Chapter 12
Because There Is No Turning Back (1)
On this day, most of the nobles of the Diasta Empire head toward the Imperial Palace. The current Emperor—whose self-love was as vast as the sea—holds an imperial banquet to receive blessings on his birthday.
Unless one is on the brink of death, even if gravely ill, one must rise from one’s sickbed and attend. Otherwise, one risks falling out of favor with the narrow-minded Emperor and suffering long-term consequences.
“Back then, Count Jeril failed to attend because of his wife’s sudden passing. He was attending her funeral, yet still incurred the Emperor’s wrath. After that, he couldn’t even maintain his position, let alone advance in politics.”
The Emperor was that petty.
And that wasn’t all—gifts were required as well.
But just anything wouldn’t do. One had to present something expensive, rare, or deeply meaningful, accompanied by elaborate explanations designed to please the Emperor. For lower-ranking noble houses, it was also a rare opportunity to gain imperial favor.
Thus, people competed fiercely to obtain more expensive, higher-quality gifts for the Emperor’s birthday banquet. Lavish food and dazzling displays were all part of it. In short, it was the pinnacle of extravagance.
Of course, House Hardiness also attended every year.
“What a tiresome man. Truly a magnificent Emperor, indeed.”
Veronica clicked her tongue as she watched carriages enter the Imperial Palace gates one after another. The thought of the Emperor smiling greedily while receiving gifts worth a fortune made her feel disgusted. Though, in truth, she was in no different a position than the rest of them.
She turned her head and saw her father, Harry, looking slightly tense.
He had been worrying for months about what gift to present to the Emperor. A man far removed from luxury and indulgence, such occasions must be burdensome for him. Every year, he opted for quality over quantity—carefully selecting rare gifts imbued with meaning.
Of course, no matter their sincerity, it likely meant nothing to the Emperor.
“Don’t worry, Father. You always carefully choose the Emperor’s gift. I’m sure His Majesty will understand your sincerity.”
It wasn’t a lie. Whatever gift her father had prepared, even if he had bought something from a street vendor, the Emperor would likely be pleased anyway. The greatest “gift” he had received recently was Veronica’s engagement to Cassian. Beyond that, he was probably calculating the benefits of their eventual marriage with great anticipation.
“Still…”
Her father smiled gratefully, unaware of her true thoughts.
The Emperor’s birthday banquet was held in the largest ballroom of the main palace. Inside the palace, a procession of nobles moved toward it. Since nearly all nobles attended, the crowd was immense.
Until a few years ago, many invited guests couldn’t even enter due to limited capacity. But the Emperor did not care for excuses—one had to attend and be seen.
Even the timing of attendance became a matter of political calculation. Because many tried to attend on the first day to catch the Emperor’s attention first, accidents frequently occurred. Eventually, the imperial court divided invitations by date to distribute attendance. Thanks to that, most could now attend without issue.
At the ballroom entrance, attendants checked invitations and recorded guest names. Verified nobles entered in order. Veronica and Harry also registered and waited before entering.
The first impression upon entering was always the same: it was an overwhelmingly lavish space.
The ballroom was drenched in gold, as if it were the very center of luxury and indulgence. A line had formed again at the stairs inside. It was a crowd facing the Emperor and Empress seated at the top. Princes and princesses stood beside them—but what drew the most attention were the countless extravagant gifts.
Even after entering, the waiting continued.
After patiently waiting their turn, Harry and Veronica finally reached the foot of the stairs.
“We greet the great Emperor.”
“Oh! House Hardiness has arrived!”
The Emperor beamed widely, his smile stretching ear to ear as he greeted them. The reason he referred to them as “ours” was obvious—people around them began murmuring at his words.
Harry handed over the prepared gift: a pen and ink made from beautifully colored feathers, along with expensive imported fabric. He also explained in detail why he had chosen such gifts. It was clear how much thought he had put into it, despite being a man not well-versed in such matters.
As Veronica had expected, however, the Emperor paid little attention to the gift itself.
He was far more delighted by their presence than anything they had brought.
No matter what Harry said, the Emperor reacted more exaggeratedly than usual, openly grinning without restraint. Watching this, Veronica nearly scoffed—but quickly composed her expression.
Standing straight, she briefly glanced toward Cassian. He stood somewhere in the middle on the Emperor’s left side. His expression was rigid, eyes lowered, not once looking their way.
But the Emperor’s attention was entirely on her.
“Veronica.”
“May the glory of the sun and peace be upon Your Majesty. Veronica of House Hardiness greets you.”
“Haha, no need for formalities between us. The last time I saw you was at your engagement ceremony, wasn’t it? You’ve grown even more beautiful since then. Duke Harry must be proud.”
“She still has much to learn.”
“Nonsense! She will become a truly splendid woman! I hear the young lady of House Hardiness is impeccable in etiquette—even the palace speaks of it. To think my fifth son will have such a bride is a blessing!”
They weren’t even married yet, but he already treated them like a couple.
“Cassian, what do you think? Isn’t she far too good for you?”
At the Emperor’s direct question, Cassian reluctantly lifted his gaze toward Veronica as if sighing. Dressed in formal military attire, he looked as radiant as he had at the engagement ceremony—but his expression remained cold.
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Even such a formal answer made the Emperor laugh loudly and without dignity. He was the only one laughing. Cassian’s brow furrowed slightly, and the Crown Prince, other princes, and even the Empress remained silent.
Harry felt uneasy, as if his daughter had once again become the subject of unwanted attention.
“Too kind, Your Majesty.”
Veronica only found the situation amusing. She glanced briefly toward Cassian, then lowered her head.
“I look forward to tonight’s banquet.”
After the audience ended, Harry remained silent for a while. Veronica observed him; it was understandable that his expression looked poor.
“I’m fine, Father. Please don’t worry.”
“But…”
“I really am fine.”
At this point, there was no turning back. From the beginning, the engagement had been Veronica’s own wish, so the burden and pressure were hers to bear.
Moreover, this was exactly the outcome she had wanted.
“Lady Hardiness.”
A young woman who appeared to be around Veronica’s age called out to her from a distance. Harry gently nudged Veronica forward.
“Your friends are calling you. Go on.”
“I’ll… be back shortly.”
“Take your time. I’ll be fine.”
After reassuring her father, Veronica turned and walked toward the group. As she approached, the woman immediately linked arms with her in an overly familiar manner.
“It’s been so long! Haven’t you been too busy lately?”
“….”
“You’re so cold. You didn’t even ask how I’ve been.”
When Veronica silently stared at her, the woman grew slightly flustered and suddenly pulled something out—a letter.
“Lady Hardiness, this is the invitation to the salon you always said you wanted to attend. Do you know how exclusive this is? Only truly refined people are allowed in. I barely managed to get it for you.”
But Veronica did not take it.
The woman blinked in confusion.
“You’re not taking it?”
“No.”
“Huh? Why not?”
“Because I don’t need it. And, Lady Are.”
Veronica shifted her gaze from the letter to the woman—Lady Are.
“I also have something to say.”
“What is it?”
“I’d prefer it if you stopped talking to me so casually from now on.”
Veronica studied her expression as she became visibly flustered.
“And don’t pretend to be close when we’re not.”
The woman standing before her was someone Veronica had once believed to be a friend.
She had been her first friend after Veronica’s awkward debut in high society—someone who approached her when she struggled to fit in. Veronica had formed a group with her, sharing interests and hobbies.
But when her father was taken away and the mansion placed under surveillance, Veronica had first sought her help. When she could not reach her, she had even sneaked out to meet her.
When she suddenly appeared, disheveled and desperate, the woman had looked troubled—then carefully calmed her and sent others away. Once they were alone, she had looked Veronica over with a frown.
“Lady Hardiness, what are you doing acting so recklessly? If rumors spread that I’m close to House Hardiness right now, do you know what would happen to me?”
“I-I’m sorry… I just needed help. Lady Are, please help me. This is all a misunderstanding! I can explain!”
“And what do you expect me to do about it? Why did you even come to me?”
“Lady Are…”
“Sigh. Please, get a grip. You should know when to stop. Don’t you understand your place?”
“….”
“You think I was friends with you because I liked you? I associated with you because of your family. It wasn’t a bad opportunity. Do you really not know how much people talk behind your back?”
“….”
“Everyone was just humoring you. Now that your family has fallen, who would associate with someone like you? You’re arrogant and greedy.”
She had then coldly shoved Veronica away, warning her never to return. That was the end. Veronica had tried again, only to be refused entry—and even chased away.
“I know you actually dislike me. You used me to benefit yourself while acting friendly on the surface, all while gossiping about my flaws behind my back. You spread rumors about me, then pretended to comfort me when I was upset—just so you could gain something in return.”
“L-Lady Hardiness…”
“Did you say you brought this for me?”
Veronica took the letter from her hand.
Then she let it fall to the ground.
“But what should I do?”
The letter crumpled beneath her foot.
“I don’t need it anymore.”
