Side Story - Chapter 3

Soon the carriage left and Ver, who remained there, stepped into the carriage that followed.

Many carriages lined up, but Roman and Prillance’s carriage easily entered the imperial palace through a route used only by nobles with high titles. They didn’t go straightaway to the ball and had to visit the place where the Crown Prince and the Emperor were seated. Roman was the Duke of the Arceo Empire, but as the King of Barua, it was customary to enter the Imperial Ball after the emperor and empress had entered. It was a custom that was made after the Kingdom of Barua got connected to the Arceo Empire, showing the relationship between the two countries.

“I greet the Emperor and Empress.”

Roman and Prillance greeted the emperor and empress. The two were wearing clothes symbolizing the imperial family, a combination of red and gold. “Greetings, Duke.” The Emperor, who was known to be unwell these days, looked slightly better now. However, Roman could tell he was trying to cheer up a little bit.

“Prillance, Marquis of Weiand’s daughter.”

“You’re going to be the centre of the Ball,” came a mischievous comment from the emperor who knew the popular duke.

“You flatter me, Your Majesty.”

“Your answer is too modest, Duke Tonz.” A reproachful voice came from elsewhere.

The voice was none other than Prince Lucio’s. Unlike the emperor, he was dressed in orange and gold. Red was the symbol of the Emperor, so the Crown Prince couldn’t use red clothes. So far, Crown Princes considered it polite and adorned themselves in blue to contrast with the red color, but today Lucio was wearing a similar color. Roman could understand what he was trying to signify with this action, but he didn’t make any comments on it.

“Long time no see.” Roman and Lucio only greeted each other lightly. The Crown Prince and Roman were not on the same line of duty, but they were openly recognized as equals, so they were respectful to each other.

“Beauties are always next to you, Duke.” The Crown Prince commented.

After the two men’s greetings, Prillance lightly lifted her skirt.

Crown Prince Lucio lightly brushed back his curly hair and taking Prillance’s delicate hand, he planted a kiss on the back.

Of course, Roman greeted the Crown Princess next to Lucio the same way.

“I’ve never seen brown hair as beautiful as Lady Prillance’s.”

“Thank you.” All of a sudden, a compliment about her hair, and not her appearance, was turned over, so Prillance returned a greeting over casually, “The future of the Arceo Empire is bright.”

The emperor smiled happily at the two people standing side by side. And next to him, the Empress showed a kind expression. All of a sudden, the emperor broke into a series of coughs. It showed the emperor’s poor physical condition. On behalf of the sick emperor, Prince Lucio was already doing a lot of work.

“Take care of yourself, Father. Father’s health is the future of the Empire.” Lucio took care of the emperor with a worried look on his face.

“It’s time for His Majesty to enter.”

The imperial ball marked the beginning with the emperor’s entrance and formal address. The emperor and empress stood up to enter. Then Roman, Prillance, the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess stood side by side.

“My father’s health is not as good as it used to be, Duke.” Lucio said, his voice turning grave.

“I think so too,” Roman replied, waiting for his turn.

The Emperor who came to the front, stood quietly, making the noisy crowd of nobles simmer down as well.

“For the greatness of the empire Arceo, I will inform all my people of my father’s achievements and honor him. My people need to know what the imperial family is doing for them and how they should serve the imperial family.”

Prilllance standing next to Roman also heard the conversation between the two.

“And based on that, I will create a greater and stronger kingdom.” Lucio glanced at Roman, but he was not looking at him. “It’ll be great like none other.” Lucio kept looking at Roman.

“I will always cooperate for the Empire and for the people,” At that moment, Roman turned his handsome face towards Lucio. “But don’t forget that I’m ready to disagree anytime, if I think it’s wrong.”

Prillance swallowed back the gasp threatening to escape from her mouth. Roman’s voice was powerful, reverberating in her ears. When a loud applause was heard from outside, Roman’s heated gaze fell. Judging from the conversation, the two did not seem to be close.

Lucio’s eyes, which did not fall from Roman, were sharp. “Let’s go,” Roman nudged Prillance and grasped her hand tighter. Prillance gave a small nod and went in line with Roman’s steps.

When she stood on the platform located higher than the hall, her eyes fell on the numerous aristocrats collected there. And all their eyes were on them. Small exclamations flowed from the nobles. Young nobles’ attention were fixated on the newly tailored dresses the two.

It was certainly different from the others, but the novelty of knowing who’s whose partner caught their attention. It was also amusing since they could coordinate their outfits with their own choice of colors.

Older aristocrats praised Roman and Prillance for their elegant and well-matched appearance. This and that made a lot of talk, but the two’s graceful steps and etiquette matched each other well. Most of them were probably thinking of Cecia, who stood next to Roman at the last ball. They, the higher aristocrats, were all enjoying a sense of superiority. Although it was Prillance who stood next to Roman, they were proud as if it were them standing there.

“I’m pleased with everything.”

said Count Alvin, who was watching this was a book in hand. He was armed with a novel, but he was also looking around the hall, eyeing the nobles. The people who put Prillance in danger were in this hall. The people with such intentions were probably looking at the podium, feeling sour.

Ben and Cecia were located too far for his keen eyes. Unlike the high-ranking aristocrats placed in the front from the center, Ben had been a commoner aristocrat for a long time. He smiled pretentiously in the back seat. However, anger was burning inside. The surrounding aristocrats glanced at him with mockery. The gaze was full of ridicule, for having desired to reach the top of a tree that could not be climbed. Beside him, Cecia stood feeling ashamed. Her embarrassment was not due to people’s gaze. It came from the sense of defeat she felt. Cecia, who has been told that she is pretty since she was a child, was loved everywhere. Although now that she’s a commoner, she was being ignored.

Even in such a situation, she initially had confidence in himself. But when she saw Prillance’s movements, manners, and elegance on top of the podium, her confidence fell to the bottom. It seemed like being a noble was Prillance’s right by birth, along with her astounding beauty. Cecia had dressed herself up with the most expensive jewelry, but all she got was this shame and ridicule.

Ver was staring intensely at Prillance. Prillance’s eyes clearly showed her nervousness. Her mouth was strangely stiff than usual, but she was the brightest person here. And Roman was also in a position to make her shine. Ver’s lips curled down at this thought, a slight numbness filling his body.