At dusk, the blue-black night sky drove away the last glow of the sunset.
Sitting inside the carriage, Erika watched the final trace of dim yellow light quietly disappear behind the distant mountains.
Turning her head, she saw the hazy, gentle light coming from the Du Croy estate.
As the clattering of the carriage gradually stopped, the cabin no longer swayed.
The servant lightly pulled the reins and softly called out, "Whoa."
The sound of the wheels rolling over the street disappeared, and the rhythmic sound of hoofsteps gradually ceased as well.
Erika sat in the carriage, but did not get out for a long time.
Thinking of what Viktor had said today, a strong sense of security rose from the bottom of her heart.
Yet there wasn't a trace of ease on her face.
When she hurriedly left earlier, it wasn't because she was embarrassed by Professor Viktor's words.
Well, there was a little of that.
More importantly, she didn't know how to face the professor anymore.
She felt she still couldn't provide Professor Viktor with any help.
Even though she had become the youngest third-rank mage, she still couldn't help Professor Viktor in the slightest.
Lowering her head, Erika clenched her fist, feeling deep helplessness creep into her heart.
She sighed.
She already had a feeling that something major was bound to happen in the royal capital soon.
But compared with everyone else, it seemed that in front of Viktor, she really was just a student.
Completely unable to provide him with any help.
She could only do small things like passing on information.
Professor Viktor had become far too dazzling.
Even though she had once made up her mind to catch up to him.
Now, she could barely even see his back.
Her gaze slid down to the ground. Staring blankly at the street outside the gate, she muttered, "What should I do..."
The servant opened the carriage door, and the gusts of cold wind pulled Erika back to reality.
Realizing that the carriage had already stopped at her home's entrance, she reached out and patted her cheeks.
Then she heard the servant outside say, "Miss, we've arrived."
"But it seems there are guests today. Should we go in now?"
A little puzzled, Erika stuck her head out the window and looked ahead.
A luxurious carriage covered in golden patterns was parked in front of the estate gate.
At a glance, she recognized the emblem surrounded by golden lines as the mark of the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce.
Things had turned out exactly as her father had expected. Leopold had really come to visit him.
But that was expected. The president of the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce would come sooner or later.
So Erika replied to the servant, "Let's go in now. Staying in the carriage would be discourteous."
The servant outside lowered his head in a bow and helped her out of the carriage.
Following the servant to the entrance, before he could open the door, it was pushed open from inside with a faint creak.
Then, a strange yet elegant voice reached Erika's ears, "What a pleasant meeting, Levi."
Amid cheerful laughter, Leopold walked out through the doorway like an elegant nobleman.
His golden eyes were like flowing liquid gold, mysterious and deep.
Behind Leopold, Zora followed calmly with her long legs.
Upon seeing Erika, she gave her a polite smile with graceful manners.
Erika had some impression of the woman, since she knew her family often dealt with the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce.
They had met several times at past banquets.
What left the deepest impression on her was the pair of long legs the woman took pride in.
Erika had envied them for quite some time.
Just then, Leopold, who had just come out, also noticed Erika standing at the entrance.
When his golden eyes fell upon her, they seemed to freeze briefly.
The light in his eyes appeared to stop for several seconds.
As if, in his eyes, Erika were a precious work of art.
Erika paid no special attention to this detail. Out of courtesy, she gracefully bowed to Leopold.
"Hello, it's our first meeting. I am Erika Du Croy."
At that moment, Levi happened to come over. Seeing Leopold meeting his daughter, he took the initiative to introduce her,
"This is my daughter, Erika. It should be your first time meeting her."
"...Indeed."
Leopold came back to his senses, and light returned to his golden eyes.
He was clearly quite interested in the girl before him.
With a slight smile, he spoke elegantly, "What a lovely young lady. She looks just as beautiful as her mother."
Erika slightly raised her head and looked at Leopold.
"You've met my mother?"
"Of course. She was a beautiful woman, gentle and strong."
Leopold smiled and nodded to Erika before turning to Levi.
"I think I understand now why you refused at all costs... ah, never mind."
The child was still here.
His eyes conveyed that meaning as he removed his tall hat and bowed to Levi.
"No need to see me off, my dear old friend."
Beside him, Zora bowed together with Leopold.
The two slowly straightened up and headed toward the gate.
And as they passed Erika, Leopold gave her another smile filled with expectation.
"I look forward to seeing you again at the banquet in a few days."
His voice was gentle and sincere, "Please be sure to attend."
Hearing his words, Erika was slightly stunned.
Before she could recover, Leopold had already continued toward the gate.
Erika couldn't help turning around and watching the two leave through the entrance and board the carriage bearing the emblem of the Cassidra Chamber of Commerce.
After the servant closed the door behind them, he climbed onto the front seat and flicked the reins, urging the horses onward.
The familiar sound of wheels turning, mixed with the crisp sound of hooves striking the ground, reached Erika's ears.
As she watched the carriage gradually disappear, Levi's voice sounded behind her, "That is Leopold, the true head of the Razer family."
Hearing her father's words, Erika carefully recalled Leopold's appearance.
Even though they had just met, she found that she couldn't quite remember what he looked like.
The only thing she still remembered was those mysterious golden eyes.
Those were not the eyes of a normal human.
"What did Viktor tell you?"
At that moment, Levi asked again.
Erika knew what her father meant, so she answered seriously, "Professor Viktor said..."
"He will handle everything."
Hearing this answer, Levi let out a sigh of relief.
"Is that so?"
"That's truly a reassuring answer."
Turning around, he headed toward the estate with light steps.
Following behind him, Erika asked in confusion, "Father, what banquet?"
It seemed as though everyone was looking forward to this banquet.
Levi stopped and turned toward her, patiently explaining, "To celebrate the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Empire and the elves, Leopold will hold a banquet."
"Of course, it will be under the name of the First Prince."
Naturally, Leopold had no qualifications to invite the elves and so many nobles himself, though many nobles were willing to give him face.
Thinking of what Leopold had told him, Levi added, "You'll understand in a few days."
———
The Empire's largest banquet hall was dazzling with gold and splendor.
A bright red carpet stretched from the center of the hall, outlining golden steps and extending straight across the huge courtyard.
Bright candlelight illuminated the golden decorations, while the lights overhead filled every corner with light.
In the center of the hall stood a long table covered with white linen.
Several glowing three-candle candelabras rested atop it, and all kinds of delicacies, desserts, and drinks shone like jewels.
On both sides stood tall, grand windows. The silver curtains were tied high, forming layered drapes.
An orchestra dressed in luxurious clothing hid in the dim corners of the hall, playing soothing music.
Nobles in splendid attire stepped onto the red carpet one after another and entered the magnificent hall.
The smiles on their faces bloomed like spring flowers, and their colorful laughter gradually merged into a cheerful melody.
Outside the courtyard stood rows of carriages, lined along the edges and guarded by designated knights.
Under the soft music and candlelight, the entire banquet hall was filled with elegance and a unique atmosphere.
Courtesy and etiquette did not become lax because of this. Instead, they became even more subtle and difficult to read.
"Liya, can't I wear something more comfortable?"
Cocotte complained while unhappily fiddling with her white dress.
She felt the outfit was tight and uncomfortable.
As she grumbled, she adjusted her white dress.
Still, she liked the white gauze covering both shoulders. It felt fluffy and warm to the touch.
Though a single spell would be enough to maintain her body temperature.
Sitting in the carriage, Liya quietly looked through the window toward the distant banquet hall.
Her black patterned dress perfectly highlighted her fair skin.
A long black feathered cloak wrapped around her shoulders, resisting the chill of the night.
Hearing Cocotte's words, she casually glanced over.
"If your chest were a little more raised, I wouldn't mind letting you wear something looser."
"At least there'd be no risk of them falling out."
Cocotte, "..."
It felt like Liya had just said something very rude.
Thinking that, Cocotte replied gloomily, "I'm going out for some air."
With that, Cocotte nimbly climbed out through the carriage window, and the clouds outside quickly caught her.
Sitting on the cloud beside the carriage, she looked at the huge banquet filled with nobles and opened her mouth wide.
"Wow..."
In every sense, it was a banquet dazzling enough to blind people.
Liya casually spoke toward the window, "Don't go too far."
Then she quietly sat back inside the carriage.
But how should she put it...
Liya wasn't in a particularly good mood. Because Viktor seemed to be late again.
The last time he brought Cocotte to the palace, he hadn't shown up either.
If he still hadn't come this time, she would really have to give Viktor a proper lecture.
This banquet was not an ordinary family gathering. Its scale displayed the initial friendship established between the Elf Queen and humanity.
Therefore, every noble who came from the royal capital was someone important.
Even large numbers of knights had been deployed to maintain order.
From afar, Liya could see Gwen standing at the front of the knight formation.
She seriously supervised every knight, keeping a vigilant eye out in case any ill-intentioned nobles crossed the line.
Watching her, Liya thought of the news about Gwen.
Liya knew very well that Gwen had returned to the knight order.
In fact, there had been no need to pull strings for Gwen. She already had the ability and qualifications.
As long as she wanted, she could easily return and continue serving as captain of the knights.
And the knights themselves were very willing as well.
Although Gwen still had little expression, the fact that she now looked much more independent showed that she had recovered somewhat.
Probably.
At least Liya no longer had to worry that Gwen couldn't do anything without Viktor by her side.
At that moment, a burst of chaotic hoofbeats drew Liya's attention.
A carriage decorated with intricate patterns entered her view.
It bore the symbol of the Razer family.
The servants opened the door, but only Leopold, head of the family, stepped out.
As soon as he appeared, the surrounding nobles immediately came forward to greet him.
Laughing and chatting, they entered the banquet hall together.
But as they climbed the steps, a silver figure blocked their path.
"Stop. Routine inspection."
Seeing Gwen appear, Leopold was somewhat surprised. He clearly hadn't expected even a knight to step forward and stop him.
Narrowing his eyes, he casually looked Gwen over.
"And you are...?"
The somewhat impolite voice sounded.
At that moment, a cold wind suddenly swept through the surroundings.
The nobles clustered around Leopold were startled and immediately shut their mouths.
The wind gradually descended from the sky and gathered upon the red carpet.
White mist condensed together, then was completely blown away by a gust of wind.
"She is my fiancee."
The cold wind was always accompanied by cold words.
The familiar coat appeared before everyone as Viktor stood in front of Gwen.
"Do you have a problem with that?"
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