Two-Faced Princess

She looked confident when she smiled and it looked so different from the way she trembled and cried weakly in front of her fiance.

“You’re here just in time,”

Uriel spoke without hiding his smile.

He was falling in love with Apollonia every moment, and now it was a good time to reveal it.

At last.

From his peripheral vision inside the banquet hall, he saw Caelion freeze as he looked at Apollonia in fascination.

Uriel stepped towards her and his smile deepened.

“C-Count Buiche.” The short blond aristocrat stuttered.

Lorelai and Lila clung to him but he shook their hands away.

Leaving behind the people who couldn’t stop

their mouths from talking sh*t, Uriel strode towards Apollonia.

As soon as their eyes met, the two smiled a little.

Other than that, no other words were needed.

Coincidentally, the orchestra began to play music at that very moment.

Uriel naturally took Apollonia’s hand and led her to the dance floor.

“Can you dance?”

“You told me to learn everything that a noble should learn, Your Highness.”

Uriel moved lightly and gracefully when he danced.

He didn’t have the usual sharp gaze or the strength to cut, but his appearance was oddly similar to when he was practicing swordsmanship.

His smooth lead made Apollonia stand out as well as himself.

Both of their movements gliding around the banquet hall was so natural as if they were one body.

Their black and red outfits blended together, leaving a strong impression on everyone watching them.

“I can’t believe that beautiful woman is Her Royal Highness. It’s unbelievable.”

“I saw her dance at her engagement ceremony but it was nothing like that.”

“What about Count Uriel? I never saw him in the banquet hall with such impeccable manner and dance skills.”

“I’ve never seen him smile like that before.”

Not only the spectators but also the men and women dancing together glanced at the pair.

Their response was good.

As she said, Uriel succeeded in making people like her more than expected.

Indeed, Apollonia had stood out.

However, it was strange Apollonia couldn’t care less about anything except Uriel’s gaze, breath, and sweet masculine scent.

“You gifted me an entire outfit for this ball. Why didn’t you tell me?” Apollonia asked in a low voice.

Uriel and Apollonia’s clothes looked good in color, design, and material.

The red cuff button on Uriel’s wrist was exactly the same color as Apollonia’s gown.

“I thought it would look good.”

Uriel wore an expression as if saying, ‘What’s strange about it?’

“Do you mean this red gown on me?”

“I mean the pretty picture we’re creating right now. Her Highness and I.” He answered with a smile.

When Apollonia’s eyes widened in surprise, he added, “It’s the best way to reveal your presence. The amount of money you can officially use is limited, so I have no choice but to give it to you.”

“That’s true, but———”

Uriel’s analysis was correct.

It was the best way to make Apollonia stand out without provoking the emperor or evoking excessive doubts in him.

The trimmings of the external surface was the easiest method.

Apollonia knew it, but she wasn’t prepared.

“I asked you to get attention from others to be liked. I didn’t ask you to pay attention to me.”

“I just did it because you asked me to shine on you. And—-” He whispered. “How can an escort knight like me, who has been fascinated by Her Majesty for a long time, make her go noticed?” He answered leisurely, and she couldn’t refute it.

In fact, everyone’s eyes were mixed with longing and curiosity.

At that moment, Apollonia was receiving social attention that she had never enjoyed as the princess.

Soon the music stopped.

All of the spectators and the dancing couples clapped.

As she glanced at people’s reactions for a moment, Apollonia felt sorry that the dance was over.

As if she knew how she felt, Uriel smiled a bewitching smile once again.

“His Majesty is here.”

The voice of Morton Pryor, the chamberlain, echoed through the banquet hall.

The murmurs instantly turned quiet.

“Meet the Sun of the Empire.”

The Emperor and Seta appeared, receiving greetings from everyone.

Seta had changed beyond recognition.

Although she still had the status of a lady-in-waiting, her noble attitude, beautiful appearance, and splendid clothing seemed nobler than any other concubine.

Behind the Emperor were Petra and Paris on each side.

She was looking down at people with a cold, logical smile as always.

Both were beautiful, but Seta and the uptight Petra, which were cutely attached to the Emperor’s arms, were a stark contrast.

“I welcome all of you who have made the Empire’s name shine after a year of war.” The Emperor spoke with dignity.