Caligo smiled proudly, and just then, the voices of the knights looking for him reached them.

The place he mingled in was already filled with a lively atmosphere of exchanging drinks, and Blair, quietly observing, couldn’t help but laugh.

The palace she grew up in was always quiet.

Katrina clearly wanted to distinguish herself from the lower ranks, so she found it uncomfortable for Blair to get close to the maids.

For that reason, sometimes, Rachel and relatives would gather quietly to enjoy tea time, and at most, they would share snacks with the maids.
However, gathering together in this way and enjoying the bustling atmosphere was not bad at all.

“No, rather… It seems much more enjoyable.”

Blair, playfully holding Haldin’s hand, glanced at him with a side glance, then shifted her gaze to the flickering flames in front of her.

More precisely, the peaceful scenery of the early summer night created by the large fire.

‘Beautiful.’

At this moment, for the first time in my life, I thought the fire was not scary but rather beautiful.

Blair, with a smiling face, quietly absorbed the scenery for a while.

The last memory to take when leaving this mansion.

The carriage of the Duke of Delmark passed through the main gate of the palace.

Blair swallowed a sigh while looking at the palace buildings that had started to appear in the distance.

The last reception was held at Count Essel’s. She had heard rumors about the incident ten years ago that day, and having not responded properly, she left like fleeing, so today everyone’s attention would be focused on her.

Whether the discord between the royal family and Delmark is true or not.

And if the rumor of the discord is true, then measuring whether she is on the side of the royal family or on Delmark’s side.

But more fearful than those gazes is…

‘…Mother.’

If she goes to the reception today, she will meet Katrina.

It was the first time meeting her since the kidnapping incident.

Blair, anxiously touching her fingertips while looking at the approaching palace building, turned her head and looked at her husband on the opposite side.

“Haldin.”

Similarly, his gaze, which had been lost in thought while looking out the window, returned instead of answering.

Blair cautiously spoke.

“Is there still no evidence?”

The day he allowed her to go out was after the conclusion of the founding ceremony.

I don’t know why he chose the date to be from tomorrow, but I thought there must be some reason.

For example, they might find a clue by today.

However, the answer that came back was not what she had expected.

“We’re still looking. It seems not easy to find clues about an incident that happened ten years ago.”

His voice and gaze, answering with a sigh, were more subdued than usual.

‘Well, Haldin would want to clear Empress Hwangu’s false charge faster than anyone else.’

Feeling sorry as if she had urged him unnecessarily, Blair sealed her lips.

After a while, the carriage stopped.

Blair, thinking about the countless gazes that would be directed at her and the meeting with Katrina, took a deep breath. Then, holding Haldin’s hand, she got off the carriage.

“The Duke and Duchess of Delmark have arrived!”

As the two entered the reception hall, the bright chandelier lights and the gazes of the nobles who had arrived earlier naturally turned towards them.

As expected, the voices of people murmuring about her reached her ears.

Her tense heart pounded rapidly. Perhaps because of that, the unsettled feeling in her stomach began to grow.
“…It’s okay. I’m not that kind of person they’re talking about.”

Blair didn’t surrender her mother to the man. She just wanted to reveal the truth that should be brought to light. No matter what others say, she was true to herself.

Blair reassured herself in this way.

The attention that was directed towards Blair turned to Katrina and Ivan when they appeared.

“Empress and Crown Princess, Their Majesties have arrived!”

Beside Ivan, who was ascending the stairs overlooking the banquet hall, stood a young woman. Through memories of her past life, Blair recognized her at a glance.

Roen, the daughter of Viscount Villehern.

She was the woman who would be publicly announced as Ivan’s fiancée at this event today. Katrina chose her after much consideration, and she was the person from the most advantageous family for both the royal family and her.

After finishing the ceremonial speech, Ivan introduced his fiancée.

“This lovely lady, who everyone seems to be curious about, is my fiancée, Lady Roen Villehern.”

Ivan’s fiancée approached him with a gentle smile.

“Since we’re welcoming someone new into the family after sending off my only sister, I hope you all give your blessings.”

Amidst the applause and congratulations of the nobles, the founding ceremony and the announcement of the Emperor’s fiancée concluded.

So, is the discord between the royal family and Delmark true?

When that curiosity returned to Blair and Haldin, the herald approached.

“Her Majesty is looking for both of you.”