Strangely, there was no description of Aaron’s appearance in the original work. It should have been mentioned, but it wasn’t at all. Even if the book was centered around Leonel, it was a questionable point. Leonel’s eye color was mentioned several times…

The appearance of the female protagonist, Sierra, was also described. But strangely, there was no mention of Aaron at all. Not even a common hair color was mentioned. It only expressed that he stood in opposition to Leonel.

“Ah…….”

All those questions were resolved upon meeting Aaron. He astonishingly resembled Amelia. Almost like he was Amelia’s son.

Now I understand why Aaron’s appearance wasn’t mentioned in the book. It was because they couldn’t describe him as someone who resembled Amelia. To such an extent that Aaron resembled her more than her own son, Leonel. Anyone would think they were mother and son at first glance.

“It would be nice if the young lord and my son could become friends since they are of the same age.”

“Yes, that’s right. I’m also five years old…….”

Aaron’s tone, as if someone had instructed him to speak that way, made it obvious to anyone that the Emperor had orchestrated this scene. Why would he insist on pairing Aaron with Leonel? This wasn’t how it went in the original…

“Having a friend of the same age is precious. Could the young lord visit us often?”

“That might be difficult. Our son has a lot of responsibilities.”

As she pondered how to respond, Raphael’s cold voice came through, dripping with iciness.

“Because he’s the only heir of the Siegfried family.”

Indeed, Leonel was busy. She could only meet him after all her lessons were over. But to say this directly to the Emperor? This man showed no deference to even the Emperor.

“Still, please visit us often when you have time.”

“Yes, we will.”

Raphael’s rotten expression, as if he wanted to leave as soon as possible, made her feel embarrassed. Furthermore, it was clear that the standing of the Grand Ducal family could challenge imperial authority. And unlike in the original work, Aaron was a very timid child. Perhaps it was because he hadn’t gained his power yet.

“Then we will take our leave.”

“Grand Duke. Please visit us again.”

Why would the Emperor need to cling to Raphael? In this relationship, the Emperor was unilaterally weaker.

“Will the Grand Duchess do so as well?”

“Eh? Yes…….”

“Empress, what are you doing, not greeting them?”

Normally, she should have been the first to offer greetings. Yet, the Emperor scolded the Empress and showed his anger.

“Welcome, Grand Duchess.”

“It is an honor to meet you, Your Majesty, the mother of the empire.”

Being an Empress of a nation isn’t for just anyone; even if she felt bad, she managed her expression and extended her hand first. Katrina Russell Khalid… The mother of the First and Second Princes and Aaron’s stepmother who tormented him terribly.

“If it’s alright with the Grand Duchess, may we invite you to a garden party at the Imperial Palace happening in a week?”

“A garden party……?”

“It’s a small party attended only by noble wives.”

Her gentle demeanor made it hard to believe she was the person who harshly mistreated Aaron. Perhaps because her own sons had yet to ascend to the position of Crown Prince, the Empress was cautious in every matter. Even now, she doesn’t speak carelessly to her.

“That is…….”

“It would be nice if the Grand Duchess could grace the event.”
  
Should I really attend? To push forward the redevelopment of the old downtown, it was necessary to influence the Emperor. For the time being, it seemed best to maintain moderate contact with the imperial family.
  
“Yes, I understand.”

“Oh! Then I will send an invitation to the Grand Duke’s house right away.”
  
The Empress seemed to think it would be good to get closer to her, seeing that she appeared to have a good relationship with Raphael. Though in reality, that was not the case.
  
“Empress, if we linger here any longer, wouldn’t it prevent other nobles from greeting you?”

“Ah……. I hadn’t thought of that.”
  
Noticing Raphael’s expression becoming increasingly stern, one could only wonder what would have happened if the Emperor hadn’t intervened.
  
“Then I hope both the Grand Duchess and the Grand Duke enjoy themselves before leaving.”
  
Aaron remained silent and bowed his head quietly until the end. It seemed he was used only because he was the same age as Leonel.
  
“Shall we go see somewhere else now?”

“What?”
  
While watching Aaron leave the party, a somewhat grumpy voice came from beside her. Could it really be Raphael……? Surprisingly, it was indeed him.
  
“Haven’t we achieved our goal now?”
  
Achieved our goal? What does that mean?
  
“You came to see the Emperor, didn’t you? Ah, more precisely, was it the third prince?”

“…….”
  
The moment Amelia heard Raphael’s words, her body flinched. Fortunately, he had whispered only to her ears so Leonel didn’t hear. How did he know? She hadn’t shown any sign…….
  
“Did you achieve what you wanted?”

“What do you mean……?”
  
After all, he only had suspicions. Since she hadn’t said anything directly with her own mouth. Amelia feigned ignorance as much as she could. And her answer to whether she had achieved what she wanted was ‘no’. The Aaron she knew and the current Aaron were entirely different people.
  
“It would be best for the children to go where other children are.”
  
Upon Raphael’s words, Leonel smoothly released her hand.
  
“Leonel?”

“I should go now. It seems I need to properly greet the princes after all.”
  
Noble wives with noble wives, young ladies with young ladies. Children had their own place. Watching Leonel walk away briskly and waving his hand slightly, Amelia couldn’t help but worry. She knew there was a society for children, but…… she worried whether Leonel could adapt well.
  
“Invisible until the end.”

“Your Grace…… aren’t you worried?”

“About what?”
  
Talking to him was useless; he wouldn’t understand anyway. He didn’t like Leonel. She knew that his promise to be a good father was nothing but empty words.
  
“Don’t tell me…… you think our son can’t adapt?”
  
Our son? It sounded so strange coming from his mouth. Amelia frowned slightly and glanced at him.
  
“Leonel is not as weak as you think.”

“This is his first time in such an environment.”

“That’s true for you as well, Amelia.”
  
Had he ever mentioned this before? It was often irritating how he only spoke the truth. The real problem wasn’t Leonel; it was actually her. People were still only looking at her. This was Amelia’s first proper debut in the central social circle.
  
She had attended a few small parties early in their marriage, but that was all. Moreover, it was so long ago that many people don’t remember. Now she understood why the original Amelia avoided attending parties. Not just because she couldn’t enter society, but…… her appearance must have been a problem.
  
Her appearance, bearing the imperial family’s traits, would have forced Amelia to seclude herself within the Grand Duchy.
  
“Do people think I’m a hidden member of the imperial family?”
  
Perhaps the Emperor’s hidden daughter. Or maybe they thought she was a distant relative.
  
“Don’t worry about it. People love to gossip.”

“With Your Grace by my side, no one dares to approach.”
  
She was different from the original Amelia. Although it was a lie, there was affection from her husband, and based on that, she showed her strength. Even now, being with Raphael alone was enough to constantly change people’s opinions about her.
  
Ironically.
  
“I wish they would never come close.”
  
The dance music signaling the start of the official party began to play. Everyone hesitated, and no couple stepped onto the dance floor.
  
It seemed they were waiting for someone.
  
“Would you like to dance with me?”
  
Extending his arm and bowing slightly, his perfectly polite demeanor made Amelia think that he was more noble than anyone else here. Despite his arrogance and insolence, Raphael had an authority unique to high nobility. That’s why everyone looked at him with envy.
  
“I’d love to.”

“What an honor.”
  
As she placed her hand on his palm, Raphael slowly but surely wrapped his fingers around her hand and brought it to his lips. Every action was captivating. The hot lips on her hand back and those beast-like eyes intensely staring at her.
  
Ah, he’s truly an unbearably handsome man.