Soon they arrived at the hall where the engagement ceremony was taking place.

Velia and Khaled took their designated seats.

The Empress, who was sitting nearby, glanced at Khaled, then turned and spoke sweetly,

“It’s been a while, Khaled.”

However, Khaled responded with a stiff expression,

“So it has.”

“Your rigid attitude hasn’t changed. I know you don’t like me, but could you at least smile since it’s your brother’s engagement ceremony?”

The Empress spoke with a clear smile on her lips.

Her demeanor was graceful, and her tone was exceedingly tender. Yet, her eyes remained utterly cold.

“It’s the first time we’ve met since then, isn’t it, Princess Velia?”

“Yes, Your Majesty the Empress.”

“You should come to my palace more often. We can chat. Let’s arrange a gathering with Princess Kanterif next time.”

It wasn’t a particularly pleasant invitation.

However, Velia responded gracefully, her smile just as radiant,

“It’s an honor to be invited.”

She was always impeccable in her conduct.

“The Empress is so warmhearted, taking care of things like this.”

The Emperor chimed in from the side.

Khaled showed no reaction; he merely sat looking forward.

‘Hmm….’

Velia caught the displeased look the Emperor gave Khaled. Moreover, the Emperor hadn’t even greeted Khaled.

Should I create a scene or not?

Velia held onto Khaled’s hand with a sweet smile, despite these thoughts. She then turned her gaze toward the Emperor, who had been ignoring Khaled, and spoke softly,

“Khaled, do you remember our engagement?”

At Velia’s call, Khaled met her gaze, a thin smile crossing his lips.

Though they were not showing it, the Emperor and Empress would likely be listening to their conversation.

Velia wore a mischievous smile.

“When we got engaged in the Kingdom of Ronika, the priests made flower rain, remember?”

Understanding Velia’s intentions, Khaled smiled back.

“Are you talking about the priests from Shingu?”

“Yes. His Majesty even sent a delegation with gifts.”

Velia’s mother was a priestess from Shingu who officiated over sacrifices.

Moreover, she was from the most prestigious lineage in Shingu, the daughter of one of the five chief ministers governing the current Shingu.
The systems of the new kingdom and the empire were different, making it difficult to describe the exact position. However, if one had to compare, her status was akin to that of a princess.

Velia wanted to let them know. Who she was, and whom she had chosen.

“The Emperor has said he would attend the wedding, but……”

“Is it true that the envoy will visit the empire?”

Before Velia could even finish her sentence, the Emperor hastily inquired.

Because the new kingdom was very closed off, the envoy rarely made movements. But the Emperor couldn’t be blamed for his surprise upon hearing that the envoy would personally attend the wedding held in the empire.

Velia covered her mouth with one hand, suppressing a laugh.

“Yes. He did say that. However, His Majesty is very busy, so depending on the circumstances, he might not be able to visit. I plan to send an invitation first.”

Upon hearing Velia’s words, the Emperor was pleased.

“In that case, send the invitation in my name.”

The news that the new kingdom’s envoy would visit the empire would be a great achievement in imperial history. The Emperor was keen to capitalize on this.

“I will feel relieved if Your Majesty does so. But I also want to inquire about my grandfather’s wellbeing, so I will contact you separately.”

“Oh, yes. Sending a letter from the princess will certainly please the envoy even more.”

The Emperor laughed heartily, as if very pleased.

Next to him, the Empress showed a momentary displeased expression.

“It seems you had quite an interesting time at the engagement ceremony.”

Turning his body towards Velia, the Emperor asked the question. His interest was more piqued by this topic than the engagement ceremony itself.

Velia inwardly chuckled at the Emperor’s behavior.

‘After all, he’s someone who prioritizes his own honor.’

As fond as he may be of Raul, ultimately, he puts himself first.

So, manipulating the Emperor to her own liking wouldn’t be too difficult.

Pretending to contemplate for a moment, Velia turned her head slightly and asked Khaled,

“Khaled, do you remember the delegation from the southern country giving us many valuable gifts at that time?”

Velia’s voice was full of excitement. Khaled nodded in response.

“I remember bringing some of those gifts to the empire.”

“Right?”

Velia smiled brightly, naturally drawing him into the conversation with the Emperor.

Certainly, someone would reconsider the relationship between Khaled and the Emperor upon seeing this.

‘People are such simple creatures.’

“Ah, yes. A delegation from the southern country did visit the empire as well. Hehe.”

It seemed they visited the Ronika Kingdom and also took a detour to the empire.

“Quite intriguing individuals.”

“Given Your Majesty’s influence has spread to the southern country, that’s to be expected.”

The Emperor burst into laughter once again at Velia’s polite response.

‘We have to show that while they want to keep us in check, it won’t be easy.’

Velia reminded herself of that point.

They shouldn’t bow down completely. A level of threat should be maintained.

“It’s unfortunate that the king won’t be able to attend your wedding.”

The Emperor stroked his chin as he spoke.

The Ronika Kingdom was rich in fertile plains, providing abundant food and various minerals.

A selfsufficient country with abundant resources, it was also strategically located so the empire couldn’t easily deal with it.

To the west was the Ingott Empire, to the north the New Kingdom, to the east the Yakum Kingdom, and across the southern desert were various tribal union kingdoms.

And the current Ronika Kingdom maintained generally friendly relations with all these nations.

‘So, ignore them moderately.’

Wouldn’t people get annoyed if you openly belittle them too much?