Calis, looking ahead with fear, knew that it was disgraceful, but he kept his eyes fixed on the ground below. As he walked aimlessly, the palpitations of his heart gradually accelerated, a natural signal of arrival. Calis and Helena, without anyone prompting, clasped each other’s hands. Inside the firm grip, various emotions were contained. After that, Calis, who approached the Emperor, knelt on one knee. Helena behind him also bowed, showing respect.

“We humbly honor Your Majesty’s birth.”

The Emperor did not respond immediately.

They couldn’t rise until his response came. Kun maintained a moment of silence, as if probing for any flaw before the Emperor’s reply.
Even without Calis raising his head, he could infer from the changed atmosphere what was about to happen.

The Emperor and Cloé’s chilly and indifferent gazes were directed at them.

Shortly after, Kun gestured as if about to speak. His mouth, closed all along, opened, causing the friction of the air.

“It’s been a while since I’ve seen a duke. It’s fortunate to meet like this.”

“I am also honored to have the opportunity to meet Your Majesty.”

As Kun’s permission was granted, Calis rose abruptly, frighteningly quick. The knees that had been kneeling for a long time seemed to ache.

Calis glanced at Helena, who was a bit behind, signaling her. Understanding the sign, she immediately presented the gift she had been holding.

“Your Majesty…”

Helena unconsciously looked to the side. Her partially closed blue eyes were smiling towards him.

Helena unintentionally avoided the other’s gaze. The gaze that was once twisted in front of her now disappeared, but for some reason, her eyes involuntarily closed tightly.

“…This is a gift from the Duchess, Cloé Friede, as an expression of our sincerity.”

It was fortunate that the shabby arm was hidden by the sleeve of the splendid dress. If the waving arm had been seen, it would have become a source of laughter for everyone.

Kun, who received the gift from Helena, unwrapped the silk.

Inside the embroidered silk lay precious jewels.

The large diamonds reflected different colors of light on each cut surface.
Kun placed the diamond between his thumb and forefinger. As he turned it slowly in that state, the color of the diamond changed depending on the direction.

“It was discovered in my mine, and I have never seen a diamond like this before. A gem that changes color depending on the direction of light… I wanted to give you this beautiful gem that is unique in the world.”

“It truly is a beautiful gem, as you praise.”

Kun’s voice wasn’t much different.

Considering that it was the only gem given, it was a bit understated, but it was fortunate that there were no other unfair treatments.

Eventually, Kun handed the diamond to Cloé.

The gem slipped between her delicate fingers. Cloé looked at it in the light of the chandelier.

“Is it to your liking?”

Cloé, who was exploring the gem with an interesting gaze, nodded her head, like a child looking at a toy.

“Yes. It’s very lovely.”

An elegant laughter followed.

“I should give it to Lirienne.”

As she gently placed the gem on the silk, she murmured.

The two of them chuckled at the quite cute name. Who on earth would receive such a precious gem?

“It will suit her white fur well. If we tie it with a ribbon, it will be perfect.”

White fur.

Judging by the name and appearance, it seemed to refer to a cat.

Even though they offered a one-of-a-kind gem, it was left as a mere decoration for a cat.

It would be less humiliating to just throw it away.

“…I’m glad you liked it somehow.”
Calis gritted his inner incisor tightly. He pulled the lips to suppress the clenched anger, taking off the mask. “I sincerely pay my respects to Your Majesty’s birthday…” Calis desperately wanted to leave this place as soon as possible. He must have delivered the gift; he quickly offered his concluding greetings. “I also extend blessings to Your Majesty and Your Majesty’s beloved.” Afterward, he escaped, grabbing Helena’s arm as if running away. “Me too.” “….” “I will also extend blessings to Duke Argent and Duchess Argent.” Cloé’s voice reached Calis from behind as he descended the stairs. Calis couldn’t dare say anything more. Overwhelmed by shock, his legs trembled, and it seemed he could only manage a barely grateful farewell. The nobles, using the orchestra’s elaborate performance as a shield, whispered amongst themselves. The surrounding noise helped ensure their covert conversations didn’t leak out. Everyone was discussing the same story—the Emperor and his lover, Cloé, on the platform.
Everyone was gossiping about the same story—the Emperor and his lover, Cloé, standing on the platform. Audacious individuals approached Calis and Helena, bombarding them with questions. However, the actual parties involved could only offer repetitive answers that didn’t satisfy the inquirers. Calis wanted to initiate a different conversation, but most people lost interest as soon as they heard the responses.

If things continued like this, he would leave with nothing gained, only embarrassment to take home. He had prepared so much for today’s banquet, and it couldn’t end like this. As if understanding Calis’s sentiments, the music abruptly changed in the orchestra. Upbeat and fast-paced jazz stimulated people’s desires.

Surrounding nobles, leaving half-drunk champagne glasses on the serving trays, shook hands with each other. Jazz, typically a dance enjoyed with partners rather than lovers, provided an excellent opportunity for interaction with strangers.

Calis, seizing the chance, scanned the crowd with a predatory gaze. His interest lay with women who enjoyed business and investments.

“Would you like to dance with me?”

At that moment, someone called Calis.

“Your Highness.”

It was Cloé.