Soon, two of the king’s attendants approached them. One was the Countess, and the other was the younger sister of Viscount Clop, Grendel. Cedroy entrusted Ariante to them, and, with Maiana, followed King Elmerat.

The quiet hall, which had started to buzz again, and the orchestra, now playing music hesitantly, indicated the resumption of normalcy. Maiana tried to turn to look at Ariante, but she remained hidden from view due to the crowd.

While Cedroy and Maiana followed the king together, they couldn’t confer together.

“The king commands only the Duke to enter, according to His Majesty’s o
To enter, three doors had to be passed. As Cedroy, who had just entered the last door after crossing a short corridor, stepped into the room, King Elmerat, who had been restlessly pacing around the table without sitting, burst into furious exclamation.

“What on earth is this!”

Cedroy noticed that there was no crown on her head; it lay on one side of the table. In front of it, Balthazar, Elmerat’s husband, sat with an indescribable expression.

King Elmerat roared again, and this time, a bang! accompanied the sound of the table being struck.

“Cedroy! Don’t stand there with a foolish face; speak up. What on earth is this!”

All sounds within this room cannot escape outside. While Cedroy lost strength and became faint while passing through the three doors, inside, an artificial silence masked the turmoil.

Cedroy, more than anyone, knew this fact but worried that Maiana might not withstand King Elmerat’s angry voice.

Cedroy lowered his head towards the king.

“Forgive me, Your Majesty. Punish me as the cause of the disturbance.”

“Of course! But not right now. You have to explain to me, Cedroy. What on earth were you thinking, making such absurd statements in front of all those people!”

It was just as he had thought. Even before the Chief Attendant loudly announced the king’s arrival, King Elmerat was already in the room, having observed everything unnoticeably. Within the vibrant ambiance of El Blyuen, it was impossible to commit any act that could escape her eyes, avoiding trouble.

Cedroy, with a calm demeanor, took a deep breath and spoke.

“It’s not an absurd statement, Your Majesty. I truly intend to welcome Miss Dawson as my wife.”

“Cedroy!”

Elmerat’s voice echoed loudly in the study. Balthazar stood up and seated her.

“Duke of Balthminster, come this way first. We can’t continue discussing matters while standing here forever.”

Cedroy followed Balthazar’s words. As he sat down, Balthazar brought water for his wife. Elmerat, throwing her diamond necklace on the table as if it were garbage, without even catching her breath, drank an entire glass of water.

There was a sharp intake of breath. As Elmerat forcefully placed the water glass, boiling with rage, on the table, she stared at Cedroy with eyes full of anger. Her expression seemed even angrier because of its calmness. On the other hand, Balthazar seemed uneasy, observing the atmosphere between the two.

“Cedroy.”

After a sharp silence, King finally spoke. He was still furious to the tip of his head, but his voice had become somewhat calmer than before.

“Yes, Your Majesty. I’m listening.”

“I’ve never been this angry with you before, have I? Or has there been something like this that I don’t remember?”

No, there hadn’t. Obviously. Elmerat wasn’t asking because she didn’t know. Cedroy understood her intention, slightly tilting his head and offering a faint smile. It was a smile mingled with pity, sadness, and compliance.

“Nothing of the sort, Your Majesty. You have always showered me with grace and affection beyond what I deserve.”

“You haven’t received anything beyond what you deserve. Everything stemmed from my sincerity. You know that, don’t you?”