Inside the Imperial Palace, the banquet was still going on. Emperor Carl Franz, Griffin Duke Ivan, and Empire Countess Emmanuelle (that is, Amelia) were sitting together, chatting idly about the Emperor's proposal.
Amelia swirled the Avey Territory red wine in her glass. This fine red wine from the agricultural powerhouse Avey Territory was called Condé, and this was the top-grade "Aged Classical Condé". However, to Amelia, this kind of drink was nothing special. The Empire Countess maintained her ladylike posture as she chatted with the Emperor and Laine's godfather. The coldness and impatience on Amelia's face had eased a little; she had simply brought her habits from the Nuer Court into the Imperial Palace banquet out of reflex.
From a certain angle, Amelia really wasn't doing anything wrong. Just like she said, if you go around with a smile all day, it's easy for people to think you're a pushover—especially if you're a woman.
