The curtain rises, and the sound of mist fills the building

The First Banquet Hall was far more magnificent than the Second—Syldra’s first impression upon arriving at the fifth floor.

After all, even its entrance corridor was significantly wider and taller than that of the previous hall.

Outside the venue, staff from “The Lion’s Invitation” were already stationed at the entrance, greeting the arriving representatives.

Guests wore diverse attire, each noble house displaying unique ceremonial garments—but all shared one unmistakable trait: opulence. Clearly, many dignitaries had arrived before Syldra and her maid.

This was the single most concentrated gathering of power and influence in Wylding—and perhaps the entire southern region—in recent days. The assembled figures held fortunes beyond measure.

If anything went wrong here, it could plunge the southern world into chaos.

Syldra took a deep breath, presenting the golden rose crest of Lentiya to the attendants at the door. With Rosetta beside her, she passed through and stepped into the hall.

Then she exhaled in quiet awe.

No wonder this is “The Lion’s Invitation.” No wonder this is where Wylding hosts only the most honored guests.

The Second Banquet Hall had been merely a standard setup—a dining area connected to an inner chamber. Nothing particularly special; Syldra had seen countless similar venues.

But the First Banquet Hall—

Even she had to admit: “Luxurious!”

Occupying the entire fifth floor, the hall featured not only a vast dining section and a central podium for speeches, but also a wide open space between them—covered in crimson carpet, with ornate stained-glass chandeliers suspended above, clearly intended for dancing.

Syldra also noticed decorative floral arrangements placed along the inner walls behind the podium—roses and peonies in shades of red and pink, their petals meticulously trimmed, artfully concealing the corners of the room.

She’d seen this color scheme and arrangement style before.

…… This was the design of a wedding.

Is this part of the performance? Syldra thought. Going all the way with the charade?

Or am I overthinking it? Maybe southern weddings just use these flowers. Perhaps they’re purely decorative—nothing to do with marriage or engagement.

The more she pondered, the more absurd she felt.

After everything these past few days, wasn’t it natural to become suspicious, paranoid?

Analyzing flower arrangements… Was this vigilance—or hypersensitivity?

“Miss!”

Rosetta’s voice pulled her back.

Turning, she saw the brown-haired maid gazing excitedly at the neatly arranged desserts on the long banquet table.

“This looks amazing!” Rosetta beamed, sharing her delight with her mistress.

Syldra couldn’t help but smile faintly at her expression.

…… Fine.

The main players hadn’t arrived yet. Worrying now wouldn’t change anything.

Before the storm broke, why not enjoy the banquet?

“—Lady Lentiya.”

A voice—familiar only from recent days—called her name.

Her relaxed mood instantly tensed.

It was Lakazet of House Wylding.

…… The girl who, if Syldra didn’t stop her today, would soon be engaged to the future Demon King—and whose actions would ultimately lead to the fall of Syldra’s homeland.

“Good afternoon, Sister Lakazet,” Syldra said calmly, offering a small curtsy.

“Good afternoon to you as well, Lady Lentiya,” Lakazet replied lightly, smiling. “Thank you for attending my father’s banquet punctually.”

“It’s our honor, Sister. Celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Duchy of Wylding is a momentous occasion—House Lentiya is privileged to be invited.”

“Ohoho~ You flatter me, Lady Lentiya—”

“And let us not forget,” Syldra cut in coolly, “that Sister Lakazet has found a noble match worthy of her station. By the Emperor’s grace, the daughter of Wylding is to be wed—it is truly a joyous event for the entire empire.”

Her voice wasn’t loud, but in the bustling hall, Lakazet heard every word.

And Lakazet’s laughter faltered—just slightly.

“…… Thank you for your kind wishes, Lady Lentiya,” she smiled, though her tone had cooled. “And I sincerely hope my younger sister finds true love and a devoted partner soon.”

“As you say, it is indeed a celebration for the empire.”

Their exchange ended abruptly, both wearing polite smiles that didn’t reach their eyes.

Lakazet excused herself, claiming she needed to speak with her father.

Syldra watched her go—the golden-haired girl’s graceful figure drawing glances from young nobles and middle-aged dukes alike as she passed.

…… Are you truly happy about this engagement, Lakazet?

Sacrificing your life for unclear reasons. Marrying a man you hold no affection for. Uncertain of what fate awaits you in a foreign land.

…… The Duke of Lentiya had never taken Ludwig to any wedding.

Ludwig’s only experiences with weddings came during his time at the Central Theocracy—attending two or three ceremonies as a priest, sent by his teacher to bless the newlyweds.

As someone outside the nobility, attending such events was alien to him. He often spoke in cold, detached formalities—like a divine decree rather than human goodwill.

After the first event, his teacher reprimanded him sharply.

From then on, he learned to mimic his teacher’s manner—offering warm, kind words to the couples.

The words themselves were gentle. But inside, Ludwig felt no real joy.

Relationships are leverage.

That was a core lesson from his noble education in House Lentiya.

To socialize was to exploit connections. To grow close was to create convenience—for oneself, for one’s benefit.

So too with marriage.

That was why daughters of noble houses, at sixteen, had to leave behind their loving families, dear parents, trusted servants—travel to foreign lands, marry strangers, and become wives to heirs of other noble lines.

All so their bloodline could strengthen their family’s influence.

And together, they would carry forward the destiny entrusted to their lineage.

…… This was a truth Ludwig once believed wholeheartedly.

So he saw marriage as nothing more than another interest-bound connection.

What reason did he have to genuinely congratulate such unions?

Yet—each time he offered his blessing, he saw expressions he didn’t understand.

The groom stood proud and radiant.
The bride blushed with quiet joy.

They thanked him sincerely. They embraced, filled with happiness.

Was it really because a stranger’s blessing meant so much?

No.

His teacher told him:

It was the fulfillment of having their happiness shared. The pride of knowing others acknowledged their love.

To bring joy to someone you cherish—that is the essence of marriage.

Lakazet, you cannot possibly feel genuine gratitude for my congratulations.

Just as I cannot offer you a sincere wish.

I will stop you.

“Thank you all for coming! Let us welcome the Duke of Wylding!”

At that moment, a voice rang out from the podium.

Almost instantly, applause erupted from all corners of the hall, swelling like waves.

The grand curtain slowly rose.