After visiting the underworld, time seemed to accelerate, and the day Bialet so desperately wanted to avoid finally arrived.

During that brief period, many events unfolded in the Marta Empire. From new developments in the royal family to rumors circulating among the public, newspapers and gossip columns were abuzz with numerous issues.

With the Emperor’s health worsening and becoming public knowledge, Ivan was officially acting as the next Emperor. The new allies and powerful families supporting him dominated the headlines as if it were a foregone conclusion.

The focus of everyone’s attention was none other than Dension Verdium, the Duke of Berdium. Designated as a new close associate of the Crown Prince, Dension was swiftly securing his position.

‘An owl waiting to show its claws…’

Although for now, he might have become a velvet glove hiding a sword as per his intentions, it was a double-edged sword.

Bialet earnestly hoped that Dension wouldn’t get entangled in reckless endeavors or get hurt.

Having decided on the people to be by Ivan’s side, he hinted that he would officially announce her as his fiancée at his birthday banquet today. Knowing Dension would also be there, and she had to show herself beside the Crown Prince, Bialet sighed heavily.

‘I selfishly hope you don’t come.’

Due to a sleepless night, her face looked particularly haggard, and Diane asked with concern,

“My lady, did you get any proper sleep?”

Not wanting to worry Diane further, Bialet nodded and replied,

“Yes, I think I slept better than I have in a long time.”

Diane, seemingly aware that her mistress was lying, didn’t comment but instead adorned Bialet’s neck with a topaz necklace gifted by Ushua.

“Today, you will shine the brightest, my lady.”

Bialet let out a wry smile, imagining Ushua’s reaction if she were here. She would have probably chewed out the Crown Prince or exclaimed ‘I oppose this engagement!’ and dragged her out of the banquet hall.

Ushua was a precious friend who cared for her like a sister.

The dress Bialet wore today was also sent by the royal family, and according to the chief designer who assisted in the fitting, it was made from the same fabric as the Crown Prince’s attire for the event.

After getting ready, Bialet spent some time alone in her room, steeling her mind for what was to come.

She had accepted the engagement, ready to endure what lay ahead for a clear purpose: to take away everything dear to Ivan, one by one, from his side.

When she became the most important person to him, she would crush his heart.

Not just his love, but the people for him, the power that made him arrogant, and the honor he valued most.

All of it, she would turn against him.

‘So wait a little longer, Ivan.’

Bialet, wearing white lace gloves for the first time since the engagement, solidified her resolve.

‘I will utterly ruin you.’

Arriving at the palace, Bialet ascended the grand staircase and reached the entrance of the banquet hall. After catching her breath, she nodded to the doorman.

“Lady of the Ruschev Ducal Family makes her entrance.”

The doorman bowed and announced loudly as he opened the doors, drawing the attention of the nobles to her.

The royal banquet hall, unlike other venues, was overwhelming in its atmosphere and scale. The walls, pillars, and even the ceiling were adorned with murals by famous painters, and the chandeliers, decorated with diamonds, shone brilliantly.
After her visit to the underworld, time seemed to race forward, and the day Bialet had so desperately wished to avoid finally arrived.

In the brief interim, many events had transpired in the Marta Empire. From new developments within the royal family to rumors spreading among the people, newspapers and gossip magazines incessantly buzzed with many issues.

With the Emperor’s illness becoming widely known, Ivan was officially performing the duties of the next Emperor. The new allies and powerful families that would support him dominated the news headlines, with the Ruschev family being one of them.

Now, everyone was about to learn of her status as the Crown Prince’s fiancée, and as such, they would be more eager to curry favor with her. They were people who were merciless to the weak and always tried to appear favorable to the powerful.

However, Bialet did not judge them. In such a world, this behavior was all too common. This was the nature of high society.

After acknowledging their greetings, Bialet slowly made her way to where the noble ladies were gathered. As expected, the Duchess of Caenderson was absent, and Bialet greeted the Duchess of Hertia, the Duchess of Lisandro, and other familiar faces with propriety.

As always, the Duchess of Hertia, holding her fan to her lips, said upon seeing Bialet,

“It’s been a while, Lady. But… it seems you didn’t bring a partner.”

It was a veiled criticism and mockery of her being unaccompanied, as it was known that Bialet had not engaged or married to date.

Bialet, unfazed, replied with a gentle smile,