CH 65

*Karmeut’s POV

Time went by so quickly. Contrary to what Karmeut had planned, he rarely had the chance to see Rainelle. When he could spare a little time, Rainelle was in the middle of etiquette training...

However, he thought that he should endure disturbing her training for Rainelle’s sake since her essence was a crow. Animals had no concept of etiquette itself.

She has to learn a new concept and get used to it. Maybe it'll be hard for her to learn it in a month. Of course, she's smart, so I don't know if she'll learn faster than I thought…

Of course, that didn't mean that he didn't check on her. He always made sure that she was doing well, eating well, and having no discomfort through the maids that were in charge of Rainelle.

He laughed so much when he heard that when Rainelle first changed into pajamas, she thought that she was going to lose all her feathers.

Oh, how cute and lovely it would be if I had seen it in person.

Although it was not obvious on the outside, the maids seemed to be happy to serve Rainelle. It was quite clear by looking at the reports.

As expected, Rainelle's loveliness will be recognized quickly. Even when she’s not a crow, Rainelle is lovely.

...If anyone else had known Karmeut's thoughts, people would say that he was unlucky, but he was the emperor.

"The banquet tomorrow, huh?"

Time has already passed so much.

…and that means I hadn't seen Rainelle in a month.

I miss you.

I want to see both of her black feathers that make her look like a captivating crow and her beautiful human figure. I want to hug her, pet her, and find peace of mind.

Suppressing the strong urge to go see her immediately, the Emperor took a long, deep breath.

It's tomorrow. I will meet her tomorrow. I can meet my lovely crow.

She will come dressed up for the banquet---Karmeut's cheeks reddened as he imagined it.

Oh, I want to meet her. I'm looking forward to her beautiful figure.

Feeling his heart pounding, the Emperor drew Rainelle’s figure in his mind. His golden eyes were sparkling as he recalled his one and only mate.

*3rd person POV

"Rainelle-nim, you have to dress up now so we can make it to the banquet. Would you like to try the dresses first?"

The impressively beautiful woman with shiny dark hair nodded her head slightly. Seeing that, the maids smiled and started arranging the dresses and accessories that had been given by the Emperor.

"You have to try them all on. Seeing them like this and wearing them in person have a different feeling..."

"Okay. We're running out of time, so we'll have to hurry."

"Yes, then starting from this dress---"

As she changed her clothes under the care of the maids, her purple eyes were shining yet showed calmness.

***

As a result of the fact that a banquet to commemorate the coronation ceremony was being held, royal families and nobles had arrived from other countries as short as three days ago or as long as two weeks ago. They started heading to the Imperial Palace one by one. The sight of them entering the palace with lavishly decorated carriages and attendants was enough to arouse awe in commoners.

The banquet started in the evening, but the inside of the banquet hall was already full of the nobles of the Empire, the royalties of other countries, and the nobles who followed to accompany those royalties.

"This banquet started later than I expected."

"I heard that the current Emperor is still young and handsome..."

"Ah, the chance to meet him in person---!"

In particular, it was the young girls and princesses from other countries who showed passionate reactions. A young, handsome, yet unmarried Emperor. This banquet was the opportunity to meet such an emperor in person.

‘If I make a good impression here and continue to make a relationship---!’

They blushed and giggled as they imagined a pink future unfolding,

"The Duke of Sharmalt and Marquis Namuel are entering-!"

When the voice of the nobleman in charge of being the host, which was amplified with magic, resounded inside the banquet hall, the people’s gaze turned. The Duke of Sharmalt, who was the younger brother of the previous emperor, along with his successor, Namuel, who was still unmarried. And so, he was one of the coveted candidates to be a groom.

"Oh---!!"

An exclamation of admiration came out of someone's mouth. The sight of the women who looked at Marquis Namuel as the two people entered became blurry at once.

The marquis' eyes were green, his long gray hair that fell to his waist was neatly tied, and he was wearing single-lens glasses. He was neatly dressed in royal blue clothes that were embroidered with silver thread, so the atmosphere of asceticism was strong.

He was elegant, but somehow it was difficult to approach. Due to his mysterious atmosphere, women began to blush and murmur. However, Namuel’s lips trembled slightly, probably because those gazes that gathered at him were making him uncomfortable.

*Namuel’s POV

It seems that Rainelle-nim hasn't come yet.

The thing that worried him the most was Rainelle. She was a crow, but she would need to be here, a place where humans gather while hiding their true selves with various ostentatious expressions along with a blade in the tip of their tongue to stab each other.

Can a crow really understand the desire for power?

With that in mind, it was clear that he was worried.

Of course, I was told that she was being taught manners, but...

I have made an oath...

His Majesty the Emperor entered last according to the procedure. Rainelle had not yet officially become the Emperor's companion, so she was more likely to enter before him.

So, until His Majesty the Emperor entered, I have to protect her.

Yes, since there are more animals in human masks here than one would think.

The people here could cover up any dirty and filthy deeds with power and money. Besides, Rainelle-nim's human form would be mouth-watering, to say the least...

"Marquis Namuel."

"Oh, Sir Windster."

Galenos, who was dressed in knightly clothes adorned with black, red, and golden thread, approached and greeted Namuel.

"What about Rainelle-nim?"

"I think that she will come out first."

At that, Namuel nodded his head lightly.

That means she must be escorted until His Majesty the Emperor enters.

It seemed that Galenos had the same idea. He was looking at the door. He was concentrating on the voice of the host nobleman. His expected voice then resounded,

"Rainelle-nim is coming in-!"

"Rainelle?"

"Who is it?"

Everyone looked puzzled as the host only mentioned the name without a word indicating the position of the noble or anything like that.

All eyes turned to the opening door. Then they all opened their mouth unconsciously.

The hem of her dress, which was made of thin layers of pale blue fabric, fluttered. There were no fancy decorations or glittering jewels, but the black-haired person wearing the dress felt more elegant.

The woman who entered had sparkling purple eyes that felt mysterious. It was a kind of beauty that they had never seen before. To the point where others feel intimidated.

"...Ah. Sir Windster. Marquis Namuel."

As she turned her head, her headdress fluttered and scattered the light. The two men were slightly shaken by her unfamiliar appearance, which approached them with gentle steps, but they still managed to bow down to greet her,

"Welcome, Rainelle-nim."

"It is an honor to meet you here."

"Fufu. I don't know what to do if you say that."

The two exchanged glances as they saw Rainelle smiling gracefully with a small fan covering her mouth.

I've heard that she's been trained in etiquette, but how does she change like this?

It was difficult to adjust to a completely different look than when she was pure like a child and innocent enough to see her thoughts right away.

"...sigh. I've been having a hard time so far."

But in the next moment, they were relieved when Rainelle whispered a weeping that only could be heard by them.

"...did you have a hard time? Oh, you can talk comfortably. I used magic to prevent others from hearing our talks."

It would be bad if the surrounding people heard, so Namuel, who had created a barrier with magic, asked a question. After letting out a long sigh, Rainelle answered with emotion in her voice,

"It was very hard. I'm afraid of Madam Fangxia..."

Her facial expression did not change, but the bitter notes that showed her desperate emotions were oozing out of her voice.

"You've worked hard."

"Until I do it right, I can't even eat properly... uu..."

"Still, your efforts are paying off."

"--really?"

"Yes, look around. People can't take their eyes off Rainelle-nim."

Hearing that, Rainelle glanced around. As Namuel said, there were a lot of people who couldn't take their eyes off her.

Not understanding their reaction, Rainelle tilted her head. However, Namuel and Galenos understood.

Rainelle’s human form was already naturally beautiful. However, now she also wore a soft light blue dress, makeup, and even accessories rather than her usual black feather dress, so her appearance was softer than usual.

“Karmeut will appear last, right?”

"If it's in order, yes."

"Cough"

The three people’s eyes turned to the voice of a third person who suddenly interrupted.

"Ah. Excuse me, Marquis Namuel. Sir Windster."

"Ah, Your Highness Prince Ferris."

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Ferris."

Satisfied with their attitude, Prince Ferris smiled. As the first prince and the heir of the Kingdom of Ferris, he received their greetings, but his gaze was still on Rainelle.

"And... the beautiful lady over here is...?"

"Greetings to you, Your Highness Prince Ferris. My name is Rainelle."

Rainelle gently lifted the hem of her skirt and bowed gracefully. The prince’s eyes, which had been fixed on her, were getting hazy.

*3rd person POV

‘She’s a really beautiful girl. No matter how I look, her every move is elegant and full of dignity!’ thought Prince Ferris.

"Oh, yes. I am Ferris Devus Curtis, the first prince of the Kingdom of Ferris. It's an honor to meet such a beautiful lady."

Saying so, the prince took Rainelle's hand and kissed the back of her hand lightly. At the polite action, she slightly squinted her eyes.

"It's an undeserved compliment."

"No, My Lady. I have never met a woman more beautiful than you."

He gave an ardent gaze as he said that, while Rainelle only showed her curving eyes and covered her mouth.

'Oh, oh, this is a problem.'

'--If His Majesty the Emperor knows...’

The two men watching from the side were thinking the same thing: that this was a problematic situation.

Of course, this prince might be doing that because he doesn't know anything, but how dare there be a crazy person who set his eyes on the Emperor's partner?

"Um... Prince---"

It was at that moment that the trumpet sounded. At the sound that announced that the Emperor was entering, people one by one stood aside and bowed.

Stepping on the red carpet in the center, the Emperor entered. The Emperor was shining brilliantly with his gold hair, being clad in a red and golden robe and cloak, along with a large gold crown over his head.

His overwhelming yet handsome appearance made the atmosphere full of pressure, but the surroundings were full of excitement. The Emperor climbed to the podium through the quiet crowd while giving off a distinct aura that could not be suppressed even with the splendid robe and crown. Then he slowly opened his mouth,

"I would like to express my gratitude to everyone present here. This event is prepared for you, so please enjoy it to your heart's content."

After the Emperor finished his words, the music began to flow. People started looking for a partner while chatting with each other in an atmosphere of natural excitement. Nevertheless, attention was drawn to who the Emperor would pick as his partner and who would enjoy the honor of dancing with the Emperor.

"My Lady, would you like to dance to a song?"

Not missing the chance, Prince Ferris offered his invite to Rainelle. Rainelle started mumbling as she lowered her eyebrows,

"Ah, that..."

"Please don't hesitate, I want to dance to a song with the beautiful you."

"I'm sorry, but this lady has a prior engagement---"

It was when Namuel was about to give an excuse as the Prince secretly grabbed her hand,

"---!! Your, Your Majesty the Emperor!"

Somehow, the Emperor was standing right next to them.

"-Karmeut."

With a visibly relieved expression, Rainelle smiled as she slipped out of the Prince's hand. The act of daring to call the Emperor by his first name not only surprised the Prince, but also stirred the surroundings.

However, the Emperor held out his hand with a satisfied smile despite the rudeness.

"Would you like to dance to a song, My Lady?"

Rainelle smiled and placed her hand on his.

"It’s an honor, Your Majesty the Emperor."

With a beautiful smile like a blooming flower, the crow held the golden wolf's hand. The wolf bent his eyes and smiled satisfactorily at her actions.