"I shall go now to greet the rest of the nobles… I shall see you later."
"Alright, brother."
Bernald walked away, and Rosaline responded.
"Rosaline, I'm sorry for leaving you."
"Don't say that. I'm not a child who needs to cling to you all the time… although I did wish to spend more time with Riri." Rosaline said confidently. Her expression darkened slightly, and Relia gave her a faint smile.
Before the hall herald could announce the start of the ceremony:
"Now, His Highness Crown Prince Robert Spanita of our empire will enter, accompanied by Empress Merial Spanita."
The Crown Prince and his mother, the Empress, entered dressed in lavish deep red attire, adorned with jewelry to display the dignity of the imperial family.
The nobles bowed respectfully. The music and chatter that had filled the hall moments ago fell silent as the Empress began her speech:
"I thank everyone who has traveled from all corners of the empire to attend the ninth birthday celebration of our Crown Prince. Our presence together demonstrates our strength and unity. May this day mark the beginning of even more beautiful and prosperous times for our empire; and always remember, our future depends on the children we celebrate today."
After the traditional speech, everyone applauded before she continued:
"Before we begin our celebration, I must announce the engagement of the Crown Prince, securing the future of the empire, and I am pleased that Lady Rosha Bayloud, my lawful daughter, will be the bride."
Shock swept through the hall. Not only was the Crown Prince engaged, but the bride was from the distant Bayloud family, rarely seen even at major events. Whispers spread immediately, some frowning at losing the chance to gain favor with the royal family, while others, supporters of the Crown Prince, were pleased at the strengthening of his position.
Relia noticed the difference between Prince Robert and Prince Regis, despite them having the same father, and felt a twinge of unease.
"I didn't expect the Crown Prince to have a fiancée at such a young age!" Rosaline said.
"That's not too unusual… most heirs are engaged young to solidify power."
"Ah, I see… but why does the Crown Prince look like that?"
Relia glanced at him. His expression was grim and tense, not the joyful face of a child celebrating his birthday. Before she could look away, she felt the Empress's sharp gaze, sending a shiver down her spine.
"What's wrong, Relia?"
"It's nothing… let's go eat." Relia said, awkwardly changing the subject.
---
"Relia."
Rosaline murmured quietly.
"What is it?" Relia replied, eating a strawberry cake.
"I spoke with Bernald about the Orbel newspaper."
"Really?!"
"Yes, he's interested in it too and has several plans for its development… I thought of his potential to help you." Rosaline spoke excitedly.
"Rosaline… I love you." Relia said with a radiant smile. Rosaline was surprised but returned the smile.
"So, when can I meet Mr. Bernald?"
"You can arrange to meet him at the end of the party."
"I can't wait to start the project." Relia muttered with sparkling eyes.
Rosaline stayed calm behind her, lost in thought, pressing her hands together.
"What's wrong, Rosaline?" Relia asked.
"Oh, it's nothing… I'm just happy for Riri." Rosaline replied with a faint smile.
"Ah, thank you."
"No need for that."
Is there something about Rosaline, or is it just my imagination? Relia thought, but decided to ignore it.
---
"Ah, Rosaline, I feel the atmosphere here has become suffocating. I think I'll go get some fresh air outside." Relia said as whispers spread through the hall.
"Oh, alright."
"I'll be back shortly then." Relia waved goodbye, and Rosaline waved back.
Relia stepped outside for a breath of fresh air and noticed the same boy she had met earlier.
"Prince Regis…" she murmured. His expression was no longer cold and indifferent, but filled with sadness she had never seen. She wanted to give him space.
"Crack!"
Relia tripped over a tree branch and fell, producing a loud cracking sound.
"Who's there?" Regis said sharply, searching for the source until he saw her.
"Ah… this…" Relia stammered.
"You…"
"I'm sorry for disturbing you." Relia muttered, wishing the ground would swallow her.
"Ah."
Regis sighed before speaking:
"Are you alright? Did you hurt yourself anywhere?"
"No… I'm fine, thank you for asking."
Why is he so strange? Of course, if anyone else had asked her this way, it would have been normal… but Regis had shown coldness when they first met. Relia noticed him returning to his seat.
She felt a pang in her heart seeing his gloomy figure and sat beside him.
"Something unexpected happened in the hall… everyone went into chaos." Relia said, examining a small leaf in her hands.
"It doesn't concern me." Regis muttered coldly.
"No matter what happens, aren't you part of the imperial family?" Relia asked.
"They don't consider me present at all… I'm just an extra, of no importance; so I wouldn't advise you to befriend someone like me." Regis whispered indifferently.
---