Receiving the love of the entire kingdom and growing up, but now a woman forgotten by everyone.

Foolish, Cloe Arhen.

“The reason I’m getting the spotlight so late is probably because of that woman’s incompetence. If she was good at managing like you, a smart woman, I would have succeeded much earlier.”

Kalis recalled the woman who poured curses on him. She was a cunning woman who nurtured her eloquence skills by mingling with nobles since childhood and used malicious means to exploit other people’s weaknesses.

“Of course. Who are you comparing with me?”
“I dare say you’ll shine even more than that woman at tonight’s banquet.”

Even Helena, who had advised not to compare, smiled brightly like a child, seemingly pleased with the last words.

“Really?”

“Really.”

Of course, there was no malicious lie in the well-intended words.

However, even if not now, Helena would someday shine more than Cloe. Kalis would make sure of that, putting all his effort into it.

Even if Helena didn’t believe him completely, Kalis also believed in the potential of his wife.

Initially, she might struggle to mingle with the nobles due to her background, but Helena, being quick-witted, would quickly grasp the way to survive.

In the end, she would survive.

“Let’s overcome those lowlifes who have nothing to boast about in life because of their origins.”

Kalis sensed it. Now, there would be no obstacles in our future, in our love.

But the old habits die hard. The quickly growing arrogance blinded his eyes.

Ten days ago, Jorv, the artisan, informed Kalis about the banquet.

Since ten days were woefully insufficient for thorough preparation, the two moved quickly upon hearing the news.

They commissioned outfits to wear at the banquet from a renowned salon to ensure they wouldn’t be overshadowed by the empire’s nobility.

The designer refused the request, claiming that all reservations were already full, and they had to pay three times the original price to resolve the matter with money.

After dealing with the clothing using money, they faced an even bigger obstacle. It was the Emperor’s birthday gift.
The Emperor, who already had everything, might not have paid much attention to the birthday gift, but it was a pride competition among the nobles. They would observe how much more precious and expensive gifts they could present to each other.

As rare and valuable gifts continued to parade in with the arrival of nobles from various countries, it was an unfavorable battle for Kalis, who was running out of time.

Miraculously, news spread that rare minerals were discovered in his possession, which would fetch a tremendous price on the market. Despite that, Kalis decided to offer it to the Emperor.

At the same time, he decided to change the interior of his carriage, adorning it with expensive gems and gilding the family crest engraved on the carriage. He even hired the renowned hairdresser Madame and the decorator Musu, known for their excellent work, and the ten days passed quickly.

The two of them dressed more lavishly than usual, and their complexions were brighter than usual, responding to delicate touches as their usual lively selves.

Considering that their makeup might crumble during the long carriage journey, they took precautions together.

After a few hours of carriage travel, Helena and Kalis arrived at the palace.

Jorv, the artisan, who happened to arrive together, welcomed Kalis warmly. Jorv seemed to have prepared well, wearing a suit that could easily be mistaken for a high-priced one even at a glance.

As they were exchanging usual greetings, Jorv suddenly became aware of his surroundings. His rural manners, as if seeing the city for the first time, were quite different.
“According to the rumor, His Majesty will make an important announcement today.”

“An important announcement?”

In response to Kalis’s inquiry, he lowered his voice, putting his finger to his lips.

The nervous man nodded unexpectedly. Then, Jorv’s voice, which had become even smaller in front of Kalis, reached his ears.

“It seems that His Majesty’s lover will attend the banquet today.”

The Emperor’s lover.

Even a third-rate newspaper wouldn’t bother covering such a topic, but coming from Jorv’s mouth, it sounded plausible. He was knowledgeable about information.

Kalis’s ears perked up at the provocative subject. Even though he had no connection to it, it was a fairly interesting story for him.

“A lover, you say?”

“Lately, His Majesty has been acquiring jewelry, clothes, and artwork, everything for a woman. But all of those…”

Perhaps due to aging, Jorv, who had become short of breath, took a pause in the middle.

“For a woman.”

“A woman?”

“Yes. Since His Majesty won’t wear earrings or dresses.”

A palpable breath mixed with Jorv’s breath reached Kalis’s ears. The sound of Jorv swallowing was vividly audible.

Was the discomfort of the skin being stirred up related to Jorv’s unhygienic behavior?

Or…