Chapter 67
"Lady Evangeline Rohanson of House Rohanson and Sir Gabriel, Commander of the Pararos Knights!"
With the herald's announcement, the gazes of the people filling the vast banquet hall pricked like needles. I'd thought the temple buildings were dazzling, but the Imperial Palace was on another level.
Even the patterns on the walls were meticulously engraved with such care that I couldn't fathom how much gold had been poured into them. In one corner, an orchestra played, while attendants circulated serving wine.
The guests' attire was blindingly splendid. It couldn't be my imagination that the densely packed crowd was whispering as they stared at us. A pure holy knight paired with the villainess of the century was bound to draw attention, of course.
I felt like some kind of spectacle. People murmured behind our backs, but the music drowned it out, tangling their words into indistinguishability.
"It's noisy."
The murmurs ceased the moment I spoke. I even heard someone hiccup.
"Lady."
Gabriel softly called my name in warning. I'd only voiced my impression, not expecting everyone to shut up... Was this the influence of the villainess destined to dominate high society? I really couldn't speak carelessly anymore.
"My daughter, Evangeline! You've finally arrived!"
A familiar man popped out from the crowd to greet us. It was the count who'd ditched me and gone ahead without waiting.
He gritted his teeth in disgust while pretending to be affectionate—clearly, my warning at dinner about acting like a close father-daughter pair had worked. This should quiet rumors of our bad relationship, though some might criticize it as mere show for appearances.
The count's arms were covered in goosebumps, as if his own actions creeped him out.
"Why are you so late?"
"Didn't Father leave too early?"
In essence, the count was rebuking me for not arriving sooner to make an impression on the duke, while I countered that he should've brought me along if he had complaints.
"Has Grandfather already passed away, by chance?"
"No, he's still holding his seat. At 10 o'clock from your current view. You'll recognize him—he resembles you."
Peeking behind the count, I spotted an old man who unmistakably shared Evangeline's bloodline. The Hosakwin Duke, Evangeline's grandfather, had his white hair neatly combed back, exuding a stern, intimidating aura. Contrary to the count's claims of imminent death, he looked remarkably hale. See? I told you the illness rumors were nonsense. Lowering his voice, the count got to the point.
"Today's your chance—make a proper impression."
"I know without you reminding me. That's our deal, right? So Father should prepare to return to the territory as well."
"I've already informed them."
With nothing more to discuss, conversation died. So barren—no bond at all. The count turned to Gabriel.
"So you're Sir Gabriel?"
"Yes. I've visited Rohanson Mansion a few times but meeting you in person is a first. I'm Gabriel."
"Colleus Rohanson. For you to catch her interest, you must have it rough."
The count patted Gabriel's shoulder as if asserting authority. Recalling how even a marquis's son cowered before Gabriel, the knight commander title wasn't lowly enough for the count to disdain—likely thrilled at the prospect of Gabriel as a potential son-in-law, giving him a taste of life under the in-laws.
Gabriel gently grasped and lowered the count's hand in rebuttal.
"On the contrary, if the lady shows interest in me, that would be the true honor."
"Heh, they say the pure knight turned fool for love—and it seems true."
The count sneered in displeasure. Why pick on the already troubled boy? It hasn't been long since I rejected that legendary love...
Anxious he'd keep provoking, I decided to send him off. This should suffice to show our father-daughter bond isn't all bad.
"If we suddenly act close, it'll arouse more suspicion. Shall we part ways? If Father has no intention of staying with me, better mingle with others."
Urging him back to his pre-arrival group, the count grumbled but, lacking reason to linger, muttered about impressing the duke and quietly left. Watching his retreating back, Gabriel spoke.
"Your relationship with the count isn't bad, then."
"Aligned interests."
Bad from any angle? He thinks I'm amnesiac, not possessed, yet acts this way—clearly not close with original Evangeline either.
Judging from the countess's portraits filling the warehouse, Evangeline adored her mother and likely despised the father who tormented her. Even I got angry reading the diary and vented on him.
"Then your return to the territory is purely for your own business?"
"Exactly."
"Then... will you stay there from now on?"
Gabriel hesitated cautiously. Why so poignant today? Worried I'd leave the capital forever, making meetings rare? Heart-wrenchingly so—even I felt itchy.
"Just a short visit. I'll stay a few days and return here—to where you are."
Pushed last time, pull now—and firmly. Sweet words made Gabriel subtly pleased without showing it. To survive, I must toy with Gabriel to maintain this... My conscience aches. Am I any different from the count who tricked Evangeline's mother into marriage for money?
Meanwhile, Marchioness Toten, briefly parted to greet acquaintances, returned.
"Lady Rohanson."
She'd exchanged light greetings and come straight back, regaining her composure—previous anxiety gone.
"Shall we pay respects to Crown Prince Laudes now?"
"Yes, let's."
Following her with Gabriel, we headed to the dais. Ascending, a sparkling blond beauty appeared. What? He's handsome? Isn't the crown prince a middle-aged uncle?
"Lord Oratorio is the imperial grandson."
Gabriel whispered. Ah, the talented grandson the emperor plans to skip a generation for... Thought he'd be a child, but older and stately than expected. His excellence in looks?
The grandson was platinum blond, textbook handsome. Blond? Yes—time for another sub-male lead. Blond future emperor? Perfect.
"Beside him is Crown Prince Laudes."
Next was an uncle with minimal presence. Didn't even notice. Nearly jumped thinking a ghost appeared.
Father-son resemblance zero—explains skipping him; even I understood. Blond grandson vs. black-haired prince heightened contrast. Prince handsome too—why so unmemorable? Scrutinizing differences, déjà vu hit on the prince's face.
Black hair, blue eyes, slightly stern impression... Wait, Gabriel?
Glancing between them. They resembled! Birth secret? Too similar for speculation. In rofans, matching hair color signals family.
Yes! Knight commander felt weak for male lead—Gabriel's imperial! Prince his father? Age gap suggests brother... but title points to prince.
"And beside them are Yeremi and Lady Tenebrey."
Does Gabriel know his royalty? Casually introducing suggests not.
To the prince's right sat two identical women like paintings.
Gabriel explained they were twins, Yeremi and Tenebrey, Oratorio's sisters. Could be his sisters... or nieces. Recall hearing of them. Ominous twins in rofan lore—prophecy demanded killing one at birth, but emperor defied, raising both.
Usually one discriminated... Oops, stared too long—nearly eye contact. Which twin?
Memorizing names, I greeted.
"Crown Prince Laudes, happy birthday."
"Congratulations, Your Highness."
"Rise. Thank you, Marchioness Toten. Sir Gabriel."
The prince chuckled amiably. Presence faint, but authority backed his brief words.
"And the lady beside—first time seeing you. Introduce her?"
No novel trope harassment—relief.
Curtsying perfectly, every fingertip angled right. Teacher Dolliné, I did it! Rising steadily.
Beaming, a gasp echoed. Essential rofan exclamation. My flawless greeting deserved awe. Credit to Dolliné again.
"An honor to meet you, Your Highness. I'm Evangeline Rohanson."
"Rohanson?"
Oratorio mulled my name.
"Rohanson—the infamous..."
Evangeline's fame reached imperial ears? Rofan high society rumor mill spun fast.
Oratorio about to elaborate, prince cut in.
"Yes. Heard you're unwell, yet attending honors me."
Greeting ended with birthday gift to prince.
"A sword?"
Unwrapping indifferently, he added it to the pile without drawing. That's it? No test pull?
"Thank you, Lady Rohanson. Perfect for upcoming hunt season."
Courteous thanks. Use a bladeless relic? Mistook pristine condition for practical sword.
Hunt? You'd get hunted. Wanted to say check it, but endured per plan. Whatever—he'd figure it out.
The Lion Palace banquet-goers momentarily lost words in shock.
Silver hair undulated like congealed lights; dress swayed, gold threads and ornaments flashing.
The white lady's presence overwhelmed, blinding eyes, paling the hall's vibrant colors.
"...Evangeline Rohanson? A monster indeed, as rumored."
Transcending human norms, intellect-overwhelming—Evangeline Rohanson epitomized monster.
Her abstract form suspect as god-sculpted—lacking warmth. More like millennia-crafted blasphemy mimicking divine power, down to skin texture. A living, breathing statue: blasphemy, insolence, hubris incarnate.
Lips curved softly; smile perfectly rehearsed, fluid—inhuman.
Arrogant red eyes swept the Lion Palace.
Those meeting them cowered like prey before predator, breaths held, hiccups escaping oxygen lack. Imagining sharp fangs severing throats, urge to flee surged.
Evangeline, flanked by contrasting pure knight, greeted father Count Rohanson. Mismatched human mimicry evoked subtle unease, yet perfect noble lady.
Even dais courtesy flawless textbook—puppet on pre-programmed strings.
"Why's Marchioness Toten chaperoning her..."
"For her son? Similar rumors..."
Kinder Toten endured piercing stares and whispers beside her charge.
All eyes converged—hyperbole barely. Instinct drew to the outlier in the crowd.
Even royals feared Lady Rohanson. Prince especially rigid, feigning calm. Sword gift terrified him from drawing. Grandsons fared better.
"Enjoy the banquet."
Descending post-prince's farewell.
Not formal debut—invitation loophole, no true presentation.
Many loophole-users; some young ladies wore debut flowers.
Kinder unconsciously touched crystal flower, explaining flow to Evangeline.
"Main banquet starts after Crown Prince's performance. Until then, mingle, greet."
Chaperone duty neglected amid Rider's five-day vigil.
Son surfaced sadly—tears threatened. To honor his will, feign normalcy; no death news.
Explaining done, Kinder eyed Gabriel.
"Greet list-prioritized? Introducing her suffices?"
"Yes."
Gabriel tasked her with list of temple-frequenting nobles she knew.
Heading to largest cluster, a knight approached Gabriel scanning.
"Captain! Sir Muetta found odd traces—insists you check."
"Me specifically?"
"Emphasized calling you."
Gabriel glanced troubled at Evangeline. Crown prince's guard Muetta summoned—hard to refuse.
"Lady Rohanson, may I step away briefly?"
Cautious permission. To Kinder, like awaiting master's approval.
"Yes."
"Back before first dance."
Permission granted, Gabriel kissed her white glove tip reverently. Knight pledged return to profane being, hastened to prince's guard. Evangeline watched his back, then turned to Kinder, speaking as he vanished.
"Marchioness Toten. One more favor?"
"Yes, of course."
Unconditional assent softened her feral air. Prompt mild response to submission—Kinder grasped holy knight's service. Dominance privilege thrilled.
"Remember what I said?"
"Which?"
Which meeting? First Rohanson visit vivid from shock. Nodding, Evangeline continued.
"Want to speak with Grandfather... Will you help?"
She'd mentioned Hosakwin Duke—mere pretext?
"Hosakwin Duke?"
"Yes. Regrettable estranged blood."
Casual words chilled Kinder, stroking arms despite debt. Witnessed Rider revive, sensed Evangeline's falsity like him—eerie. Yet couldn't refuse.
"Rumors say he cut ties with countess... May not talk. But if you wish, I'll try."
"Enough."
Kinder monitored duke, pondered timing, prioritized Gabriel's list. Largest cluster...
Approaching, tension eased to expectant as she seemed to introduce.
"Marchioness Toten, what's this? Chaperoning Lady Rohanson? Never mentioned acquaintance!"
"Introduce her too."
"Urgent request from Sir Gabriel—no prior notice. Greetings, Lady Rohanson."
Amid envy, curiosity, aversion, list names reacted uniquely.
"An honor. Evangeline Rohanson."
Voice dreamlike. Viscountess Uubla couple, Lady Taponi, merchant Glaciers Lake. Four stared blankly, entranced.
"Staring makes me shy."
Smiling warning sans mirth. Apologies and flattery ensued. None dared offend up close.
No topic, yet flowed. Group tailored talk for one—like theater. As topics waned, Evangeline prompted.
"Marchioness. Staying chats nice, but didn't you say others to introduce?"
Time for others—leave. Kinder chimed astutely.
"Yes. Forgot amid fun. Sorry to cut—Lady and I must go. Enjoy the rest."
Left staring at white dress hem, sighing.
"Am I dreaming?"
List ones revived vibrantly from recent daze.
"Lady Taponi, you seemed out of it lately—better now."
"Me? No."
"Spilled tea without reaction. Scalding..."
"...Me?"
Lady Taponi covered mouth shocked, amnesia-like. Faint burn scar on hand.
Kinder circulated with Evangeline, greeting five times till rest suggested.
"Shall we rest? Marchioness, such popularity—exhausting all those intros."
Evangeline tired pleasing masses despite transcendence.
Intrigued, Kinder smiled, startled—shut mouth. How smile son's death day? Felt monstrous. Calming, touched crystal flower.
"Marchioness tired too?"
"Pardon? Yes... Seems so."
Noticing anxiety, Evangeline fetched wine from maid. Took one, handed Kinder, clinked expectantly. Hesitant, Kinder sipped—fruity then bitter. Rarely drank; odd taste.
"Better with wine?"
"Yes. Breathing easier."
Alcohol soothed. Racing heart calmed from cliff-edge.
Kinder returned empty glass. Maid uniquely scarfed below nose; puzzled stare met scissor sign over it. Muzzled mute? Sole such servant.
Maid bustled off with glass.
