Day of the Banquet
Today is Brother Ethan's birthday. The day of the grand banquet. It will start at night where all nobles from high society will attend, including Halley. When we were on the training ground last time, Brother Ethan and Brother Kye stopped by as they heard the news that my legs returned. Well, they didn't say it out loud because Halley was there. At that time, I found out that Halley is close to the Imperial Family because Halley's mother is a friend of Empress Helena. That's why Halley was familiar with the Imperial Family.
"Brielle, Brielle, does it suit me? Hmm?" Max asked, trying on the suit given to him by the palace maid.
"Yeah, it's great." Though he is a commoner, Max was also invited to attend the banquet since he is my friend. Brother Ethan wanted me to enjoy his birthday celebration so he thought of inviting Max. To be more convenient for Max, he was fetched earlier and stayed with us. Also, it's not just Max who received the clothing, but also me and Papa.
"Do you think His Highness would like my humble gift?" asked Max, holding a silver quill.
"Brother Ethan would love that, surely."
"That's a relief," said Max. "It was surprising that His Highness let you call him by his name, not only that but also the second prince."
"Yeah, I agree. They were trying to get close to her by doing unnecessary things as if they knew my daughter," Papa agreed as he was busy trying a different hairstyle on me for tonight's banquet.
"See?! Even Mister has the same impression as I am," said Max. "Let me give you some advice as a friend. Later on, you should not call the princes like that. You should call them His Highness or Prince."
"Why?"
"Many nobles will be there. If you address them as such, it would only cause trouble at your end. You would catch their attention if you were close with the royal family."
"Listen to Max, Brielle," said Papa.
"All right."
"Then, what is your present for His Highness?" asked Max, excitedly.
"It's a surprise. Just wait later."
"You're being unfair! Let me see!" complained Max.
***
Royal Chamber
Maids were coming in and out of the Emperor and Empress room as they prepared their clothes for the banquet. The Empress and the princes were done fitting their attire so the emperor was the only one left for the fitting. The maids started to dress the emperor and look for any damage or any loose part of the clothes. It took an hour to fit the emperor's clothing, and after that every maid left the room.
"Come in Helden," said Ian, buttoning his long sleeves.
"Glory to the Sun of the Empire, Your Majesty Callis."
"Were the preparations for Ethan's banquet done?" asked Ian.
"Yes, Your Majesty. And the clothes for Atlas and Brielle were delivered this morning."
Ian smiled as he imagined Brielle in that dress. "She would look like a princess if she wore it."
"It would cause an uproar among the nobles if you say it like that, Your Majesty."
"Even if that is not what I meant, the fact that Brielle and Atlas are staying here is enough to make the nobles go crazy," Ian grinned. "Is Duke Cohan bringing the girl to the banquet?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Helden reported. "Is it really possible that the princess lives through again?"
"I'm also not sure. But certainly, Duke Cohan has been plotting against the Imperial Family again."
***
Night of Banquet
"You're so slow! Come on, Max. I want to see Brielle."
"Wait, Halley. Can't we just walk? Brielle will not leave the room."
"Stop complaining and hurry up!"
"Ugh! You're a demon."
Halley and Max were running to the west side room where Brielle resided. It is the night of the banquet so Halley wanted to attend with her and Max together. They are her first friends so she wanted to enjoy the party with them.
Clack, Clack, Clack.
"Greetings to Lady Halley, the daughter of Marquis Lemaitre," greeted Lydia.
"Is Brielle finished dressing up?"
"Yes, Lady Halley," she replied. "I will inform Lady Brielle with your sudden arrival." Lydia went inside to inform Brielle about the arrival of her friends as Halley and Max waited outside.
"Hah, I'm o-out of br-breath," said Max, panting.
Creak…
The door opened as Lydia came out of the room. She opened the door for them and said, "You may come in, Lady Halley, Sir Max. They are waiting for you inside."
"Hey, Halley, did you hear? She called me Sir Max," whispered Max as they entered the room. It was the first time someone called him honorific since he is just a commoner.
"Shut up, Max. I'm excited to see Brielle yet you're ruining my mo—"
Their jaws dropped open. No speech uttered in their mouth. It was like time
stopped for a moment. They couldn't blink at such a sight.
Standing before them was a fairy-like beauty that came out from a fiction book. Her eyes, her hair, her lips, her nose, her cheeks, her smile—everything seemed perfect. She is beautiful. She is Brielle.