Chapter 2: The Birthday Banquet of Milim D. Velarent
Luxurious carriages belonging to the nobles poured toward the castle, which had been lavishly adorned for the occasion, and people came and went in great numbers.
On the faces of the common folk there was eager expectation and excitement. On the great commemorative days of the royal house, the populace was also distributed provisions and sweet pastries so they might share in the royal festivities.
Beyond the prominent nobles, white-robed priests from the temples had come to bestow blessings upon Princess Milim. Princess Milim possessed a very powerful talent for Light magic and was even regarded as the saintess of the Kingdom of Velarent; she received abundant support and affection from the clergy of the Temple of Light.
It was said that Milim was a tiny, charming princess, her golden hair and eyes exquisitely beautiful and noble. She had an innocent, carefree disposition that made anyone love her without condition.
The Emperor cherished this princess deeply; he often praised that Milim resembled a youthful version of Empress Sophia.
At that moment, Princess Milim was thrilled, trying on many lovely dresses. She wanted her appearance tonight to be the most striking and beautiful of all.
"Milim, tonight you will be the only leading figure—there is nothing to worry about."
The man sitting on the sofa smiled as he spoke.
He was Caesar D. Velarent, the Crown Prince—the current heir to the throne of the Kingdom of Velarent.
Though only twenty-five, Caesar was already a powerful Fourth-Tier Swordsman. His body exuded masculine presence; his face was sharply handsome, his golden hair swept back on one side while a stray lock fell gently to the other, giving him a casually alluring air.
Caesar dearly loved his sister, Princess Milim. Since childhood the two had been close; they loved one another and regarded each other as important members of the family.
Having once lived outside the palace, Caesar had been tempered into strength and early maturity; his abilities were by no means ordinary, and the royal family had come to recognize the achievements he made after returning to inherit the title of Crown Prince.
Milim had long been declared by Empress Sophia to take no part in the succession; she had been raised as a beautiful princess and had little need to involve herself in the heavier affairs of the crown.
"Caesar, I'm just a little nervous."
Caesar nodded in reply. "I see my sister has been stuck with that pile of clothes for nearly an hour and still hasn't resolved anything."
The maids around them laughed.
Princess Milim's adorable appearance made everyone fond of her, and naturally she knew well how to make use of that advantage.
"O brother of mine…"
Milim sat beside Caesar and affectionately gripped the sleeve of his coat.
"The Emperor said that today I must choose the man who will become my betrothed."
The princess's eyes filled with sorrow and unease.
Any girl placed in such a situation would feel uncomfortable, especially one so young and inexperienced with men as Milim.
"What if I like someone and he does not like me?"
Milim harbored many worries. She felt far too young to think of marriage, yet the pressure from the Emperor and her mother, the Empress, made it impossible for her to remain calm.
It was unjust that Caesar—her brother—need not hurry to decide who would become Crown Princess, while Milim had to seek her husband as soon as she had come of age.
"Do not worry so much. Everyone will adore you."
Caesar gently smoothed Milim's hair.
He was a ruthless, mostly cold man, but Milim was a rare softness in his heart.
"If any man causes you unhappiness…"
Caesar's eyes narrowed, showing a brutal resolve.
"Then your brother will make him pay dearly."
Comforted by Caesar's assurance, Milim happily embraced her brother for a while, then at last chose the gown she would wear this evening.
The clock's chimes struck the hour for the banquet to begin. Guests, dressed in splendid attire, entered the great hall of the royal household.
The lights shimmered brilliantly into every corner of the feast; the noblemen strolled about the hall with various purposes, approaching those they had already marked on their lists.
The noblewomen stood in small groups, speaking softly of the latest rumors spreading through the aristocracy, seeking information they did not yet have so they could enrich the tales to be shared at the next tea.
As for the unmarried young ladies and gentlemen, they took their companions' hands for the night—some flirted, some spoke recklessly, and some arranged promises of secret meetings later that night.
Each person had a different aim for the evening's banquet.
At that moment, gentle music rose; the court magi raised their staves and intoned spells, brilliant Light magic converging above the crimson-carpeted staircase.
A loud proclamation rang out, and the nobles fell instantly silent.
"His Majesty Emperor Arthur and Empress Sophia have arrived!"
With the arrival of the Emperor and Empress, the evening banquet officially began.