Chapter 515: The Invitation
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 515: The Invitation
"Haha, true enough. You certainly have more than... one imperial brother..."
Andrew quickly suppressed his flare of anger, though to any observer, his tone carried the distinct edge of someone speaking through gritted teeth.
The throne had been within his grasp, only for his elder brother’s sudden recovery from a long-standing mental malady to throw everything into uncertainty. Even their father, the Emperor, had begun to show signs of favoring that so-called "cursed" genius again. This had left Andrew in a foul mood for some time.
However, he wasn't entirely a fool. He knew that at this critical juncture, acting as recklessly as he once had might truly allow his "brain-addled brother" to kick him out of the running. Consequently, even his everyday gestures and etiquette were far more refined than they had been in the past.
"Celicia, have you just come from Father’s quarters?" Andrew continued, a smile plastered on his face.
"Yes. I went to pay His Majesty a visit."
"I see. It’s good to check on him, but..." Andrew suddenly waved his hand, signaling his attendants to step back. He leaned in and lowered his voice. "Did Father say anything to you?"
"Say what? It was merely the usual exchange of concerns."
"Ahem. Aside from the usual pleasantries, surely he said something else? I find it hard to believe Father summoned you just to chat about family matters."
"Oh?" Celicia arched a delicate brow, a faint, mocking smile playing on her lips. "And what exactly are you implying, Brother Andrew?"
"I’m not implying anything. I just wanted to remind you, Thea—we grew up together. Our relationship is, by any measure, much closer than the one you have with..." Andrew pointed a finger at his own head. "...Brother Albert."
"It certainly... sounds that way."
That is, if growing up in the same palace and barely seeing each other once a day could be considered "close."
Celicia lowered her gaze. Etiquette, state affairs, academics, and her own cultivation—there was so much to master as a member of the imperial family. When would she have ever had the time to build "close relationships" with her brothers? Perhaps they had been closer when they were very young, but as time passed, they had inevitably drifted apart.
"But you’ve misunderstood, Brother Andrew. My audience with Father truly was just a family chat. I heard his condition had worsened and was worried, so I brought him some rare medicinal herbs. That was all."
"Is that... so?" Andrew looked visibly disappointed.
"If you don't believe me, why not go and ask Father yourself?"
"I believe you! Of course I believe you!" Andrew’s expression turned solemn as he nodded vigorously. "How could I not believe your word, Thea? But, speaking of which... you aren't still angry about that previous matter, are you?"
"That previous matter?"
"Well... the appointment I issued to Muen Campbell. You know, your future husband," Andrew said apologetically.
"Ah, did that happen?" Celicia looked slightly surprised, as if hearing about the appointment for the first time. "Is that why he hasn't returned for so long? I thought he’d died out there somewhere."
"Ahem... Thea, really, that’s..." Andrew coughed twice, looking somewhat awkward. "Actually, I did it for his own good. It was a prime opportunity to gild his reputation. I had to work quite hard to convince my subordinates to yield that position to him. Once he returns, that experience will ensure he secures a position of real power within the Imperial Center."
"Sigh, there are just too many people to lead. They squabble over every little scrap of benefit; it’s truly difficult to maintain a balance." Andrew sighed and shook his head, looking as though he had a massive headache.
"Brother Andrew, you truly have been most thoughtful."
Is he trying to hint that he’s the one the people support?
Celicia pinched the corners of her skirt once more and performed an elegant curtsy. "Then, on behalf of that dead man, I shall offer you my thanks."
"Haha, no need for thanks. We’re family, after all."
Andrew continued to nod with a smile, but his eyes swept quickly across Celicia’s cold, beautiful face. Finding nothing unusual, he withdrew his suspicious gaze just before she could notice, returning to his normal demeanor.
"In that case, I won't waste any more of your time. I’m off to visit Father myself. I’ve collected a few antique artworks that I’m sure he’ll enjoy."
"Then I shall let you be, Brother."
After another round of polite but hollow farewells—the kind where neither party could truly glimpse the other's heart—Celicia passed the group.
"Ah, right, one more thing." Andrew suddenly turned around and slapped his forehead. "Look at my memory. I was planning to have this delivered to your residence personally, but since we’ve run into each other, I almost forgot."
Andrew gestured to an aide. Quickly, a man stepped forward and handed Celicia an exquisite, gold-embossed envelope.
"This is..." Celicia scanned it briefly. "An invitation?"
"Indeed. Three days from now, I am hosting a ball at the palace. The nobility and socialites of all Belland will be invited."
Andrew spoke with a flourish about the elegance of the ball and the prestige of the guests. It seemed that only in moments like these could he display the confidence he once held as the sole heir to the throne.
"This... the invitation was issued in Father’s name?" Celicia opened the letter and saw the signature and seal at the bottom—the most prestigious mark in the land.
Andrew’s expression stiffened for a moment, but he maintained his smile. "I did obtain Father’s permission. It is a ball held within the palace, after all. Besides, as I am currently acting as Regent, it is my duty to ease the tensions between the various factions at a time like this, is it not?"
"..."
Ease tensions? You are the primary reason those tensions exist.
In fact, a ball held in the Emperor's name would likely only fuel further suspicion and paranoia among the various factions.
"You’ve worked hard, Brother Andrew." Celicia showed no outward sign of her thoughts. She tucked the letter back into its envelope and nodded. "I shall attend as requested."
"Then I shall look forward to it. With your beauty, Celicia, you will surely be the most radiant pearl of the evening."
*
After parting ways with Andrew, Celicia was in no hurry to leave the palace. She found a quiet courtyard and sat down to enjoy some imperial pastries while she waited in silence.
Before long, she saw Andrew—who was supposed to be visiting their father—leading his large, boisterous entourage back the way they had come.
Celicia summoned a maid who served as her eyes and ears. "Did Brother Andrew see Father?"
"Reporting to Your Highness: he did not," the maid said, bowing her head. "It seems His Majesty was busy with other matters and did not grant Prince Andrew an audience. The Prince waited outside His Majesty’s chambers for a short while before leaving on his own."
"How long did he wait?"
"About... ten minutes."
"Only ten minutes? Hah, he truly has no patience."
Watching the retreating backs of the group—who possessed nothing but a superficial sense of momentum—Celicia rested her cheek on her hand. Whether in mockery or lament, she let out a cold, emotionless laugh.
"No wonder a newly recovered Albert has you backed into a corner like this... You utter fool."