“Princess.”

“What is it?”

“Will you stay longer?”

Though the marquis had said it was fine to enjoy the banquet late into the night, how many candidates would actually do so? Of course, there might be some who genuinely stayed to enjoy the music and food.

However, it was far more likely that many would try to undermine their rivals early on.

Especially with factions already formed, members would actively move on their own to curry favor with their leaders. Naturally, a group was more troublesome and intimidating than an individual.

Mail intended to leave with Riela quickly to avoid getting caught up in unnecessary quarrels. She could discuss their impressions of the emperor on the way back.

And then, it happened.

“Nice to meet you.”

A high, clear voice rang out. His gaze instinctively turned toward it, and the first thing he noticed was the woman’s distinctive hair color. Her voluminous hair, half braided and half flowing, was a vibrant pink.

As Mail stared at the pretty face she didn’t recognize, which was smiling sweetly, she thought to herself.

‘That was fast…’

It was a swift approach, almost as if she had been waiting for this moment. The young lady with the pink hair, followed by a few other women, approached Riela and spoke to her.

Although the lady herself was smiling, the expressions of the women behind her were quite grim in contrast. Mail wrinkled her nose. What now?

When the pink-haired lady greeted her, Riela tilted her head and glanced at Mail. She had the expression of someone wondering why this girl had suddenly approached to say hello.

Had the lady spoken in a stern tone, Riela would have assumed she was looking for a fight. But the friendly smile left her confused.

While Mail pondered how to explain, the young lady spoke again.

“I just wanted to say hello. There’s no need to be on guard.”

She laughed softly, covering her mouth with a gloved hand. Mail responded by smiling in return, while carefully observing the women standing behind her. Though their expressions remained hostile, they didn’t seem likely to act without the young lady’s command.

Mail was relieved that there wouldn’t be a physical altercation and responded to her.

“Nice to meet you. The princess is not feeling well at the moment, so I’ll be speaking on her behalf. I hope you understand.”

“And you are…?”

“I’m Mail von Vizeat. I’m attending to the princess here.”

“Oh my, a lady of the Duke’s house. Nice to meet you. I’m Morado de Nomere, from the Kingdom of Nomere.”

So she’s a princess. No wonder her actions have a certain elegance. Mail silently repeated the name Nomere in her mind. She vaguely remembered hearing of it before, suggesting it was a relatively powerful kingdom.

‘She doesn’t seem like someone who would openly pick a fight.’

The princess who introduced herself as Morado wasn’t a mere royal in name. Her expressions and speech revealed she had been well-educated.

Especially her expression. Not once had her smiling face faltered. She was likely the type skilled at hiding her true feelings.

Beautiful, with the right background, and probably clever, judging by her words. If someone like her was taking the initiative to approach Riela, it was a sure sign that Riela looked exceptionally stunning today. Mail felt a bit proud. His choice of accessories had clearly paid off.

“I’d prefer to engage in a fair competition. Though, I suppose it depends on the Empire’s will.”

Princess Morado spoke while gracefully narrowing her eyes. Mail responded with a smile instead of words.

The Empire’s will, she said. Earlier, the marquis had announced that half of the candidates would be eliminated, though the specifics were unclear.

Was he implying that more than half would be eliminated? Or would exactly half remain? If it was the latter, those who were eliminated might still have a chance. If they could pull someone down from the remaining candidates and create a vacancy, they could take their place.

Of course, it was uncertain whether that would be possible. The marquis had not mentioned whether voluntary withdrawals would be permitted. Essentially, the princess’s statement implied this.

“If it were impossible to take your spot as a successful candidate, I would leave you alone. But if the empire allows it, you will never remain here longer than I will.”

Mail kept a smile on her face, thinking to herself, *This princess is scary.*

“I also hope we can compete fairly until the end.”

“I feel the same way. Hoho.”

The princess laughed aloud before stepping back. She had said she only wanted to exchange greetings, and it seemed that was truly her intent. As she retreated, she gave a slight nod.

‘It was a brief meeting, but it was enjoyable. May Hemera’s blessing be with you.’

Mail returned the nod, swallowing a bitter smile. *Hemera.* She was the goddess of the day. Wishing someone the blessing of Hemera at this late hour, long after sunset, was an odd farewell.

At first glance, it seemed like an innocent mistake, but it wasn’t. In translation, it was a veiled insult.

Wishing her misfortune until the daylight when Hemera’s blessing would actually reach her. In other words, hoping for bad luck on the way.

Mail had witnessed noblewomen at social parties using such disguised insults before. It had been a while since she’d heard one.

Riela furrowed her brow sharply after hearing the indirect insult.

“What the heck? Did she just tell me to get lost?”

“……”

Mail was momentarily at a loss for words. Of course, that *Hemera* wasn’t the same as *get lost*, but the statement was oddly ambiguous. After staring at Riela for a moment, Mail finally chuckled and led her toward the entrance. “No, Your Highness. Let’s just go.”

Rose quietly followed behind Mail and Riela.

* * *

Marquis Bolthen, lounging comfortably in his chair, leisurely stroked his mustache. His hand moved so delicately, as if he cherished it more than he would a beloved pet dog.

All nobles who grew mustaches avoided the kind of unsightly one he had, which made his self-indulgent behavior all the more peculiar.

Across from the marquis, a woman voiced her frustration.

“Why didn’t you agree to meet me? I sent word.”

Her long, cascading hair resembled strands of silver thread. Each time she blinked, her pale blue eyes briefly disappeared beneath her white lashes. The marquis clicked his tongue.

“You fool. The surveillance outside the imperial palace is even stricter than inside. And you wanted to meet me while accompanied by the guards the emperor assigned to you? Are you out of your mind?”

“That’s not what I—”

“Don’t tell me you thought you could shake them off. That would be even more foolish.”

The woman, now rendered speechless, closed her mouth. She had been so desperate at the time that she hadn’t thought about such things. It was true that she deserved the scolding. Yet, feeling a bit indignant, she parted her lips to protest.

“But if you had been willing, you could have met me. There are ways to disguise oneself.”

“Iseline, who do you think you are that I should go to such lengths for you?”

The marquis raised his eyebrows as he spoke, his expression one of disbelief.

Iseline, the woman in question, flinched at his harsh words, her shoulders shrinking. Embarrassed, her ears turned red.

In truth, he was right. The marquis had no obligation to go out of his way for her. Clenching her bony fingers into a fist, Iseline lowered her head.

“I overstepped. I’m sorry.”

“Good that you understand. Now, why were you so desperate to see me?”

Sinking deeper into his chair, the marquis asked. Iseline raised her eyes once more.

Iseline Tengott, the only daughter of the Tengott barony, which had fallen into ruin due to financial troubles several years ago. She was the only woman currently under the emperor’s protection. After some hesitation, she cautiously opened her mouth.

“I’m anxious.”

“Anxious?”

“I don’t have a good feeling. It seems like His Majesty has been paying attention to something lately, and I’m worried it might be another woman…”

Having said it aloud, her anxiety only grew worse. Iseline nervously watched the marquis for his reaction.

There was a reason she sought advice from the marquis, rather than anyone else. She and the marquis had crossed paths three years ago, a few months before she first caught the emperor’s eye. In fact, she met the marquis before she ever met the emperor.

At that time, Iseline had been left with nowhere to go after her family’s downfall and was barely managing to stay with a distant relative’s household. How could someone in her situation ever meet the emperor?

The family she was staying with wasn’t powerful. In fact, they were a minor noble family from the provinces with no presence in the capital.

Under normal circumstances, Iseline would have been expected to marry someone of suitable status, bear children, and live out her days without ever seeing the emperor.

But her fate was different. She encountered the emperor several times, even had private audiences with him, and eventually, she caught his eye and moved to a separate palace. How was this possible? It was all thanks to the marquis, who had secretly orchestrated things behind the scenes.

One day, the marquis approached Iseline and made her an offer.

“How would you like to live under the emperor’s protection? If you follow my guidance, I can ensure the emperor treasures you above all others.”

TL NOTE: Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories