Chapter 6

The victory banquet began as evening slowly descended, when the sunlight dimmed and the palace lamps were lit one by one.

The grand hall was filled with nobles and distinguished guests even certain members of the public had been granted permission to attend and celebrate the great triumph.

Recently, Killian Lunnart had returned once again with victory over the Kingdom of Archeon, bringing it under the rule of the Magnor Empire.

For the umpteenth time, his name was being praised and exalted. New lands rich in iron ore were now under Magnor’s control, further strengthening an already powerful empire.

Tonight belonged to him and everyone had come to celebrate it.

Inside her chamber, Roxanne stood before the mirror.

She was ready.

The green gown she wore draped elegantly, following the curves of her body with perfection. Its color matched the emerald adorning her neck glimmering softly under the candlelight.

She looked beautiful. Roxanne remained still, staring at her own reflection.

She did not know… if this would be enough. Even yesterday, when they stood face to face, Killian had not truly looked at her. And Leon’s words from that morning still echoed in her mind.

Roxanne exhaled slowly.

“Impossible…” she murmured under her breath.

A man like Killian who lived on the battlefield, surrounded by blood and death could not possibly have no need for a woman as an escape.

He simply… had not found something that interested him yet.

And tonight Roxanne shifted her gaze away from the mirror. She would make sure she was interesting enough.

The door opened, and she stepped out of her chamber. In the corridor, someone was already waiting for her.

Rion.

The young prince smiled brightly upon seeing her, then extended his hand.

“It seems I’m late in escorting my sister,” he said lightly.

Roxanne smiled faintly. “It’s alright.”

Rion let out a soft laugh, then said, “Come, Father is waiting.”

Roxanne looked at her brother for a moment before accepting his hand. Rion had always been like this, cheerful, easygoing, as if he carried no burdens.

But Roxanne knew.

Behind that smile, he was just a child longing for attention. A boy who never truly wanted the throne that would one day fall into his hands.

And the world… did not care about his wishes. Many still opposed his position, especially those from his mother’s side.

Grand Duke Velmor.

One of the three founding families of the empire. A name powerful enough to shake the balance of authority.

Roxanne took a slow breath, then walked beside Rion toward the emperor.

The moment he saw her, the emperor frowned.

His gaze swept from her head down to the gown she wore.

“Why are you dressed like this?” he asked coldly.

Roxanne glanced at herself briefly, then lifted her gaze again.

“My apologies, Father,” she replied calmly. “Is there something wrong?”

The emperor seemed about to say something, his gaze still fixed on Roxanne. But before he could speak, Leon stepped in.

“Father, everyone is waiting.”

His tone was calm, yet enough to shift the moment. The emperor fell silent for a second, then chose not to continue.

Roxanne briefly met Leon’s eyes. As always, he gave her that faint, unreadable smile.

She didn’t return it.

She simply lowered her head slightly and stepped forward, following the emperor.

They walked in proper formation. The emperor and empress led the way. Roxanne followed behind with Rion, while Leon and Liora walked behind them.

Their footsteps echoed softly through the long corridor.

Rion glanced at Roxanne and whispered, “Sis, don’t be nervous. You look really beautiful tonight.”

Roxanne smiled faintly. “You’re just saying that.”

Rion chuckled, then added quietly, “I hope grandfather doesn’t come.”

Roxanne was about to respond, but the announcer’s voice echoed first.

“Their Majesties the Emperor and Empress, along with the princes and princess, are entering the banquet hall!”

The grand doors opened.

Bright light poured in, followed by applause from the guests filling the hall.

Roxanne walked down the steps beside Rion. A soft, practiced smile rested on her lips as her gaze swept across the grand room.

Crystal chandeliers sparkled above, casting light across every corner. Nobles stood in their finest attire, bowing as the imperial family entered.

When they reached the floor, the emperor stepped forward.

“The victory banquet begins,” he called. “Honor to Killian Lunnart who brought victory.”

Applause filled the hall again.

But Roxanne didn’t notice because her gaze had stopped. Among the crowd she saw him.

Killian Lunnart.

He stood not far away, tall and composed. And for the first time that night, his eyes were fixed directly on her.

Roxanne went still. Her heart began to beat faster, though her face remained calm.

Why… was he looking at her?

Without realizing it, she quickly looked away. Her hand tightened slightly around Rion’s arm.

“What’s wrong?” Rion asked softly.

Roxanne took a breath, then whispered,

“I saw a demon.”