A few days after returning from the forest, we looked through the invitations Orca had sorted, checking for events worth attending. Most were hosted by nobles of the Second Prince's faction or neutral nobles who were friendly towards Theo.
"It would be good to attend Countess Lionel's debutante ball. She is the head of the neutral faction, and a shrewd woman who will certainly repay Your Highness in some way if you honor the occasion with your presence."
"I suppose so."
"Count Elmore's exhibition isn't bad either."
Wasn't Count Elmore a leading figure in the First Prince's faction? I tilted my head, puzzled, and Orca added an explanation.
"He's Duke Raymond's right-hand man and a figure who procures illegal funds, but attending the exhibition itself isn't a big deal. He often holds exhibitions under the guise of supporting new artists for money laundering and tax evasion, but cultural activities are a common hobby among nobles, and his eye isn't too bad. People often attend his exhibitions, whether they're paintings or sculptures, regardless of their political affiliations. Besides, there was the First Prince's birthday banquet not long ago, so there aren't many events to attend."
The larger the banquet, the more nobles spend. Except for some wealthy high-ranking nobles, most nobles find it quite burdensome just to attend banquets, given their habit of never wearing the same dress and jewelry twice.
So, it was natural that there were fewer special events or banquets before and after big events.
"I'll attend the exhibition first, and since there's some time before the debutante ball, I'll call my exclusive designer to have a formal dress made."
"Yes, the next place to attend would be Viscount Sein's business presentation, but… it would be better to see how things go after the debutante ball."
While Theo and Orca were talking, my heart was pounding strangely, so I put my hand over my chest. It wasn't just a feeling; I could clearly feel the pulse in my palm.
Was it because Count Elmore was in the First Prince's faction? Why am I so uneasy? I tried to calm myself, thinking it was just unnecessary worry, but nothing changed. Noticing my strange behavior, Theo asked if I was sick, but I forced a smile and shook my head. Okay, let's not overreact.
"Shuian, you have to tell me right away if you feel even a little sick."
"Yeah, don't worry."
To divert Theo's attention, who still looked worried despite my reassurances, I asked Orca a question.
"Orca, what are people's reactions like?"
"Not bad. Most people seem to think the Second Prince is head over heels for a handsome man, but some seem to think the homosexual relationship is just a smokescreen."
"How did they see my face when I'm wearing a hood?"
"You didn't keep it on the whole time, and everyone is very interested in the man the Prince is infatuated with, so they were all trying to get even a glimpse of your face. Besides, there must have been rumors leaking from the servants."
"But are you sure that rumor is really okay? If it turns out I'm a Divine Beast, won't it eventually turn into a rumor that the Prince is in love with a Divine Beast?"
Orca glanced at Theo. Wait, did Theo say it was okay? I turned my head sharply to Theo, who looked like he realized he'd messed up, as if he hadn't expected me to think that far.
"Well… a romance with a Divine Beast would be quite unique."
"Are you really okay with it?"
"The title of 'Prince loved by a Divine Beast' will be quite helpful to Your Highness."
That "love" seems a bit different from the "love" I'm talking about? Just as I was about to ask more, Orca hurriedly collected the invitations and jumped up from his seat.
"Come to think of it, I have something urgent to do…. I'll excuse myself first."
"No, wait a minute."
"Your Highness will answer your next question. Then, goodbye."
I was speechless at his obvious attempt to escape, and as I watched him go, Theo cleared his throat awkwardly. What is this? Is this some kind of hilarious hidden camera prank?
"Theo, are you really okay with it?"
"Of course, I am."
"But…."
If it was revealed that I was a Divine Beast, it was still unknown how the rumor that Theo was homosexual would change. It could end with it being just a smokescreen, or there could be a rumor that he was actually in a relationship with a Divine Beast. Okay, let's say that's possible.
But that's not true, and eventually, Theo will have a consort. It's a problem how the rumor that he's in a relationship with me might cause an upset in the Crown Prince selection, but the aftermath is an even bigger problem.
Above all, I really didn't want to be seen as someone who was discarded after being used when Theo safely became the Crown Prince and then the Emperor and officially took a consort.
"What happens later when Theo has a consort?"
"What?"
"If there's a rumor that Theo and I are lovers, later when Theo becomes the Crown Prince or Emperor…."
"No, wait. A consort?"
"Well, the Crown Prince or Emperor will naturally marry and have heirs…."
The more I spoke, the deeper the wrinkles on his forehead became, and I felt like I was doing something terribly wrong, though I didn't know what. No, anyone would think he had a knife cut on his forehead…. How can I even talk when he looks so scary! As I hesitated, Theo sighed softly.
"Yes, I know what you mean, but there's no need to worry. Not yet."
"Why?"
"I decided to take it slow because you might get scared and run away."
"Who? What?"
Instead of answering, he pressed his lips to my forehead. It was a sign that he wouldn't answer. When Theo acted like this, he never answered no matter how much I begged, so I had no choice but to give up. I'm so frustrated that I should be born as an Emperor in my next life!
ê•¥
The theme of Count Elmore's exhibition this time was "Proof of Love," and the Count explained that he wanted to express various forms of love through art. He added that it would be better for couples or spouses to attend together, but it was clear that he was targeting Theodore.
In particular, when the fact that Theodore had sent a positive reply to Count Elmore's invitation spread, all sorts of gossips gathered, regardless of their political affiliations. On the day of the exhibition, the exhibition hall was so crowded that there was barely any room to step.
Count Elmore bustled around the exhibition hall as usual, explaining the works to the nobles and guiding those who wanted to purchase them to his office. While he was busy moving around, the Empress, Ricardo, and Ariel entered together. Ricardo was adding various explanations to Ariel, who was looking around with a constantly amazed expression.
"Your Majesty!"
The Count, who discovered the Empress, stopped everything he was doing and greeted her with a delighted expression. He also gave kind greetings to Ricardo and Ariel, looking almost innocent for someone who did dirty work.
"How did you manage to come all the way here?"
"Who can match the Count's insight in art? I had to visit to show something precious to the Saintess."
"Oh, if you had just told me, I would have picked out a good piece and visited you."
"I shouldn't bother the busy Count with such a small matter. I'm happy to be out for a long time, so don't worry too much."
"I'm glad to hear that."
While exchanging words with the Count, the Empress subtly pushed Ricardo and Ariel away. She winked and playfully raised the corners of her lips, and the two looked away shyly, but soon nodded and left together.
After confirming that the two had moved some distance away, the Empress asked.
"The preparations are going well, right?"
"Of course. As always, Your Majesty will not be disappointed."
Only then did the Empress nod with a satisfied expression at the Count's confident words. The Count cautiously asked, watching her mood for a moment.
"Your Majesty… if this goes well… my daughter…."
"Count, of course. Have I ever disappointed the Count?"
The Empress said firmly, as if telling him not to worry, and gently patted the Count's shoulder.
"The Count will now be the Duke's father-in-law. There's a bit of an age difference, but the Count knows best that my brother is a gentleman, right?"
"Your Majesty, how can you say such a thing! How can a mere age difference be a problem!"
As the Count's mouth widened, the Empress, who turned her head as if looking around for a moment and hid her trembling lips with disgust, smiled again.
"Although she's still young, the Count's second daughter is also quite lovely."
"Does that mean…."
"One never knows what might happen… If the Count and our relationship deepens further, the Count might become the father-in-law of my Prince, or even the Emperor."
He, as her closest aide, knew that the Empress had already branded Ariel as Ricardo's partner. It wasn't absolute, so it could change at any time, but at least the position she was talking about now was closer to a concubine or mistress after Ricardo became Emperor. But the Count thought even that wasn't bad.
He hurriedly left to confirm the situation again, so as not to ruin today's events. Only after confirming that he had disappeared did the Empress take out a handkerchief, wipe her hands, and give it to the maid who was standing behind her.
She wiped it once, but the unpleasant feeling didn't go away, so she clicked her tongue briefly and looked around.
The people she had been waiting for finally appeared in the Empress's narrowed vision. Theodore, who looked like he had taken extra care to dress up, and a man next to him wearing a deeply hooded cloak.
As soon as she saw the two, she shook off the rising revulsion with a sneer. Yes, I'll see today what kind of trick you're playing, even to the point of pretending to be a ridiculous homosexual.
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