The Grand Duke's mansion was bustling with activity from the break of dawn.
Rows of servants hurried through the grand halls carrying fresh flowers, expensive wine, and luxurious decorations. Musicians rehearsed in the courtyard while chefs worked tirelessly in the kitchens.
Tonight marked the sixteenth birthday of Lady Marbella Petrovic.
As the only daughter of the Grand Duke and one of the Empire's strongest heirs to the throne, her coming-of-age banquet would be held at the Grand Duke's mansion. Every influential noble family in the Empire, including members of the Imperial Family, had received an invitation.
"My Lady, it's time."
Mia gently opened the bedroom door.
Marbella stood before the full-length mirror.
She wore an elegant ivory gown embroidered with silver threads. Tiny diamonds shimmered across the flowing skirt, while a sapphire necklace rested gracefully around her neck.
Her platinum-blonde hair was loosely braided, revealing her delicate features.
She looked exactly as she had sixteen years ago.
Only her eyes had changed.
Gone was the innocent girl who once dreamed of becoming Julian's bride.
In her place stood a woman who had died with nothing but hatred in her heart.
"You look breathtaking, My Lady," Mia said with a smile.
Marbella returned a faint smile.
"Thank you."
A knock came from outside.
"His Grace is waiting for you, My Lady."
"I'll be there."
The grand entrance hall was already filled with laughter.
Grand Duke Adrian Petrovic stood near the staircase, greeting distinguished guests one after another. His imposing figure and military uniform naturally drew respect from every noble who entered.
Beside him stood Grand Duchess Elise, welcoming the ladies with her elegant smile.
When Marbella saw them…
She froze.
In her previous life…
Her father had been publicly executed.
Her mother had died in prison before Marbella could even say goodbye.
Now…
They were standing before her.
Alive.
Warm.
Smiling.
Her vision blurred.
"Marbella?"
The Grand Duchess walked toward her.
"My dear, what's wrong?"
Unable to stop herself, Marbella embraced her mother tightly.
For a brief moment, Elise froze in surprise before gently stroking her daughter's hair.
"What happened?"
Marbella shook her head.
"…Nothing."
"I just suddenly realized…"
"…how much I love you."
Elise laughed softly.
"You silly child."
Grand Duke Adrian smiled from where he stood.
"It seems turning sixteen has made our daughter sentimental."
Marbella lowered her head to hide the tears gathering in her eyes.
Father.
Mother.
This time… I will protect you.
As night fell, the Grand Duke's mansion glowed brilliantly beneath countless crystal lanterns.
Luxurious carriages arrived one after another.
The heads of noble families.
Military commanders.
Ministers.
Even members of the Imperial Family.
Every arrival was announced by the servants.
"His Excellency, Duke Rosenberg!"
"Marquis Veridian and family!"
"The Minister of Finance!"
The ballroom gradually filled with music and lively conversation.
Marbella stood beside her parents, greeting each guest with perfect etiquette.
She smiled politely.
Spoke gracefully.
Yet behind every elegant gesture…
Her eyes quietly searched the crowd.
Every face.
Every smile.
Every noble who had watched House Petrovic fall in her previous life.
Then…
The head servant's voice echoed across the ballroom.
"His Imperial Highness, Crown Prince Wilbert Terraina!"
The music seemed to soften.
Every noble immediately bowed.
Wilbert entered the ballroom accompanied by Lady Eleanor.
He wore an elegant white military uniform adorned with golden embroidery.
Although his complexion remained pale, he carried himself with the dignity expected of the Empire's future Emperor.
A gentle smile rested on his face as he greeted the guests.
Seeing him alive…
Marbella unconsciously smiled.
He's still here.
I made it in time.
Wilbert noticed her and smiled warmly.
"Happy birthday, Cousin."
"Thank you for coming, Your Highness."
"I wouldn't miss your coming-of-age banquet."
As they exchanged greetings, another announcement followed.
"His Imperial Highness, Second Prince Julian Terraina!"
The atmosphere shifted once again.
Julian entered the ballroom with a humble smile.
Unlike the radiant Crown Prince, he wore a simple black formal uniform without excessive ornaments.
His appearance immediately drew whispers from the young noble ladies.
Marbella's expression remained calm.
Sixteen years ago…
Her heart had skipped a beat the moment she saw him.
Today…
She felt absolutely nothing.
Julian soon approached her.
He bowed elegantly.
"Happy birthday, Lady Marbella."
"It is an honor to finally meet the Empire's brightest jewel."
Marbella returned a flawless curtsy.
"Thank you, Your Highness."
"I hope you enjoy the banquet."
Julian smiled.
"I've long wished to meet you."
"I've heard that not only are you beautiful, but you're also the pride of House Petrovic."
"You flatter me."
Their conversation drew the attention of nearby nobles.
Many secretly wondered if the Grand Duke's daughter and the Second Prince would become close.
After a brief silence, Julian extended his hand.
"May I have the honor of your first dance?"
The surrounding nobles watched with anticipation.
In her previous life…
She had accepted without hesitation.
That dance had changed the course of her life.
This time…
Marbella looked at his outstretched hand before smiling politely.
"I'm afraid I must decline, Your Highness."
The surrounding nobles froze.
Even Julian's smile stiffened for the briefest moment.
"My cousin, His Highness the Crown Prince, has been unwell recently."
"I promised myself that my first dance tonight would be with him."
Marbella spoke gently, her tone leaving no room for offense.
"As his cousin, I wish to pray for his recovery through this dance."
Silence spread across the ballroom.
No one could criticize such a reason.
To refuse would be heartless.
To insist would make Julian appear disrespectful toward the Crown Prince.
For the first time…
Julian found himself speechless.
He slowly lowered his hand.
"…I understand."
"I hope His Highness recovers soon."
Marbella smiled.
"So do I."
Without another word, she gracefully walked past him.
Julian remained standing in place, watching her disappear into the crowd.
Something…
Had changed.
The Marbella he had investigated was said to be kind, innocent, and easily embarrassed.
But the young woman who had just rejected him…
Had done so with elegance.
Without insulting him.
Yet without giving him another chance.
Julian narrowed his eyes slightly.
For reasons he couldn't explain…
He suddenly felt that the future he had carefully planned had begun to slip beyond his control.