A Royal Invitation and a Blooming Festival

“O people of Roland…”

Gazing at the Emperor’s commanding figure, Ziyao found herself marveling. His Majesty, indeed, possessed an undeniable charisma, one that compelled others to follow him. It was no wonder that Roland had ascended to become the most powerful nation on the continent after his enthronement.

Now was the time for the Emperor’s address. Once he concluded, the Festival of Blooming Flowers would officially commence.

Before the Emperor spoke, Raphael had already blessed Roland on behalf of the Church. This was, in fact, the very reason the Saintess had accompanied them.

The Emperor’s speech was remarkably concise. On such a joyous day, he had no desire to needlessly delay his people.

“My words are finished. Now, go and enjoy this festival!” The Emperor swept his hand, and with his gesture, countless fireworks soared into the sky. His voice, amplified by magic, echoed throughout the entire Imperial Capital. As the sky transformed into a vibrant garden, the capital itself became a joyous paradise.

So… this is what the Festival of Blooming Flowers is like?

Aiya’s eyes sparkled with starlight. This was her first time witnessing the festival’s opening, and her first time participating in the celebrations. Instinctively, she turned to Ziyao, eager to see her friend’s reaction.

Ziyao… this must be her first Festival of Blooming Flowers, too.

The white-haired girl sitting beside her offered a slight smile, her eyes curving into crescent moons. It was clear she was overjoyed.

“How wonderful…” Her voice was carried away by the gentle breeze. Aiya suddenly felt a pang in her chest, and a name escaped her lips: “Lotia…”

“Hmm?” Ziyao turned her head in confusion. ‘Did… Aiya just call her?’

‘Eh? Who is Lotia?’ Aiya wondered. She had never heard that name before, so how had she uttered it? And why had Ziyao reacted? For a moment, both girls were lost in thought.

However, this peculiar situation did not last long. The Queen approached Ziyao and gently patted her shoulder.

“?”

“Come join us for lunch in the palace,” the Queen said, a smile gracing her lips.

Eh?!

Raphael and Elena, who were nearby, both looked over. Unlike Ziyao, they understood the implications of this invitation perfectly.

The Festival of Blooming Flowers lunch was a Royal Family banquet. If one wasn’t a member of the Imperial Family, such an invitation was simply out of the question.

As far back as Elena could remember, the Festival of Blooming Flowers lunch had always consisted of the same few individuals: the Emperor, the Queen, the Grand Princess, her brother, and herself. Later, Aiya had joined them.

Indeed, the Grand Princess, who was even older than the Emperor, remained a confirmed bachelorette.

But now, her mother was actually inviting Ziyao to dine with them. Elena was momentarily bewildered, unable to fathom her mother’s intentions.

“Oh, how interesting.” Raphael quickly suppressed her look of surprise. “I’ll take my leave now. There are still matters to attend to at the Church.”

“Ugh, why do Aiya and Elena look so strange?” Ziyao’s small brain began to churn furiously. ‘Why is this happening? It’s just a meal, isn’t it? Is it really such a big deal?’

“Emmm, Senior, I have a feeling this isn’t just a meal,” Ziyao ventured.

The Queen maintained her smile, having no intention of keeping Ziyao in the dark.

“It’s a family banquet, you see.”

“A family banquet?!” What the heck?! Why invite me to your family’s meal?

“Do you like Aiya?” The Queen flashed a mischievous grin.

No… what does this have to do with liking Aiya?! We’re both girls!

“I personally don’t mind the gender of my daughter’s partner, you know.” The Queen dropped another bombshell.

Good heavens.

Is this family really that open-minded?

Ziyao was dumbfounded. It was true she liked Aiya, but to fast-forward things this quickly was more than she could handle.

“I believe this is a very serious matter. Not just for me, but Aiya also needs to think it through carefully,” Ziyao stated with a serious expression. “We are still too young.”

Yes, that’s it.

“It’s fine; I’m not rushing you. Today is truly just about sharing a meal.” The Queen’s hand rested on Ziyao’s shoulder.

Can… can I refuse?

Elena and Aiya’s gazes were incredibly intense. Ziyao felt as though her face was about to be pierced.

More importantly, the Queen’s hand on her shoulder felt like cast iron. The pressure from this Shadow Assassin was simply too immense.

The Queen’s meaning was clear: even if it meant binding her, Ziyao was coming back with them.

“Alright,” Tears welled in her eyes, but Ziyao nodded.

Is it really this popular to give away daughters these days?

****

Somewhat unexpectedly, Roland’s Imperial Palace was not as extravagant as one might imagine. While it was certainly luxurious compared to other buildings, it was still the Imperial Palace. It was said that the palaces in other nations had walls made of gold and gates crafted from magic crystals.

Compared to those, Roland’s Imperial Palace seemed almost modest.

“It seems His Majesty is a very frugal man.” From this alone, one could discern that the Emperor was truly a wise ruler.

“Haha, you flatter me, Your Excellency.” The Emperor chuckled happily. The more he looked at Ziyao, the more pleasing she became to his eyes.

They were currently walking towards the dining hall—a path the Emperor rarely took himself. He typically dined in his study.

The Emperor had many affairs to attend to; he simply didn’t have the leisure to travel to such a distant dining hall for a meal.

Soon, the group arrived at their destination.

Dozens of maids stood in two orderly rows, forming an aisle to the dining hall’s entrance.

“Your Excellency, please.” The Emperor smiled at Ziyao before stepping into the dining hall first. Next came the Queen, followed by Ziyao, Aiya, and Elena. The seating arrangements were already made, and Ziyao found herself perfectly sandwiched between Aiya and Elena.

This must have been specifically arranged by the Queen.

“By the way, Your Excellency Jing Shui, I don’t believe I know your age,” the Emperor inquired.

Had it been anyone else, Ziyao wouldn’t have given them the time of day, but this man might just be her future father-in-law.

How old…

How was she supposed to know her own age?!

“Sixteen,” she finally reported, stating her bone age.

“You’re the same age as Elena,” the Emperor remarked with a smile. “It’s a pity Elena isn’t as clever as you, Your Excellency. I hope you’ll look after my foolish daughter in the future.”

“Father!” Elena’s face flushed. What did he mean, foolish daughter?! She wasn’t foolish, all right?

Unlike other royal families on the continent, Roland’s Imperial Family resembled an ordinary household. The Emperor was a good father, the Queen a loving mother, and their children had no animosity towards each other because of their status.

Had it been princesses from other nations, they wouldn’t have dared to speak to their fathers in such a manner.

“Alas, it’s a shame Edward couldn’t make it back. Otherwise…” He could have seen his sister’s taste for himself.

The Emperor looked at Ziyao, who wore a gentle, amiable smile, and a hint of regret unexpectedly arose in his heart.