“We should end today’s party early.”
“Is there something left with the trade business?”
“The Duchess will be busy.”
Recalling her schedule, Idel thought but found nothing except for attending the royal party today.
‘Could it be…?’
Before she could respond, Caeron took her hand and they exited the dressing room.
“It’s going to be a busy day, let’s get going.”
Blushing with confusion, the Duchess was carried off in the carriage, heading for the royal palace.
(This is a time separator.)
It was a moment before the royal banquet. Count Repenser and Baron Dessen visited the Emperor’s court.
“Your Majesty, there are still many in the aristocratic circle who remain loyal to Duke Caeron. These are families who have followed the Roman ducal family since he was the crown prince.”
“Your Majesty, we know of your deep friendship with Duke Caeron, but we’re greatly concerned about those who still act as if he remains the crown prince.”
Despite their earnest voices, Pascal frowned.
“The Duke’s will and mine are the same. Moreover, the Roman ducal family is also my mother’s lineage. What audacity do you have to say this to me?”
“Audacity! We are families who have pledged loyalty to Your Majesty. What other intentions could we have when offering advice?”
“Yes, but still, there are many who praise Duke Caeron as the reincarnation of the first Emperor Ufiter, and this is not a small number…”
Trail off his sentence, Count Repenser subtly watched the Emperor’s reaction. As the talk about the first Emperor Ufiter came up, Pascal’s face turned cold.
“Enough! So what is it you want? Are you saying I should expel all the noble families following the Roman ducal family?”
“We repeatedly say this because we worry for Your Majesty’s safety.”
“Furthermore, the Duke’s business is thriving day by day. Will it not someday surpass the authority of the royal family?”
“There will be no such thing. Stop worrying needlessly. The banquet is about to begin; your audience is over.”
With a gesture signaling his irritation, Pascal shook his head. Rising, Count Repenser and Baron Dessen exchanged glances before bowing formally.
“Please consider our advice.”
As they were about to exit, Chief Steward Isaac announced a new arrival.
“Your Majesty, Lady Roselin from the House of Fleur has arrived.”
Roselin was the partner for this royal ball. Standing at the entrance, Count Lipenser, Baron Decen, and Roselin exchanged greetings. In the moment of their salutations, meaningful glances were exchanged.
“Being the Emperor’s partner today is an unparalleled honor.”
Dressed in a deep purple gown, Roselin bent her knees in a curtsy and beamed a radiant smile, like a blooming flower.
“It is I who am pleased to be in the company of such beauty.”
Pascal, who seemed tired from prior formalities, courteously responded.
“Your Majesty, it is time to begin the ball.”
“Let’s proceed to the ballroom.”
Escorting Roselin to the ballroom, Pascal led the way. Roselin, holding his hand, bore a triumphant expression as if she were an empress herself.
“The Emperor is making his entrance.”
As Chief Steward Isaac announced loudly, the gathered nobility simultaneously bowed their heads. With that salute, Roselin’s face became elated, feeling a tingling thrill from her toes as she was revered by everyone present.
‘This place truly belongs to me.’
The seat beside the Emperor should have been hers. Rising to the most honored seat in the empire should be her destiny. Roselin clenched her hand around her dress, reaffirming her resolve.
“Have you arrived?”
“Roselin of the House of Fleur pays respects to the previous Emperor.”
Pascal looked at the previous Emperor seated at the dais. Roselin, too, offered her respects with decorum. Sitting beside him, Katrina whispered softly to the former Emperor.
“She is Lady Roselin, daughter of the Count of Fleur. As I’ve mentioned before, a lady of noble upbringing and grace.”
“So you are Roselin. I have heard about you through Katrina. You seem to be a hub of social activities among noble ladies recently.”
“To be remembered by you is an infinite honor.”
“I hope you will continue to develop Euphiter’s social circles.”
“I will keep that close to my heart and in my memory.”
Roselin touched her chest and bowed to show her respect. Katrina looked on with satisfaction.
“But, it seems the Duke is not yet here.”
“The Duke is late.”
The previous Emperor frowned at Katrina’s words.
“The Duke’s trading ship encountered a storm, it seems… That is likely causing the delay.”
Upon Pascal’s explanation, Roselin gasped softly and murmured to herself.
“To keep both His Majesty and the previous Emperor waiting… What an incredibly audacious Duke!”
Her voice was just loud enough for Pascal, standing beside her, to hear. Pascal’s expression became ambiguous.
That was the moment. A tall man approached and offered his respectful greetings.
“I greet His Majesty the Emperor and the previous Emperor.”
From the moment he appeared in the ballroom, curious eyes had been watching him. Those eyes now focused on his greeting.
“Who are you…”
“Perhaps you may not remember, but I had the privilege to greet the previous Emperor in my youth. I am Leinien, the third prince of the Rissandro Empire.”
As Leinien introduced himself, exclamations of surprise rang from the nearby crowd. Especially, the young ladies who had been eyeing the handsome man with gentle features, began to gleam in their eyes.
Pascal shook hands with Leinien, welcoming him.
“Welcome to Euphiter. I heard you came for studies at the Imperial University. May it be a good opportunity for learning.”
“Thank you. I’ve always wanted to experience Euphiter’s distinguished culture and advanced academics.”
“I heard you enrolled in the Administrative Department, is that correct?”
“Yes, it is.”
“Then you’ll be with the Duchess. Have you met her yet?”
“Unfortunately, I haven’t had the opportunity.”
“Then, you will soon.”
Pascal happened to look toward the entrance of the nowchaotic banquet hall. Following his gaze, Reynian also turned his head. From afar, the figure of Duke Elyos was clearly visible.
And the moment he confirmed the woman standing next to him… Reynian’s eyes widened incredulously and shook violently.
My Step-brother Is Obsessed With Me (Female-dominant)
A gentle female protagonist vs pitiful in the early stage, and a sick male protagonist in the later stage
Cheng Songer transmigrated into the body of a vicious cannon fodder female supporting character with the same name as her in a female-dominant novel.
In the original story, the cannon fodder female supporting character was inhumane, committing domestic violence, gambling excessively, being lustful, and even wanting to sell her stepbrother to a brothel for money.
As luck would have it, she just happened to transmigrate at this time.
Seeing Cheng Qingzhi biting his lip, enduring the tears in his eyes, looking pitiful, her heart softened.
She stuffed the money back into the Madam’s hand and reached out to him.
“Brother, come home with me.”
