The palace blazed with lights, its golden brilliance dazzling to the eye.
Crimson silk curtains hung from midair, slowly cascading down to the palace floor, and through the dome above, the night sky could be seen.
Inside, the sound of elegant zither music drifted softly through the air, echoing in the ears of every guest present.
The banquet tables were filled with exotic delicacies from the mountains and seas, awaiting the guests' arrival.
Nobles exchanged greetings and pleasantries, flattering one another as they raised crystal goblets filled with fine wine, quietly waiting, the star of the evening had yet to arrive.
Kefra stood beside Gwen, lifting her own glass. Her long purple hair and gown of the same hue made her appear enchantingly seductive.
She moved gracefully among the nobles and politicians, exchanging greetings with practiced ease.
Behind her, Gwen looked uncomfortable.
Her legs pressed tightly together against the hem of her skirt, her body fidgeting in clear discomfort.
Kefra turned around, immediately noticing Gwen's odd behavior. She pulled her sister to a corner and asked,
"Gwen, what's wrong with you?"
Gwen tugged at her dress, complaining uneasily, "Sis, why do I have to dress like this too…?"
Normally, Gwen wore armor at all times; even during leisure hours she still donned light protection gear.
Wearing a gown like this felt like a form of torture to her.
"And I never heard anything about having to put on makeup!"
She said this with a tone full of resentment, but Kefra only smiled slyly at her.
"All right, all right. You can't exactly wear armor to a banquet. You'll have to get used to these things sooner or later."
"But…"
Gwen pointed at her chest unhappily.
"This part's way too tight. It doesn't suit me at all."
Kefra, "…"
Though she smiled outwardly, Kefra's mood clearly wasn't very pleasant.
She reached out and pinched Gwen's cheek, her tone half teasing, half irritated.
"Who told you to have not a single dress in your wardrobe? The one you're wearing was mine."
"Feeling tight in the chest? Well, that's too bad."
Not understanding why her sister was upset, Gwen stayed quiet, letting Kefra pinch her face, like a pitiful little punching bag.
Kefra finally let go, shrugging.
"You don't even realize how beautiful you look right now, do you? The way those nobles stare at you, they're practically drooling."
If it weren't for everyone knowing that Gwen was Viktor's fiancée, some would have already tried to strike up conversation.
"I don't need anyone looking at me."
"Oh come on, what's wrong with wanting to look pretty? Maybe when Viktor sees you later, even his eyes will light up differently."
As Kefra said this, she nudged Gwen lightly.
Hearing Viktor's name, Gwen immediately flushed red, turning away and muttering, "What Viktor thinks has nothing to do with me."
Kefra knew her sister was just being stubborn and clicked her tongue, turning her head elsewhere.
At that moment, Duke Levi was mingling happily among a group of mages.
"Haha, how have you been lately, Lord Beck?"
An elderly man with snow-white hair leaned on an obsidian cane and nodded to the duke.
He stepped forward, clinking glasses with him.
"Duke Levi, it's been a long time."
"I'm an old man now, nothing much to talk about. But you, no one would believe you're already sixty."
"Ah, and where's your daughter?"
Hearing the mention of Erica, Duke Levi turned his gaze toward her.
Lord Beck followed his eyes and saw Erica gracefully conversing among the younger nobles.
He smiled and said, "I truly envy you, Duke. To have such an outstanding child."
Levi was pleased by the compliment. Though he knew it was flattery, he couldn't help but feel proud when his daughter was praised.
Erica moved through the crowd with ease, her golden hair flowing elegantly over a silver gown. She looked like a white swan crowned in gold, graceful and refined.
A young nobleman was soon drawn toward her.
He had golden hair as well, a handsome face, and wore luxurious attire.
"Lady Erica," he said, bowing. "I'm Pibor Tia, eldest son of House Tia. Would you do me the honor of a dance?"
Erica didn't shake her head, but replied politely, "I'm sorry, Lord Pibor, but I already have an engagement."
She gave a courteous nod and walked away under his disappointed gaze.
Soon after, she returned to her father's side.
Just then, a sound of doors opening made every guest fall silent.
Even the music stopped abruptly.
Everyone looked up toward the second floor of the palace.
The golden doors opened slowly, and Emperor Aubrey stepped out, beside him Aureliann in a silver-white gown.
Following them was the head of House Clavenna, Viktor Clavenna.
Behind him was his sister, Liya Clavenna.
Though Liya had attended many banquets before, never had she felt so proud as tonight.
To walk behind the Emperor himself, under the gaze of thousands, just thinking about it made her forget how to walk properly.
Her legs felt stiff, every step careful not to stumble.
After all, if she messed up now, she'd humiliate herself before the entire nobility.
Liya absolutely couldn't allow that.
She knew this honor was brought by Viktor, so she couldn't afford to shame him.
As the Emperor reached the front, many guests recognized Viktor's familiar face.
"Wait, is that Viktor?"
"What? Viktor's standing behind the Emperor!?"
"Holy crap, Viktor!?"
The moment people saw him, murmurs spread through the hall.
Everyone exchanged bewildered looks, it was unbelievable.
When Gwen and Kefra spotted Viktor, their jaws nearly dropped.
"Sis… Sister, is that Viktor?"
The wine glass in Gwen's hand trembled as she spoke.
Kefra, though surprised, was more composed, she'd seen plenty of grand occasions. She nodded slightly and said, "Seems like it…"
"To be standing beside the Emperor, His Majesty really thinks highly of him."
———
Where there's admiration, there's also jealousy, and plenty of envious or even hostile gazes turned toward Viktor.
But no one dared act, merely gripping their glasses tighter, each with their own thoughts.
Erica, too, had spotted Viktor. She stared blankly at him, wide-eyed, before turning to her father.
Seeing that his expression held no surprise, almost as if he'd expected this, she thought to herself, So Father already knew.
The Emperor publicly rewarding Viktor was one thing, but accompanying him like this was another matter entirely.
A reward recognized merit.
But accompanying the Emperor… that hinted at far deeper ties.
Whatever the case, the message was clear to all nobles present, House Clavenna now stood on exceptionally close terms with the royal family.
Then Erica noticed Liya standing behind Viktor, her eyes brightened.
That beautiful shopkeeper she'd once seen really was Viktor's sister.
No wonder she was allowed to walk with the Emperor.
Everyone put down their glasses and bowed toward the Emperor in respect.
The Emperor raised a hand and cleared his throat, beginning his formal address.
"This recent Imperial War, you all know of it. Though we claimed Viktory in the end, our empire still suffered greatly."
"As your Emperor, I grieve deeply. From today onward, the Demon War shall be recorded in the Empire's history. That day will be made a memorial, a reminder of the pain we endured."
"Viktor Clavenna's contribution is known throughout the capital. He defeated the demon and prevented the tragedy from continuing."
"By my authority as Sol VIII, I hereby bestow upon Viktor the Empire's highest honor, the Imperial Medal!"
At his words, a minister stepped forward holding a gleaming medal and presented it to the Emperor.
The Emperor personally took it and pinned it onto Viktor, nodding with a smile.
Viktor placed a hand over his chest and bowed slightly in salute.
Applause erupted instantly, echoing throughout the grand hall.
When the minister withdrew, the Emperor turned again and continued, "At the same time, Viktor Clavenna is hereby promoted to the rank of Count."
Liya froze, momentarily dazed.
So this was the matter the Emperor had said Viktor couldn't refuse.
Indeed, their house had long been due for promotion. Her late father's repeated refusals were the only reason it hadn't happened sooner.
But now, Viktor had no reason, or right, to refuse.
A minister presented the title document. Viktor accepted it and bowed to the Emperor in loyalty.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
The applause below grew even louder.
Erica's face glowed with admiration, her eyes sparkling like stars.
Gwen and Kefra also smiled, clapping proudly for him.
When the ceremony ended, the banquet officially began.
The Emperor prepared to leave, but before departing, he turned to Viktor and said, "Enjoy yourself, Viktor. Such occasions hardly suit an aging Emperor like me."
He brought Aureliann over to him, gesturing for Viktor to take her along.
"From now on, you'll be Aureliann's teacher."
Viktor nodded slightly. "I'll do my best."
The Emperor smiled and, with attendants' support, slowly departed.
Only after His Majesty's figure was gone did Viktor turn with Aureliann and return to the banquet.
The princess followed timidly behind him, not daring to walk ahead.
She'd heard many rumors about him.
Some ministers often gossiped in the palace, saying Viktor was a pervert.
Seeing how nervous she looked, Viktor found a quiet spot and sat down with her.
This kind of social gathering wasn't his thing anyway.
It was too quiet beside him, no familiar chatter in his ear.
He found himself missing Vega.
Ravens were symbols of ill omen, so naturally, Vega wasn't allowed inside the palace and had to wait outside on the railing.
Seeing Viktor looking bored, the princess gathered her courage and greeted him softly.
"Mr. Viktor…? H-Hello."
Viktor turned toward her, giving her a quick once-over.
Right now, Aureliann was far from what he'd imagined.
Aside from her face, which carried some resemblance, neither her temperament nor her figure matched the woman who would one day become the Eternal Witch.
Still…
He focused on her timid expression for a moment.
Who could have guessed what kind of power hid beneath that harmless facade?
"Your Highness," Viktor said gently, "there's no need to be so tense. This is a banquet, and your father isn't here."
"It's just the two of us."
"Although I'm your teacher, privately, I can also be your friend."
Viktor figured those words would be enough to comfort a child.
Gradually, Aureliann began to relax, talking more freely.
Viktor, ever the gentleman, responded calmly and politely, making her feel at ease.
"Father said you're very strong," she said. "He said I'll learn many things from you."
Viktor didn't deny it, only replied lightly, "As long as you put your heart into learning, you'll surpass me someday."
While he continued making small talk, his mind was already thinking about when he could leave.
Meanwhile, Erica was wandering through the hall, searching for him.
She couldn't find him anywhere.
How could someone that tall just vanish?
Then she turned, and spotted Viktor sitting with a young girl.
The girl looked around her age, perhaps even younger.
A strange sense of alertness rose in Erica's heart.
'Who's that girl?'
'Could this girl be his next target!?'
She cautiously moved closer, examining the girl's face.
The moment she recognized it, she nearly gasped aloud.
Her eyes widened and she quickly ducked behind a pillar.
"That's… the Princess???"
'Why is Viktor with the Princess!?'
Erica hesitated, torn between whether she should go greet him or not.
It had been nearly two weeks since they'd last met.
As she pondered, something soft pressed against her back. She stiffened, and then a hand slid around her neck.
Startled, she spun around, and gasped.
"Kefra, Sister!?"
"Kefra, what are you doing here?"
Kefra smiled sweetly, hugging Erica from behind.
"Erica, what are you up to hiding here?"
"N-nothing."
The close contact made Erica nervous, and she tried to squirm away, but Kefra followed her gaze.
Her eyes widened slightly when she saw who sat in the corner.
"Oh? Isn't that Viktor?"
Wasn't that her scheming brother-in-law who once sold her four potions for eight thousand Geo?
And the one beside him was… the Princess?
Even a social butterfly like Kefra had rarely seen the Princess, who almost never appeared in public.
But everyone had seen her earlier, walking beside the Emperor, so Kefra easily recognized her.
Seeing Erica hiding and watching them, Kefra gave a knowing smile.
She leaned down and teased, "Viktor's your academy professor, right? Why not go say hello?"
But Erica suddenly seemed to regain her composure and said calmly, "Oh, I will, but not yet."
"Someone else got there first."
Kefra raised an eyebrow and looked over again.
A silver-haired man holding a glass of wine was approaching Viktor.
"Oh my," she said, grinning. "Isn't that the eldest son of House Lesser?"
———
Jace Lesser approached with a fake smile, greeting Aureliann.
"Your Highness, Princess Aureliann."
The moment she saw him, the princess froze, shrinking behind Viktor in fear.
Viktor didn't move. He merely glanced back at her and asked calmly, "And who is he?"
"Jace Lesser… Devon's older brother," she whispered.
Everyone knew now that Devon had conspired with demons, demons that Viktor had personally defeated.
So the man's purpose here was obvious.
Viktor stayed seated, then asked her one more question.
"You don't like him?"
"Although… he's my cousin," the princess murmured, shrinking even further, clearly not wanting to see him.
"I see," Viktor said flatly, standing up.
Though not broad, his frame was enough to block Jace's path.
"What do you want?"
Jace looked past him at the princess. Despite her fear, he continued smiling as if nothing was wrong.
"I saw Her Highness sitting with you, and I was worried, so I came to check."
"After all, she's the Emperor's most beloved daughter."
Viktor's face remained expressionless as he replied coolly, "If you're only here to cause trouble, then I have no interest in speaking further."
His words carried a clear tone of dismissal.
But Jace didn't leave. He narrowed his eyes, danger flickering within them.
"So, Lord Viktor," he said softly, "would you mind explaining why the Princess is sitting with you?"
Viktor let out a deep sigh, turned his head slightly toward Aureliann, and said, "Here's your first lesson."
"When you meet someone you dislike, someone you used to treat politely because of their status, but now you have enough strength and backing…"
"…you can do this instead."
Aureliann blinked blankly, not understanding.
Then Viktor smiled faintly at Jace.
Flames roared to life behind him, swirling around Aureliann like a fierce serpent before halting inches from Jace's face.
"Get lost."