Marian sat down with Helena.

Shortly after, Benjamin arrived, followed by Cesare. Cesare did something that shocked everyone. He brought Vanessa along.

“……There doesn’t seem to be a seat here for the lady.”

Benjamin spoke stiffly. No matter how much he ignored Cesare’s actions, not in front of Helena. He refused to expose her to the shameful side of the imperial family and the Madrians. Besides, there were too many people in the arena.

But Cesare didn’t back down either.

“Vanessa said she wanted to watch the match up close. I ask for your understanding, Your Highness. And Marian.”

Marian let out a bitter laugh. Vanessa clung to Cesare demonstratively, though she didn’t link arms or hold hands since there were watching eyes. Marian narrowed her eyes. With this much magical power, one often sees things others cannot.

It was the same now.

‘She’s pregnant.’

That’s why she’s so triumphant. It happened much faster than last time. She must have grown anxious since Cesare was being more promiscuous than before. After all, she knew he was not only looking for the maid Ellie but also spending nights with Marian.

Marian stared at Vanessa with wondrous eyes.

“Congratulations.”

“What?”

Vanessa’s eyes widened at the sudden remark. She lifted her lips. She thought it might be nice to add some excitement to this boring gathering.

And it was also an opportunity to deepen Benjamin’s dissatisfaction with the Madrians. This was Vanessa’s own doing. Marian smiled sweetly.

“You’re with child.”

Marian pointed at Vanessa’s lower abdomen.

“Congratulations, Lady Yulian.”

Vanessa’s face turned white, then red. She looked around and hid behind Cesare. For an unmarried maiden to be with child was absolutely nothing to congratulate.

Not to mention, the child of Marian’s fiancé?

Benjamin stood up abruptly from his seat with a reddened face.

“Duke Cesare!”

Cesare pulled Vanessa to his side with a coldly hardened face.

“What’s the problem?”

Cesare smiled coldly. Actually, when Marian exposed it, he thought ‘oops,’ but seeing Benjamin get so angry made him feel contemptuous. Cesare spoke frigidly.

“Wasn’t it customary to have illegitimate children in the Empire? That’s what I thought. Didn’t Your Highness set the example? I only followed what I observed and learned, is that a problem?”

“How dare you say such things! What illegitimate child! What example are you saying I set!”

Benjamin kicked over his chair.

“Eek!”

Startled Helena let out a scream. This was a secret that Helena should never find out about. The existence of illegitimate children would cause problems in the dealings between the two countries. Federico would be at a disadvantage to Jains.

Moreover, the Empress had clearly warned him. If the children became a problem, she wouldn’t let them live.

Benjamin glanced at Helena.

“Don’t listen to those words, Helena. Duke Cesare seems to have misunderstood something. Cesare, take that woman and withdraw immediately. I won’t pursue this matter further, so leave!”

“Why should I do that?”

Benjamin trembled, letting out a harsh breath.

“This seat is reserved for those invited by the imperial family. I’m revoking your invitation!”

Marian inwardly exclaimed, ‘How can someone be so childish?’

It was hard to believe Benjamin was twenty-six years old. Cesare responded coolly, keeping his arm around Vanessa’s shoulders.

“Do as you please. There are plenty of others who would welcome me!”

The exchange had devolved into a childish spat devoid of reason.

“…Whose baby is causing all this commotion?”

Helena’s innocent question cut through the tension.

Marian had to summon all her strength to suppress her laughter, biting her lip as Helena glanced between her, Abel, and Cesare.

“…Benjamin?”

Who would have thought Helena’s naivety would prove so useful?

“Don’t tell me this isn’t a cause for celebration?”

Marian feigned surprise. 

“So, that child… Cesare! Have you been meeting other women behind my back without protection? And you dare bring the mother of your illegitimate child before me?”

Marian visibly trembled. Though it pained her to speak words she didn’t mean, she knew this act had to be convincing. Now Cesare was the one cornered.

He took a step back.

“…Are you jealous that I had a child first, Your Highness?”

Perfect. That was exactly how Vanessa should respond. She glared at Marian, just as she had done before. Vanessa had never shown remorse toward Marian, always believing her actions were justified. She smirked.

“I’m simply happy to give Cesare a child. Unless… you see this child as a threat…”

“Vanessa Yulian!”

Benjamin seized his moment, his eyes flashing with anger. 

“You dare suggest your child will threaten Marian’s future imperial heir! Threatening a child of royal blood!”

Vanessa’s impulsiveness was her weakness. Marian barely contained her amusement as Vanessa tugged at Cesare’s sleeve.

“Ce-Cesare.”

Cesare sighed. 

“Enough. We have guests present. We’ll take our leave. As I said, there are plenty of other places to sit. Come, Vanessa.”

They departed, his arm still around her shoulders. Benjamin sat down, fuming, as Helena offered him water. He gulped it down.

“Are you alright, Benjamin?”

“No need for concern. I was merely protecting my sister’s honor. Marian, are you okay?”

Marian’s eyes widened. 

Benjamin showing concern for me? The world must be ending. She nodded.

“Yes. I knew something like this might happen, though I didn’t expect such brazenness.”

Benjamin muttered irritably, 

“Arrogant bastard. Marian, there’s no choice now. You need to get pregnant quickly too!”

Marian responded appropriately. After more cursing, Benjamin excused himself to the restroom. Only then did Marian release her pent-up laughter.

It felt like watching an amusing comedy.

During all this drama, the gladiatorial tournament had begun.

“Now I understand why you didn’t want to marry him.” 

Helena murmured. 

“How shameless, flaunting an illegitimate child.”

Jains was far more conservative than Federico. Helena frowned.

‘Vanessa should know better. Know her place.’

Vanessa often acted as if she were already Empress. She had even tormented Helena terribly before. It was fortunate those ties could be severed.

“The second day has dawned, everyone! Have you chosen your champion? Today’s first stage begins with that favorite!”

Excitement rippled through the now-sparse seats.

Marian shifted unconsciously as Abel entered the arena. His blonde hair gleamed as the crowd chanted his alias.

“It’s the One-Strike Knight!”

“Finish him in one strike again!”

Abel stood center stage, relaxed as if this were routine. His nervous opponent climbed up to face him. Marian smiled.

**

The match was anticlimactic. Abel’s opponent surrendered immediately after being struck with the scabbard. Marian paid little attention to the subsequent matches.

She just wanted today to end and tomorrow to arrive.

Liebe had confirmed everything was ready. She thought she’d be better off making beauty potions in the palace than wasting time here.

Marian endured her boredom, observing the banquet hall’s occupants. When she tried to leave, citing Cesare’s absence, Benjamin insisted she stay, certain Cesare would return. She was forced to maintain her smile beside him.

“Tsk.” 

Benjamin clicked his tongue. 

“If you’d done better, would Duke Madrian have impregnated another woman? What have you been doing all this time?”

He continued needling her while Helena was away. Despite keeping her close, his displeasure was evident.

‘Crazy bastard.’

Marian gritted her teeth. He had tried to damage her womb with medicine to prevent Madrian’s child, and it was the imperial family’s fault she struggled to conceive. She clenched her fist.

“Do better. You need to repay us for feeding and raising you!”

Marian barely contained herself, not wanting to cause a scene.

Then suddenly, an unexpected figure entered the hall, nearly making Marian scream. She jumped up, then quickly sat back down.

‘Abel!’

Still masked, he wore slightly ill-fitting clothes, clearly hastily acquired. Yet even in poor-fitting attire, he cut an impressive figure.

“Oh! Finally here!”

Benjamin?

Marian paled. Had Abel been discovered? Her insides churned with tension.

‘Where could he have been exposed?’

She clenched her fist.

“Did you invite him, Benjamin?” 

Helena asked timely.

“Indeed, I did. I believe this man will win. I wanted to establish a connection early. He’s a hero who’ll fight for Federico.”

Benjamin spoke excitedly.

‘He still doesn’t know.’

Marian relaxed. Of course — Abel was believed dead. How could Benjamin’s dull mind make that connection? Her expression softened as Abel approached calmly, unbothered by the attention.

“Welcome. I’ve watched your arena performance carefully. You’ll do great things for Federico. That’s why I invited you. It’s good to introduce yourself to others early.”

Abel bowed. Benjamin arranged his seating next to Marian. Their fingers brushed, sending electricity through her body. She curled her fingers.

‘You gave me such a fright!’

Marian calmed her racing heart.

The nobles, already gossiping about Cesare and Vanessa, now had fresh fodder. Benjamin’s thoughtless seating arrangement sparked new speculation.

“Could the Princess’s fiancé be changing?”

“Perhaps. Duke Cesare was with Lady Vanessa. I heard she’s pregnant.”

“Ah! But would the Emperor allow such a match for his precious daughter?”

“We shall see!”

Their giggles carried clearly. Cesare wandered the hall, occasionally glaring at Marian and Benjamin.

‘What did I do right?’

Marian clasped her hands. She was exhausted and wanted to leave with Abel. As if reading her thoughts, he turned to her, their eyes meeting.

She could see his eyes crinkling with amusement.

It seemed Marian was the only one uncomfortable — Abel was thoroughly enjoying himself.

‘He really is bold.’

Marian stuck out her tongue.

**