“Tonight, don’t worry about attending to us, just enjoy yourselves.”

This was Ariel’s consideration.

Under the crystal chandelier, the nobles of Macglier moved between tables, engaging in conversations. Pleasant conversations echoed over the gentle wind instrument music.

However, when Kaiser and Celine appeared, the noise quieted down. People returned to their seats.

The two ascended the platform and took the king’s throne.

“This party today is to express gratitude to those who vanquished the demonic beasts and dark mages that plagued the Kingdom of Macglier. Grand Duke Leo of Atlan and his wife El. And those who came with them, please stand up.”

At his words, seven people elegantly stood up from their seats.

“On behalf of the Kingdom of Macglier, I sincerely thank you.”

Kaiser extended his hand towards them and began clapping.

Clap, clap, clap-!

As he clapped, the attending nobles also began to applaud them one by one.

“They exterminated the demonic beasts that even the royal chief mage gave up on…?”

“That’s what I heard. They found the hideout of the dark mages and captured them all as well.”

“They look like ordinary nobles from Atlan, but I wonder what kind of abilities they possess to achieve such feats.”

The murmurs of the people reached Ariel’s ears, heightened by her activated mana.

‘They don’t look that ordinary on the outside…’

Ariel gazed at Leopold’s expressionless face.

How can they think that sculpted face looks ordinary? Tsk. Are their eyes on their feet?

She pouted her lips.

Leopold, looking at the platform, maintained a stoic expression despite the gratitude he deserved. However, the others responded to the applause with faint smiles.

As the thunderous applause subsided and Leopold and Ariel sat down, the others followed suit.

“We have prepared delicious food and drinks, so please enjoy them to your heart’s content!”

As Kaiser’s speech ended, servants brought out the food.

Veal steak with a hint of pink, fruit salad, seafood stew, and other dishes were placed on the round table.

Feeling hungry, Ariel immediately put a piece of steak into her mouth as soon as she received her plate.

“It’s delicious.”

“Eat slowly.”

Leopold cut her steak into smaller pieces with his knife.

“Thank you. By the way, you know we’re returning to Atlan tomorrow, right?”

Ariel said, popping another piece of steak into her mouth.

“Yes. When should we be ready?”

“I plan to leave after breakfast. Is that doable?”

“Yes. We should pack our things in advance.”

At Evan’s words, Liese nodded in agreement beside him.

“This place is nice, but I miss Atlan.”

Liese was concerned that the Empress might still feel sorry for having to return earlier than planned.

“Really? I want to finish everything quickly and come back again.”

“Let’s promise to come back. I’ll definitely bring you here again.”

As Leopold spoke, gazing deeply into Ariel’s eyes, she smiled brightly.

***

After the attendees finished their meal, the servants drew the curtains on the windows.

The room, which had been bright with sunlight, darkened, with only the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling providing light.

Soon, royal mages appeared and scattered magic in the air, causing glowing powder to fall and illuminate the room.

The powder disappeared as soon as it touched the floor, people, or objects, but it continued to be generated and slowly fell.

“Wow…”

“It’s amazing, isn’t it?”

May and Solviche tried to catch the powder in their palms, but it melted like snow upon contact with their skin.

Ariel also looked up, taking in the beautiful sight.

Leopold silently watched beside her. His gaze was fixed on Ariel Diaz, whose face was glowing with excitement.

Suddenly, the gentle music changed to a lively tune.

Soon, people who had been sitting at the tables poured out and began to dance.

Evan took Liese’s hand and stepped forward.

Richard was led by a middle-aged woman and began to dance. May and Solviche were escorted by handsome young men.

Everyone seemed to dance to the music as if it had been prearranged.

Watching the people she loved being happy, Ariel also felt happiness.

“El. We should go too.”

Ariel turned to look at Leopold, who was sitting next to her. He was holding out his hand to her.

She shyly smiled and took his hand.

Leopold slowly stood up, holding Ariel’s hand, and led her forward, facing her.

Even amidst the crowd, his red eyes were fixed solely on Ariel Diaz.

“It’s the first time we’re dancing since the wedding.”

Ariel held his hand with one hand and placed the other on Leopold’s shoulder.

“Yes. Back then, you wouldn’t even look me in the eye.”

Leopold wrapped his strong arm around her slender waist, pulling her body close.

At his teasing words, Ariel remembered.

―You’re so beautiful today; I must hold you tightly when we sleep tonight.

―After this song ends, I’ll take you to the bedroom. Waiting until this banquet ends is torture for me.

She couldn’t help but recall Leopold Diaz, who had flustered her with his playful words.

“Back then, you were too provocative with your words-!”

Leopold released his arm around her waist, spun her around, and then pulled her back into his embrace.

“What provocative thing did I say…”

His lips whispered lazily in her ear.

“Tsk. If you don’t remember, forget it.”

Ariel elegantly spun out of his arms.

If it weren’t for the eyes of the people, she would have stomped on his foot. His attitude of asking questions he already knew the answers to was extremely annoying.

***

The song ended.

Some continued to dance, but most returned to their tables and sat down.

“Over here!”

Ariel raised her hand and called a servant carrying a tray among the people.

“Did you call for me?”

“Two glasses of champagne, please.”

“Yes. Just a moment.”

He placed two glasses from the tray on the table and took out a champagne bottle from his waist.

Pale yellow champagne flowed into the transparent glasses.

“Thank you.”

“Please call me if you need anything else.”

The servant left as others called for him.

“Leo, here.”

Ariel handed a glass to Leopold. He took the glass and sipped the champagne.

“It’s good.”

After taking a sip, he placed the glass on the table. His gaze naturally turned to Ariel.

Her throat moved smoothly as she brought the champagne glass to her lips.

“Mmm! It’s refreshing.”

Leopold, surprised to see Ariel empty her glass, widened his eyes and then burst into laughter.

“As expected… you’re amusing.”

He covered his face with his hand and laughed for a while.

“How can you drink that all at once, Ariel? You’ll get drunk.”

“We’re going back tomorrow anyway, so we’ll be in the carriage all day. What’s the harm in drinking a little?”

Ariel raised her hand to call the servant again.

Leopold, watching her in her high spirits, fell into thought.

‘When did Ariel become so cheerful?’

On the chaotic first night, and even when he met her again, she had lived with a cynical attitude.

He used to worry about the emptiness in her eyes.

Hmm…

It seems to be after she regained consciousness. Since her mana returned and she acknowledged her feelings for him, Ariel’s expressions, actions, and even her tone brightened.

Even her once empty eyes regained their liveliness.

Since coming to Macglier, she even showed affection and cuteness towards him.

“Five more glasses, please. I’ll finish them quickly anyway, and it’s troublesome to call you every time.”

“The carriage will shake a lot. What if you end up throwing up?”

Seeing her smile at the dark man with such a bright face made his insides twist and filled him with anger at times.

But he still preferred her current cheerful demeanor.

“Hmm… I’ll just ask Hemington to cast a spell. A spell to keep the carriage from shaking!”

Even her silly behavior under the influence of alcohol looked cute to him.

A champagne glass was placed in her small hand. She was smiling softly.

‘Do whatever you want. I’ll take responsibility for everything.’

Watching Ariel drink the champagne like water, Leopold smiled quietly.