Chapter 6
After Grad ransacked my treasure box, I finally made up my mind.
I wasn’t going to spend the rest of my life simply suffering until I died.
If I struggled little by little, the future would inevitably begin to change.
The confusion I’d felt during the first few days after returning had finally settled.
Looking back, in my previous life, I’d been trapped in despair and had done nothing but let events carry me along.
In the end, I was framed for a crime I didn’t commit and executed.
Back then, I hadn’t had any other choice.
An eighteen-year-old illegitimate daughter with a reputation for being unruly couldn’t do anything.
But this second life, lived under the exact same circumstances, would be different.
It was like taking an exam with the answer sheet already open beside me.
Only now did I begin to feel truly confident about the future.
“Lady Hayla! Please focus. The banquet is just around the corner!”
My etiquette instructor’s sharp rebuke pulled me back to reality.
Lessons had begun today in preparation for the Imperial banquet that would be held ten days later.
Because my thoughts kept wandering, my greetings, my posture, and even my dancing were a complete disaster.
No! I can’t half-heartedly go through this and make a fool of myself. There’s a huge difference between choosing not to do something and simply not knowing how.
Remembering how awkward I’d been at the Imperial banquet in my previous life made my face burn.
I steadied myself and devoted my full attention to the lessons.
In the afternoon, I was fitted for the gown I would wear to the banquet and received instruction on proper banquet etiquette.
The harsh training continued without giving me a single moment to rest.
Whenever I tried to sneak away for even a short walk, Lady Hilderia would suddenly appear.
“Someone with such lowly origins has far more to learn than others. If you don’t want to disgrace this family, you’re nowhere near ready!”
It was almost frightening how she always seemed to know exactly where I was.
In the end, I had no choice but to give up even the briefest moments of rest.
And so…
Ten days passed as I desperately memorized every rule of noble etiquette.
The Prince’s fiancée.
That was the reason the Count’s household had forced such merciless noble training upon me.
Before I knew it…
I had become the prince’s fiancée.
They had simply exchanged documents among themselves, as though buying and selling a slave.
Somewhere along the way, history had changed.
In my previous life, there had been an actual engagement ceremony.
This time, it had been replaced by a written agreement.
Perhaps it was because I had been caught after failing to meet Grandma.
“Today, you’ll finally meet His Highness. Whether the engagement is announced publicly or not, you are still his fiancée. Don’t entertain any foolish thoughts, and be extremely careful with your behavior.”
Just before our carriage departed for the Imperial Palace, the Count warned me in a stern voice.
At first, anger welled up inside me.
But once the carriage had been moving for a while…
That anger slowly gave way to nervousness.
And an unexpected excitement.
I’ll see Prince Rohen again… And everyone else from the Imperial Family…
While I had been busy preparing for the banquet, I hadn’t had time to think about it.
Now that the moment had finally come…
My hands couldn’t stop trembling.
“This is our first meeting.”
I muttered to myself as though hypnotizing my own mind.
“We’re strangers. Don’t panic.”
Even so…
My mouth was completely dry.
“Miss! We’ve arrived. It’s time to get out.”
Receiving no response from inside, the footman knocked on the carriage door.
The capital suddenly felt incredibly small.
Before I knew it, we’d already reached the Imperial Palace banquet hall.
I stepped down from the carriage feeling like a prisoner walking toward the execution grounds.
The magnificent entrance overflowed with nobles dressed in extravagant attire.
Since I hadn’t even attended a simple tea party in my previous life…
I was incredibly tense.
I can’t stand there looking like a lost fool again.
Deliberately lifting my chin, I straightened my back.
“If possible, don’t even make eye contact with me. Don’t act like you know me. Understood?”
Before we departed, Merni had spoken those words almost like a threat while we boarded separate carriages.
True to her word…
She didn’t so much as glance at me.
Instead, she accepted the escort of the young master of House Bagdik and walked toward the entrance.
Once rude, always rude. Some people never change.
I was watching her walk away when I stepped toward the staircase.
“Milady… would you honor me by allowing me to escort you?”
“…!”
A smooth, deep voice wrapped itself around my ears.
That voice…
The man stood waiting with one knee slightly bent in a courteous bow.
“Y-You’re speaking to me?”
“Indeed, Milady.”
Without even lifting his head, he answered immediately.
“Ah… yes. Of course.”
“The honor is mine.”
I barely managed to stop myself from saying that the honor was actually mine.
Trying to appear natural, I gently placed my hand into his.
Only then did he straighten and meet my eyes.
“Oh…!”
Startled, I instinctively tried to pull my hand away.
His fingers tightened ever so slightly around mine.
“The evenings are still rather chilly. Shall we go inside first?”
“…Yes.”
No wonder that voice sounded so familiar.
I was delighted to hear that gentle baritone again.
And I was even happier to see his breathtaking face—
The kind that made strangers turn around after walking past.
Maybe he’s pretending not to know me because of where we are. Is this noble etiquette?
Without saying anything, I simply followed where he led.
The banquet hall looked exactly as I remembered.
Magnificent.
Luxurious.
Elegant.
Soft music filled the air, but no one seemed interested in listening.
The nobles were too busy chatting in small groups.
Countless maids and servants moved between them, attending to every need.
“Here.”
He accepted a tray from a servant and selected the smallest glass before offering it to me.
“Drink this. It should help you relax.”
“Thank you. But…”
“But?”
His unexpected question caught me off guard.
I had assumed he would recognize me.
Instead…
He genuinely seemed not to.
So that night only meant something to me.
If he frequents the red-light district, every woman probably looks the same to him.
Besides… with a face like that, how many women must throw themselves at him every day?
He probably assumed I was just another one.
Hmph.
A scoff escaped me before I realized it.
The man tilted his head in confusion.
“I sincerely hope I wasn’t the target of that ridicule.”
“O-Of course not! I was just wondering… may I ask your name?”
“Just call me Ron.”
He smiled gently.
“And you, Milady?”
“You can just… call me… Hera.”
I stammered awkwardly, but he merely smiled with his eyes and nodded.
He looked like one of the highest-ranking nobles present.
Since he’d offered me a nickname first…
I didn’t want to reveal my real name so honestly.
At least not before everyone learned that I was Prince Rohen’s fiancée.
Come to think of it… where is the prince?
The memories of my previous life came rushing back.
Before meeting the prince, I’d been so terrified I thought I’d go insane.
I had trembled like a mouse before a lion.
Even remembering it now made me cringe.
I quickly emptied the drink in my glass.
The sweet liquid slid smoothly down my throat.
At first it tasted wonderfully sweet…
But it left a warm burn behind.
Without thinking, I frowned slightly.
There’s alcohol in it.
That’s why he said it would calm my nerves.
“Doesn’t it suit your taste?”
“N-No! It’s delicious. I was just surprised.”
I deliberately ran my tongue across my lips.
“I’m relieved to hear that.”
Fortunately…
Speaking beautifully while hiding one’s true thoughts was simply the noble way.
It made lying almost effortless.
That charming smile of his… is probably fake too.
Though his face certainly isn’t.
It was difficult to look away from him.
To calm my racing heart, I forced myself to look around the ballroom instead.
Had our meaningless conversation looked that enjoyable?
I couldn’t shake the feeling that everyone around us was watching.
Some hid behind their fans while staring openly.
Others whispered among themselves while glancing in our direction.
“Oh! So this is where you were. I’ve been looking everywhere for you.”
Merni approached with slightly flushed cheeks, as though she’d really been searching for me.
“Why?”
She was the one who’d told me not to acknowledge her.
“Well… I was worried since this is your first banquet…”
Her gentle voice sounded as though she were speaking to me.
But her eyes never left the man beside me.
“Father and Mother asked me to look after you.”
“…?”
The man continued smiling pleasantly as he looked between us.
“Please forgive the interruption. Young Master, I don’t believe we’ve met before.”
She curtsied elegantly.
“I’m Merni Phaeden.”
“Ron.”
Just then, a servant approached and whispered into his ear.
“Your secretary requests your presence. He says it’s time.”
“I’ll be there immediately.”
He dismissed the servant before turning back to me.
“I’ll be back shortly. I hope you two enjoy your conversation.”
“Certainly. Please go ahead.”
Merni answered before I had the chance.
The gentle music suddenly swelled into a majestic fanfare.
As though rehearsed, every conversation in the hall stopped at once.
All eyes turned toward the grand staircase.
Moments later…
Empress Cleo made her elegant entrance.
Dressed in a golden gown adorned with countless jewels, her dark brown hair swept gracefully upward, she looked every bit the dignified ruler of the Empire.
The Emperor had remained bedridden for over a year and no longer attended official events.
With the appointment of the Crown Prince still delayed…
The Empire was effectively governed by the Empress.
Behind her appeared the First Prince, Beck Schnader.
Then the Second Prince, Niel Schnader.
Beck, with his slender build, glasses, and refined features, looked every bit the scholar.
Niel, broad-shouldered and powerfully built, possessed the commanding presence expected of the leader of the Imperial Knights.
And then…
According to the order of precedence…
It should have been Prince Rohen’s turn.
The music reached its climax.
Yet no one else appeared.
“Didn’t they say the Third Prince had already returned to the capital?”
“Did he go back to the border?”
“He might have decided not to attend. That’s probably why the Imperial Family calls him a troublemaker.”
“It might be better if he doesn’t come. At least he won’t ruin the atmosphere.”
Whispers spread throughout the banquet hall.
As time passed, rumors slowly transformed into accepted fact.
Unable to endure the awkward silence any longer, Beck glanced toward the entrance.
Meanwhile, Empress Cleo and Niel remained perfectly composed, faint smiles still on their faces.
Then—
Rohen strode into the hall.
Every gaze immediately fixed upon him.
Among the three princes, he was by far the tallest.
His wavy dark-brown hair alone made him stand out.
His violet eyes were deep and intense.
His sharp nose matched the overwhelming force of his presence.
The slight upward curve of one corner of his lips gave him an almost dangerously seductive appearance.
His overall impression was cold…
Yet undeniably handsome.
For some reason, he suddenly frowned.
In an instant, his expression shifted from merely cold to outright terrifying.
When Beck shot him a reproachful look…
Rohen simply arched one eyebrow and returned an even fiercer glare.
Those close enough to witness the exchange shivered.
Even after stopping, his chest continued rising and falling rapidly.
He had clearly rushed here.
The lean muscles moving beneath his clothing reminded everyone of a cheetah poised to strike.
“My goodness… look at his clothes. His shirt isn’t even fully buttoned. Did he come straight from a woman’s bed?”
“Ha… those are the eyes of someone who’s been chasing prey.”
“I expected scars all over his face… but his features look like a masterpiece carved by a sculptor.”
Gasps and murmurs spread throughout the hall.
Until today, Prince Rohen had existed only as rumor.
Almost no one had actually seen him.
Naturally…
Hardly anyone even knew what he looked like.
That was why the greatest attraction of this Imperial banquet had been one question:
Would the mysterious Third Prince appear?
Many nobles secretly looked forward to witnessing one of his infamous outbursts.
The aristocratic society was always hungry for fresh gossip.
And no one provided better gossip than the Empire’s “problem prince.”
His appearance alone was enough to ignite the entire ballroom.
The Empress stepped forward.
The orchestra fell silent.
So did the crowd.
“In this season when all life blossoms anew, I am delighted to stand together with the young leaders who shall guide our Empire’s future. May each of you become a brilliant light for the days ahead!”
“To the eternal Kachen Empire! We raise our glasses in honor and glory!”
The hall answered the Empress’s speech in perfect unison.
The banquet had officially begun.
The Empress and Niel descended the stairs to mingle with the nobles.
Adjusting his glasses, Beck walked over to Rohen.
“If you’ve decided to remain in the palace, the least you could do is arrive on time.”
“As you know, behaving this way is far better for my own safety.”
“So you did it on purpose? Is that seriously what you’re saying?”
Beck rubbed his forehead and sighed.
“If you don’t want to be sent back to the border, conduct yourself properly.”
He glanced around.
Far more eyes than expected were watching them.
With another sigh, he leaned slightly closer to Rohen.
“As for that… I believe my suspicions were correct. Come see me as soon as you find the opportunity.”
“…!”
Rohen merely nodded, his expression becoming even more severe.
Then…
He finally spotted the person he had been searching for ever since entering the ballroom.
Without the slightest hesitation…
He began walking straight toward them.
