Case 25: To a humble debut in high society.

The New Year's Banquet.

True to the noble archetype in fantasy works, they did like to throw a ton of parties here in Libre, too. This one, in particular, was an important and big one, perhaps only behind the crown's birthday or something of that caliber.

Err... in the game, this was supposed to be one of those events that allowed the player to gain popularity or flirt with women and whatnot, but I hadn't paid too much attention to it or banquets in general since... nothing noteworthy happened at this point anyway.

Like, come on. It was a game, so of course, all the significant stuff only happened when the main character was around—the main character who was controlled by the player, more correctly.

Now, the first part of the story was already ongoing, true, yet even in the original game, most banquets before Lyra got into the academy only had a few lines of description before being skipped right away.

'The xxx ball was boring, as expected...'

'xxx's tea party was uneventful.'

'Time passed by as I spent time at the xxx banquet.'

Stuff like that.

Of course, I was not trying something stupid like following the original storyline; I just didn't want to screw things up there. Since the imperial family personally organized this banquet, participating was mandatory for those who had received an invitation. This meant that many of the key NPCs with noble backgrounds would make an appearance.

I wouldn't know how a changed 'Cecilia' could switch things up. I just wanted future events to be a bit predictable, you see. Especially now that Rachael had decided on me as her partner for this banquet.

A noble, not even mentioning an imperial princess, appearing in a social setting with someone usually indicated an intimate relationship, be it blood-related or romantic. When they had no suitable partners, they would simply attend alone instead of calling for somebody.

In short, me being on Rachael's side was a big deal.

Nevertheless, since there was no retreat button, I figured I needed to do a good job as a partner.

''Hm... do I need a dress... oh.''

Just a moment.

As I was immersed in the joy of accompanying Rachael, I totally forgot about Lyra. Originally, I was supposed to be with her if both of us ever got invitations, but...

''Big sis... are you going with the princess?''

The more I stared at her big, round eyes, the more I felt something tugging at my heartstrings.

Then, I suddenly got an idea.

*****

The festive atmosphere in Syrus never seemed to die down—not even after a good dozen days after the eve.

As the night markets and public carnivals gradually faded away, the people's attention began to switch toward the imperial palace. Day by day, traffic around the area only increased.

The palace had hardly ever been this busy.

Not limited to the domestic ground, the banquet celebrating the new year in Syrus also garnered international interest. Besides the grand scale of it, people were also drawn to famous political figures who had significant sway, much like how they adored celebrities.

This year's banquet was perhaps even more special because, for the first time in history, it would be broadcast live on air. This was a wake-up call for everybody who was used to seeing only limited images and short tapes of major events, thinking the old ways wouldn't go away anytime soon.

The day of the banquet.

As the sky darkened, highlighting the glamorous glow of the palace, people began to gather inside the main hall. Although the banquet had yet to begin officially, the atmosphere was far from dull. Nobles from inside and outside of Syrus, powerful merchants, media stars, and foreign ambassadors—all were actively socializing for their own purposes, be it political gain, financial gain, or simple enjoyment.

In a corner of the hall, a lively group consisting of young ladies were chatting away. Being close together in age, they had formed a miniature society of their own, with the ones from powerful families taking the reign while the rest obeyed them like vassals.

In every large social gathering, the attendance of influential individuals was always a topic of frequent discussion, and within the ladies' group, that was also true.

''Hasn't it been a while since we have had the honor to witness her Majesties and her Highnesses at the same time?''

''Indeed. They do rarely appear together as a whole family.''

''My, Lady Blaire, would you like to try your shot this year, too?''

''Fufu... sure, why not, Lady Marina? I wouldn't give up that easily.''

The giggles soon ensued. It was a well-known story among those who were privy to the imperials' affairs that Blaire de Dreux, a precious lady hailing from the Duchy of Dreux, had been fervently pursuing the third imperial princess, Rachael de La Fayette, these few years. Even turning down marriage proposals from royal houses and one other imperial princess, she was determined to be with Rachael.

None didn't know about her obsession. Due to the Dreux's immense power, many had already considered Rachael to be 'taken,' yet the soon-to-be crown princess herself adamantly refused Blaire's advances.

In her words, 'I do not and will not have a preference for women with the same phallus that I have.'

It was said that the emperor choked on her water upon hearing those words.

''Well, well... that aside, wouldn't it be interesting to see the show-off between Her Majesties, the empresses?''

''Of course! As much as I respect them, I do admit that their bouts are something I want to watch.''

''Don't you mean the bouts between the first empress and the second empress? As far as I know, Her Majesty, the third empress, had expressed her intention to leave the race recently.''

''Oh, you silly, she was never in the race at any point. Everybody knew that.''

''Y-You're right, Lady Marina.''

Marina des Baux—another influential lady hailing from the Marquisate of Baux. Clearly, she held much power in this group.

''Her daughter, the fourth princess, is cute, though,'' Marina added. ''I wish I had someone like her as my little sister...''

''I'm very much the same...!''

''Me too!''

Different from her sisters, who were all young adults participating in politics, the fourth princess was only ten years old and was often considered more of a celebrity than a potential candidate for the throne. This image was further solidified by the fact that her mother held little power in practice, seemingly unambitious.

After rummaging through different subjects of the imperial heirs, the banquet was about to reach its true beginning.

Following the announcer's directions, the circle of ladies got up and began to line up beside the red carpet, waiting for the crown and her family to make their grand entry. It was common practice, and this time around, numerous cameras were also pointing at the entrance.

Low murmurs rang as the announcer cleared his throat.

''Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the ninth emperor of Libre—Her Imperial Majesty, Beatrice de La Fayette, and her family!''

The instant his words were finished, drums began to roll, and trumpets were blown majestically. The heavy doors slowly parted, making way for a single heel to hit the carpet, sounding a dull noise.

Everybody bowed.

An imposing yet undoubtedly attractive woman made her steps toward the throne, donning a glamorous dress befitting her standing. With each stride, her flowing blonde hair swayed—a total contrast to her unwavering, fiery orange eyes.

Meanwhile, the people were allowed to lift their heads once Beatrice passed by them. In unison, their eyes darted briefly toward their leader's back, then to the people following behind her.

The still young-looking emperor of Libre led her family into the hall.

The first empress, her two daughters, and another young lady who was her eldest's fiancé.

The third empress and her little daughter.

And...

''Huh? That's...''

''No way. The stubborn third princess is...?''

Behind the second empress was Rachael de La Fayette, perhaps the most idolized princess thanks to her godly charms—a lady notorious for having walls made of titanium surround her.

Except, she was escorting someone else. Two, to be exact.

Walking between one Rachael and one pretty little miss, who had black hair and black eyes, was a breathtaking beauty, one of such caliber the high society had never seen before.

Pristine sky-blue hair, blood-red mellow eyes, high, straight nose, and one pair of soft, pinkish lips. Even with minimal makeup and jewelry, she easily shone above the rest.

Ones with eyes for beauty would gasp at her delicate countenance, thinking they'd seen the best of the best—every blink she made, every shift she did was art itself.

Ones with healthy minds would be glued to her thin yet voluptuous figure hidden underneath an elegant white dress, further protected by a small draped coat the color of her hair.

Yet, it was no question that she drew the most attention at the moment. Everybody knew that, and they also knew that on this night... a star would be born.

*****