Please Don’t Let Go Of That Leash - Chapter 4 - Royal Banquet (Part 4)
Chapter 4 – Royal Banquet (Part 4)
“Lady Leviar? Which family is Leviar?”
“I don’t recall hearing about that title.”
“Oh, really? But she has a surname and is called ‘Lady,’ so she must be nobility.”
“But isn’t that the lady who entered La-Dianc Couture with the two dukes?”
The banquet hall grew noisier after their entrance. Ria had become the most intriguing subject for many. The ladies and noblewomen who had seen her at the boutique recounted the event in great detail, making Ria the primary topic of their conversations, particularly focusing on the affectionate behavior and looks of the two dukes.
“The dukes seem to have taken another lady under their wings.”
“I wonder how long this will last. It’s usually quite predictable, isn’t it? Haha.”
“Their whims are truly notorious.”
Meanwhile, the male nobles gathered and discussed the womanizing tendencies of the two dukes, with those from factions that disliked the powerful dukes being particularly harsh in their mockery. Despite their scorn, their gazes were lasciviously fixed on Ria.
Her fair skin, slender waist, small frame, full bosom, and beautiful face drew many greedy looks. Some even licked their lips obscenely.
Of course, the three men were well aware of this. As Rune and Eden took in the scene, Kahin handed Ria a glass of sweet champagne, glancing around with eyes that could kill. Their protective, predatory stares warned off those who were weaker and less powerful than the dukes, making them avert their gazes quickly. The more perceptive ones concluded it was best not to meddle with her.
However, in any place, there are always those too oblivious or filled with dirty desires. While many hid among others, stealing glances at Ria, Eden’s eyes narrowed as he memorized each face.
Just then, the banquet hall doors opened, and the attendant announced the entrance of the imperial family.
“Presenting His Majesty Emperor Ritan Den Liberté, the glorious sun of the Liberté Empire, Her Majesty Empress Elisha Den Liberté, the noble moon of the Liberté Empire, and His Highness Crown Prince Cherta Den Liberté, the young sun of the Liberté Empire!”
Following the nobles in bowing their heads in respect, Ria also bowed her head.
“Raise your heads.”
With the emperor’s command, everyone raised their heads. From the moment he entered, Cherta had discreetly searched for her beside Rune and Eden, and now he could fully see Ria dressed in pink.
“I hope you all have a pleasant time. May blessings and peace be with you.”
After a short speech, the emperor descended from the platform, holding the empress’s hand, and moved to the center of the banquet hall. As they took their positions, the orchestra began to play.
Kahin explained quietly to Ria, who watched in fascination at their elegant movements.
“The first dance is usually performed by the hosts or the guests of honor. Only after the first dance can the other guests begin to dance.”
“Wow, that’s interesting.”
“Would you like to dance?”
“Hmm, no. I think I prefer watching. Besides, I don’t know how to dance.”
Recalling how she had seemed uncomfortable with her high heels, Kahin kept quiet, though he had been about to offer to lead her in a dance.
As the orchestra finished playing, the emperor and empress completed their dance and took their seats on the platform. Soon, the center of the banquet hall was filled with people dancing.
Even then, Cherta couldn’t take his eyes off Ria. In his mind, he debated whether to ask her to dance or how to approach her first.
The empress was the first to notice his steady gaze. Following his line of sight, she saw the young lady and covered her mouth with her fan.
‘Has my son finally found someone?’
The empress’s lips curled into a soft smile. She had noticed Cherta’s gaze lingering persistently rather than just glancing. As she watched discreetly, by the time the orchestra finished the second piece, she was convinced. This wasn’t just a passing interest; her son’s eyes were filled with love, though he might not realize it yet.
When the empress chuckled, the emperor asked curiously.
“Empress, what is amusing you so?”
“Oh, Your Majesty. Haha, are you curious?”
“When have I not been curious about your actions? You are always a mystery to me.”
The affectionate exchange between the emperor and empress continued as they enjoyed each other’s company. When the empress gestured for him to lean closer, the emperor willingly complied.
“We might soon have a new family member.”
“What?”
The empress’s whisper was loud enough for her closest maid to hear, but the experienced maid kept her face impassive. The emperor, however, reacted with surprise.
“Cherta seems to be very interested in a young lady. Over there.”
Following her indication, the emperor saw a petite lady.
“Oh.”
“I’ve always wanted a daughter; this is exciting.”
Despite not having had a proper meeting, the empress began imagining all the things she wanted to do with her future daughter-in-law.
“Empress, it’s best not to jump to conclusions. We don’t yet know her feelings.”
“Oh, yes. I got a bit ahead of myself. Hmm, seeing the two dukes and Count Fernon with her, it seems the prince is late to the party….”
“Hmm.”
The emperor narrowed his eyes, deep in thought. The empress’s closest maid stepped forward and quietly asked.
“Shall I gather information about the young lady?”
“No need. It would spoil the fun. It’s better to let things unfold naturally.”
“Understood.”
As the maid stepped back, the emperor asked seriously.
“Then should I refrain from calling her daughter-in-law at the first meeting?”
His question had a significant impact. Even the seasoned maid almost stumbled.
‘Didn’t His Majesty just tell Her Majesty not to jump to conclusions?’
The empress, sharing the same thought, laughed softly and replied.
“Your Majesty, you advised me not to jump to conclusions, yet you’re ahead of yourself.”
“Ahem, ahem….”
“But we can still help our son.”
“Help?”
Seeing the emperor’s puzzled look, the empress smiled brightly.
***
“How do you like your first banquet? Fun?”
“Yes. It’s nice to see so many new things.”
“…We should come out again soon.”
Rune hesitated before answering, suppressing his urge to say they couldn’t come out often. Although he didn’t show it, he wondered if she had found life within the Astina mansion stifling. Surely, anyone would feel confined.
At that moment, an attendant approached them with a message from the emperor.
“Duke Rune Astina, Duke Eden Carlisle, and Count Kahin Fernon. His Majesty wishes to see you.”
“Now?”
“Yes. Please follow me.”
“Do we all have to go?”
“Pardon? Yes. His Majesty specifically called for all three of you.”
‘Tsk. Rune clicked his tongue inwardly at the firm summons. They couldn’t refuse the emperor’s order. However, leaving Ria alone made him uneasy.
They didn’t know what might happen while they were away. The nobles still had their eyes on her presence.
However, they couldn’t bring an uninvited person to an audience with the Emperor, so they were stuck in a dilemma. Just as they were debating whether to take her close to the vicinity, Ria spoke up.
“Go ahead.”
“Ria.”
“It’s a talk with His Majesty the Emperor. I’ll stay on the terrace like we talked about in the carriage. I’m not a child; I can handle that much.”
“But.”
“You’ll be back soon, right?”
Ria smiled reassuringly, easing their anxious hearts. In the end, they decided to quickly have a talk with the Emperor and then return.
“We’ll be back soon. Ignore what others say and just wait a bit on the terrace.”
Eden gave Ria a brief kiss on her forehead. As she nodded, the three men swiftly followed the attendant, and Ria, left alone, turned to go to the terrace as they had discussed.
“Lady Leviar.”
She had to stop before she could take a single step when someone called her.
Sighing inwardly, Ria tried to brush past as if avoiding the street preachers she used to encounter at subway stations. She tried to follow Eden’s advice. However, a group of young ladies surrounded her in the blink of an eye, blocking her way to the terrace completely.
‘Were they waiting for this or something?’
The moment the three men disappeared, Ria found the situation absurd, but she decided to escape first and pasted a smile on her face. After all, they say you can’t spit on a smiling face.
“Lady, what is your relationship with the Dukes?”
‘…Hmm, I guess that saying doesn’t exist here.’
Ria was momentarily speechless at the very direct question. There wasn’t any particular hostility, but it wasn’t something to ask on a first meeting.
Others in the group seemed to think the same, giving side glances to the girl who asked. Soon, another young lady stepped forward.
“That was rude for a first meeting. I apologize on her behalf. Please understand.”
Ria immediately realized that this lady was the center of this group. The girl who had bluntly asked her question flinched and bowed her head. Though the situation was brief, it was enough for Ria to gauge their dynamics.
‘Isn’t it my job to understand? It’s not for someone else to step in and steer the mood and demand understanding… Am I being too sensitive?’
Ria didn’t appreciate being surrounded like this, so she didn’t take the apology at face value.