Chapter 173

“Hmm,” Peyton responded to Rashid’s presence standing in front of the golden attire as if making an excuse. While Rashid’s taste seemed overly extravagant, the golden cape was indeed a symbol of the royal family of Rohan. Apart from the black mourning attire or blood-stained battle garments, it was the only color Rashid ever wore. Just in case, Peyton had advised him to tone down the color, so the distinctive shimmer of the golden silk had been greatly reduced.

“But with this——”

“Ah, don’t worry about it. Since we brought them for preparation, I’m just showing you what we have. If there’s an outfit that satisfies you, we have it made separately.”

“…”

However, Rashid’s eyes remained unimpressed. It was just his ambition to try something new, considering that he was introducing a royal banquet in the Winter Palace for the first time. Peyton quickly pointed to the next set of clothes.

“I tried to make them as similar as possible to what you usually wear.”

“Is that so?” Rashid glanced over the clothes that Peyton indicated. The black velvet formal attire with silver shoulder pads and golden buttons looked elegant. It perfectly displayed the Emperor’s authority and dignity, but he still seemed dissatisfied. “Is this all?”

“Yes?” Peyton, who never expected Rashid to make such a comment about his attire, furrowed his eyebrows, wondering if he misheard. Regardless of the types and colors of the fabrics here, there was a sense of inadequacy in matching him. The deep crimson cape was the official attire of Emperor Rashid Fernoa III known throughout the continent.

“Has that woman arrived?”

“Ah, not yet.” Peyton immediately understood whom the Emperor was referring to with his subtle remark. He lowered his head as if it was entirely his fault. “But she will arrive soon. Please don’t worry, Your Majesty.”

“What’s there to worry about?” Rashid chuckled, contrary to Peyton’s cautiousness, revealing a hint of concern.

“The Duchess will surely attract attention in various ways. There are already rumors spreading in the northern region that Your Majesty frequently meets with her. And if she’s by your side immediately after the national ceremonies and mourning—————”

“That’s true. She’ll be by my side.”

“…”

Peyton couldn’t help but show a slight worry, considering the known facts. Rashid’s smile became even more satisfied as he recalled what he knew. He turned away from the black attire he had been looking at. “Indeed, this won’t be enough. Prepare my suit again.”

“Yes? Is there something specific you desire, Your Majesty?” Peyton approached, doubting his ears. Suddenly, Rashid detached the silver shoulder pad from the black attire and held it in his hand. “What I desire is——”

“Princesses Lania and Rebecca Evendell have arrived!” The people who were already present turned their heads toward the two ladies standing at the entrance of the Winter Palace. The admiration echoed throughout because their dresses were as elegant as the previous Count’s reception.

“Oh my, it feels like the hall brightens up as soon as the ladies arrive.”

“Everyone is here.”

Lania quickly glanced at the aristocratic ladies flocking around her and smiled shyly, lowering her gaze. She had been dominating the social circles in the northern region for years. Nevertheless, she still made an effort to appear approachable to those who tried to catch her attention.

“My sister and I have only received His Majesty’s gracious invitation, just like all of you.”

“I don’t believe that. Since you hosted the welcoming banquet last time, it’s only natural that the Emperor would invite you first this time. Well, later on, the Princess herself will personally invite us to this place.”

“Oh my, why would you say such a thing?”

Lania tilted her head at the Viscountess when she subtly implied that she would become the mistress of this place. Her husband, the Viscount, had been holding that position so far as a representative of the Emperor’s household, which meant she must have thought she would be a perfect match for him.

“It’s burdensome to hear such words. Someone might misunderstand, you know?”

“Misunderstand? Who would dare to have such feelings toward the ladies? Right?”

“Of course!”

As soon as the Viscountess looked around, a chorus of agreed voices followed. Every one of them had either received the Count’s favor, desired it, or had reasons to flatter.

“How beautiful you look today in the Winter Palace. The white dress sparkles just like this hall. Such a dress wouldn’t suit just anyone. Only a true lady like you can pull it off.”

“No, actually, the real protagonist today is not me but my sister, Rebecca.”

“What?”

Lania subtly stepped aside, revealing Rebecca, who was standing behind her. Although she was also dressed as a noble lady, she had never received much attention since she had always been accompanying her sister. But this time, when all eyes turned to her in awe, she fluttered her fan somewhat unnaturally.

“Of course, Lady Rebecca is also… huh?”

“Oh my, what is that?”

“……”

The noblewomen, who were continuing with their customary compliments, naturally focused their eyes on the most sparkling thing. When they saw the large pink diamond shining on Rebecca’s finger as she waved her fan, genuine admiration burst out.

“Oh, my goodness! Such a beautiful thing!”