Chapter Twenty-Five
_ The Woman Who Captured the Emperor's Heart: 1
* * *
Ariana held Elliott's arm as she walked gracefully, possessing an aura that drew everyone around her. When she reached the center of the hall, people began approaching Elliott in his capacity as the Undersecretary, so she saw it as an opportunity and excused herself..
"I will go so you can have a good conversation .."
"But sister .."
"A brother shouldn't accompany his sister everywhere ..."
"Uh...."
"How can I make friends with others like this?!"
Elliott felt embarrassed because he was acting with excessive caution and feared he might be stifling his sister, so he let her go..
"Don't go too far, and if you feel tired, you can go to the private lounge ..."
"Brother, I am fine ... I will just wander around a bit, rest assured"
Elliott sighed and tried to follow her, but the crowd clung to him more, making Ariana laugh playfully at her brother's situation as she waved at him cheerfully while leaving.
'Elliott is here and Raphael is there, I feel like I am fragile glass that will shatter due to their overprotectiveness ... They must realize I am fine ... It's okay now, I must find Bryan or Casper to deliver this to Raphael ...'
She was walking calmly, smiling with kindness and elegance as she looked around. She approached a gathering of girls who welcomed her and invited her to speak with them, and she did not mind..
"Aren't you Miss Silas?"
"Ariana Silas, pleased to meet you, ladies ..."
Her etiquette was perfect, then a young woman with beautiful blonde hair, blue eyes, and stunning beauty spoke:
"I am Miral Pons, the only daughter of Marquis Pons, and this is Martha Marden, the niece of Duchess Isabella Horlan, Kalara Barton, the daughter of Marquis Barton ... and this ..."
The girls were many, and it seemed Miral was the leader of the group. Ariana greeted them with elegance and a kind smile..
"I heard that the young lady broke her engagement with the Duke months ago .. why?!"
"Is the Duke the reason?! I heard he might be harsh and..."
"Doesn't spreading such talk constitute a sin? .."
Miral became flustered, but Ariana spoke with a gentle, elegant laugh and in a dreamy manner..
"Perhaps I will be criticized, but I believe in love, so the Duke was understanding that I do not desire an arranged relationship ... and we were not compatible"
The young girls became excited and started asking Ariana about the specifications of her dream man, but she answered them with embarrassment, becoming the center of attention, which pressured Miral..
* * *
Bryan was following Ariana quietly without anyone noticing. When he tried to approach her, he reached a group of young ladies, so he stepped back to watch from afar. He was amazed by Ariana's style in moving people like puppets. He looked toward them, and one of the girls glared at him with contempt, then looked at the others - and it seemed she was their leader - and said:
"How does His Majesty allow a commoner to exist as a private knight ..."
"Look at how he is dressed, does he not know he is at a royal ball .."
"Perhaps he bought his clothes from a second-hand dealer ..."
Miral returned to the center of the event when she spoke about Bryan. The girls were talking mockingly about him, which shook Bryan's pride, but he remained calm because he had to finish his mission to the end; for this reason, the Emperor kept him by his side..
Ariana looked at the girls, then at Bryan, who seemed to be restraining himself but remained silent...
'It's good that I saw someone I know'
"Is what Miss Pons means by 'commoner' Lord Carus?!"
Miral glanced at him, then looked at Ariana and said:
"Yes, don't you think His Majesty pities him?!"
"I didn't think His Majesty fails to use his mind in judging ... weak and emotional!"
"You are insulting His Majesty .."
Miral and the girls grew angry at Ariana's response, but Ariana pointed at Miral and the girls..
"You are the ones who said that, he pities him, why does he place him ... Are you wiser than His Majesty?!"
"Why are you throwing the matter back at us?!.."
"I am not throwing anything, but I trust His Majesty's judgment in choosing those around him, and I believe Sir Carus is suitable for his position, and I think he is better than some nobles .."
"..."
"By the way, I heard that His Majesty is the one who chose Sir Carus's clothes ... It would be a problem if His Majesty found out about this ... our Emperor being this stingy .."
The girls' faces turned pale with fear, and despite Ariana's kind and smiling face, her words were piercing like a knife..
"No please, this is blasphemy ..."
"Our families will be finished if this talk reaches His Majesty .."
"I will not speak, why the fear?!"
The girls breathed a sigh of relief and looked at Ariana as a savior, while at the same time, fear gripped them; they thought she was not an ordinary woman and should not be trifled with or spoken to carelessly..
Bryan was surprised by her way of moving people; in fact, he admired her style...
* * *
Being with them was exhausting; I do not like anyone I know and respect to be hurt, and Bryan is a good person. I excused myself and left, and it seemed my departure made them less gloomy...
'They will wish they never see me again ... anyway, I don't care ...'
I had to go to Bryan so he could deliver what I wanted to Raphael. I sighed for the thousandth time internally, and before I reached him...
"Miss Silas ... I apologize for not greeting the young lady properly ... "
"..Ah...."
"Conal Lorenz greets the young lady Silas"
"Greetings, sir ..."
I was trying to leave but was surprised by a number of young nobles greeting me. I returned the greeting and spoke with them very briefly, trying to escape. The most persistent among them was Conal Lorenz...
'What a predicament, I want to leave without causing a problem ..'
"My lady, I have been looking for you ..."
It was a familiar voice. I looked at him with gratitude, 'Bryan', so I tried to play along and said:
"Where were you, Sir Carus?!"
The young nobles looked at Bryan inquiringly, but he was calm and answered:
"I will guide you to the Silas family private lounge as you requested ..."
"Thank you ..."
"I apologize, gentlemen, my health is weak, so I must rest until the banquet begins ..."
I excused myself and followed Bryan. He came at the right time. I looked at him gratefully and smiled:
"Thank you, Bryan ..."
"Pleased to meet you, my lady .."
I moved behind him quietly until I reached the lounge. Before he left, I looked around and gave him the small box:
"Give this to His Majesty and tell him that you saw me placing the flower on my hair, he will understand ... "
Bryan was puzzled but nodded yes to me. Before he left, I asked him:
"Ah, Bryan, did Silas have a dedicated lounge before .."
"No, the young master of Silas requested that from His Majesty in the last meeting. I was puzzled why His Majesty accepted the young Marquis's request, but now I understand ..."
"..."
"Usually, the Silas family does not attend celebrations much except for official ones, so the young Marquis Silas's action stems from his concern for his little sister .."
Bryan smiled as he spoke. It seems much happened when Elliott requested a lounge for me...
"Thank you"
"I follow the lady's orders"
Bryan left, and I entered the room. It was a good opportunity to rest, as I was very exhausted just from talking to those people. Socializing will be difficult..
* * *
Bryan moved smoothly to the Emperor's private lounge and requested permission to enter, which increased Raphael's confusion. When Bryan entered:
"Bryan, is there something wrong?!"
"I greet His Majesty, there is no problem .."
Bryan bowed then stood straight as he gave his report. He scanned the room, and since no one was there besides Marshall, Casper, and Baron Mir Roalf, he turned back to look at Raphael, who looked at him and then noticed the box in Bryan's hand. Before he could ask, Bryan spoke:
"The lady requested that I deliver this to His Highness and said to tell you that she is placing the flower on her hair"
Raphael received the box while looking calmly at Bryan...
"I didn't quite understand anything, but Your Majesty, she is wearing a hairpin that resembles what Your Majesty wears on his robe ... Is that what the lady means?"
Raphael looked at the box, opened it, and saw a beautiful snow star that resembled the color of Ariana's eyes and understood what she meant. He sighed, removed the flower from the robe, placed the snow star in its stead, put the flower in the box, and looked at Marshall:
"Take care of the flower and put it in a safe place ... Did you leave the lady like that without protection?"
Marshall bowed and took the box. Before he went out, he heard Bryan's apology:
"I apologize, Your Majesty, I escorted her to the Silas family's designated room to rest and came to deliver her message ..."
"Fine ... return to her .."
"Your Majesty, why don't I go instead of Bryan, I mean .."
"Casper!! ..."
Bryan looked at Casper and tried to tease him, which made Casper try harder with Raphael, who announced his total refusal and said:
"Why these persistent actions?!"
"We respect the lady, and besides, what's the harm in getting to know the future Empress and trying to win her over ..."
He finished his words in a mischievous and playful manner, which was one of Casper's habits, making Raphael laugh at his foolish behavior and said:
"You are conspicuous, and that might cause her life to be in danger ... Do you wish for that?"
Casper opened his eyes, felt guilty, and said quietly:
"I will not act recklessly again .."
Raphael turned his gaze back to Bryan and said:
"Return to the lady and make sure to protect her without drawing attention. Mir, you as well, be there and make sure no one suspects anything ..."
"We follow orders .."
They bowed and quickly left the Emperor's room. Raphael looked at the slightly disappointed Casper and smiled at him encouragingly:
"The future Empress will be happy with the loyalty of her knights ..."
Casper's morale rose from Raphael's words, and his bright face returned as usual.
* * *
'Silas, wearing a hairpin with the same .....'
CRASH !!!
"Are you okay?!"
He rubbed his head and tried to stand up, but the soft voice spoke again..
"Sir, are you okay?! Are you hurt anywhere?!"
He processed the soft and beautiful voice asking him and said before raising his head and ensuring nothing had fallen..
"I am fine .."
Before he finished his words, he saw the face of the girl with hazel hair and sky-blue eyes who was wearing the hairpin on her head, and he bowed deeply:
"Marshall Ronda truly apologizes to the lady .."
Ariana was puzzled by his behavior and said with a kind smile and apology:
"You are the one who fell, not I. I should be the one apologizing ..."
"No, my lady, I am to blame ... I am sorry .."
Ariana laughed deeply and said:
"Sir, I do not like to exaggerate the matter, but please stop apologizing ... it is confusing .."
Marshall stood straight and looked at Ariana, who was smiling with a kind and beautiful face, looking at him with a calm gaze free from mockery, contempt, or even pity. It was a completely clear gaze.. He was wearing servants' clothes, and surely if it were any other noble, they would have looked with disdain or contempt for him acting foolishly..
"Sir, you did nothing wrong; it was just a small accident .."
Marshall smiled at Ariana's kind reaction and bowed elegantly:
"Marshall Ronda, His Majesty the Emperor's private servant, greets the young lady Silas .."
Ariana was surprised and said:
"How do you know me?! I mean, did His Majesty tell you?! .."
"In fact, I heard about the lady but I did not know your face. I recognized the pin .."
'He almost exposed us if he continued wearing it ..'
"Did Raph change the pin ... I mean .."
Ariana became flustered because she made a mistake by pronouncing the pet name for Raphael, but Marshall did not show any annoyance; instead, he smiled kindly:
"His Majesty gives great importance to the lady's words, so as soon as the lady gave the alternative, he changed it .."
Ariana sighed with relief and thanked Marshall and returned to the hall while thinking:
'Did Raph tell him about me?! I mean, what did he tell him about me?! .. Why didn't I ask?!... I am acting foolishly ..'
"There you are, sister. Where were you?"
The sound of Elliott's voice, who approached her, cut off her train of thought. She returned to her cheerful face and received him kindly..
"Brother, I wandered a bit and spoke with some here and there, and then I went to rest for a while after that .."
"The important thing is that my sister is fine .."
Ariana smiled with genuine kindness at her brother and returned to standing with him..
"Duke Philip Silviano and Baron Elena Brion"
Everyone's eyes were on the duo that entered. Duke Philip, very well known among the nobles, was stunning with his golden hair and emerald green eyes in his elegant clothes: a light green shirt, a white tie, dark brown trousers, and a white cloak decorated with drawings of green leaves and golden flowers. Elena was beautiful and dazzling with her platinum hair and bright pink eyes. It was the first time they saw her in a dress far from the usual knights' clothing—an elegant and luxurious dress in pink, decorated with flowers and green leaves. Despite the difference in colors, it was clear to everyone that the clothes were made for a couple. It was something everyone tried not to believe, even Elliott. He looked at his sister and was shocked by her bright and happy face, and before he spoke:
"Don't they look wonderful together ... they are very suitable for each other"
Elliott did not think like this when he saw the Duke and the captain of his knights. He often saw them together even when Elena attended parties with him, she usually wore her knight's uniform. But today was something different, as if it were...
'An announcement of a relationship ..'
Elliott tried not to pass judgment because it was a behavior he disliked, and he looked at his sister, who seemed excited to see them; in fact, she seemed very happy. He approached her quietly and whispered to her:
"Sister, you might hear many annoying words .. I mean .."
"Brother, I am fine. I love seeing people happy, and it seems the Duke has found his happiness, and I will be among those who encourage this relationship ..."
Elliott was unable to speak and looked at the duo receiving conversation. It was clear that Elena was embarrassed; the annoyed nobles did not hide their looks despite their fake smiles. He was surprised by the Duke and the Baron approaching him, and before he could act, Ariana bowed to the Duke when he approached them..
"Ariana Silas greets the Duke and Miss Brion .."
Elliott realized and gave his greeting. Before he could speak, Ariana's expression brightened, and she looked at the Duke with a meaningful gaze. The Duke coughed and looked at the embarrassed Elena, and before he knew it, Ariana spoke:
"Miss Brion, I have heard many stories about you being very strong, but I did not imagine you would be very beautiful as well .."
Elena felt embarrassed and spoke kindly to match Ariana's gentle style..
"I thank the young lady ..."
"It's okay, I didn't say anything new about the lady ... uh.."
Music ♪♪♪
"His Royal Highness the Emperor of the Great Cassian Empire, the Sun of Cassian, Emperor Raphael de Cassian .."
The welcoming music for the Emperor resonated, and eyes automatically turned toward the stairs, upon which appeared the majestic presence of that very handsome young man, full of pride and dignity. His silver-white clothes were proof of Cassian's pride, but unusually, a pin was attached to his chest: the snow star. Not because it was rare, but the distinctive color was clear to see. The royal traditions of Cassian required wearing white and silver clothes without colored accessories in official celebrations of the imperial family. It had been a strict law for centuries and proof of their sacred affiliation, but Raphael broke this rule and placed a colored accessory. What caught the attendees' attention was that the Emperor not only chose an additional color for the flowers but also for his clothes; it was something interesting..
The whispers were intense but stopped when Raphael ascended his throne and held the King's scepter—something he hadn't done since taking the throne—and looked at all the attendees..
"I am happy for my people's presence to celebrate with me .."
Even though he was looking at everyone, his mind and heart were directed toward Ariana, and she, in turn, was expectant and excited to see him, and she was also enchanted by him..
The nobles stepped forward according to their status, of course, after they were called to present their greetings to the Emperor. The chamberlain began calling, feeling puzzled and hesitant, but he finally opened his mouth:
"Duke Philip Silvano and his companion ... Baron Elena Brion .."
...... To be continued ......