After our chat with the royalty of Belfri, Victor and Arabella bid their farewells, joining the king and queen of Solaris as they shared laughs. Emi, who stood by my side, gently placed her hand on my shoulder, displaying an understanding smile on her lips. Even though I found moments like this somewhat tiring, I couldn't help but acknowledge the comforting feeling they brought.
The rest of the evening went by steadily and peacefully. Emi led me to various nobles, introducing me to each one of them. To be honest, the number of nobles was so large that I struggled to remember half of the names and titles that Emi revealed to me. However, when it came time to greet the last noble on the list, I was taken aback, as I didn't expect to find him there.
"Princess Emi, as always, you look enchanting today"
The man made a small bow to Emi and then his eyes turned to me. His next words caught me off guard, leaving me somewhat bewildered.
"This is our first time meeting in person, but I hope we can establish a good relationship from here on, for the prosperity of the realm, Viscount Ren"
He said with notable solemnity and dignity. His tone implied a familiarity that didn't make sense, as I was certain I had never seen him before or even heard of him.
"You speak as if we've known each other for some time... Have we met before?"
I asked, expressing my confusion. The noble before me let out a soft laugh before responding.
"I suppose not. This is also the first time I've laid eyes on you. Princess, could you kindly introduce me to our esteemed friend?"
He addressed Emi, who replied with a smile.
"Ren, allow me to introduce Marquess Frank. He is one of the kingdom's most loyal subjects and someone my father trusts immensely"
The name "Marquess Frank" triggered an instant connection in my mind. I had heard that name before, when Hana and Oliver became my employees. I distinctly remember they had been sent to my territory at Marquess Frank's request. While it made sense for him to be present at a noble party, I still wondered why I had underestimated the possibility of his presence here.
Putting these thoughts aside, I performed a brief greeting, placing my hand over my abdomen and giving a slight bow.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Marquess Frank. I'm Viscount Ren Orchid Solaris, and I thank you greatly for the help you've sent my way. Oliver and Hana have been of great assistance to me"
I remarked, a soft smile adorning my face. Marquess Frank let out a small chuckle in response to my words and replied in a friendly manner.
"I'm pleased to hear that. Furthermore, we're in an informal setting, so please, call me by my name"
I simply nodded with a brief wave and said.
"Then, please, just call me Ren"
Following this brief introduction, we embarked on a conversation covering various topics. According to what I could gather from Frank, his family has maintained unwavering loyalty to the Kingdom of Solaris over several generations. He shared with me that he greatly values the king, who is known for his kindness both to his subjects and his own family. This characteristic was something I wholeheartedly agreed with.
Furthermore, it wasn't difficult to perceive that the benevolent influence of the king was reflected in the streets and on the faces of the people of Solaris. The atmosphere of joy and liveliness that permeated nearly every corner of the city was a clear testament to the competence of his government.
"Allow me to extend my congratulations on your engagement to our princess. I sincerely wish that both of you find happiness"
Frank said with a faint smile on his face. With these final words, he stepped away and approached a woman and a young man, slightly older than Emi and me. I presumed they were Frank's family members, probably his wife and son. Suddenly, Emi, by my side, added.
"Although he's a bit strict and serious, he's a kind man. Whenever he came to the palace on business, he used to bring strawberry sweets for me"
While her words momentarily surprised me, as I hadn't imagined that Frank had had contact with Emi since childhood, I realized it made sense. As our conversation continued, Frank made a point of mentioning nobles whom I should be mindful of now that my engagement to Emi had been announced. I understood that this was his peculiar way of expressing his concern for both Emi and perhaps myself.
After this episode, the rest of the evening proceeded without incidents. Emi and I continued to enjoy each other's company, sharing laughter and exchanging affectionate glances as if we were the only ones in the hall. Even when Emi's father playfully scolded us, reminding us that we were in a public place, I confess his words seemed to go in one ear and out the other, so absorbed were we in each other.
We decided to return to the table where my parents were. Upon seeing us together, Liam displayed a visibly surprised expression at the news of our engagement, but soon offered his sincere congratulations. It was clear that his surprise was genuine, but his support was also evident.
And somehow, I found myself in Emi's room, more precisely on the balcony. The view from here was magnificent, with the starry sky stretching out before us, and the kingdom spread out beneath the darkness. By my side, Emi shared the same view, a warm smile illuminating her face.
"Today was truly incredible. Spending these moments with you and my family is something I consider invaluable, something I wouldn't trade for anything"
Emi suddenly said, her words penetrating deeply into my heart. Although my desire to respond was great, I knew that words wouldn't be enough to express what I felt. Emi was the center of my existence, someone for whom I would give everything. Turning gently towards her, our gazes met in a deep connection, our feelings intertwining.
Beneath the starlight, our lips drew closer, and a slow, passionate kiss blossomed between us, like a silent declaration of the love we shared.