“Well, it’s not that difficult.”

Oh, my. Why did I say that?

Seated at the royal banquet, Liz, under the scrutiny of dozens of eyes beneath the canopy, felt as if her lips were about to be burned by their intense gaze.

The noble gaze was reproachful, and the younger ones were observing with curiosity, wondering what about her had captured the Emperor’s heart.

Either way, there were no friendly glances.

Her palms became sweaty.

“Liz.”

At the sudden call, Liz turned her head.

Hershismen was looking at her. Judging by the questioning expression, it seemed like this wasn’t the first time he had called her.

“Nervous?”

He said with gentle eyes.

No words came out, even as empty ones.

“Yes, a little.”

His eyes softened even more, and he quietly took Liz’s hand under the table.

As his large and warm hand covered hers, Liz’s trembling seemed to settle.

As her tense shoulders relaxed, and a smile was about to form on her lips,

“Count Montaner is here!”

The gatekeeper’s announcement shattered the moment.

Count Montaner, in a black uniform with a red sash, walked in with a dignified posture, bowing low in front of the Emperor and Empress.

“I greet both of Your Majesties.”

In response to the impeccable courtesy, Hershismen replied with equally impeccable courtesy.

“Welcome. We’ve been waiting, Uncle.”

Count Montaner straightened one bent knee and stood up. Then, alternating gazes between the two, he smiled with satisfaction.

“You look great together. Their Majesties would have been delighted if they were alive.”

“That’s true, Uncle. It feels particularly harsh today, considering the opportunity for both of Their Majesties to be pleased is snatched away. Of course…”

“…If that’s the will of the gods, we can’t help it.”

Liz felt the strength in Hershismen’s hand.

It followed the flow Ishar had told her.

“He mentioned we might have an exchange of hostilities from the beginning.”

Liz glanced at Ishar. At the end of the giant table, he nonchalantly faced forward as if this matter had nothing to do with him, not giving any attention in her direction.

Liz turned her gaze back to the theater of the banquet.

“The will of the gods is sometimes cruel. Perhaps I too became an unbeliever after Your Excellencies ascended together?”

Count Montaner provocatively responded. He seemed completely unbothered by any conscience.

Hershismen let go of Liz’s hand.

Perhaps he thought he might accidentally break her hand without realizing it.

Count Montaner quietly stepped back and surrounded the rectangular table.

His seat was one level below the Emperor and Empress’s canopy, where the elder nobles were seated.

Conveniently, there was an empty seat diagonally close to Hershismen. He sat there and spoke.
“I heard that the wedding was very splendid, right? A wedding on the day of a total solar eclipse. Isn’t that truly a wedding blessed by the choice of destiny? It’s truly heart-wrenching not to be present in such a place.”

“It’s scolding for not being invited to the wedding.”

Liz thought.

“I apologize for not inviting you, Uncle. I excluded many people from the list because I wanted to keep it simple and modest.”

“This means you are not valuable enough to be invited to the wedding.”

Liz could discover Ishar’s script in every conversation. It felt like the two of them were characters appearing on a stage designed by Ishar. At any rate, he was an extraordinary man.

“Please don’t be resigned, Your Majesty. Frankly, I thought it turned out well since I haven’t been feeling well since early spring.”

“Is that so? Are you feeling well now?”

“Yes, thanks to you. It was a mild respiratory illness.”

“All illnesses start with mild respiratory illnesses. By the way, didn’t you suffer from asthma when you were young, Uncle?”

“Remembering such trivial things, I’m simply grateful, Your Majesty.”

It was a smooth flow. For those expecting an exciting drama, the conversation was disappointing.

Up to this point.

“I remember everything.”

“…”

“Especially everything related to Uncle.”

Hershismen’s lips tilted slightly to one side.

Liz swallowed dryly.

“Interrupt him at the part that seems dangerous.”

Liz understood. She understood, but… she didn’t know how to interrupt.

“Well, it’s not that difficult.”

She wanted to slap herself for saying that.

During the moment of contemplation, a series of trolleys thundered, breaking the static that spread like mist.

The sound saved Liz as well.

“Phew…”

Liz could breathe a sigh of relief.

For a moment, peace returned while the table was adorned with various dishes, drinks, and alcohol.

Hershismen cut the meat nicely for Liz, poured the drinks, and smiled. But Liz, burdened with her assigned mission, couldn’t swallow anything other than water.

Pretending to look around under the canopy, Liz glanced at Ishar.

His consistent indifference towards this side, as if he had forgotten the facts he instructed, was somewhat disturbing.

And the peace was short-lived.

“Oh, by the way, since we were talking about asthma, Uncle.”