"His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Caelan Valerius of the Northern Empire."
The herald's voice echoed throughout the Grand Ballroom.
Caelan walked toward the imperial dais with measured steps, followed by the officials of the Northern Empire. When he reached the foot of the platform, he placed a hand over his chest and inclined his head.
"Your Majesty."
"It is an honor to accept your invitation."
Emperor Hans descended one step from his throne and extended his hand.
"The honor belongs to Terraina."
"The Northern Empire has always been a respected neighbor."
Caelan accepted the handshake.
"I hope this visit will strengthen the friendship between our nations."
"As do I."
The two rulers exchanged a few formal words before Emperor Hans gestured toward the seat that had been specially prepared beside the imperial dais.
"Please."
"Thank you."
Only after Caelan took his seat did Emperor Hans address the assembled nobles.
"Tonight, we welcome our distinguished guest from the Northern Empire."
"May this banquet mark the beginning of lasting friendship between our Empires."
The guests raised their glasses in unison.
"To friendship."
Crystal glasses clinked across the ballroom.
The banquet officially began.
Music filled the hall once again as servants presented the first course.
Nobles resumed their conversations, though many discreetly stole glances toward the Northern Emperor.
"He looks younger than I expected."
"I heard he led his first campaign before turning twenty."
"They say no kingdom has ever defeated him."
The whispers spread throughout the ballroom.
Caelan, however, appeared completely indifferent to the attention.
His expression barely changed as he exchanged polite conversation with Emperor Hans.
Marbella remained beside her parents.
Helena leaned closer and spoke quietly.
"The Northern Emperor has quite an extraordinary presence."
Adrian nodded.
"One does not earn the loyalty of an empire through appearance alone."
Marbella silently observed Caelan from across the hall.
Unlike Terraina's nobles, who often smiled while concealing their intentions, Caelan's expressions were difficult to read.
He spoke only when necessary.
He neither flattered nor boasted.
There was a quiet confidence in every movement.
Almost as though he had nothing to prove.
Meanwhile, Chancellor Lucien approached the imperial dais.
"Your Majesty."
Emperor Hans nodded.
"Chancellor."
Lucien turned respectfully toward Caelan.
"It is an honor to finally welcome Your Majesty to Terraina."
"The prosperity of the Northern Empire has long been admired."
Caelan met his gaze.
"You are too kind."
"I have likewise heard much about Terraina's capable Chancellor."
Lucien smiled politely.
"I am merely a servant of the Empire."
Their exchange lasted only a few moments.
Yet both men understood that every word carried weight.
As Lucien returned to his place, his thoughts remained unsettled.
His eyes…
They revealed almost nothing.
That made Caelan a dangerous opponent.
Not long afterward, Emperor Hans rose from his throne.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
"I would like to formally introduce the Imperial Family and Terraina's highest-ranking noble house to our honored guest."
Several nobles immediately stepped aside.
The Grand Duke's family approached the imperial dais.
Grand Duke Adrian bowed first.
"It is an honor to meet Your Majesty."
Caelan inclined his head.
"The renowned House Petrovic."
"I have heard much about your loyalty to the Empire."
"You flatter us."
Adrian answered calmly.
"Serving the Imperial Family has always been our duty."
Helena stepped forward next.
"It is a pleasure to welcome Your Majesty to Terraina."
"The pleasure is mine, Your Grace."
Finally…
Marbella stepped forward.
She lowered into a flawless curtsy.
"It is an honor to meet Your Imperial Majesty."
For the first time that evening…
Caelan allowed himself to study her openly.
Up close, the young woman appeared exactly as she had in the marketplace.
Calm.
Composed.
Far more observant than any noble lady of sixteen should be.
"Our paths seem to cross often."
The words were spoken calmly.
Yet they caused several nearby nobles to glance toward Marbella.
Marbella lifted her eyes.
"It appears fate has been rather persistent, Your Majesty."
For the briefest moment…
The corner of Caelan's lips curved upward.
"A fascinating answer."
Emperor Hans laughed.
"So the two of you have already met?"
Caelan answered simply.
"Twice."
That single word was enough to surprise nearly everyone standing nearby.
Even Adrian looked toward his daughter with mild curiosity.
Marbella maintained her composure.
"We happened to cross paths while touring the capital."
"I see."
Emperor Hans smiled without giving the matter further thought.
"What a fortunate coincidence."
Only Chancellor Lucien watched the exchange in silence.
A coincidence?
He did not believe in coincidences.
Especially not involving a man like Caelan Valerius.
As House Petrovic stepped away from the dais, Wilbert quietly caught up to Marbella.
"I wasn't aware you'd already met His Majesty."
"It wasn't a formal meeting."
Marbella smiled lightly.
"We simply crossed paths."
Wilbert chuckled.
"Even so, that must be quite the story."
"Perhaps."
Marbella replied.
"One day."
She noticed Eleanor approaching from a distance with a familiar wooden medicine box in her hands.
"It's time for Your Highness's medicine."
Wilbert sighed dramatically.
"It seems I can never escape it."
Marbella's gaze lingered on the box for only a moment.
Then she looked away.
Not here.
There are too many eyes.
If she wanted to uncover the truth behind Wilbert's illness…
She would need to be patient.
Tonight…
The game had only just begun.