The Imperial Party

As the sun dipped below the horizon and darkness began to settle over the early evening, I stood waiting for Isis in front of a famous salon, a carriage parked beside me.

What kind of dress will she wear?

Her usual public image called for something dignified and luxurious, with no unnecessary exposure. But she always showed me a different side, so I couldn’t be sure what to expect. I was enjoying a flutter of anticipation while picturing various possibilities when Isis finally appeared.

“Luan, have you waited long?”

Her dress fluttered in the breeze. The black gown had been reinterpreted in a modern ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠style—offering excellent mobility while preserving its key accents. A daring slit ran up the skirt and the back plunged low, boldly displaying her dazzling legs and elegant shoulder blades. It wasn’t vulgarly revealing; it simply accentuated her sensual allure. The real problem was that her charm overflowed so completely it nearly eclipsed the dress’s own beauty.

I stared, momentarily speechless. Isis approached and shyly examined herself.

“H-how does it look? It’s not strange, is it?”

Her cautious sidelong glances made it clear she was worried I might disapprove.

What kind of insane bastard would dislike this?

If such a man existed, the odds were one hundred percent that he was either gay or not human. I gave her my honest reaction.

“You look… truly beautiful.”

“R-really? Thank you. You look wonderful yourself.”

Isis’s eyes traveled over my body. I had dressed sharply in a formal suit for the imperial party. My physique had never been lacking, and the results of my relentless training showed in perfectly balanced muscle that made the tailored fit look flawless.

I gave a small chuckle and offered my hand.

“Shall we go, then?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

With another word of gratitude, Isis took my hand and stepped into the carriage first. I followed, and we set off.

We remained silent for a while. It wasn’t awkward. We were simply savoring a quiet moment together. I watched the scenery rush past the window, lost in thought.

I hope nothing goes wrong this time.

Whenever things seemed peaceful, the Dark Cult would stir up trouble. These days I couldn’t let my guard down even for the smallest event. An imperial party was a major occasion, so it weighed on me even more.

Still, it should be fine, right?

This was the imperial palace, after all. The entire imperial guard would be on airtight watch. No matter how bold the Dark Cult was, pulling off anything here would be nearly impossible. And if trouble did arise, the Imperial Knights would handle it long before I needed to lift a finger.

While I busily rationalized ways to actually enjoy the party, the carriage arrived at the venue. I stepped down first and surveyed the hall. Brilliant lights poured down, luxurious decorations stood everywhere, and a rich red carpet stretched across the floor, amplifying the opulence.

How many years has it been?

My last visit was after the Crown Prince’s engagement to Remian Herana—roughly three years ago. The place remained as extravagantly wasteful as ever.

“Sister. Take my hand.”

“Excuse me.”

Isis grasped my offered hand and descended. We walked arm-in-arm like a loving couple and presented our invitation to the doorman.

“…Confirmed. Please enter.”

“Thank you for your service.”

After the simple verification, we passed through the doors held open by the attendants. At the same moment, the herald announced our arrival.

The instant the voice rang out, every gaze in the hall snapped toward us. Those eyes brimmed with envy, jealousy, and ugly desire. We endured it all, crossing the floor toward the seats of honor.

Facing the imperial family, we knelt and offered our respects in perfect unison.

“We greet Your Majesty the Emperor.”

We hadn’t rehearsed it, yet we spoke at the exact same moment. Was this another display of the Emperor’s power? I entertained the ridiculous thought that sitting on the throne granted some unique skill that forced everyone to show proper etiquette.

A solemn voice descended.

“Raise your heads.”

An indescribable pressure I couldn’t defy lifted my chin. There sat Rutran Solias. Red hair, golden eyes, an elegant beard, and a commanding presence—this man ruled the vast empire. The majestic mana radiating from him was in no way inferior to Kain’s.

He’s trained hard.

To temper his own power without relying on authority showed incredible diligence. Perhaps that was exactly why he had become emperor. The Solias family never simply handed the throne to the eldest son.

“Your Majesty, congratulations on your forty-third birthday. I pray you enjoy continued good health.”

“Indeed. Many things have happened this year. I hope the Priuli family sees its share of fortune as well.”

“We are grateful for your kindness. We have prepared a gift—please accept it.”

At Isis’s subtle signal, the servant who had been following us unnoticed quickly handed the present to the imperial steward. With the brief greeting complete, we withdrew from the seats of honor.

I glanced back.

Keep staring and you’ll burn a hole through her, you bastard.

The Crown Prince seated beside the Emperor was staring fixedly at Isis. His eyes hadn’t left her once ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠since we appeared. Isis ignored him completely. At this level of obviousness, even the Emperor must have noticed his son’s feelings. It was fortunate he chose not to intervene. If he had tried to force Isis into the position of Crown Princess, I would have had no choice but to revolt.

Well, that’s just a joke.

While I entertained such absurd thoughts, I removed my suit jacket and draped it over Isis’s shoulders.

“Wear this.”

“Huh?”

“Men are staring. Cover up.”

I couldn’t block their thoughts, but I refused to tolerate them devouring her body with their eyes. If even the Crown Prince of the empire couldn’t look away, there was no need to speak of the others.

Isis smiled softly at my consideration.

“…Thank you. I’ll make good use of it.”

“It’s nothing. A partner should do at least this much. Shall we sit somewhere for now? There’s still time before the party truly begins.”

“Yes, let’s. This way.”

Thanks to her previous attendance at several imperial parties, Isis located a comfortable spot immediately. We sat facing each other, resting, when the herald announced another guest.

The doors opened and Skadia appeared. Clad in a pure white dress, she looked like the snow fairy from legend. Her brilliant silver hair seemed almost dreamlike, her blue eyes were cool yet dignified, and her slender figure was utterly captivating. Despite attending without a partner, there was no trace of humiliation about her. Everyone present knew she hadn’t failed to secure one—she simply hadn’t bothered.

Skadia’s gaze suddenly fixed on us as she walked in. She slowed for the briefest moment while looking at Isis and me. She quickly resumed her pace, but the momentary flicker of emotion couldn’t be hidden. The sharp-eyed young noblewomen immediately began whispering about us.

It was truly ironic. When we were engaged, public opinion had pitied Skadia. Now that the engagement was broken, my improved reputation made people whisper that she had made a foolish choice. Something about missing her chance to become a marchioness. Of course, it was all nonsense from people who knew nothing. I had zero intention of becoming a marquis anyway.

With complicated feelings, I downed a drink in one gulp to wash away the unpleasant aftertaste.

More familiar faces continued to appear. Ethan Gloucester, whose inner thoughts remained as impossible to read as ever, offered brief congratulations. Then came Felicia, the noble daughter with roll-style hair who laughed “Ohohohot!” while boldly displaying nearly half of her violently large chest. Finally Alissa arrived. Uncharacteristically, she wore a dress with considerable exposure—both her thighs and the upper curves of her breasts on full display, deliberately stimulating male desire. She would never have chosen it herself; her family had clearly forced the outfit on her.

The reactions to Alissa and Skadia were night and day despite both attending alone. The difference came down to one thing: Alissa was an illegitimate child. The young nobles couldn’t tear their eyes from her beauty, yet few dared approach. Those who did only sought a one-night stand. In the end Alissa rejected them all and retreated to the balcony.

While I was still watching her go, a familiar voice called out.

“Luan!”

Abel, looking sharp in a well-fitted suit, approached with Yuni elegantly dressed in a gown.

“Abel? What are you doing here?”

“Ah, His Highness ‍‍‌‌⁠​​⁠‌​​‍​​‍​‌​⁠‍‌‍⁠⁠‌⁠‌‍‌‍‌‌‌‍⁠​‌​‌​‌‍‌‌‌⁠‍​​‌‍⁠‌‌⁠⁠the Crown Prince actually sent me an invitation. I agonized over it but decided to attend. I’m glad I ran into you.”

It seemed the Crown Prince had thoughtfully sent them ordinary invitations. A VIP pass would only have earned them jealous glares from the nobles. No wonder I hadn’t known they were coming.

“G-greetings, Madam President!”

Yuni, standing close to Abel, gave Isis a rigidly formal bow. She was so nervous her movements looked robotic. Isis stared at the straw-colored back of her head for a moment, then burst into soft laughter.

“Pfft! Hello, Yuni. It’s been a while. I’ve heard you’ve been working hard for the student council. It must be exhausting.”

“N-not at all! You’re the one who works the hardest, Madam President. Please give me any task—I’ll do anything!”

“Hearing that makes me happy. Enjoy the party, both of you. If you run into any trouble, come find me. Understood?”

“Yes, Madam President! Thank you!”

After the warm exchange, Abel and Yuni excused themselves, saying they would see us later.

“They really are good friends, aren’t they, Luan?”

“They’re almost too good for me. Anyway, want something to eat? You must be getting hungry.”

“Mm… maybe later. The speech is about to start.”

Sure enough, the Emperor’s address began shortly afterward. It was brief.

“Thank you all for attending. I hope you enjoy the party. For the glory of the Solias Empire!”

Everyone echoed the toast and drained their wine. The real party began immediately afterward. Or rather, Isis began to suffer—swarmed by nobles eager to build connections. I stayed protectively at her side. I would have preferred to flee, but I couldn’t leave her defenseless among the pack of wolves circling us. Not that Isis would ever be truly ensnared, but this was a matter of the heart, not practicality.

Time passed. The crowd eventually thinned and peace returned.

“Whew… that was pretty exhausting.”

“Pfft! You worked hard. Sit and rest.”

“Is this what you go through every year, Sister?”

“Yes. Though this year does seem especially intense.”

Isis tilted her head with a troubled expression. She was currently a highly sought-after prize—reaching marriageable age, possessing an excellent reputation, and blessed with a bright future. No wonder the unmarried men were practically frothing at the mouth for even a single glance.

While we chatted and caught our breath, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly shifted. I turned my head and saw countless nobles escorting their partners toward the center. A classical melody began to play, and couples started moving in time with the music.

It’s dance time.

Recognizing the moment, I rose from my seat. Perfectly imitating noble etiquette, I extended my hand to Isis.

“Beautiful lady, would you grant me the honor?”

“L-Luan? What are you…?”

“Can’t you tell? I’m asking you to dance. Choose quickly. Will you dance with me, or abandon me for another man?”

“Honestly…”

Isis, momentarily startled, smiled in exasperation at my teasing and took my hand.

“Of course I’ll dance with our wonderful Luan.”

“Wise choice.”

“Then I’m counting on you.”

“As am I.”

We moved to the center of the floor. Embracing each other, our eyes met—and we began to dance, lost within the flowing melody.