Fortunately, Rowan was a thoughtful person. In a situation where another noble might have expressed anger, he smoothly moved on.

“The rumor that the Emperor has a lover is surprisingly true.”

“…Really?”

The one who questioned the kind response was none other than Calis. He showed a more surprised attitude than the one who had asked the question.

It seemed credible because it was information brought by Jorbe Jazak. But who would have thought it was true.

“You’ll find out who it is later.”

To the two people who seemed to have many questions, Rowan added.

It was a simple statement that they would find out the identity later, but there was a strange ominous feeling in his words.

But Calis didn’t care about such things at the moment. Instead of getting involved in emotions for unknown reasons, achieving the goal was more meaningful.

As Jorbe Jazak intended, he had to find the empire’s distributor. In the process, there was also a plan to meet high-ranking individuals and set the stage.

“Helena, I think I need to find someone in the empire to distribute our products. Please enjoy your time with the ladies.”
Having left Helena, he wandered around like a timid hyena in search of prey, reminiscent of Rowan’s advice from the past, searching for nobles who had experience running a business. Contrary to Calis’s expectations, they were not all actively involved in distribution. However, it was too early to be discouraged. After all, the responses of nobles varied depending on the atmosphere.

Calis persevered, maintaining friendly relations with them.

It was a slow dance time for lovers to communicate. The slow and sweet music made the atmosphere between lovers even more mysterious.

After the beautiful music, the orchestra busily turned their music sheets. The members, following the elegant gestures of the conductor, quickly prepared and played the next piece.

It was a rather grandiose piece for a party. It sounded like the grand footsteps of a great knight walking across the plains with his horse.

It was a somewhat inappropriate song for conversation or dancing. This was a song created for the coronation ceremony of the current ruler, exclusively for Kun Fried.

Nobles who understood the meaning, one by one, bowed towards the stage. Calis, who confirmed the situation a bit late, quickly adjusted his posture.

With a firm step, he walked up the stairs. When he reached the appropriate height, the Emperor finally stopped.

“It’s a beautiful night.”

A contradictory voice that felt dry yet melodic. The nobles, who had been bowing to his first greeting as if worshiping a god, one by one, raised their heads.

…!

And they were shocked.

There was no mask to hide the Emperor’s face. The familiar face that had been hidden in the shadows disappeared, revealing an unfamiliar face that surprised everyone.

Alone under the beautifully decorated chandelier, the eye-catching dark hair. In contrast, the fair skin.

Red eyes that were stained on their own to not waste the blood of war. Even fierce features that self-certify the ruler of the world.

Everyone who confirmed the Emperor’s face couldn’t help but be astonished.

Considering the extraordinary beauty that was expected to be revealed beyond the mask, it far exceeded that.

To think that precious face had been hidden behind a mask for over ten years, the passage of time was lamentable to the point of being heartbreaking.

“You must be the first people to see my face. Since you are especially beloved, I suppose I can grant you that privilege.”

The slyly rising corners of the mouth were truly charming. Even the eyelids that lowered gently were deadly.

“Allow me to give you a return for taking the time to congratulate my birth.”

“…….”

“I want to introduce you to the woman I love.”

Although what that had to do with a return was unclear, there was no one immediately thinking about the connection between the two relationships.
Everyone’s ears were heavy, and they could only recall one statement from Kun.

The woman the Emperor loves.

I will present that woman now!

At that moment, someone descended from below the railing connected to the inside of the banquet hall.

Tock, tock.

Similar to the Emperor but with lighter footsteps.

The woman descending the stairs wandered around the stage step by step. The gathered gazes and attention did not seem burdensome to her, and her pace was quite stable.

Passing through the splendid marble pillars, she also passed brightly shining candles.

The dress with a wide hem became even more splendid with each step she took. The closely embedded jewels shone like stars under the giant chandelier.

Finally, the woman stopped in front of the Emperor.

At the same time, Kun stood up from his seat. With a familiar touch, he embraced his lover’s waist and together they moved towards the stage.

Under the massive chandelier adorned with hundreds of candles, the two stood.

The woman held onto the railing with her white hands and looked down.

As their faces met, the faces of the people distorted one by one. Along with contemplative expressions, the nobles became agitated.

Firstly, it was due to the beautiful appearance of the woman that precisely matched the standards of beauty.

“Greet them, Cloe.”

“…….”

“To my people.”

Secondly, it was because of the natural revelation of the woman’s identity.