On the postponed day of the celebration, Lina was busy from the morning, preparing to attend the party.

“You look so beautiful!”

As always, May exclaimed while adjusting her dress.

Over the cream-colored dress falling like a veil, small crystals were embedded, sparkling whenever they caught the light.

“Thank you, but isn’t the dress a bit plain?”

When she first tried on the dress, it seemed to have more embellishments like corsages or ribbons.

Somehow, a few days ago, the dress that Carmel brought again had become much simpler. Of course, it was still beautiful.

‘Maybe it’s because I haven’t put on any accessories yet.’

While tying her hair up, revealing her neckline, she felt someone knocking. The Duke revealed himself with Lawrence.

“Your Grace? What brings you here…”

There was still some time before they had to leave. What could he want to talk about?

“I have something to give you.”

May, who had been alternating between looking at Lina and Beligé, stopped her work and left the room.

“Then, I’ll leave first. If you need anything, please call me.”

Tak[Dash].

After May left, the Duke approached Lina and handed her a small box.

“What is this?”

“A gift.”

It wasn’t a particularly special day, yet a gift. With half-expectation and half-curiosity, Lina received the box wrapped in velvet cloth and opened the lid.

Then, inside was a necklace with subtly glowing orange gemstones.

“Your Grace, what is this…”

“The ring you had.”

The orange gemstone attached to the broken ring Beligé had from Festius. It was processed into a new necklace.

“Crafted by an artisan in Shulitz.”

Shulitz was a village famous for jewelry craftsmanship.

The jewelry that came from there was usually supplied to the royal family or sold at high prices to high-ranking nobles.

“Really, it’s so beautiful…”

It was just a rugged-looking ring. Perhaps it was thanks to the artisan’s touch.

The droplet-shaped gemstone was more beautiful than any other gem.

“Oh, so that’s why the dress suddenly…”

Suddenly, she remembered Carmel, who had been sewing corsets and ribbons while worrying that the dress might look a bit plain.

Wearing this necklace together, it seemed just right, not too extravagant. It seemed like the Duke had already given a hint to Carmel.

“Anyway, I was going to ask the Duke about the ring.”

She had intended to ask about it since the time she took it to Festius to repair and hadn’t heard anything since. It seemed it took quite a while to fix.

While she was smiling with gratitude, Beligé stood behind Lina and fastened the necklace.
Eventually, with a satisfying click, she felt a substantial weight around her neck as Lina touched the dazzling necklace for quite some time.

“It will wear out eventually.”

In a jesting tone, Beligé’s words made Lina laugh heartily.

“I’ll cherish it. Really, thank you.”

“If you’re pleased with just this, it’ll be awkward. There’s a mountain of things I’ll do for you in the future.”

Holding each other’s hands, the two lovers gazed into each other’s eyes and seemed happier than anyone else.

The carriage carrying Beligé and Lina arrived in front of the Eclipse Hall, where the party was held at the Imperial Palace.

“As my sister said, if you feel even a little unwell, tell me.”

“If anyone sees, they might think I’m seriously ill.”

However, despite her smiling response, Lina’s physical condition was not that great.

‘Why is this happening all of a sudden?’

Just a while ago, before leaving the mansion, it wasn’t this bad.

For some reason, even walking felt burdensome, as if she had filled her steps with sandbags.

‘It will be over soon.’

Lina, who forced a smile, arrived at the entrance of the hall, escorted by Beligé. The steward standing at the entrance confirmed the two and shouted loudly.

“Viscount Beligé Performance, and his fiancee, Miss Lina Dominius Justart, are entering!”

As Lina, who had just breathed a short sigh, entered the hall with Beligé, a quiet stillness replaced the earlier noise inside the hall.

After the hunting competition, interest in Lina had intensified.

“That lady…”

“Prince Bliteus and…”

The rumors about Prince Bliteus and Viscount Permanence arguing over a woman had already widely spread in society.

‘I expected it, but…’

With every step Lina took, dozens, if not hundreds, of gazes followed her.

When the two managed to navigate through the curious stares and took their seats, Bliteus descended the stairs, escorting the Empress.

“Empress Mama and Prince Bliteus, presenting themselves.”

With the steward’s announcement, Bliteus, accompanying the Empress, descended the stairs.

Originally, the Emperor and Empress were supposed to enter together, but in place of the ailing Emperor, his son, the Second Prince, accompanied the Empress.

“In place of the absent Emperor today, I express gratitude. Today, my son, and the son of our Regina, Bliteus, has become the winner of the hunting competition. I am relieved that the future of this empire seems truly secure.”