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“Oh… Captain, you look truly beautiful today.”

“Thank you, Fel. It’s something my maid, Jane, would be delighted to hear.”

D-DAY.

Finally, the day of the Fenet delegation welcoming party had arrived.

Even Iva, for this special occasion, dressed not in her usual work attire but in an elegant gown.

The dress was a deep navy halter-neck gown that resembled the night sky, adorned with small jewels that made it look as if the Milky Way was embedded in the hem.

She styled her red hair up, giving her a composed appearance.

Today’s protagonists were the Fenet envoys, and though she dressed modestly to hide her presence, her extraordinary beauty still shone through.

“Fel, are all the preparation members in their positions?”

“Yes, everyone is waiting.”

The Fenet envoys had already arrived at the Imperial Palace hours ago. After greeting the emperor and members of the imperial family, they would head over to the western hall after finishing dinner.

But before that, she needed to welcome the nobles who had received invitations.

“Fel, the nobles will be arriving soon. Make sure to check their invitations.”

“Yes, and then we’ll give them different colored brooches according to their ranks, right?”

“Yes, you remember well.”

“Of course, it’s what you said, Captain!”

Fel beamed as she shook the brooches she was going to distribute.

Seeing her cute smile, Iva nodded happily.

“Hello.”

The first to arrive with their invitations were some knights.

“Hello, knights.”

Iva’s gaze turned to the entrance upon hearing Fel’s voice.

Ray and his four subordinates were standing there.

“Today, he’s attending as Duke Castello instead of the Knight’s Commander. Be careful with your words,” 

Hans, the deputy commander behind Ray, warned playfully with a grin.

“Oh, Duke, I apologize sincerely! I made a mistake in my words.”

“It’s alright. First, check the list.”

Ray didn’t pay much attention and simply handed over the invitation. Fel, feeling nervous by his stoic expression, quickly checked the list.

After putting a circle next to Ray and his subordinates’ names to indicate their attendance, she handed a crimson crescent brooch to Duke Ray and blue half-moon brooches to the knights.

“You can pin them wherever they are visible.”

The knights received the small brooches and looked awkwardly at each other. 

Would the men who had only ever held a sword in their lives ever put on this small ornament with their own hands?

They had never even touched one unless it had been put on by one of their servants.

So, they all glanced at Ray one after another, not knowing what to do.

“…figure it out yourselves.”

Ray also had a similar expression as he looked at the brooch. 

When such burly men struggled with a small brooch like this…

“What’s going on?”

Iva, who had no idea what had happened, approached the knights and asked.

“Oh, the brooch is too small, and we’re having trouble figuring out how to attach it.”

“I see. Let me help you.”

“Will you do that for us? Thank you very much.”

With a bright smile, Iva reached out her hand to attach the brooch.

With dazzling smiles, the knights approached Iva, one after another, seeking her help.

“Me, me too, please!”

“Me too!”

“Wait, I spoke first.”

“No, I came first.”

“Hold on, line up. Otherwise, I can’t help you.”

With a single word, Iva managed to control the much bigger men.

The knights lined up obediently in front of Iva.

“Where should I attach it?”

“Shoulder would be good.”

“Okay, let’s do that. Wow, your shoulders are really broad.”

“Haha, thank you very much.”

As if she were a fashion store employee, she delivered service compliments, Iva attached the brooches, and the knights couldn’t help but smile.

“I also request it on my shoulder.”

“Me too.”

Wanting to hear Iva’s compliments, they all showed off their broad shoulders and had the brooches attached.

“Now that everyone has attached…”

“Me too please.”

Ray who was now in line behind them, extended the small brooch he held in his thick hand towards Iva.

She had been pushing his feelings away, so Iva thought he wouldn’t say anything anymore, but Ray’s hand, which naturally extended towards her, caught her off guard.

However, if she were to refuse his request alone, it might look strange to the others.

“…Where would you like me to attach it, Duke?”

“I would like it on the left chest, please.”

Carefully picking up the brooch to avoid touching his hand, Iva took a step closer.

Although she had smiled at the other knights, in front of Ray, she maintained a serious expression.

While he only stared down at her.

“It’s done.”

“Beautiful.”

“Pardon?”

“Your dress is very beautiful today.”

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