Chương 3: 3 — Celebration Banquet

Within a week, news of the war's end had spread throughout the Kingdom of Eldoria. As the soldiers returned, the streets were filled with people; some wept tears of joy, while others mourned the loss of loved ones.

Princess Cynthia's days were consumed with preparations for the celebration banquet. She barely had any time to rest, but finally, the long-awaited day arrived.

Cynthia sat in a chair, looking at herself in the mirror, her lips curling into a pleased smile.

The servants had tied her long silver hair into a bun, adorned with a golden hair clip, while a few locks of her bangs framed her face.

She wore a sleeveless dark green dress—a style considered audacious and improper by the nobles, but Princess Cynthia never paid attention to their harsh remarks.

Despite the criticism, more and more women began to follow her lead, making her a trendsetter in fashion.

"Oh, we nearly forgot the jewelry," one of the maids exclaimed, quickly grabbing an emerald necklace from the dressing table and fastening it around the princess's neck. "You look... so pretty," she whispered, admiring the princess's beauty.

Cynthia, who rarely acknowledged such compliments, stood up, startling the dark-haired maid. "I see you often, it seems," Cynthia remarked, slipping a few bracelets onto her wrists.

"Y-Yes. The other maid was assigned to the main palace because of the king's return," Rin hesitantly replied, keeping her gaze on the floor.

She had heard countless terrible things about the princess from the palace staff and feared offending her, knowing that even the slightest mistake could be fatal for commoners under a royal who knew no limits in their punishments.

"What's your name?"

"R-Rin."

"Alright. Let's go."

"W-Where?" Rin asked, her voice trembling with fear.

"Outside. I need to take a carriage," Cynthia answered with a blank look on her face. She was used to such reactions; for a whole year, everyone had been responding to her in this manner, which amused her. It was better than how it had been before.

"Or you can stay," Cynthia suggested, stepping toward the exit of her dressing room.

"Oh, no! I should at least see you out, Your Highness," Rin exclaimed, rushing to open the door for the princess.

Cynthia didn't respond and walked toward the main palace, where the banquet was being held.

The royal family was to arrive last, making the nobles wait eagerly and enhancing their mystique throughout the kingdom. Arriving early was reserved for those of higher ranks, but royalty, who stood at the top of the social pyramid, always came last.

"Have a good evening, Your Highness," said the row of servants lined up on each side of the Jade Palace road, bowing as the princess entered the carriage.

Though the Jade Palace and Ruby Palace were close, the banquet hall was on the opposite side of the Jade Palace, necessitating a carriage ride.

As a princess, Cynthia wasn't expected to walk such a long distance—it took at least ten minutes by carriage. Hans, the princess's escort, was seated next to the coachman during the trip.

The carriage stopped before a large building beside the King's palace where banquets were held.

Hans quickly opened the door, and Cynthia stepped out gracefully, catching the attention of the other guests who were awaiting her arrival. She walked up the stairs and entered the hall.

Numerous lights illuminated the ceiling, and tables were laden with food, snacks, and drinks, while musicians stood ready to play once the king announced the start of the party.

As Cynthia searched the room, she smiled upon seeing her brother, the king, seated on his throne.

The king had already arrived for the party before her. He was a man who couldn't tolerate tardiness and prided himself on punctuality.

"I, Cynthia De Luminas, greet Your Majesty, the king of Eldoria," she said gracefully, bowing before him.

"Come, sit beside me," the king said with a smile, gesturing to the seat next to him.

Cynthia nodded and approached the throne, taking her place beside him.

"Good evening, everyone," Alistair began to speak. The guests' attention shifted to him. "As you all know, the war has..." Alistair paused before continuing, "come to an end."

The crowd cheered for the king, the kingdom, and the nation.

"This is a celebration party!" A servant approached with a tray of wine glasses, offering one to Alistair, who raised it. Everyone in the hall followed suit, each grabbing a glass.

"Long live Eldoria!" the king cheered before drinking. The guests echoed the cheer and sipped their wine. Alistair clapped his hands twice, signaling the musicians to start playing.

"Princess Cynthia," Alistair extended his hand to her. "Let's have the first dance together. As promised."

The silver-haired princess chuckled, placing her glass back on the tray before taking her brother's hand with a bright smile.

"Royals never back down from their promises," she said, as Alistair led her to the dance floor.

Although the music had started, no one else was dancing. It was an unspoken rule: the king was to have the first dance before anyone else.

The crowd watched as the princess and her brother moved in harmony with the music.

"You've improved. Have you been dancing with many men while I was gone?" Alistair teased.

Cynthia shook her head.

While she hadn't danced with many men, she certainly made them dance to her tune.

She chuckled, recalling a few past incidents.

"What's so funny?" Alistair asked, puzzled by his sister's reaction.

"Nothing," Cynthia whispered.

As the first song ended and another began, the dance floor gradually filled with couples dancing, chatting, and laughing.

Cynthia stepped away, allowing other young ladies a chance to dance with her brother, who needed to find a wife.

Despite his refusal to marry after his fiancée, Lady Euphemia, died, the kingdom needed a queen and an heir.

Although Alistair repeatedly told Cynthia that he would give his position to Prince Vincent, Cynthia believed that Alistair was a better fit for the throne.

Prince Vincent had never shown any interest in politics and had always preferred his magic lessons over other important subjects necessary for becoming a good king.

Cynthia tapped her fingers on her arm, deep in thought as she observed the ladies interested in her brother.

Who would make a good queen?

"Oh, my. Isn't it Princess Cynthia?" A sneering voice interrupted her thoughts. However, Cynthia refused to give the woman, Lady Valentine, the attention she sought.

Frustrated by Cynthia's indifference, the dark-haired woman stepped in front of her, fury evident in her clenched jaw.

"Why aren't you dancing with anyone? Oh! I forgot, your fiancé broke off the engagement, right?" Lady Valentine scoffed, loud enough for everyone around to hear, as she side-eyed Cynthia with a malicious gaze.

The music faded, and murmurs spread through the crowd.

The princess's engagement was broken off?

When did this happen?

Did the duke refuse to marry her because of her vile attitude?

Who would marry a woman with such a nasty personality?

A faint silence fell over the room, punctuated only by the whispers of the curious nobles.

"What am I hearing, Princess Cynthia?" The king demanded in a cold tone, approaching the princess with a frown on his usual smiling face.