Her family members still don't fully understand Lela's true personality. She is not a frail young lady who is easily trampled by others. Lela was born a strong girl, all she desired was to be able to look down without fear.
Members of the royal family entered the great hall immediately following the arrival of Duke Vincent's family.
The atmosphere cooled, and everyone bowed respectfully. The royal aura emanating from these individuals inadvertently exerted pressure on the shoulders of the others in the room, compelling them to submit obediently and without resistance to their bows.
Because all the clothes are colored noble gold, the things that are gilded around them are not noticeable. The emperor, empress, and great prince all wear the luxurious garments created by the most talented craftsmen in the empire. Jewel cascaded from top to bottom, the hem is embroidered with gold and silver threads, under the light of the room, it becomes even more sparkling. Even if others wanted to stand out in front of them, it would be like a faint star compared to the bright sun.
However, those sparkling things could not make Lela flutter. Her beautiful eyes were fixed on only one man from beginning to end - Marik Felix Kenneth, the second prince.
Even the simple black robe he wore couldn't hide his brutal aura. His face was as beautiful as a sculpture. His beauty made the person standing on the opposite side widen his eyes in surprise. The eyes are slightly slanted, cruel and sharp, the nose is high and straight, and the skin is white but slightly pale, losing its life-giving pink hue. The point between the eyebrows appeared a little sad, although very little, Lela could still feel it.
Steady footsteps slowly moved forward, naturally making the image between him and the royal family completely different. One side shone brightly like the sun, while the other was dark and cold like night.
Lela was ecstatic to meet the second prince. He is her novel's favorite character. A pitiful supporting character whose ending is just as dolorous as herself.
Marik abruptly turned around, squinted his eyes, and fixed a cold stare on Lela. When her four eyes met, Lela curled her lips and smiled, oblivious to the cruel prince's cold gaze.
He turned his head, closed his eyes, and continued forward. Everything happened for a brief moment, but Lela was sure she had seen Marik's smirk.
"Sooner or later, the two of us will meet again soon."
Drake and Richard both looked at their sister at the same time, warning her.
"That is the second prince, Lela. That's not a character you should care about, he's dangerous."
"That second prince is a pervert who derives great satisfaction from murder. He is the battlefield's evil god, the king's blood-stained sword."
The novel meticulously recorded what her brothers had just said. Lela, of course, knew everything. However, her two brothers could not have imagined that Lela adored him as well, owing to his overbearing, brash personality.
The king stood looking down from above, proudly laughing and commanding with a wave of his hand.
"Today is my birthday. Let us raise a glass in unison and have a celebration."
The people below immediately raised their glasses and spoke simultaneously to the king.
"We wish the great sun of the empire a happy birthday. May the gods bless you with health and wisdom."
The wine glasses had been emptied, people were constantly laughing and conversing, and the space appeared to be liberated by sound.
The king bowed his head, his gaze falling on Cullen. He extended a friendly hand toward Cullen.
"Cullen, should you also introduce me to your beloved daughter?"
As children, the Duke of Cullen and the King were close classmates. Later in life, as an adult, the duke always accompanied the king on major imperial decisions. He developed into a dependable right-hand man who is respected and appreciated by the king.
Cullen bowed his head and politely replied, "Yes, we are truly grateful for the king's interest."
He gently took his daughter's hand, allowing her to walk forward alongside him and bow to the king.
"I am Duke Vincent's youngest daughter, Lela Sue Vincent. I prostrate before the empire's great sun, and ask that your gleaming light illuminate my life."
Emperor Stephen gave Lela a nod. He had seen her once, more than ten years ago. Now that she was eighteen years old, the feelings between the two meetings were different.
He gave her a very attentive look. This king appeared to be attempting to see right through Lela with his keen eyes. The king made no secret of his curiosity. It appears that the rumors about her have contributed to his interest in learning more about her.
Lela maintained her lowered head and assumed a docile, submissive posture at the king's feet.
"Little lady, it's been more than ten years, do you remember the first time we met?"
She didn't want and didn't like having to guess what was going through Stephen's mind. He could be interrogating Lela to determine if she is truly a normal person. Lela made no attempt to avert his gaze, as she had anticipated this.
"Your Majesty, I have few recollections of the past. Throughout the lengthy healing process, all I recall is the thick black night after night... I apologize, King."
Stephen continued to look at her for a few seconds longer, as if confirming her words were true. He burst out laughing and then shook his head.
"No, that is not the case. It is because I have been thinking too much myself. You look absolutely stunning now, even more stunning than you did previously."
Lela gently lifted her skirt, shrugged slightly, and bowed her head gracefully.
"I am grateful to the king."
The girl in front of him right now is truly deserving of the title of the empire's most beautiful girl. Every detail on her face has been meticulously crafted. Men are immediately drawn to her captivating eyes with ruby pink pupils and constant feeling her eyes of tears, which make them want to possess and hug her. The eyelashes are long and thick, a mixture of black and silver, and from a distance resemble a spring butterfly. Lela radiated an aura that was distinct from that of everyday people, noble and cold as winter snowflakes.
Emperor Stephen regarded Lela with amusement, and then a thought occurred to him. Allowing this girl to become a member of his family would strengthen the relationship between the royal family and the Vincent family. His hand rose, rubbing his bearded chin gently.
Lela felt uneasy in the presence of this gaze, but all she could do was bow her head obediently. The difference in status between a king and a mandarin is both close and far. Obviously, meeting and conversing is simple, but if the mandarins offend the king, they can expect only death.
"You go ahead and enjoy this party. I hope you enjoy it. Now I have something to say privately to your father."
"Then I won't bother the king anymore."
The public conversation provided additional topics of discussion for the nobles. They were now losing their minds, their gazes fixed on Lela.
Lela felt a twinge of pain in her head as she realized that the world in this novel is inherently dangerous. The Vincent family is the top family in this world, but at the same time the family has too many enemies.
She sighed as she made her way alone to the forest behind the great hall. Lela desired to breathe freely in the fresh air, free from the prying eyes of those nobles.
Originally, this world was created for main female. Everything will come easily to the main female because she possesses what is known as the protagonist's aura. And Lela is merely a supporting character, she will never possess that aura.
She needed to do far too much to safeguard her family, the second prince, and herself. Although Lela was aware that she was no longer a stupid girl she was still fearful that her calculations would deviate from the original. She was also afraid that her confidence would eventually kill her.
Lela suddenly smiled again, as she remembered Marik's face. That second prince was precisely the type of man with whom Lela fell in love. Regardless of how well-built the first prince was, Lela felt he was normal.
While Lela was still engrossed in pursuing her thoughts, her small neck was suddenly squeezed by a large hand. Her body was pushed back violently by the other arm, and her back collided with the wall. Lela's thoughts were immediately surrounded by pain, her beautiful face contorted and her small lips made a pitiful groan.