Three days before the engagement celebration, Jack arrived at Finega looking exhausted. He was much calmer than before, though he was still as talkative as ever.

Sophia and Helen greeted him in the sitting room. Jack gulped down water instead of tea and began speaking.

“When Baron Ariel—no, now Marquis Ariel—received his seal, he was composed, but my father burst into tears. You’d think he was the one becoming marquis! The domain is running smoothly, and I’ve informed Gunther about the salt mines. Soon, a report will be submitted to the Emperor.”

Sophia asked, “Did he find out, or did you tell him?”

“They told him first. Better to report before he finds out on his own. From Gunther’s reaction, I couldn’t tell if he already knew or not.”

Helen interjected, “He’ll never say. If he claims he knew, it’ll make things awkward with the Ariel family, and if he says he didn’t, it’ll seem like he’s not capable. He’ll definitely keep quiet about it.”

Jack remarked, “I really don’t know what goes on in his head.”

When Sophia glanced at Jack, he spoke first. “I know. I know. That’s one of Gunther’s strengths. I can’t imitate him, but I know it’s a strength.”

Noticing the exchange, Helen looked back and forth between the two. “What’s going on? What is it?”

As Helen’s eyes sparkled with curiosity, Jack gave an awkward laugh. “I envied Gunther and acted rudely toward him… And I spread rumors that caused trouble for you.”

Helen chuckled awkwardly. “Well, you shouldn’t have done that. Really. I sense you two have a lot to discuss, so I’ll go attend to my duties.”

As Helen quietly rose to leave, Jack watched her with a hint of envy. Just as she was about to close the door, he muttered, “She didn’t get scolded, did she? She talked just as much as me—if not more.”

Helen lowered her gaze, heading carefully to her room, thinking, ‘Oh… I’ve been caught.’

Sophia watched the door close, thinking, “I should have a word with Helen, too…”

Jack, sensing the mood, changed the topic hastily. “About the salt mines! They’re beginning development. The reserves seem sufficient. I need to deliver the marquis’ letter to Mr. Finega.”

“Isn’t it a bit premature to announce this?” Sophia commented.

“Oh? Didn’t you mention it to Prince Robert? I thought you were trying to impress him with the salt mines. There I go, talking nonsense again.”

Sophia looked at Jack seriously. “Jack.”

Jack straightened up. “Yes?”

“As you know, my father has become a marquis. Ariel will grow and develop far beyond where it stands now. Even John will manage many subordinates. What do you think that means?”

Jack thought for a moment. “Hmm… His salary will go up? My mother would be pleased.”

Sophia nodded. “That’s true. Salaries will increase. But so will responsibilities. The quality of the people working under him will be completely different. They’ll likely hire someone to manage the salt mines, others for military tasks, and more to oversee domain administration. When salaries go up, they’ll look for people who can handle the work. People like Gunther.”

Jack looked disheartened at the mention of Gunther’s name.

“Ariel may not be able to recruit someone as capable as Gunther, but we could hire a recent graduate from the academy. Now, Jack, do you think you could compete with these new hires and hold onto your position?”

Jack, feeling nervous, wetted his dry lips. Sophia continued.

“Father and brother cherish and trust you. But what if you start being overlooked for important tasks? What if you’re trusted but seen as lacking in ability?”

Jack replied weakly, “I understand. Watching Gunther as you instructed, I realized how much he accomplishes and how tirelessly he works. I wonder if I could really keep up. Seeing him in action, I worry if I can compete with an academy graduate.”

“You’ve been around John, our administrator, since you were young. He’s an excellent example. If you genuinely want to improve and learn, he’d support you wholeheartedly. I understand your worries, which is why I told you to observe Gunther. He’s an academy graduate and one of the Emperor’s prized talents—one of the Empire’s finest. I don’t expect you to match him right away, but if you observe and imitate him, you’ll learn something valuable.”

Jack laughed awkwardly, still seeming uncertain.

Sophia reassured him, “Jack, Ariel will grow much larger, but dependable people will become scarcer. Imagine how reassuring it would be to have someone reliable with real ability. Do you understand what I mean?”

Jack knew. Many new people had already been brought in to help manage tasks at Ariel Castle, making him feel a bit intimidated.

As Sophia said, her father, Marquis Ariel trusted him.

Sophia felt compelled to lecture Jack for a while; someone trustworthy was what they needed most right now.

Watching Jack leave the parlor with heavy steps, Sophia didn’t feel entirely at ease either. But Jack had to grow. He had to become capable. She believed he would soon come to realize this, even if he was full of self-doubt now.

Jack had potential. It was evident from the way he no longer dismissed her scolding as mere banter, as he once did.

‘Jack, you’ll be fine. Just the fact that you’re grappling with these thoughts shows you’re improving.’

—

The day of the engagement celebration had arrived. Sophia arrived early at the palace and waited in Prince Robert’s office. Dressed in formal attire, Robert was busy with his work at the desk, on which the terrarium she had gifted him sat undisturbed. Noticing its well-kept condition, Sophia took a sip of tea and spoke.

“Since the Empress isn’t in the best of health, do you think she might skip the ball or leave early?”

“Even if she dislikes it, she’ll fulfill her role as Empress. But if things don’t go her way, she might excuse herself partway through.”

Sophia, perhaps out of nerves, continued asking Robert questions. “Do you think half the invited guests will attend?”

“Probably.”

“That’s fortunate. I thought maybe only a third would show up. Even though it’s an honor, some nobles might avoid the ball due to resentment or pressure.”

“I hinted to a few that the Emperor is taking a particular interest in this event. Plenty will overlook grievances if it means a chance to speak with him.”

“As expected. The Emperor’s influence is unmatched…”

Seeing her gaze linger on him, Robert said, “Not so easily attained, is it? Have you noticed Count Cressida has been unusually quiet lately?”

“I assumed it was because of Prince Frederick’s seclusion, or whatever you’d call it.”

“As soon as they realized the Emperor was watching, they toned things down. And with the Emperor paying direct attention to Frederick, they wouldn’t dare interfere.”

“Is Prince Frederick doing well? I half expected him to flee the palace out of love-sickness for Isabelle and turn up at the Wiscombe residence. Rumor has it he gazes at Isabelle as if in worship.”

“Hm, he’s doing quite well, actually. He’s become quite the model prince.”

“So is his seclusion voluntary, or did the Emperor or Empress…?”

“Technically, it’s voluntary. But it seems Isabelle Wiscombe may have encouraged it, hoping to attract less criticism over her engagement to him and to distance Frederick a bit from Count Cressida.”

“Are they truly going to allow the engagement between Prince Frederick and Isabelle Wiscombe? Wouldn’t it be better to postpone it? Let the two families engage in a bit more rivalry and waste their resources. But I suppose they’re not that foolish.”

Robert looked at Sophia. The sky-blue dress matching his formal attire suited her well.

With a faint smile, he replied, “Your feelings toward Wiscombe must be quite hostile. Have you heard the rumors about a dispute between me and Duke Wiscombe?”

“Yes. There are all kinds of stories. ‘Prince Robert picked a fight out of lingering resentment over Isabelle.’ ‘Sophia Ariel despises the Wiscombes and took a stand on Robert’s behalf.’ There’s some truth in the last one: ‘Prince Robert is stirring trouble to drive a wedge between Wiscombe and Frederick.'”

“None of it is true.”

“Exactly. When Wiscombe is involved, the truth gets buried, and only what they want people to believe circulates. We need a way to stop this. Aren’t there any plans to regulate publications? The Emperor granted freedom of the press, yet the nobility manipulates stories to suit their needs.”

“That’s a worthwhile topic to bring up with the publishers and owners attending today.”

Vian, watching the conversation between Robert and Sophia, maintained a neutral expression but was far from calm inside. He had never seen Robert engage so comfortably in conversation, except with people like himself and Mav, who were part of his inner circle. Mav’s words echoed in his mind, but he brushed them aside.

‘No. It’s just an alliance. A very capable alliance. And I have to admit, Lady Sophia’s insights are compelling and intelligent.’

Robert was now thoroughly engaged in conversation with Sophia, having set aside his documents.

Wiscombe’s absence from the ball had been decided long ago, but after rumors of discord between Prince Robert and Duke Wiscombe spread rapidly, it was rumored they’d chosen not to attend because of this tension. Sophia preferred it this way.

“Better discord than a false show of Wiscombe’s courtesy and understanding.”

Sophia remarked to Prince Robert, “I know a lot was spent on this ball. I hope it brings prosperity to the Empire and benefits you as well. I hope the Emperor uses this event to meet a diverse range of people and push forward more reforms.”

“I hope so too.”

The two exchanged satisfied smiles.

—

Finally, the two stars of the evening entered the ballroom. Though they were the main figures of the evening, the Emperor and Empress entered last.

The Emperor and Empress appeared radiant as they walked into the waiting dance hall filled with guests.

It was then that Sophia understood why there were no rumors about the Empress’s beauty. She was the Empress in every sense, her noble presence shining brighter than mere beauty.

Sophia thought that the glimmering tiara atop the Empress’s head only enhanced that aura of nobility.

Even Sophia, upon seeing the Empress in all her radiant splendor, felt that if anyone were to accuse her of being scheming or narrow-minded, she would be outraged and see it as a slander against the Empress. However, today wasn’t the first time Sophia had seen the Empress.

This grand music and these dazzling appearances feel like magical devices meant to deceive everyone’s eyes.

The atmosphere in the ballroom buzzed with excitement merely from the Emperor and Empress’s entrance. Since many were attending a royal ball for the first time, the ambiance was even more lively than usual. The Empress couldn’t help but let out a faint, mocking smile.

Helen, standing beside Sophia, had turned red with emotion and said, “It’s so moving. I don’t even know what’s so moving about it, but I feel like I could cry.”

Mrs. Finega and Mr. Finega also nodded in agreement, both appearing equally awestruck, simply from having seen the Emperor and Empress.

Sophia remarked, “They are literally the very pinnacle and embodiment of Uranos.”

Helen agreed enthusiastically. “Absolutely. Exactly.”

As the Emperor slowly circled the ballroom, he was introduced to each guest in turn, spending considerable time in conversation with each. The Empress stood at his side, wearing an awkward smile.