The welcoming banquet for the Emperor of the Northern Empire was only three days away.
The entire Imperial Capital had become unusually lively.
Imperial banners lined the streets, merchants decorated their storefronts, and servants hurried in every noble estate to prepare formal attire for the occasion.
Inside the Grand Duke's mansion, the atmosphere was no different.
"My Lady."
A seamstress held up several rolls of silk.
"Which color would you prefer for your gown?"
Marbella glanced at them briefly.
"I'll wear silver."
The seamstress blinked.
"Silver?"
"It complements your hair beautifully."
Marbella nodded.
"Silver will do."
In her previous life, she had chosen royal violet—the color reserved for those closest to the imperial succession.
This time…
She had no intention of drawing unnecessary attention.
That afternoon, Grand Duke Adrian invited Marbella to his study.
As she entered, she noticed several maps spread across his desk.
"The preparations seem extensive."
Adrian smiled.
"They have to be."
"This is no ordinary state visit."
He motioned for her to sit.
"There is something I wish to discuss."
Marbella listened attentively.
"The Emperor of the Northern Empire is known for rarely leaving his own country."
"So his visit has everyone uneasy."
Marbella nodded.
"I've heard the same."
Adrian folded his hands.
"Many ministers believe he wishes to negotiate trade."
"Others suspect a military alliance."
"And you?"
Marbella asked.
"What do you believe?"
The Grand Duke remained silent for a moment.
"I believe…"
"A ruler never travels this far without more than one purpose."
Marbella couldn't help agreeing.
A sovereign who ruled the largest empire on the continent would never cross borders merely to exchange pleasantries.
Later that evening…
Marbella returned to the library in search of books about the Northern Empire.
Most of the shelves contained only outdated records.
Population.
Climate.
Trade routes.
Military victories.
Nothing about its current ruler.
She pulled another volume from the shelf.
Still nothing.
"My Lady."
Doctor Edmund entered carrying several books.
"I thought these might interest you."
Marbella looked at the worn leather covers.
"Histories of the Northern Empire?"
He smiled.
"They're quite old."
"But perhaps you'll find them useful."
Marbella accepted them gratefully.
"Thank you."
As Doctor Edmund prepared to leave, he paused.
"Oh."
"I almost forgot."
"I once met a physician from the Northern Empire many years ago."
Marbella looked up.
"You did?"
"He told me something rather interesting."
"What was it?"
"The Northern Imperial Court has a department devoted entirely to toxicology."
Marbella's eyes widened.
"Toxicology?"
Doctor Edmund nodded.
"They study poisons."
"How to create them."
"And more importantly…"
"How to cure them."
Marbella's heartbeat quickened.
If that were true…
Then perhaps…
Someone from the Northern Empire might recognize the poison affecting Wilbert.
Late that night…
Marbella sat alone beneath the glow of a candle, turning the pages of one of the old books.
A portrait slipped from between the pages.
It depicted a young man wearing a military uniform adorned with the silver eagle of the Northern Empire.
There was no name.
Only a handwritten note beneath the illustration.
"The Imperial Family of Valerius has ruled the North for over three centuries. Its rulers are said to value merit above noble birth."
Marbella studied the portrait carefully.
The man's features resembled…
The silver-haired noble she had met at the conservatory.
She frowned.
Could he…
No.
That would be impossible.
Why would an emperor wander through a public conservatory with only a small escort?
She carefully returned the portrait to the book.
Perhaps it was merely a coincidence.
At that same moment…
Inside the Northern delegation's residence…
The silver-haired Emperor stood before a large window overlooking the illuminated Imperial Palace.
His aide entered quietly.
"Your Majesty."
"The guest list for the banquet has arrived."
The Emperor accepted the document.
His eyes scanned the names without interest.
Then they stopped.
House Petrovic.
A faint smile appeared.
"So she'll be attending."
His aide couldn't help asking,
"Does Your Majesty already know Lady Petrovic?"
The Emperor closed the list.
"Not yet."
"But I intend to."
Outside, the bells of the Imperial Capital echoed through the night.
The welcoming banquet was drawing near.
Neither Marbella nor the Emperor realized…
Their next meeting would mark the true beginning of a fate that neither of them could escape.