Chapter 176

As the protagonist finally showed himself on the second-floor staircase, everyone’s eyes turned to him. The Emperor’s exquisite appearance was already known to everyone in this place. However, mere words of beauty were insufficient for describing him today.

“Lift your head.”

With each flight down the stairs, his shimmering silver cloak fluttered. And when his splendid sky-blue attire was revealed, even the sound of breathing seemed to diminish. They thought that the Duchess’ appearance had received all of their admiration, but now, as the Emperor discarded his ceremonial attire, it evoked more astonishment from the crowd than the Duchess’s entrance.

“Ah.”

Duchess Catherine was no exception. Like the others, she lowered her head curtly but her expression became peculiar as Rashid’s appearance gradually became apparent. This man was so dazzling and mysterious as if he were the embodiment of the winter palace.

“Why are you so surprised?”

“Your Majesty!”

“What a disappointment.”

Approaching Catherine directly, Rashid smirked. He brought her fingers, securely held, close to his lips, and at that moment, a whisper-like voice rang out. “If you want to make use of the Emperor, you should be at least this capable.”

“You should have prepared for this.”

“Um.. could you please clarify exactly what you’re expecting?”

“Well… Whoever stands by my side should make me stand out even more.” The impact of Rashid’s order for her attire was significant. It wasn’t merely a matter of suitability or not. With this, the image of the Empire’s ruler had come to an end. Apart from holding banquets in the palace, this act of the Emperor was no different from a public announcement. The expressions of the nobles observing this spectacle changed drastically.

“Third brother, I don’t understand anything anymore.”

“Tenon.”

Peyton encountered a dazed Tenon, who blinked his eyes absentmindedly that he even passed greetings from the nobles. As the palace guards’ commander and the crown prince, his attitude may have been somewhat lacking, but everyone’s gaze in this place was fixed on the Emperor. Regardless of what extravagant clothes anyone wore, they had to keep their mouths shut as long as they couldn’t surpass the Emperor. That was what Rashid desired, and Peyton silently followed suit. In reality, the princes couldn’t compare to their eldest brother, Rashid, but following the imperial decree, they donned golden attire. As the gazes of those gathering gradually focused on them, Peyton pointed out Tenon’s attitude.

“Many eyes are watching. Isn’t it inappropriate to behave recklessly?”

“But how can His Majesty——”

Tenon, still unable to believe what he saw, pointed to Rashid standing in the center. It was their eldest brother, who had been engulfed in a fluttering crimson cloak. Such a figure emitted a faint light from head to toe, and it felt not just simple splendor but also sacredness. However, as the Emperor’s younger siblings, they couldn’t adapt to it at all.

“C-Catherine, too.”

“Duchess.”

Quickly correcting Tenon’s words, Peyton slightly wrinkled his brow in dissatisfaction. Meanwhile, as the music began, he gestured to Catherine, who was approached by Rashid, and his voice trembled. “Even that title is likely to change soon.”

“Your Majesty!”

What was up with this man? Seriously, what was he? Seeing the reaction of the people who seemed collectively entranced, she felt like bursting into a laugh. But as soon as he met his gaze, the laughter subsided.

“Hand.” Rashid, always composed, slowly led her to the dance floor. The man who had simply been handsome and fierce all this time had now single-handedly possessed everything in the world. He was beautiful, divine, and also deadly. “Just give me your hand.”

It wasn’t until the very end that she realized even the fact that she couldn’t dance.

“Ah! Your Majesty! Wait a moment!”

“If you’re going to say something like you can’t dance, it’s fine. You’re not particularly good at anything else, after all, my dear sister-in-law.”

“…”

That’s right.

Judging by the way he spoke, he must undoubtedly be her stepdaughter’s husband. She sighed with resignation, but unexpectedly, his chuckle erupted from above her forehead. It was a small sound that only she could hear, but she couldn’t help but look up at him. As their eyes met, Rashid, who was usually composed, seemed slightly shaken as well.

“Why are you doing this again?”  That fact seemed rather satisfying, so she didn’t avoid his gaze either.  “Is it because I didn’t do well today?”

“It’s not about your performance, Catherine.”

“…”

“And I’ve already told you that you’re beautiful enough.”

Why did her heart sting even at such a casually thrown remark about what kind of woman she was? Perhaps he needed more training with Mr. Darren. As I pondered that thought, his arm wrapped around her waist more tightly.

“Oh! I really can’t dance———-”

“I know.”

“But why go through all this trouble?”

“Whether you want to stand still and receive criticism or do something and receive criticism, it will be your choice.”

“…”

He gestured to the people surrounding them. Startled, everyone lowered their heads just by Rashid’s gaze, but they couldn’t completely avert their eyes. He was a man who captivated everyone’s attention as if their eyes were naturally drawn to something that sparkled.