•?••? ? ?••?•

In the dining room attended by all the royals, Julian twirled twice, proudly showing off her dress.

“I apologize for being late. Since it’s been a while since I greeted everyone, I took extra care with my dress-up and ended up being tardy.”

“Julie, it’s alright. You look stunning.”

When Emperor Adhvan called her nickname from childhood, Julian’s eyes twinkled as she took her seat.

Contrary to Claude, who sat the farthest from the Emperor, she was seated right next to him, adjacent to the Empress.

“Are you feeling better now, Julian?”

“Yes, Mother Empress. Thanks to your concern, I’m now well.”

“So, you’ve returned here for good?”

“Since I’m feeling better, I plan to stay in the palace.”

Endless questions filled with concern and affection poured out towards the youngest, Julian. She enjoyed the attention and answered gleefully.

“You could’ve stayed with me, your father, or even had a palace of your own. I was disappointed you never visited after returning.”

Emperor Adhvan expressed his mild disappointment, half in jest and half seriously. Only in front of Julian did he reveal his genuine emotions.

“I’m sorry. I wanted to meet you in a healthier state, so I stayed in Brother Claude’s palace.”

“Well, I could give you a palace now.”

“No, for now, I wish to stay at Brother Claude’s palace. It’s closer to Mother’s and my dear Ray is there as well.”

“I understand your sentiment.”

Julian, ignoring the emperor who couldn’t mask his sense of disappointment for not seeing his grown-up daughter, sneaked a glance at Claude. 

Their eyes met, and she offered a playful smirk.

Taken aback by her unexpected grin, Claude’s hand, which was moving the tableware, froze.

“Your Majesty, I have something I’d like to suggest.”

“What is it? If there’s something you desire, just say it.”

For Julian’s request, he seemed as if he would buy her an entire nation if she asked.

“It’s not a desire, but a recommendation I’d like to propose.”

“Feel free to speak.”

Julian spoke with an elated tone as if Adhvan had already agreed to her proposition.

“Did you know I attended the party for the Fenet envoy hosted by Brother Claude a few days ago?”

“I heard about it from Flah.”

“At that place, I met an incredibly clever and witty young lady.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. She’s truly a gem not to be missed.”

“You want her as your maid?”

Julian shook her head. 

“No. I already have enough maids.”

“Then what is it you’re suggesting?”

“I believe she’d be an ideal marriage partner for Brother Claude.”

The sudden talk of marriage widened everyone’s eyes. Claude was no exception.

“What do you mean all of a sudden? Claude is still too young.”

The Empress gently laid her hand atop Julian’s, trying to deter her. But Julian didn’t care at all.

“In the Begen Empire’s nobility, it’s not uncommon for the young royals to marry early, like with Brother Kyle, right?”

“That may be true, but…”

“I believe this young lady is more than qualified.”

The demeanor of Adhvan, who appeared to be indulging Julian’s every word up until now, subtly changed. The perpetual smile he’d been gifting Julian with took on a more enigmatic stiffness.

“What’s the young lady’s name?”

“It’s Lady Iva Blanche.”

“Isn’t she the one who organized the party?”

When Adhvan directed the question to Claude rather than Julian, Claude hurriedly composed his expression before answering.

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“And how do you feel about this?”

“Pardon?”

“Do you wish for this young lady to be your princess consort?”

This time, all eyes turned to Claude, a situation that perfectly matched his prediction.

This was precisely why he had refused that day.

‘I thought Lady Iva would be a perfect match for you. Even as the prince’s consort. I even considered mentioning it to His Majesty. His Majesty always heeds my words.’

‘…’

‘So, if I were to recommend Lady Iva as the princess consort, would you object?’

‘I would. There’s no need for that, so don’t worry about it.’

‘Why? With just my word, you could marry her immediately.’

‘That’s exactly why I don’t like the idea. She’s not someone to be snagged like that, and I don’t want to marry in such a manner either. I’d rather win her over by my own merits. So, don’t mention it to His Majesty.’

After the dinner with Iva, Ray, and the Lawrence couple, Julian and Claude were the only two left. He thought they had settled the matter then.

He had assumed it was the simple affection of a younger sister thinking of her elder brother. But now, looking at her smiling face, he realized he was mistaken.

It wasn’t a smile for his sake; it was for her own gain.

As Claude met her blue eyes, clouded with ulterior motives, he answered Adhvan’s question.

“I believe Miss Blanche is a perfect fit for the royal family.”

Everyone was focused on his statement, so he prioritized the royal family’s honor over his own emotions.

Julian, satisfied with the response, eagerly joined the conversation.

“If Brother wishes for it, then Lady…”

“However, I do not currently agree to make her the princess consort.”

Claude quickly interrupted her. Adhvan looked at Claude, his expression suggesting that Claude should speak his mind as if in a greenhouse.

“As Julian says, the young lady is witty and intelligent. She sometimes offers perspectives that others haven’t even considered, to the point where I occasionally seek her counsel.”

“I see.”

“But marrying into the royal family is a significant matter. I believe it’s too soon to decide. I’d appreciate more opportunities to get to know Miss Blanche.”

While he praised Iva’s intellect, he sidestepped the marriage topic. Still, he implied agreement to Adhvan’s earlier suggestion of giving Iva more responsibilities in the greenhouse.

•?••? ? ?••?•