Chapter 25
She straightened her posture and faced forward again.
She pretended to listen to the Emperor’s address, but in truth, her mind was busy thinking about the Grand Duke.
The feeling of déjà vu she had experienced that day, the sense that she had seen him somewhere before, was easily explained.
Portraits, murals, and countless illustrations of Xenobius Impetraz circulated all throughout the capital.
It was more surprising that she hadn’t recognized him immediately.
But it couldn’t be helped.
She had never imagined that the great Grand Duke would suddenly appear at the Kepine Salon, let alone in the fitting room where she was changing.
She thought and thought for a long time, until the address ended, but one thing was certain. Evina had never met Grand Duke Xenobius.
Which meant he hadn’t come looking for her because of some past connection.
Then why on earth had he sought her out?
A sudden burst of applause shook the hall. She quickly raised her hands and clapped fervently.
The Emperor and Empress slowly disappeared behind the dais, and the Grand Duke, who had been seated, rose.
Evina sucked in a short breath, feeling as though the man’s gaze had pierced through the vast crowd and landed precisely on her.
But the moment their eyes met was brief, and the Grand Duke soon vanished behind the dais as well.
Suppressed sighs broke out here and there.
It was a brief respite after the Emperor and Empress’s address, before the audience began.
During this time, most people checked their makeup or adjusted their attire to make a slightly better impression on the Emperor and Empress.
A small commotion arose.
“How do I look?”
“…You look fine, my lord. Just as you were this morning.”
Relieved by her words, the Viscount took a deep breath, let it out, and stroked his beard. He leaned toward Evina and whispered softly.
“When you stand before His Majesty the Emperor, keep your head up until the very end and then bow. Understood?”
“…Yes.”
This was the reason the Viscount was so determined to bring Evina here. How could a nameless viscount ever exchange words with the Emperor?
But with Evina by his side, things were different.
Any noble family could acquire a low-grade Guide if they put their mind to it, but someone with Evina’s deep golden hair and golden eyes was extremely rare.
In fact, the wife of Duke Thessel, the late Emperor’s brother, was also a Guide, but her hair was barely distinguishable from brown and her eyes were faint.
As a formality, the Emperor or Empress would always make a remark about Evina, and Viscount Derise took immense pride in that.
The tedious wait began.
This time, with the Grand Duke present alongside the Emperor and Empress, the audience was even longer.
Her hips grew stiff and her back ached.
She endured the discomfort with sheer patience, but as time passed and their turn drew closer, she grew more tense…
Because of the Grand Duke.
At last, their names were called.
“Viscount Petero Derise and Viscountess Evina Siollier Derise!”
With a beaming smile, the Viscount rose from his seat. He offered his arm to Evina, who stood up after him, and wore a kind expression.
But in his eyes was a cold, unspoken threat that she keep her golden hair and eyes clearly visible.
Evina placed her hand on the Viscount’s arm and slowly stepped forward. As per his pitiful command, she lifted her chin so her golden hair and golden eyes would be prominently seen.
She felt the Grand Duke’s piercing gaze.
Her breath caught and her throat went dry.
The man’s lips curved into a faint smile as he observed Evina, dressed in the gown he had chosen for her, from head to toe.
A small murmur rippled through the surroundings.
At last, they arrived before the Emperor and Empress.
“Kneel.”
At the master of ceremonies’ voice, the Viscount quickly knelt and placed one hand over his chest.
“The one and only father of the Empire, the eternal sun, the noble and beautiful one.”
The flattery was so lengthy it made her face flush.
“I am Viscount Petero Derise. I am ever grateful for the grace you have bestowed.”
“…I am Evina Siollier.”
She bent her knees, letting her golden hair cascade down as she bowed her head.
“Raise your heads.”
The Viscount and Evina straightened their postures.
Once again, it seemed there was nothing in particular to say to the Viscount, and all eyes turned to Evina.
Behind the Emperor and Empress, the Grand Duke was also watching her.
“Your golden hue is truly beautiful.”
“Th-Thank you.”
“I have heard that Guides with such deep gold are rare.”
It was the exact same conversation as the year before.
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