As we arrived at Silverstel, the atmosphere felt eerily quiet, like the calm before a storm. All I could feel was Kallian's intense gaze, as if he could see straight into my soul. His violet eyes seemed to hold an unyielding intensity, and I couldn't help but feel trapped under his stare.
Had he regained his memory?
Did he think I had deceived him?
What did he know about Denian… how much of it?
In that brief moment, a million thoughts rushed through my mind, but then, Lloyd's hand gently wrapped around my shoulder, snapping me back to reality.
"Yuliana," Lloyd's voice brought me back.
I turned to face him, and saw the faint frown on his face. He looked almost angry or maybe sad. Without a word, he firmly pulled me towards the inside of the banquet hall.
"The Emperor must be waiting for us. Let's go."
His voice was soft but insistent, and I followed him without resistance.
Despite feeling Kallian's unblinking gaze on me, I pretended not to notice, walking with my head held high.
As I mingled with the crowd and Kallian disappeared from view, my legs started to shake from the tension.
Lloyd tightened his hold on my waist and asked coldly, "Does seeing him again stir something in you? Does it feel like there's something left between you two?"
His icy voice was laced with a sadness that I hadn't expected. I avoided his gaze, feeling defensive, and responded harshly.
"Stop talking nonsense."
Lloyd's expression softened slightly, as if my words had given him some comfort. Just then, a new voice broke through.
"Lord Lloyd of Silverstel, my dear friend."
A sharp-looking man with a crown, clearly the Emperor, walked toward us with his arms open in greeting.
In this grand banquet hall, only the Emperor could walk with such authority and confidence.
I lowered my body in a respectful bow as Lloyd gave a polite greeting.
"We greet His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress."
"It's been a while, Sir Lloyd," the Empress replied with a gentle smile.
Meanwhile, the Emperor glanced briefly at me.
"Are you Yuliana?"
He seemed to already know me. I quickly bowed my head in respect and responded.
"We greet His Majesty the Emperor and Her Majesty the Empress."
"You're the daughter of Heister and the ex-wife of Valdormer. And now, are you the lover of Silverstel?"
I hesitated, unsure how to respond to such an accusation, when the Emperor suddenly burst out laughing.
"You're not lacking in courage, are you?"
I couldn't tell if he was joking or serious, and I stood there, somewhat stunned, as he closed his sharp eyes and smiled.
"I'm honored that you've spared me some of your precious time."
His smile was mysterious, hiding any true intention behind it.
The unexpected attention made me feel awkward, and I was about to look away when Lloyd quietly added, "I'm sorry to bring this up now, but I have something urgent to discuss with His Majesty regarding royal matters."
Lloyd stepped in front of the Emperor, blocking his view, and the Emperor's expression darkened, though he reluctantly agreed.
"Hmm… is that so? Alright, tell me what it's about."
While the Emperor ordered fresh wine, Lloyd leaned close to my ear and whispered softly.
"Can I have a moment alone while I speak with His Majesty?"
I forced myself to remain calm and replied, "Of course."
Lloyd smiled at my response and, after making sure I was fine, walked off to speak with the Emperor in a quieter place.
With Lloyd and the Emperor gone, I was left alone with the Empress, who kindly spoke to me in a warm voice.
"Is this your first royal banquet?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," I replied awkwardly, trying to return her smile.
"Do you like the guest quarters?" she asked with a soft tone.
"Yes? Yes, it's very gracious of you," I answered, feeling a little lost in the conversation.
"If you need anything, just come find me, Yuliana."
Her kindness felt excessive, and I could only nod, unsure how to respond.
"Thank you for your kindness."
"The banquet will be long, so enjoy it," she said, with a look that seemed to hold some deeper meaning. But she smiled, just like the Emperor, her eyes hidden.
"Then, I must leave now."
With a fan covering her mouth, the Empress turned and disappeared, leaving me to bow once again.
After her presence faded, I was finally able to take a sip of wine to calm myself.
I couldn't help but feel unsettled. The Emperor and Empress seemed unusually kind toward me, despite the rumors about me. They acted as if they didn't care about the gossip, but why?
The Emperor and Empress's kindness could be genuine, but in this world, no one is kind for no reason.
Of course, some people might show kindness without expecting anything in return, but especially when it comes to someone isolated by the crowd like me, such kindness feels off.
They don't have to worry about what others think, but they also don't need to show kindness to someone like me. So their attention must mean they want something from me.
I decided it would be best to leave as soon as possible and return to Silverstel once the banquet was over.
As I raised the wine glass to my lips, someone roughly grabbed my wrist, startling me so much that my wine glass fell and shattered.
It was none other than Cesar, the heir of Heister.
"How dare you show your face here?" he snarled.
His face was flushed with anger, as if the alcohol had made him even more furious.
"You've caused so much trouble for the family! And now, you're comfortably attending a banquet at Silverstel?"
"Let go of me!" I tried to break free from his harsh grip, but it was useless.
"Did you run away with Silverstel because you were missing him? Is that all you're good for, using your pretty face and body like that?"
Hearing his insults, my fear overtook my anger. If I were taken back to Heister, I could already imagine how cruelly they'd treat Denian.
"Let me go!" I shouted.
"Listen to me and come quietly!" he barked, dragging me by my arm.
Despite the forceful way he was pulling me, no one in the banquet hall stepped in to help. Everyone just watched, enjoying the spectacle.
The pain in my wrist was nothing compared to the cruel stares piercing me from all directions.
I gritted my teeth and struggled to get free, knowing I couldn't let this happen. I couldn't be dragged away like this — not with Denian waiting for me at the guest house.
"You useless woman!" Cesar growled, and his other hand lifted as though to slap me.
Just then, a sharp crack sounded as someone grabbed Cesar's arm.
"Enough."
A man, larger than Cesar, whispered menacingly. His fierce gaze locked onto Cesar, and I froze, recognizing him.
It was Kallian de Valdormer, or rather, the man who was now the head of Valdormer, the one everyone had been whispering about.
Standing tall, Kallian glared at Cesar, his eyes full of icy determination.