After deciding to attend the banquet, Ibnel left all the preparations to Emil and Lia. Thanks to Emil, everything was perfectly prepared despite the sudden announcement of attendance.

There was so much to do just for attending one banquet that she slightly regretted boldly telling Shuher she would attend.

On the day of the banquet, she planned to sneak into the hall after Davian appeared and all attention was focused on her.

The biggest reason was not wanting to ruin the banquet for her, and secondly, there was no need to make a fuss by appearing in front of people. Whatever happened after that could be dealt with then.

It went well up to the point where Ibnel entered the banquet hall late.

As expected, while trying to hide among the people by slightly bowing her head, taking advantage of all attention being focused on Davian, she strangely felt gazes fixed on her. At first, she thought it was just her imagination, but it increased more and more as time passed.

‘What is this? Did they recognize who I am?’

Just as she was starting to feel uneasy, her name could be heard here and there, and when her eyes met Davian’s, she could no longer pretend not to notice.

This was how Ibnel came to stand before the two of them.

Though she no longer limped, Emil had prepared low-heeled shoes considering her wound hadn’t fully healed yet, so there wasn’t much discomfort in walking.

Turning her gaze from Davian, Ibnel found Shuher’s seemingly surprised expression puzzling. Why was he looking at her like that when he knew she was coming?

‘Don’t tell me.’

As she looked down at herself, she slightly mouthed only for him to see.

‘Does it look very strange?’

Though the dress she was wearing wasn’t uncomfortable, it felt very awkward. She couldn’t even look at herself properly in the mirror, feeling as if she was wearing someone else’s clothes.

She had asked Emil and Lia several times before coming here. The two of them agreed that it suited her well, but she still wasn’t confident.

Even as Ibnel asked with concern, there was no answer from Shuher.

‘So it does look strange.’

Ibnel, worried, completely failed to notice that Shuher’s eyes, which had been full of indifference until just now, were shaking.

The one who first broke that subtle silence was Davian.

“I was just looking for you, Ibnel.”

Contrary to those nonchalant words, she too couldn’t take her eyes off Ibnel’s figure. Even just standing still, dignity permeated every part of her body.

“I’m sorry. I’m a bit late. Though it feels quite late, welcome here.”

Ibnel glanced around slightly and decided to withdraw. There were still many people who wanted to greet Davian.

“Let’s meet again later when you have time.”

She quickly greeted Shuher as well and left that place. His gaze persistently clung to her retreating figure.

“Your Majesty?”

Only then did Shuher look at Davian when she called, leaving behind just one word to enjoy the banquet before walking away.

Davian tried to stop him, but before she could, people flocked to her side again.

‘I shouldn’t have come after all.’

Though she had expected it, Ibnel felt uncomfortable in a different way than before now that she was actually at the banquet. The nobles’ refined atmosphere, wearing clothes that didn’t suit her.

The biggest part of it was the blatant stares. Though no one approached her directly, they seemed quite displeased that she had come to this place.

At that moment, a voice that sounded like a savior reached her.

“We meet here again, Lady Ibnel.”

“Duke Peldin.”

Ibnel showed a rather pleased expression upon seeing Peldin. At least there was one person who was friendly towards her.

“I feel much more at ease seeing you, Duke.”

Peldin smiled that gentle smile of his at her sincere words.

“As you can see, I was regretting coming here. It feels like everyone is telling me to leave right away with their eyes.”

“Well, I don’t think that’s all there is to it.”

“Pardon?”

As Ibnel seemed not to understand, Peldin carefully looked her over anew. She felt extremely embarrassed under that gaze.

“Is it that obvious that I look very awkward?”

“Rather, it’s the opposite.”

“The opposite?”

“You are more beautiful than anyone else here today, my lady.”

Ibnel momentarily lost control of her expression at the unexpected compliment. Her face flushed slightly with embarrassment, then she hurriedly waved her hands as if to say that couldn’t be true.

“D-Don’t lie. You’re just saying that to make me feel better, right? With so many young ladies here.”

“Why haven’t you believed me since before? Most people here haven’t been able to take their eyes off you since you entered the banquet hall.”

Hearing Peldin’s serious voice, she just bit her lip slightly and rolled her eyes around without looking at him. She clutched at her dress out of shyness.

Peldin found that appearance utterly adorable. Feeling like she might run away if he continued with compliments, he decided to stop there.

‘Though I mean it that much.’

There was no lie in what he said. From the moment he saw Ibnel, he couldn’t look away or turn his head. He wondered if this was what it felt like to be enchanted. So the words “beautiful” came out naturally.

The gazes around were also partly hostile because she was from the Aodin Empire, but there were clearly those looking for the same reason as himself.

Ibnel finally came to her senses and expressed her thoughts on Peldin dressed up for today’s banquet.

“By that logic, aren’t you beautiful today too, Duke?”

Wearing a white formal uniform with elaborate decorations while exuding a gentlemanly atmosphere, he certainly stood out here.

“I’m not just saying that, I really mean it. Actually, I’ve felt this since we first met.”

Peldin showed a pleased smile at her frank words. She was probably the only one who spoke to him so directly like this.

At that moment, he glanced to one side of the banquet hall and showed a meaningful look.

“Then… more than His Majesty the Emperor?”

“Pardon?”

At the unexpected question, Ibnel reflexively looked towards where Shuher was. He was already talking with some nobles. She couldn’t understand why he had asked such a question.

“Would my answer really mean anything?”

“To me, it would.”

Ibnel looked at Shuher again at Peldin’s very serious voice. She hadn’t noticed earlier because she was flustered, but he was far from the Shuher she usually encountered at the palace.

If she could approach him without hesitation then, now she couldn’t. Whether it was because of his splendid formal attire or his imperial dignity, there was a clear sense of distance.

Shuher’s eyes met hers as if he sensed her staring intently.

Ibnel hurriedly turned her head, feeling as if she had been caught secretly peeking. Shuher’s gaze then turned to Peldin who was with her.

Peldin noticed that look and responded with a smile. Shuher looked at him for a moment before turning away.

“How could I dare compare the two of you? You’re completely different.”

Literally, from Ibnel’s perspective, the two men were as different as black and white. Shuher exuding a cold, harsh atmosphere, and Peldin being kind and treating everyone gently.

“Come to think of it, I’m curious how the two of you became close.”

“We surprisingly have a lot in common. Actually, it’s more that I adapt to him. His Majesty is not one to adapt to others, nor should he.”

Ibnel burst out laughing at those words. As she conversed with him, she no longer paid attention to her surroundings.

“I’m really glad to be here with you, Duke.”

“I’m glad to hear that too. It was good that I came to the capital. I got to meet you like this.”

“I’ve been wondering since we first met, why are you being so nice to me? No matter how I think about it, there’s nothing for you to gain, Duke.”

Though grateful for his kindness, she couldn’t completely dismiss her doubts. What could such an important figure possibly need?

“Why do you say I have nothing to gain?”

“What exactly are you gaining?”

“You, of course.”

“…Me?”

Ibnel was surprised by Peldin’s answer, but after pondering what he meant by gaining her, she soon showed an expression of understanding.

“Ah, you mean my abilities?”

It must mean he was preparing for when he might need her help as the Duke of Gaer. She certainly had no reason not to help him if that was the case.

“If it’s for your affairs, Duke, I should go right away. You’ve helped me so many times.”

‘That’s not all.’

Though he actually meant more than that, Peldin nodded in agreement. He didn’t want her to feel burdened and distance herself.

Her words weren’t exactly wrong either. Her abilities and skills that he had directly witnessed made him want to take her to his territory right away.

‘I thought it might be possible.’

It wouldn’t have been impossible now that Davian had appeared, but looking at Shuher, he was certain he wouldn’t allow it. Having known him for a long time, he could tell without needing to be told.

Moreover, the fact that Ibnel had Shuher’s favor added to that certainty.

‘Does she really not know how much attention she’s drawing in this place?’

Awkward, she said? It was the opposite. This was the first time Peldin had felt this sensation. Everything around disappeared, and only one person remained visible.

“Duke?”

“I’m grateful you say that. But I think I should step aside now.”

“Pardon?”

“I see someone who wants to meet you.”

When Ibnel looked where he was pointing, she saw another familiar face.

“Lady Henea?”

“Then I’ll be going.”

As Peldin moved away from Ibnel with a greeting, Henea cautiously approached her side.