The First Prince and his wife were dancing to the tune on the floor.
Due to numerous foreign affairs, including wars of conquest, the First Prince Cesare did not attend his father's birthday more than the year he attended.
Even he, who always showed his face and often left, is now dancing in the grand ballroom.
Even when countless young girls managed to muster up the courage to ask for a dance, the one who ruthlessly shattered their courage with a single arrogant and cold gaze.
Seeing Prince holding his wife's small hand and playing with his feet smoothly, people were surprised to realize for the first time that he could have the face of an "ordinary lover" like this.
The hem of the mauve dress fluttered over the cream-colored floor.
His firm lower body and black shoes supported her movement with stability.
The couple worked flawlessly.
Even those watching thought that no matter what the young couple's personality was, they could at least deny that their appearance was breathtakingly compatible.
After the dance, Cesare brought a clear sparkling drink to his mouth before the maid who had sat down with his wife, and took the unwieldy lace cape.
'Hah, since when has he been so devoted?'
The Emperor frowned.
The appearance of the First Prince listening and paying attention only to his wife was pitiful.
And the 1st Princess who accepts it casually.
"Hey, poke me in the eye now. Is it foggy because I'm old? The 1st Prince is like that..."
"They say that when you fall in love, you become a different person... I never dreamed that the 1st Prince would spare his wife like that."
People were shocked to see the arrogant 1st Prince showing his wife's caregiver without any hesitation.
As a result, the fact that the 1st Princess was sitting on the same table as the Empresses did not cause much resonance.
The Western Empress's eyes became even colder.
In the eyes of the Katzen people, it is not a good thing for the cruel and murderous First Prince to be seen as someone who cares about his wife.
He achieved the upper hand in the imperial battle by his achievements and force over his brothers.
However, the obedience gained by the sword and fear is only temporary.
Prince Cesare failed to win the hearts of the Katzens. And the one who dug into the gap was her son, Juan.
"The throne that has lost the people's trust is bound to be overturned at any time. So our Juan has a chance."
But now, the First Princess was trying to make up for her husband's weaknesses one by one.
And most crucially
'Behind that sissy is Valdina.'
If Cesare pushes his path to the throne until the New Empire, her son's position will be in jeopardy.
There was a lot of hostility in Western Empress's eyes towards Medea.
'Do you think your husband is different? As long as the blood of the despicable Emperor flows through his body, it is the same.'
The Western Empress sneered inwardly.
Even the affection they have now will only be maintained until they sit on the throne.
No, his father had already taken off that mask before he ascended the throne, so Cesare, that wicked bastard, might be faster.
"I don't know you're trying to increase your husband's power, and you're foolish."
What is the use of being good at hand-to-hand fighting?
In the end, the 1st Princess, like the Eastern Empress, was intoxicated by the outer shell affection given by the man and was a clumsy fool who could not see the real face that could be overturned at any time in front of power.
In any case, the same evil as Cesare will also be stripped away today.
"No matter how helpful Valdina's back is. It won't stop the crisis of being the main enemy in this country right now."
Even because of his status as the First Prince, he would not be able to ignore his wife's knight, who leaked information to another country.
Western Empress squinted.
Noticing the owner's gaze, Bridget nodded slightly.
It meant that it went smoothly.
"Why?"
On the other hand, Cesare asked as if he could only feel his wife's gaze among the many gazes.
"Do you feel the bite coming?"
Whether it was because the banquet hall's attention was taken away or because of today's finale they had 'prepared', the eyes of the Western Empress also occasionally passed by the couple.
"Juan is not yet, but his mother has swallowed it."
The fishing line that pierced the gills was slowly tightening.
The smile in his golden eyes deepened.
"..."
Only Medea could notice that this man, who was even more beautiful under the light of the chandelier, was now standing strangely.
The more his languid smile, like a portrait, deepened, the more she couldn't guess his feelings.
How many times does she have to overcome the stiff blades hidden under this dazzlingly gorgeous banquet hall to pretend to be so happy?
In any case, this is the place where everything about her is observed.
Medea quietly touches his pinky under the table.
She just wanted to tell him that, from now on, at least he is not fighting alone.
"...My wife is also kind."
Sensing the faint touch, Cesare's fingers gently brushed the back of her hand.
***
The grand banquet hall, the seat of Emperor Perdiccas.
"Your Majesty, please keep your mouth shut."
With a faint smile, the Eastern Empress, who was wiping the corners of her mouth, stood up beside the Emperor.
She knew better than anyone what he enjoyed.
With her elegant hands, she selected only the foods that suited the Emperor's taste and placed them finely on a silver tray.
"After all, you're the only one who thinks about your luggage. Attendant, send the chest of black pearls that the Principality of Ribea offered to me to the Eastern Palace."
It's just that pearls are precious, but to give a whole chest filled with black pearls as a gift. The envious eyes of the noblewomen turned to the Eastern Empress.
"It's a gift to celebrate Your Majesty's honorable birthday, how could I have it casually?"
Repeatedly giving gifts to the Eastern Empress, who shook her head, Perdiccas II praised her for dressing up brightly today.
However, he also said for a moment.
"Father! Did you enjoy the performance I prepared for you?"
Soon, the play prepared by Western Empress and the Third Prince unfolded, and the presence of the Eastern Empress, who had been in the spotlight, was pushed away.
"This is the best gift. Juan, you made me very happy."
Perdiccas II was so moved that he went up to the stage and held his son's hand.
A short play that was staged a while ago was about an unknown hero who bravely defeats his enemy and finally becomes Emperor.
The play ended amid tension and cheers, and in the final scene, when the protagonist on the throne took off his golden mask, people were shocked.
It was because the one who gave such a perfect performance that there was no doubt that he was an actor was the Third Prince Juan.
"Even if I can only reach the footsteps of the Emperor, it will be a successful life. Even that requires me to put in my own talents and efforts, and it is not comparable to the Emperor who was chosen from birth."
The play was an adaptation of only the most sparkling parts of Perdiccas II's life.
Looking at the Third Prince, who was so passionate that sweat dripped through his golden armor and mask, the Emperor was overwhelmed with excitement at his son's performance.
The Emperor's face, recalled with joy, was like a ripe carrot.
"Yellow and stiff... Which is worse, a yellow clown or a published clown?"
Ersaan looked at the rich man and muttered to himself.
"You should wear a blue mask here."
There is no such thing, but what should I do?
Contrary to his sad tone, his voice did not contain any misery of being ostracized by his father or a sense of crisis about the Third Prince.
In the noise of the banquet hall, only Medea heard his words.
She had to bite her lip so that she wouldn't let out laughter.
In any case, the hat of the Third Prince, which satisfied the desire for recognition that Perdiccas II was thirsty for more than numerous gifts, received the most praise today.
Riding on the afterglow, Eastern Empress naturally shed a word.
"If Angelique had been there, he would surely have given His Majesty joy. It's just a pity."
Her words were soft, and her eyebrows were filled with sadness.
"That child's disposition is as pure as it should have been to please His Majesty as much as Juan."
"..."
At that moment, a smile was wiped off Perdiccas II's face.
He was bitten back to his body. As if he unconsciously widens the distance between Western Empress and Angelique's mother.
"Ha, if I had fun twice, this empire would have been torn apart!"
It was a chilling blow that broke even the melody that flowed calmly through the banquet hall.
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