The day of the crown prince's birthday has finally arrived.

The whole empire is celebrating for the one and only heir of the throne's most special day and many are rejoicing from other countries.

In the imperial palace, all the servants are hectic in decorating the venue and preparing the whole place.

Various nobles from different households are also preparing themselves for the ocassion.

For them, the banquet could either be a battlefield or entertainment. Young nobles find the banquet as entertainment whilst the older ones are there for inner battle and negotiation.

Eurielle on the other hand, doesn't belong on both.

Actually, she doesn't plan on going to the banquet. If only the emperor didn't send her a letter in attending it, she wouldn't really go.

"You're all ready, my lady." Nathalia uttered.

Eurielle took a look on the mirror and she saw her reflection.

She was wearing a purple ombre dress designed with pearl beads that looked like stars. Her hair was made beautifully and her makeup was light, but still gorgoeus. With this, Eurielle looked like a night fairy.

Though the maids were trembling while they were helping her, they did a pretty great job.

But there was one thing that remained the same even though her appearance has changed.

It was her expression.

Since earlier, the maids in the sidelines are really nervous of Eurielle's reaction. She's been quiet for some time now.

'Oh no, did I apply her makeup incorrectly?'

'Goodness was her corset too tight?'

'I don't wanna die I don't wanna die'

'Wow, she's gorgeous.'

Different thoughts came inside their minds and all of it were directed towards Eurielle.

"The carriage is ready, my lady."

"Okay."

Eurielle left the room and the maids bowed in unison after seeing her leave.

"Whew!"

"That was nerve-wracking."

The maids sighed in relief after Eurielle walked out.

"Have you noticed our lady's change? It's creepy but fine at the same time."

"Yeah but she really looked beautiful earlier."

"I know, I gotta agree with that."

"I hope our lady won't make any mistakes this time again."

"Hahh..."

The maids were worried about their lady's behavior this time.

Hopefully, Eurielle won't cause a chaos in the banquet.. because the past Eurielle they knew was a really contentious person.

...

"Greetings, my lady."

A man bowed in respect in front of Eurielle as he waited for her by the carriage.

Silver hair and eyes red as blood. A handsome face. A playful presence and a noble demeanor.

'Who is he?' Eurielle thought.

She was expecting to see Theo's cute and puppy-like expression while waiting for her but it doesn't seem like that's the case.

She wasn't also seeing Rion since yesterday and she doesn't know why. Though she honestly doesn't mind it either way.

"I am Clayton Edevane and I'm the escort that your father sent. A pleasure to meet you." He landed a kiss on her hand.

"Ah, yes."

'I wonder where Theo is.'

Clayton just smiled at her. "If you're wondering about the dog, the grand duke called for him. So he's currently not here right now."

"Oh."

"Shall we get going, my lady?" He offered his hand.

Eurielle just accepted it and entered the carriage first.

"I hope you enjoy the night, my lady." Nathalia bowed as she bid farewell.

Eurielle nodded in response.

After that, the ride towards the palace started.

Eurielle looked at the man in front of her and when he met her gaze, he gave her a smile.

Silver hair and red eyes.. Eurielle felt like he has already seen this man somewhere but she wasn't sure where.

'He seems familiar.'

Eurielle tried to recall any encounter with a face like his but there was nothing to remember.

Forcing herself to remember something only made her head hurt. She was tired of debating inside her mind so she just gave up about thinking.

She leaned her face on her palm and stared at the view outside.

Clayton, the man in front of her was a man of few words. The whole journey was quiet and Eurielle preferred it that way.

Finally, the carriage went to a stop and the coachman announced that they have arrived.

Clayton got off the carriage first and escorted Eurielle.

"Have a great night, young master and my lady." The coachman added.

Only then did Eurielle notice the coachman's face after he started talking.

He was a good-looking man. His hair was dark blue like the deep nights and his eyes were dull purple.

"Thank you."

"You watch the carriage, Nathan." Clayton ordered.

"Yes, young master." The coachman replied.

"Let's get going, my lady." Clayton showed a grin as he offered his hand.

"..."

Eurielle walked with him towards the palace.

The two of them then arrived at a large door with guards standing by. They opened the door and announced Eurielle's arrival.

"Lady Eurielle Deidamus has arrived!"

'...Why are they announcing it?' Eurielle thought to herself.

The doors opened and as they walked in, many eyes landed on them.

With every step they took, gossips and chatter started spreading.

Eurielle could see the emperor and empress sitting on their throne.

"I greet their majesties." She curtsied and Clayton behind her just stood silent.

"Rise. I'm glad you came. Who is this young man?" The emperor eyed Clayton.

"Greetings, your majesty. I'm Clayton Edevane. A Duke from the East." Clayton introduced himself.

"I see. I hope you enjoy this night. And to you too, Lady Eurielle."

Eurielle bowed in response.

"His highness the crown prince and Lady Abigail Brown has arrived!"

From that one statement, the hall became quiet and all the people looked at the door.

*Creak*

As the door opened, everyone could see the prince and Abigail wearing the same color of outfit whilst also wearing their happy faces.

Their appearance was like that of a newly wed.

"Happy birthday, your highness!"

"Congratulations, your highness!"

"Wow, you look good together!"

"You look dashing!"

Praises from different nobles were heard in the hall.

The prince then walked towards the emperor and greeted them.

The emperor stood up from his seat and said the welcome greetings.

"I welcome everyone to the crown prince's birthday. This night is a special night for my son, and I also have an announcement to say."

As the emperor paused, he looked at Eurielle for a moment.

"???"

"I am glad to announce the engagement between the prince and Lady Eurielle Deidamus!"