CH 138

It was at the imperial palace’s largest and most splendid banquet hall. The noisy atmosphere quickly calmed down as the emperor appeared on the throne. The banquet hall was filled with many nobles who had gathered to celebrate the emperor’s 55th birthday. However, the gaze of nobles was directed towards someone rather than the emperor, the main character of the day.

“Prince Besanio Blanche.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I sincerely congratulate you on your birthday.”

A man who bowed to the emperor with a graceful and dignified attitude. He was dressed in clothing you couldn’t find in the empire. While similar to other gentlemen in the term of conquering style, there was a wide sash draped from his left shoulder to under his right armpit. It was like the sash worn by monks on their shoulders, but the splendor was indescribable. The entire deep blue sash he wore was embroidered with golden threads, and it sparkled so much from afar as if it was sprinkled with jewelry powder.

That wasn’t all. Among the mostly fair-skinned people, his unique brownish skin color stood out. It was an intense shade of brown that couldn’t be achieved if you were tanned. Plus, his dark hair and blue eyes reminded you of the sea. His appearance made it seem as if he had come from across the sea.

“You must be having a hard time coming a long way. I express my gratitude for coming here, Prince Blanche.”

“It’s an honor to be so welcomed. My father will be pleased too.”

“This banquet is prepared without shortage, so enjoy it to your heart’s content. I hope it will also be a memorable event for the Prince.”

With pride and profound meaning in the emperor’s words, the prince bowed his head even more and replied, “Thank you for your kindness. May the empire be blessed with infinite glory and divine grace.”

“Hahaha. Let’s all raise our glasses.” The emperor laughed heartily and raised the glasses he was holding high.

Eventually, after a short expression of gratitude, the beginning of the banquet was announced. As the nobles celebrated the emperor’s birthday again, music filled the banquet hall. There, May and I were present as well.

“He really stands out even from a distance.” May, who had set down her champagne, couldn’t take her eyes off Prince Besanio.

I, who was beside May, also looked at Princes Besanio with quiet interest.

In the distance, Prince Besanio, surrounded by nobles, stood out from afar. His exotic appearance, but also the grace and handsome appearance befitting the position of a prince, had the charm of attracting people’s attention.

Kingdom of Blanche. It was a distant kingdom that could only be reached by crossing the sea over a week from the Belfar Empire. The prince over there, who had a friendly relationship with the empire, visited the empire to celebrate the emperor’s birthday.

“He’s handsome in a different way. Don’t you think so?”

“That’s true, but he’s not my cup of tea. As expected, no matter what…”

“No matter what?”

“No one is more handsome than Ben.”

“…”

Despite my bold statement, May didn’t show any particular reaction. She had seen me saying these words countless times over the past few years, so she just had a look of saying, ‘Here we go again.’

“Ahem! Countess is still the same.”

At that time, I turned my head to the sound of an embarrassing cough coming behind me. When I turned around, Limapheus, Verne, and Ben were there. Ben, who had been away for a while because he had something to talk about with Limapheus, had returned.

“Cersinia.”

Naturally, Ben also heard my words and happily smiled, with his ears slightly reddened.

“The Grand Duke is the same. Can’t you stop blushing grossly?”

“Don’t tease them too much. They always look good together.”

As Limapheus grumbled, perhaps dissatisfied with the two who didn’t change even after years, Verne smiled and said that.

“Greetings to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess.” I greeted them politely.

It had been two years since I established the school in Glory. The school, which couldn’t be perfect from the beginning, became stable after much trial and error.

May had been teaching the children at the school for two years and had returned to the capital just a few months ago. The reason was that around the time when a year had passed since I established the school, the effect of education gradually appeared, and some other estates also wanted to establish schools. They asked me for help, and May, who had been a teacher and actively involved in the school’s operation for two years, was appointed to the school established by Count Spencer, which would open next month.

I continued to have busy days, giving advice, reviewing for managing territory, and managing the noble school’s management.

“How could you be the same as before? Even after 2 years of your marriage?”

At Limapheus’s question, my expression and Ben’s expression changed instantly. Do you even call that a question now?

“Right. I picked the wrong person for the question.” Limapheus stuck his tongue out.

Limapheus and Verne were still a loving couple, even if they had become a little more mischievous. A year ago, Verne even gave birth to a healthy boy.

It would be at the end of the winter of the next year that the crown prince’s ceremony would be scheduled.

“Are both of you still not planning to have a child?”

“I think there will be a right time for it.” That’s my reply to Limapheus’s question.

We still cherished our time spent together, so having thoughts of having a child wasn’t on our minds yet.

The five of them chatted for the first time in a long time in a secluded corner of the banquet hall. The nobles were enjoying the banquet, but their nerves and ears were focused on them. With the next rulers of the empire, the grand duke, and the famous Countess Gabieta together, everyone’s attention was bound to be drawn.

It was then. While Limapheus was chattering away, Ben, who had his arms wrapped around Cersinia’s waist and looking only at her, suddenly lifted his head.

“…”

His dark purple eyes were fiercely distorted. It was because Prince Besanio, who was surrounded by people in the distance, was looking this way. To be exact, he was looking at Cersinia, his wife.

Ben’s fingertips trembled at Besanio’s persistent and tenacious gaze toward her. How dare he with those impure and filthy eyes. He had the urge to dig them out.

Besanio’s eyes, which were staring at Cersinia, moved to Ben, perhaps because he felt his fierce gaze. An invisible spark in the air collided with the two people’s eyes. Soon after, Besanio bent his eyes like a crescent moon and smiled leisurely. It was as if to provoke Ben, confirming that Ben’s thought was right.

“Ben? What’s wrong?”

The moment Cersinia noticed his strange behavior, she tried to turn her head to follow Ben’s gaze.

“…Huh. Where else can you see such a madman?”

“Oh my.”

Limapheus pressed his forehead, and Verne covered her mouth in surprise. May just sipped her champagne indifferently. Since the attention was focused on them, gasps came from the nobles’ mouths. Some noble ladies blushed.

It was all because Ben, who lowered his head so that Cersinia’s gaze couldn’t reach Prince Besanio, kissed her red lips. They kissed briefly, and Ben’s lips fell from hers. The purpose was to capture her gaze, but his eyes were filled with disappointment at that moment. Pulling away after touching her was still difficult for him to do.

“…”

Just like he intended, Cersinia looked at Ben’s face as it moved further away, and her lips trembled slightly. She had told him to be composed in front of many people, but it was unfair for him to laugh so heartily even when she wanted to say something.

“Cersinia, aren’t you tired?” Knowing it, Ben smiled more brightly and asked affectionately. He had become a little cleverer than before, as he knew how to use his face.

“Uh? A little?” Cersinia, who had been staring blankly at Ben’s face as if bewitched, snapped out of it and replied.

Ben carefully tied up her loose hair that had fallen from her ponytail and sensed the atmosphere behind him without having to look. He could tell that Prince Besanio was heading this way.

“Now that we’ve shown our faces, it’s okay to go back now.”

“…What? Who says so?”

The bewildered Limapheus opened his mouth in amazement at Ben’s arbitrary remark.

“Cersinia, let’s go back. To our house.”

Whether Limapheus allowed it or not, Ben reached out his hand and only looked at her. Naturally, Cersinia smiled and held his hand. Leaving behind My, who said she would enjoy her vacation a bit longer, the two of them casually walked through the nobles who made way for them.

Being escorted by Ben seemed relaxed, but Ben’s steps were faster than usual. That was how he took Cersinia out of the banquet hall. Quickly before she ran into Prince Besanio.

“Haha. This is interesting.” Late to arrive at the spot where they had left, Prince Besanio grinned and mumbled to himself.