National Foundation Day Celebration.

A day commemorating the establishment of the great empire by King Arsen, the fifth king of the Kingdom of Luzensia, who subjugated over a dozen surrounding kingdoms, marking its 512th anniversary this year.

Initially, it started as a modest banquet attended only by nobles and loyalists, but after going through more than five hundred iterations, it became increasingly extravagant, almost overwhelming to manage.

“If we celebrate this festival a few more times, it might truly become a mess.”

Liz muttered quietly, looking down at the banquet hall from the internal terrace.

So many people. On the first day, welcoming nobles and foreign envoys on the stage, Liz recalled how she became a wreck, continuously exchanging greetings with their procession that seemed to have no end.

Back then, she thought it was an enormous crowd, but compared to the present on the last day, it was nothing.

Considering the postponement of the dance party, known as the highlight of the National Foundation Day, it wasn’t surprising at all. There were even people who entered late, solely for the dance party.

Observing the scene where the imperial treasury would likely be depleted, Liz showed no signs of frustration or worry. Instead, her expression was bright and light.

No fire broke out!

It was all thanks to René handling the matter well. It went so smoothly that Liz felt almost apologetic for her momentary hesitation.

According to Rosa, Kodel 12 Avenue is enjoying calmer days than ever. The festival’s excitement even softened people’s hearts, as no one displayed hatred towards them, and they willingly shared food.

“It was a good idea to postpone the dance party to the last day.”

Liz praised herself. If they had held the dance party as originally planned on the first or the following day, she wouldn’t have been able to enjoy it as comfortably as now.

After the festival, Liz thought about properly rewarding René.

‘I wonder how he managed to stop my brother?’

Although she was curious, she wouldn’t ask unless René brought it up first.

Meanwhile, signs of the dance party starting soon appeared.

The center of the banquet hall gradually cleared, and musicians played rhythmic music.

Young men and women standing at the edges started pairing up and entering the center one by one. The fluttering hems of the ladies’ dresses were as beautiful as butterfly wings.

Liz watched a few more songs before pushing the wheelchair wheels to return to her quarters. However, the wheels didn’t budge! Surprised, she raised her head to find Heresis holding the handles.

“When did you arrive?”

“Before the first song started.”

It was much earlier than expected, leaving Liz even more astonished.

“If you came, why didn’t you say so?”
“I wanted to see what you see.”

He said with a grin, then shifted his gaze beyond the terrace and asked, “Shall we dance too?”

“Are you serious?”

Liz pointed alternately between her abdomen and the dance hall with her fingertips.

“Dancing there with this body might lead to giving birth right on the spot.”

“Is it because of the body or the location?”

Hersis asked, posing a subtly thought-provoking question. It seemed that whatever Liz chose would create quite a spectacle.

“Both.”

‘By doing this, I won’t be able to do anything.’

Liz chuckled contentedly. That’s when it happened.

“Alright, I understand.”

Hersis suddenly embraced Liz.

“This way, it won’t strain the child, right?”

He twirled around to the music while saying so.

Liz looked around bewilderedly.

“What… What are you doing? Put me down. What if someone sees us?”

“It’s not something we shouldn’t do, and who cares if someone sees.”

“…”

“Besides, there’s no one here. It’s just you and me.”

Liz quickly glanced around.

Indeed, his words were true. The onlookers who were behind a while ago seemed to have moved away, and beneath the terrace, they couldn’t be seen. Therefore, Liz stopped vehemently refusing.

“Is it okay now?”

“… It’s okay.”

“Then put your arms around my neck.”

Knowing well that he wouldn’t let her down anyway, Liz obediently wrapped her arms around her neck as instructed.

There was nothing to do but wait for one song to finish quickly.

Hersis moved his feet again to the music. Watching the scenery changing rapidly in his arms, Liz felt a strange sensation, as if she were really holding hands and dancing with him.

“If you danced down there, it would have been a better memory for you.”

Hersis said regretfully.

‘I’m sorry that you’re not down there.’

Liz wanted to say that but held back.

Ancient emperors used to dance with noble women to solidify their support.

Liz had expressed her wish for Hersis to do the same, but

‘Is he really going to do it?’

Hersis’ questioning gaze was so stern. Liz couldn’t bring herself to say he was serious.

“…”

For a moment, Liz’s eyes widened.

Because the music that the musicians started playing was familiar to her ears.

“This… this music…”

“It’s the music we often danced to. And…”

“…”

“The music we danced to together underwater.”