. It will never happen. I have no intention of becoming Empress.”

“No need to be so modest. No one fits the role of Empress better than you, Lady Christine.”

Bihor kept praising Sophia, oblivious that his words only soured her mood further. He continued to look at Sophia and Diana with a rather burdensome gaze.

“So, if either of you ever needs my help, please don’t hesitate to call on me. Have a wonderful time, and let’s meet again.”

Bihor left with a smile. Diana watched in a daze and asked,

“…Who is that?”

“Baron Gam. His family’s in business, and it’s obvious he wants to work with ours. But I really don’t like people like that.”

“Why?”

“There’s just something off about him, in more ways than one.”