“Please affirm and support it unconditionally. Unconditionally stand by the queen’s words as correct.”

In response to Colin’s confident words, Aaron nodded his head lightly.

Colin was the only married man among the three people in the room.

Since he had gone through all these processes, there was nothing wrong with keeping him around.

“Consider Assistant Colin’s words.”

Aaron casually glanced at his reflection in the full-length mirror.

This should be sufficient.

After the final check, Aaron, the second prince of the Strelitz Empire, walked towards the door with sophisticated steps.

Behind Aaron, Dyke followed, holding a jewelry box to be presented to the queen.

Dyke, looking at Aaron’s back, muttered anxiously.

“If Assistant Colin hears what you’re saying, we might be in big trouble…”

Ivy vines delicately crafted on a gold candlestick illuminated the surroundings.

Palace attendants brought food in silverware and filled the table.

The well-cooked meat dishes emitted a subtle light, glittering appetizingly.

Sweet cakes, fresh vegetables, and roasted fruits were neatly arranged, exuding a pleasant aroma.

Between the movements of those preparing the banquet, Nadjik’s voice, talking with Meredis, permeated through.

“Your Highness, I have prepared the flower vases you ordered.”

“Thank you.”

“We will warm up the soup and bread and bring them when the envoy arrives.”

The queen and Meredis were discussing various matters while finishing the preparations for the banquet.

Meanwhile, Delia stood tall, maintaining an elegant posture at the dining table.

She was pretending to be calm to uphold the dignity of the princess of Iorenti.

However, her glances flickering towards the door couldn’t be stopped.

It’s already time; when is he arriving?

The anxiousness was evident in the gaze fixed on the door decorated with gold leaf.

“Del.”

At the sound of the queen’s voice resonating in the quiet dining room, Delia raised her head in surprise.

Her parents
Delia’s blue eyes, gazing at her mother, deepened.

Delia, calming her breath, slowly opened her tense lips.

“Mother, as the princess of Iorenti, I have a duty to arrange a marriage that will benefit Iorenti’s national interests.”

Contrary to the visible tension, her voice was steady and calm.

“Although we concluded the war with the empire through a peace treaty, the situation is still unstable. If we solidify our alliance through a royal marriage, Iorenti can find stability more quickly.”

The queen looked at Delia confidently, as always.

“It will be a good opportunity for us.”

The queen’s eyes, resembling new shoots, faintly moistened.

Her daughter always sparkled like that.

Clear and beautiful enough to be easily found no matter where she hid.

“What about your feelings? Not the duty of royalty, but how do you feel? Are you really okay?”

To overcome the difficult relationship?

In response to the queen’s question, Delia tightly clasped her hands on the edge of her skirt.

Delia, unable to speak freely, and the royal couple waiting for an answer.

Amid the small tension created by the three, a calm knocking sound echoed.

Knock, knock.

“The envoy has arrived.”

Simultaneously with the sound of the butler, Aaron confidently stepped into the space of the three.

The queen and Delia simultaneously stood up from their seats.

And the uncomfortable king, leaning on his cane, slowly rose, politely welcoming the guest.

“Thank you for the invitation.”

Entering the hall, Aaron politely greeted.

As Aaron walked closer to the table with large strides, the atmosphere changed in an instant.

The quietly flickering candlelight shook significantly due to the wind caused by Aaron.

“Thank you for accepting the invitation.”

The four exchanged polite greetings and took their seats at the table.

The king and queen sat together, and across from them, Aaron and Delia took their places.

Through the central candle on the dining table, the gazes of the four intertwined complexly.

“Eleanor Queen, in gratitude for your invitation, I have prepared a gift.”

Aaron, who had been gazing at the queen for a moment, lightly raised his hand.

As Aaron’s fingers flicked lightly, Dyke, who had been standing behind, approached a step closer.

“I hope you like it.”

As Aaron finished speaking, Dyke raised the jewelry box he had been holding.

The hand, adorned with white gloves, carefully opened the lid of the luxurious wooden box.

Curious eyes slowly flowed into the opened box.

On the crimson velvet inside the box, there were emerald necklace and earrings.

As b