Time flew by quickly, and the day of the imperial banquet arrived. Riena woke up early in the morning and began her preparations, led by the hands of Amy and other maids.

She bathed in warm water with plenty of rose oil, massaged her entire body with oil, and took care of her hair.

After the initial preparations were complete, she did her hair and makeup with Madame Lachapelle, who joined later.

As decided beforehand, her hair was braided into one, elegant shimmering pearl powder was applied, and after changing into the dress, all preparations were complete.

Madame Lachapelle and Amy praised her endlessly, saying she looked truly beautiful, but Riena couldn’t hear a word they said. She was too nervous.

A moment later, she saw Cassel with his hair neatly slicked back with pomade and impeccably groomed, but unlike last time, she showed no reaction.

She was just as extremely nervous.

Even as the carriage headed towards the imperial palace, Riena couldn’t hide her anxiety.

When she had followed her father to the capital, she had attended a few parties held at noble houses.

But now the situation was completely different.

First of all, there was the intimidation of the words “imperial ball”. It was larger in scale than any ball Riena had ever attended, and rumors spread easily there.

Moreover, members of the imperial family would be attending. If she was unlucky, or rather, lucky, she might even see the emperor.

No, in fact, given the influence of the Winckler ducal family and the personal letter sent by the emperor and empress, greetings with the imperial family were expected.

Because of this, Riena had to practice perfectly greeting the imperial family, which she thought she would never have to use, with Noah’s tutor for a week.

Secondly, Riena’s position in noble society had changed.

Previously, she was just one of many noble young ladies. She received some attention from people who remembered the status of the Margrave of the Border, but that was it.

Riena did not actively mingle with people, and they did not particularly approach her either.

But now she was publicly Cassel Winckler’s fiancée.

When the news of Duke Winckler’s engagement was announced, the nobles in the capital were curious about what kind of woman had captured the heart of the cold-blooded, iron-like man.

From the moment Cassel sent a reply saying he would attend the imperial ball, people must have been burning with desire to see the fiancée whose name and face they didn’t know.

As Riena clasped her gloved hands together and sighed without realizing it, Cassel asked from across:

“Are you nervous?”

“A little. No, honestly, a lot.”

He looked at Riena, whose complexion had turned pale, and moved to sit beside her. Then he carefully removed her white lace gloves and firmly held her cold hands.

The hands touching were warm.

“You don’t need to be nervous. If it’s too difficult for you, we can return anytime. If not that, we can turn the carriage around now.”

“We can’t do that. His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress personally sent a letter, and we’ve already sent a reply saying we’d attend. How can we say we can’t go now? Their Majesties will surely look upon us unfavorably.”

“I’ll take care of everything, so you don’t need to worry. The most important thing is your opinion, Ria.”

“How do you plan to resolve it?”

“I can say that I suddenly became unwell and couldn’t attend. It won’t affect you at all, so it’s fine. And no matter what, even the imperial family can’t reject or antagonize the Wincklers.”

Riena, who had been looking down at him massaging her hands, burst out laughing.

“You’re sick? Who would believe that? No matter what you say, everyone will think there’s a problem with me.”

“Is that so?”

“Of course.”

Cassel was serious, not joking, but amusingly, his words helped Riena relax a little.

“It’s okay. You don’t have to worry. Let’s go and make an appearance first, and if it really becomes unbearable, I’ll ask to leave.”

“Please tell me anytime, it doesn’t matter when.”

“Alright.”

“And if possible, stay close to me.”

“Okay. Thank you for being considerate.”

Thinking that Cassel would be by her side no matter what happened lightened her heart. Thanks to this, when the large carriage bearing the ducal family’s seal arrived at the imperial palace, Riena was able to regain her composure to some extent.

“Are you really alright?”

“Yes, I’m fine.”

Riena entered the ballroom, escorted by Cassel.

“Duke Winckler and Lady Dyke have arrived.”

As soon as the servant announced, the noisy hall instantly fell silent, and everyone’s attention turned to the two of them.

Riena flinched for a moment and tensed up, but thanks to Cassel firmly squeezing her hand as if to say it was okay, she relaxed.

As the two passed by, people stepped aside to make way. Thanks to this, they were able to walk unhindered to the center of the hall.

Belatedly, people showed interest in Riena and Cassel and approached them.

“It’s a great pleasure to meet you, Duke. And Lady Dyke. Just being in the same space as you two is an honor for our family.”

“Duke, we met last time, do you perhaps remember?”

However, Cassel skillfully brushed them off and headed towards a quiet corner with Riena.

Fortunately, people didn’t follow them any further.

Hearing whispers like ‘I thought he might have changed since he got engaged, but he’s still the same. It would be foolish to provoke him and get hurt for nothing,’ it seemed they were conscious of Cassel’s reputation.

“Shall I bring you something to drink?”

“No, it’s okay. Just stay beside me.”

“Understood.”

Cassel moved a little closer to Riena and held her hand. Although they were both wearing gloves, the warmth transmitted from hand to hand was vividly felt.

How long had they been like that? A servant announced in a loud voice the arrival of the Emperor, Empress, and First Imperial Princess.

People simultaneously bowed towards the three.

“Thank you all for attending. This year has also passed safely, which must mean that God Karwin is protecting this empire.”

People bowed their heads further in agreement.

“Anyway, I hope you all enjoy yourselves without worry for today.”

The Emperor finished speaking and sat down on the ornate chair on the platform. The Empress and Imperial Princess also took their seats beside him.

Cassel, who had been lovingly rubbing Riena’s hand with his thumb, let go of her hand.

“I’ll go and briefly pay my respects to Their Majesties and Her Imperial Highness.”

Riena quickly grabbed his arm as he was about to move.

“Let’s go together. I want to pay my respects too.”

“There’s no need for that.”

“No, I came as your partner, so I should greet them. I also received a personal letter from Her Majesty the Empress. Wouldn’t it be courteous to greet them?”

Cassel hesitated for a moment, then nodded.

“Then let’s go.”

Once again, people made way for the two to pass. Thanks to this, Riena was able to easily walk from the opposite side of the hall to where the Emperor was.

The Emperor, noticing Cassel’s face, stood up from his seat and welcomed him.

“Oh, Duke Winckler. We finally see your face again.”

Cassel paid his respects to the imperial family, bending one knee and pressing his lips to the Emperor’s ring before withdrawing. He replied:

“I’ve been remiss, Your Majesty. Have you been well? Praises for Your Majesty were heard even in the far north.”

“Haha, I’ve been living as I always have. By the way, Duke, why don’t you stay in the capital like this sometimes instead of just staying in your territory? There are many in the capital who need you.”

“I’ll make an effort.”

Though not an entirely positive answer, the Emperor seemed satisfied with it and smiled. He then looked at Riena and extended his hand.

“So, you’re the Duke’s fiancée who’s the most famous in the capital these days?”

Riena also bent one knee and kissed the ring.

“I am Riena of Dyke.”

“Dyke, I know that name well. I’ve met your father a few times too. He was such an impressive knight that I still remember him clearly. Your eyes are the spitting image of Count Dyke’s. Your gaze looks just as determined as the Count’s.”

“Thank you for your kind words, Your Majesty.”

Riena straightened up and bowed her head slightly.

The Emperor continued speaking.

“Count Dyke was a man of high spirit and ability. He was truly a rare knight. I too was very saddened to lose such a talented person too early. Though late, I offer my condolences. He was a good man, so he must have gone to God Karwin’s side.”

“My late father would have fully understood Your Majesty’s boundless kindness.”

“I look forward to seeing how you will fill the Count’s vacant position.”

“I will do my best as well.”