Looks like everyone eager to flatter the Emperor decided to wear orange tonight.
The orange hue—close to imperial gold—was a symbol of loyalty. Lowell recalled the original novel's detail:nobles loyal to or wishing to appear loyal to the Emperor often dressed in orange tones.
Many wore such blindingly vivid orange that it hurt the eyes, desperate to catch the Emperor's attention even for a moment. Among them were those whose ashen faces floated oddly, the color clashing with their features.
"Grand Duke, we seem to be meeting quite frequently these days."
One of those orange-clad nobles approached them with a sly grin.
He's implying that Felix is neglecting his duties in the territory. The fact that he'd nitpicking during an official Imperial stay means he must be desperate to stir something up.
Lowell barely resisted the urge to scowl at the noble, who looked like a roasted sweet potato in neon. His leering smile only made him more unpleasant to look at.
Showing off his loyalty to the Emperor so blatantly...he's just here to provoke Felix.
Lowell glance at Felix. The Grand Duke showed no reaction to such a petty provocation. Instead, perhaps more concerned with Lowell's gaze than the noble's jab, he subtly tightened the hand on his waist.
"I don't recall. Have we meet?"
Felix responded in a natural, dismissive tone. There was a marked difference between being subtly disregarded and being openly looked down upon. Only fools or those with serious backing dared to provoke Felix outright.
So this guys a fool, then.
Lowell watched the noble's already crimson face flush an even deeper red and had to stifle a laugh. There was something deeply satisfying about how effortlessly Felix had put him in his place—without even trying.
"My apologies for the late introduction, I am Sage, heir to the Baron of Arendelle."
Hearing that he was merely an heir—and to a barony, no less—Lowell scoffed inwardly. Perhaps the man thought the Emperor would look favorably on anyone who antagonized Felix. Unfortunately, he didn't realize that the Emperor hated incompetents as much as he did the cursed Grand Duke.
He looks old enough...and still just an heir? Must be pretty useless.
Felix glanced at Sage like one might glance at a particularly dull object, then turn away entirely.
"I doubt well be seeing each other again. I'll be sure to forget your name."
There was no malice in the statement—just truth.
Felix probably doesn't plan to return to the capital until the next Month of Blessings, so he meant it.
Lowell felt vicarious satisfaction on his behalf.
"His Majesty the Emperor is entering. Please show your respect."
The once-rowdy ballroom quieted instantly. Everyone waited for the Emperor to ascend the highest platform. Seated beside the Empress on a golden throne, the Emperor radiates a lion's oppressive majesty.
"It's a fine day. Let us raise our glasses."
He lift his filled goblet with a smile that pretended to be affable. But no one in the hall believed for a second that it was sincere.
"I hope so see all of you alive next year for the Month of Blessings."
After each Month of Blessings, nobles with suspicious behavior were often purged. His words were not taken as a joke. Felix, who had nothing to be ashamed off simply ignored the comment—though he kept glancing nervously at Lowell's goblet.
"To the Emperor."
After the Emperor's brief speech, the nobles lifted their glasses in unison. Lowell, with no intention of drinking, only brought his glass to his lips for show. But Felix, who had been watching intently, grabbed his wrist in disbelief.
"Someone who's pregnant shouldn't drink."
Felix's tone was dead serious, as if he thought Lowell genuinely didn't know such a basic fact.
"I wasn't actually going to drink it. Just pretending."
Still unconvinced, Felix took the goblet and placed it firmly on the table. The movement, during such a synchronized toast, drew attention. Even the Emperor twisted his lips in amusement as he looked their way. His eyes glinted with amused malice.
"Ah, yes. I hear there's good news?"
Everyone could tell who he was referring to.