The nobles of the kingdom had gathered in the main hall of Rocchetta Palace. They were waiting for the girl known as Diana Evans—the chosen girl who would become the second prince's fiancé.
Since the announcement was made many nobles have been trying to get invitations to attend this event. They couldn't bear to come and judge whether or not Lady Evans lived up to her outstanding reputation.
It is said that her beauty surpasses Lady Campbell, the first prince's fiancé and even rivals the empress' beauty. People believe it's just an exaggeration.
Diana Evans was only the daughter of a count with a commoner background. His father Terion Evans was just a soldier working at the border. Terion was later given a peerage for his merit in raising the Emperor's illegitimate child.
Initially Terion Evans was given the rank of Baron but thanks to his slick performance over the last seven years he has earned the recognition of the Empress and managed to rise in rank. Even his appointment as a count just took place earlier this year.
That rank didn't change things much, some nobles still looked down on the Evans because of their background as commoners. In addition, Diana was the third prince's half-sister. That fact made Diana look even contemptible.
The guard at the door made the announcement, "Your Highness, the first prince Austin Deutrich Laurence and his fiancé, princess Elizabeth Campbell are entering the ballroom."
Because today was a celebration for Lucas and Diana, Austin and Elizabeth were made to enter first. This couple has been betrothed for five years and there's a tip that they will get married next year.
Shortly after they entered the ballroom, the guard at the entrance announced Lucas and Diana's arrival. Since it was Diana's first appearance, everyone stayed where they were and devoted all their attention to welcoming her.
Lucas came in with a charismatic straight face, he couldn't pretend he was happy for tonight's event nor could he openly show his annoyance. He could only hope that the night would pass soon.
Even though a small part of his brain contracted and admitted that Diana was indeed very stunning tonight. Lucas's defense was strong enough not to fall under Diana's charms.
The last to enter the royal ballroom was the Empress, Ariana Brandon-Laurence.
Diana couldn't keep her head down for long but stared at Ariana malignantly. Their first meeting was when Diana's father Terion Evans was promoted, and it was only last week when Ariana welcomed her at the palace as Lucas' fiance-to-be.
At that time, Diana could only look at Ariana with admiration. The teachings of her mother, Yona, were quite rooted and made little Diana love the Empress. Though Milia's soul is burning inside her. But now that Milia has complete control over Diana, it will be quite difficult to control the flash of anger in her eyes.
Especially when Ariana announced her engagement to Lucas:
"As of tonight, I am announcing that my second son, Lucas Deutrich Laurence and Diana Evans of Cheshire County, are officially engaged. I hereby give my approval and blessing to both of them."
"Also, happy birthday and congratulations on your social debut my dear."
Diana had to step forward and bow before Ariana once more to receive her blessing. To think that she would live as Ariana's daughter-in-law in the future… all of hell dwellers would definitely laugh at her.
[ Your glory will end soon my empress and I will make sure it happens in the way you like best.]
…
"Wow, who would have thought that Lady Evans was this gorgeous."
"I thought I saw the Empress in a younger version. Gosh do you feel it! The way she walked in already looked like an empress, no, she was definitely destined to be an empress in this life."
"Don't talk nonsense, Prince Lucas might not even be crowned as Crown Prince. How could that girl be an empress?"
"That's to said. The Empress must be sponsoring her like crazy. I believe I saw the jewelry she was wearing in the VIP room of Madam Meriel's Store and the dress she was wearing must have been specially designed by either Sir Romel or Lady Darwin."
"Huh? Is it really like that? I hear that Lady Campbell is even having trouble getting through to those fashion designers you mentioned. They are both very exclusive and picky customers."
"Of course, if I get a daughter-in-law like that I'd be more than happy to pour my money into making her wear pretty things."
On the other side the noblemen also whispered among themselves.
"I think our Second Prince isn't very good at judging women. He rejected the daughter of Duke Lennox and Maquis Tweeddale. We know they're the two best after Lady Campbell, but how remarkable she was!"
"Yes, now I know why his highness accepted this engagement. That lady of the Evans family is truly a treasure you can't refuse."
"He may have been waiting for Lady Evans all along. I heard that the girl is the third prince's half-sister. His highness, Prince Lucas must have had his eye on her for a long time."
"Oh! You are right. I almost forgot about that girl's background."
"With such a background, wouldn't it be difficult for our second prince if he were to aim for the throne?"
"Who knows what will happen? Hadn't the Empress herself chosen Lady Evans to be the prince's fiancé? I heard the noblewoman say that Laddy Evans has the support of the Empress."
"Ah! I hope it's the other way around. If Lady Evans becomes a hindrance and gets dumped, I'll be more than happy to accommodate her."
Diana's appearance tonight, she was indeed dazzling… her looks and stature almost made everyone forget about her origins. Even Elizabeth Campbell who had just entered looked pale if they stood side by side.
Diana's appearance exceeded everyone's expectations.
After the first song ends, a group of young noblemen move in the same direction. Without even realizing it, Austin, the first prince, stepped into the queue in hope to dance with Diana.
Unfortunately he lost quickly, there was another man who got the chance to dance on the second song. That's Liam, the Third Prince and Diana's half brother.
"Hey, I think something is wrong there." Austin, who lost his chance, instead approached his brother.
Lucas had stepped aside and sat at his throne so that no woman dared to approach him. He had fulfilled his duty to dance with Diana, now he just needed to wait for this party to end.
"Did you see how that bastard looked at her sister?" Austin whispered right in Lucas' ear.
The two of them then watched Diana and Liam dancing on the dance floor. For Lucas, Liam's gaze was still quite natural. He had seen firsthand how much Liam loved his little sister. "What's wrong with that?"
"Don't you see? He looks like someone who will jump to bite if you touch Lady Evans."
"It's his sister after all."
"No! Take a closer look, that possession in his eyes is definitely something. I will ask Lady Evans for a dance and let's see what happens."
This time Austin got ready faster, before the second song ended he had approached Diana and Liam. As soon as the second dance was over he took Diana's hand and kissed it.
"It's my pleasure to have the third dance with you, My Lady." Austin didn't even ask, he spoke as if Diana had accepted his invitation to dance. As expected of our first prince.
"Your Highness, Prince Austin, it's an honor for me. But I have to apologize because I think I need a break. You know, I'm still recovering after the tragedy that happened the day before. I hope you will understand."
"Oh?" Austin's face fell instantly. It was rare for him to be rejected by a woman. He could have argued and commented on Diana's rude attitude, but Austin smiled helplessly instead. "That's fine. Please take your time to rest, My Lady. Maybe… we can dance to the last song."
Diana withdrew her hand which was still held by Austin. "Then I'll excuse you, Your Highness. Thank you for your generosity." Diana bent down pinching the folds of her dress and turned away.
Lucas, who was sitting on the throne, watched his older brother. Austin's show ends peacefully. Indeed Liam stood watching but not much change in his face.
Boring but thank goodness… For some reason Lucas felt relieved that Diana refused Austin's invitation to dance. Because when it comes to who's interested, Lucas actually sees the interest on Austin's face.
Lucas's eyes met Austin who was still standing on the dance floor. Austin grinned like it didn't matter that his little show was falling apart. Lucas suddenly thought of Austin's subtle way, commenting on Liam just to say that he wanted to dance with Diana.
[ Whose reaction did you expect huh? ]
[ Who do you think my little brother? ]