Although it couldn’t be seen by others, I could feel each magic bead radiating warmth. Soon, it became pleasantly warm.

“How is it? Not cold, is it?”

“It’s a very useful magic.”

“The entire Grand Duchy is surrounded by this magic. That’s how we can survive. It’s harshly cold outside, but inside the castle, it’s mild and comfortable.”

I’d like to introduce it to you when the opportunity arises.

Shailo added that with a smile, looking lovely with his dimples showing. His smile, where the cheekbones popped in, was so endearing that I, too, softly relaxed my lips.

“Okay, if the opportunity comes.”

“I’ll look forward to it, Your Majesty.”

Come to think of it, I have never been to the Silver Rose Grand Duchy.

Maybe because there’s no particular reason to go.

I don’t particularly like the cold.
If I were to list my favorite seasons in order, it would be summer, spring, and autumn. Winter was not even considered.

‘Sorry, Shailo, but as long as I’m going to Quan, I won’t go to the northern regions.’

Shailo cast a spell to warm my body, and now my body was sufficiently warm. Still, I slowly rolled the gift Merem gave me in my hand.

This small warmth felt like it was helping me escape from a bad dream.

Carriages lined up slowly reached the front of the stairs. As the doors swung open, elegantly dressed ladies descended one by one.

The resounding click-clack of the heels of the ladies who rested their hands on their husband’s arms echoed as they climbed the stairs. The hems of the dresses, newly bought for the fall, fluttered lightly.

Standing in front of the banquet hall with anticipation, they all clenched their excited hearts.

‘The invitation clearly stated a gathering of young men and women harmonizing!’

While noble ladies from baronial houses or above might turn their noses up at it, for marchioness and viscountess ladies, today was an opportunity among opportunities.

Honestly, in a modest family like mine, you couldn’t expect a good match for your children unless you were incredibly lucky to fall in love with the children of a wealthier or higher-ranking family.

So, an occasion like this, where the groundwork for romance is laid, is a welcome opportunity.

‘Surely, they are all beautifully dressed, right?’

The trailing daughters and sons were also looking forward to today.

Empress’s hosted banquets have never been disappointing.

“Now, finally the e…ntrance?”

However, once the ladies entered the banquet hall, they turned to their husbands and each other, tilting their heads.

“It’s a bit… boring.”

“The interior decorations are definitely not as elaborate as when Her Majesty the Empress does them….”

“Hmm. There doesn’t seem to be any hidden amazing devices.”

“I’m already bored.”

Gathered ladies unfolded small fans, making a somewhat noisy fluttering sound.

The belated realization that this banquet was not hosted by Her Majesty the Empress but by the Holy Maiden spread among them a beat late.

“Oh… that explains it….”

During the last spring banquet, she had displayed all the wines produced within the empire, but this time, there seemed to be no separate liquor table.

Last year, there were even performers wearing masks, and it was decorated with a theme of constellations, creating a very special atmosphere….

Somewhat disappointed noble ladies began to grumble among themselves.

For love to bloom, there was nothing interesting to see, and the overly clean and tidy atmosphere made it difficult to approach and strike up a conversation with the opposite sex.

“Is this not the atmosphere our grandmother would like?”

“Our mother also turned her tongue.”

“Oh dear… talk about having no sense.”

The expectations turned into betrayal, and the disappointed ladies exchanged glances.

Meanwhile, a figure appeared to inject some excitement into this dull place.
Right away, the Empress, and three ministers. And the Duke of the North.

Behind Shailo and me, three ministers followed closely.

Sukrel enjoyed the situation like a fish in water, while Gabriel continuously lowered his head, finding the situation merely uncomfortable.

Therion, looking neither here nor there, seemed to have less presence than the others at the moment.

“Empress.”

“You’ve arrived.”

A seat reserved only for the two rulers of the empire.

Shortly after sitting on the throne made entirely of carved ivory and adorned with jewels, Enrique arrived.

He was dressed more formally than usual, emitting a powerful aura.

“Celebrating abundance and sharing congratulations, Empress.”

“Oh, yes.”

It seemed he had no intention of stopping his absurdly formal play today either.

I wondered if Helena would have escorted him, but it was a bit surprising that he entered alone.

As I picked up the glass brought by the servant, I observed the nobles’ expressions while he delivered a brief congratulatory message.

Exactly as I intended, the nobles, looking at Shailo standing next to me, were in a state of shock.

“I never knew the Empress had a friendly relationship with the Duke.”

That was the moment.

Enrique, in a somewhat nonchalant but intentional tone, addressed me.