From the side, Gerald stepped forward, holding a beautifully wrapped gift box—elegant in black and silver ribbon, adorned with delicate ivory flowers.
Evelyn: "I only hope Her Highness, the Second Princess won't find my humble gift lacking."
Curtis chuckled lightly and smiled.
Curtis: "How could she possibly dislike a gift from Your Highness?"
He leaned toward Rosalia, gently patting her head.
Curtis: "Come, Rosa. Let's see what your elder sister has brought you."
With a subtle gesture, one of the palace maids stepped forward and took the box from Gerald. She carried it with careful hands before Rosalia.
Rosalia unwrapped the box slowly. Rosalia, wide-eyed with curiosity, unwrapped the final ribbon. As the lid lifted and the soft silken paper inside unfolded, a gentle gasp escaped her lips.
Rosalia: "WOW!!"
And her eyes lit up like a child seeing magic for the first time.
Nestled within the velvet-lined box was a delicate crystal music box, shaped like a miniature castle. Its spires shimmered in soft pastel hues under the chandelier light, and tiny enchanted figures of animals—rabbits, deer, birds—circled around the palace when the mechanism was wound.
Beside it, tucked gently into a corner of the box, lay a bracelet of silver and moonstone, woven with fine white-gold strands. At the center sat a small blue opal, glowing faintly with a calming effect—a protective spell crafted for peaceful dreams.
Rosalia's eyes grew wide with awe. Her small hands hovered gently over the music box as it began to play a soft, lullaby-like tune. The room fell silent, the enchanting melody captivating even the most composed adults.
Rosalia: "Woah… It's so beautiful!"
She looked up at Evelyn, her eyes shining bright.
Rosalia: "Did you really pick this for me?"
Evelyn offered a quiet smile.
Evelyn: "I wasn't sure what the Second Princess liked, so I chose something I thought might suit her. I hope she will like it."
Curtis looked a bit surprised but composed himself.
Curtis: "That's a wonderful gift, your highness. Rosa, say thank you to your highness."
Rosalia: "Thank you, Sister!"
Evelyn gave a slight nod, her smile soft and fleeting—like morning mist that disappears before it settles.
Evelyn: "I'm glad you like it."
Some nobles exchanged surprised glances. Hadn't they heard the First Princess was rude, arrogant, and unloved? Yet here she was, composed and gracious before the Empress herself.
All eyes subtly shifted to Empress Florina, curious how she would respond now that Evelyn had so effortlessly shifted the atmosphere.
Empress Florina took a slow sip of her champagne, her smile poised but strained, her eyes unreadable.
Empress Florina: "It seems the First Princess has a talent for drawing attention."
Though her words were light, the sharp undertone cut through the hall.
Evelyn turned slightly toward her mother, unbothered, the faintest hint of amusement in her eyes.
Evelyn: "If showing sincerity is considered drawing attention… then I suppose I must be quite talented."
There was a hidden meaning behind her words—an unspoken reminder to the Empress of a time long past, when she had sincerely begged for her mother's love, endlessly chasing after her affection. Yet no matter how earnestly she reached out, the Empress never once looked her way.
The nobles held their breath.
Curtis glanced between mother and daughter but said nothing.
The Empress did not respond, simply turning her head away.
Evelyn excused herself gracefully and stepped aside, remaining close enough to observe. She needed a moment—there was something she had to confirm.
As the nobles and dignitaries one by one stepped forward to present their gifts, the atmosphere buzzed with polite murmurs and careful glances. The presents ranged from exquisite jewels to rare artifacts, each more lavish than the last.
Then Grand Duke Rochester stepped forward, followed closely by Edrick. The air shifted subtly as all eyes turned to them.
Rosalia's gaze caught sight of Edrick, and for a moment, a strange, fleeting light flickered in her emerald eyes—an unfamiliar spark of emotion, deep and intense. Evelyn noticed the subtle change and allowed a slight, knowing smile to cross her lips, as if finally got the answer to her question.
The Grand Duke bowed gracefully before presenting the gift. It was an exquisite necklace set known as "The Star of Seraphiel"—a rare masterpiece crafted centuries ago by the royal jewelers of Cristiane.
Crafted from rare sapphires mined from the distant northern part of the empire, the necklace sparkled with a brilliance that seemed almost otherworldly. The pendant, a brilliant star-shaped sapphire surrounded by delicately woven silver filigree, was said to possess not only immense monetary value but also a protective magic.
A low murmur swept through the crowd. Such a treasure was rarely seen outside the highest echelons of nobility.
After the presentation, the Grand Duke and Edrick gracefully stepped back, their posture as poised as ever.
No sooner had they retreated than Rosalia, her face alight with admiration, whispered softly:
Rosalia: "He's so pretty."
Empress Florina's smile turned indulgent as she leaned closer to her daughter.
Empress Florina: "Do you like him, Rosa?"
Rosalia nodded enthusiastically.
Rosalia: "Hmm."
From a distance, Evelyn listened silently, then spoke with calm authority, her voice carrying just enough to reach the empress and Rosalia.
Evelyn: "Yes, he is pretty and it's natural to like him. But I advise you to see him only as would-be brother-in-law."
Curtis: "Rosa is still young and naive. I hope your highness will understand."
Evelyn: "She is still young, so she should learn from now that there are always things you can't have—no matter how pretty they are or how badly you want them. That way, she won't face unnecessary troubles in the near future."
She said it while looking at the Empress, her gaze distant, as if she were contemplating her own past, speaking not just to Rosalia, but to herself.
With a graceful bow, Evelyn excused herself and walked toward Edrick, her demeanor composed and purposeful.
Rosalia's fingers twitched, clutching the hem of her dress as Evelyn's words sank in. Quickly, she composured herself and a veil of sadness touched her features.
In a soft, disappointed voice, she murmured,
Rosalia: "So... he's my sister's fiancé. Sorry, I didn't know."
Empress Florina waved the remark away with a practiced flick of her hand, her tone sharp yet pampering.
Empress Florina: "Ignore that insignificant girl. It's your birthday, Rosa. Just enjoy yourself. You don't need to pay attention to her words."
Rosalia nodded obediently.
Rosalia: "Yes, Mommy."
Rosalia's gaze lingered on Evelyn's retreating figure. Something unrecognizable flickered deep within her eyes.