Did it go as planned? Adrian asked, her hands busy fixing Apollonias hair for the banquet.

Yeah. As expected.

Thats great. Adrian smiled in admiration. At some point, she came to fully trust Apollonias plan.

Did you deliver the message to the Grand Duke?

Their voices turned quiet.

Ive completed my task while you were talking to Bianca.

The message was short and simple.

Dont wait for the banquet and leave the capital.

Adrian tilted her head. If they leave right away, they will be criticized for being rude.

You cant afford to care about dignity or courtesy at times like this. If they leave the capital right away, there are many nobles who can help the Grand Duke.

But even if hes the emperor, can he use his hand today? With all the aristocrats gathered in the capital, if he touches the Grand Duke, he cant avoid friction with other aristocrats and knights

Youre right. Its hard to avoid friction, and some people may seek rebellion with this opportunity. So he might not use his hand right away. After organizing her thoughts, Apollonia added, However, the Grand Duke of Evinhart family, which has Caelion as their successor, is the most threatening thing in my fathers eyes. My aunt likely decided that its best to remove them quickly despite the consequences they may face.

Her voice became even smaller. Because I would have thought the same.

Adrian stopped moving and gaped.

Apollonia quickly shook her head, smiled, and spoke again. Even if that is not the case, it is not wise to stay in the capital while they are vulnerable to such risk. However, I dont know if they listened to me and made a decision.

Caelion managed to survive the hunting competition, but his real crisis would just begin now. He and his family needed to overcome that crisis by moving right away.

Dont worry, Your Highness. Its been a while since I delivered the message, so theyre probably gone quite far by now.

Apollonia nodded slowly, but she was bothered for some reason.

***

Ive never seen such shiny silver hair!

How can someone be that beautiful? Its as if God carved and breathed life into him.

I want to touch him just once.

Naturally, Uriel held the spotlight during the celebration for the champion of the hunting competition. Everyone wanted to know where this beautiful and strong young knight came from.

But wasnt the little Grand Duke Caelion also amazing?

Thats right. I cant believe hes only 15 years old. At this rate, he will be able to catch up with Uriel in a few years.

I think hes more amazing than Prince Paris Did you see his eyes?

Of course, the mysterious successor of Duke Evinhart also aroused a lot of interest, but the conversation about it took place in a quieter place. Nobody wanted to get on the emperors nerves.

Until the beginning of the banquet, the story of Eckart and Apollonias canceled engagement, and the fox-like Bianca also attracted a lot of attention. However, when Apollonia officially blessed the two and presented her grandmothers relic to the maid, they moved to another topic, knowing that they could no longer discuss the matter carelessly.

Uriel was standing in the center of the banquet hall, wearing blue clothes embroidered with golden thread and carrying a sword bestowed by the emperor.

Baron Biche.

Apollonia approached him and bent her knees slightly to greet him.

Thank you for saving my life.

She still had the countenance of an innocent girl who couldnt get over her shock. The combination of a young hero and a princess whom he saved drew peoples attention, and this situation made Uriel shine even more.

Im glad Your Highness is safe.

He bowed his head as he replied to Apollonia. The way he put minimum effort to be courteous by not talking much added a mysterious charm to him.

Both men and women in the banquet hall wanted to talk to him. The young ladies smiled shyly, the young lords wanted to be friends with him, and some middle-aged nobles were thinking of making Uriel their daughters suitor.

Taking advantage of the noisy banquet hall, Apollonia lowered her voice and whispered to Uriel, You look good. Youre a noble now.

I really dont need a title.

The emperor gave him the title of baron, a small estate, and a sword.

You need it. I was going to give it to you, but this is better.

If its from Your Highness, Id happily receive it, Uriel murmured in Apollonias ear. Some young ladies who stood behind her were watching the two with envious eyes.

Apollonia tried to add a few words about the fact that a noble was supposed to be more easygoing than a commoner, but she had to step back when she saw a young lady approaching Uriel from the back.

Your Highness, you dropped this. Uriel grabbed Apollonias wrist and pulled her closer toward his chest. What he held with his other hand was a white handkerchief.

That is not mine

Grand Duke Evinhart is in the banquet hall.

When Apollonia looked at him in surprise, he just nodded calmly.

Youre so meticulous. Thank you.

Youre welcome. Its an honor to see Your Highness.

The two turned around and headed in different directions.

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