Once the conversation ended, her throat was parched from embarrassment. Only after downing the liquid in the elegant glass did Yuri realize it was alcohol.

It was only hidden by Lerianna, but she, too, was fairly weak with alcohol.

“Friend, so when exactly is the wedding?”

Whether it was fortunate or unfortunate, her mouth started to blabber automatically.

Chloe, who had woken up, began to get ready. There was plenty of time left before the event, but she needed to finish her makeup first to review other things.

For this festival, they decided to wear each other’s clothes.

Chloe wore the clothes of the Argen Duchy. The clothes reminded her of Callis’s fresh green eyes and the white snow piled up in the north.

“You look beautiful.”

Maidens who had been helping Chloe during the festival preparation helped her again today.

An ornament was placed over her small ears. A large, clear emerald stood out amongst her golden hair.

Chloe briefly observed herself in the mirror as a signal that the dressing was complete.

Today, she was dressed entirely for Callis. She didn’t like it, but she had to maintain appearances.

Chloe smiled without showing dissatisfaction.

“Thank you for your sincere help. You’ve done a lot.”

“Is there any part that needs modification or something you’d like to add?”

Following Chloe’s nod, the maidens began to tidy up the surroundings.

The sound of cleaning continued when a knock came from within. Then, a set of heavy footsteps joined.

There was no need to check who had just arrived. Chloe immediately muttered,

“You’re late.”

There was no need to ask why he was late. If she had to guess, it was probably because he was placating Helena, who wanted to join him in the powder room.

Callis became uncomfortable when his tardiness was mentioned.

“I was delayed because of work. There’s still a lot of time before the event starts, so don’t be so sensitive.”

It was not something Callis, one of the main hosts of the festival, should be saying.

Chloe looked at him dismissively and spoke.

“We’ll be appearing on the official stage; makeup alone won’t suffice. It would be good to memorize at least one more line before time runs out… Have you already prepared your speech? Truly remarkable.”

Callis flinched at her sharp words. Judging by his reaction, it seemed he hadn’t yet memorized his speech.

After all, the speech would be entirely deceptive; from Callis’s standpoint, he had to memorize the entire script.

Shouldn’t he work harder? If he makes a mistake, it could be catastrophic given the many eyes watching.

He is pathetic, as always.

“Make the most of the remaining time. If you neglect your duties while frolicking with the government, our duchy will become a laughingstock.”

There was no longer any reason to mingle with him. Fortunately, their makeup times didn’t overlap, which made her grateful for his tardiness.

Chloe stood up from her seat, lightly patted Callis’s shoulder, and then left the room.
Beyond the door of the powder room from which I had quickly exited, Callis’s shouts occasionally rang out.

“What an anticipated speech.”

How haughty will he act in front of the public with that disgusting voice?

Hiding that devilish demeanor, he’ll certainly perform as if he’s a hero of the century in front of them.

But now, no one will be deceived by this false play.

Wow!

Cheers from the crowd were heard. Individual shouts joined together into a grand chorus.

Thanks to the festival that began triumphantly, a lot of attention and expectation were also focused on the palace’s commemorative event.

Even before it began, a large crowd had gathered, and later, the throng was so massive that people at the back appeared as tiny dots.

The emperor of the empire and King Balron ascended onto the stage.

“It has been a full three years since the armistice. Due to the aftermath of the war, even our so-called allied nations have had little time for interaction. Only today do we come face to face so warmly.”

The emperor quickly cut off his introduction and extended his hand.

As the representatives of the empire and kingdom shook hands firmly, the sense of unity among the observing citizens also flourished anew.

“From today, the kingdom and empire are not just in name but real allies. I offer my gratitude to Her Majesty Prihid for giving us this precious opportunity and connection while considering peace!”

After the enormous cheers ended, the king also opened his mouth.

After the temple’s clergy joined in to bestow their blessings, the preliminary greetings came to an end.

“Shall we then call upon the protagonist who made today’s empire and kingdom possible.”

And finally, it was the turn for the great person who had brought peace to both the empire and the kingdom to appear.