Elric stepped down from the Vaelthorn carriage in front of the Imperial Palace, her stride unhurried, unshaken. She wore no jewelry, no ornaments save for the crest stitched into her navy-blue coat. The air buzzed with chatter—tonight, the palace was celebrating the arrival of Count Jeva from the Kaera Kingdom. But Elric had come long before the music began.
As she walked through the white corridors, heading toward the Emperor's private study, a voice cut through the silence like a blade wrapped in silk.
"Well, well… it's been quite some time, Duke Elric."
Lady Ariya Govert, robed in a flowing violet gown trimmed with diamonds, turned to face her. Her lips curved into a polite smile—one that never reached her eyes.
Elric bowed her head slightly. "Lady Ariya."
"I heard Vaelthorn is still standing. You must be terribly busy, especially with a… half-empty dukedom and a fiancé who doesn't attend your side."
Ariya was aiming to provoke. Elric only smiled coolly.
"Vaelthorn has many deep roots in this empire. Perhaps His Majesty will join me on a visit soon. I'm sure you'll be right at his side—if he brings you."
Ariya's eyes narrowed. The jab struck deeper than she expected.
"I see," Ariya replied stiffly. "Then do enjoy your little corner of the Empire, your Grace."
She turned with a forced grace and walked past. Elric watched her go, her expression unreadable.
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The guard outside the Emperor's study bowed and disappeared through the doors to announce her.
A few moments later, the door opened, and Reinhardt's voice greeted her from within.
"Long time no see, my dear Eagle."
He stood by the tall window in his formal crimson attire, framed in light. His posture was relaxed, but his presence always carried a storm beneath the surface.
"You're dressed for war," Elric said as she stepped inside.
"And you came without armor. Shall we call it even?" he smirked, then gestured to the desk. "What brings you here? North business, or will you be joining the party tonight? The Kaerans are expecting our best."
She placed a sealed scroll on the desk. "A report. There was an incident at the North Gates. A merchant caravan was caught smuggling concealed weapons—linked to the demon cult."
He took the scroll, read quickly, then set it down.
"You handled it well. I knew I couldn't place just anyone there."
Then his expression shifted. The atmosphere changed.
He stepped around the desk and stopped just in front of her.
"How is my Kael?"
His voice dropped, the possessiveness clear.
Elric didn't flinch. "He is my fiancé," she answered. "You gave him to me. Or have you forgotten, Your Majesty?"
Reinhardt chuckled, but it was empty. "And this…" he spread his arms toward the towering windows, "is my empire."
There was no point in arguing. Elric stood still, letting silence answer.
Reinhardt returned to his chair and leaned back.
"Robert hasn't sent a report in three months. I don't care for his daily nonsense, but… don't you think you're abusing your authority? Keeping him out of reach?"
Elric's gaze didn't waver.
"I told the world he was dead," Reinhardt continued, voice tightening. "To protect him. To protect the story. But the cult still hunts shadows. I conquered three border nations just to silence whispers. And still, you act like I'm the one threatening him."
"You are," Elric replied. "You protect what you can control. You see him as a sword, not a person."
He studied her, and then smiled faintly.
"Well, we'll see in the future," he murmured. "Even pawns have their moments."
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That Night — The Imperial Party
The ballroom shimmered with silver and gold. Nobles in silk and gemstones swirled under chandeliers like living ornaments. Elric walked in alone, head high, wearing a deep blue formal ensemble—long-tail coat, fitted trousers, and no gown.
No one approached her. Whispers rose instead.
"There she is…"
"She came dressed like a soldier."
"She thinks herself above tradition."
Elric ignored them all. She poured herself a glass of red wine and stood alone near the colonnade.
Across the room, Lady Ariya stood among a group of noblewomen, radiant in a bright purple dress that sparkled like amethysts. When she saw Elric, she leaned toward her friends and they laughed softly.
Elric didn't react.
Then Reinhardt entered. The room hushed, then exploded into applause.
"Thank you all for coming," the Emperor announced. "Tonight, we welcome Count Jeva of Kaera and his companions. Let this night be one of peace and alliance."
After brief speeches, the orchestra began to play.
Reinhardt descended the stairs and made his way through the crowd—directly to Elric.
"Dance with me," he said, offering his hand.
A wave of shock spread across the room. Even the musicians faltered for a beat. Elric accepted, and they began to move in a quiet rhythm.
"You should've asked someone else," she whispered.
Reinhardt leaned in, voice dripping with disdain. "Why would I dance with some monkey who tries to fit in glass slippers? One of them had the audacity to wear royal purple and spread rumors. Pathetic, don't you think?"
She gave no reply, but she noticed Lady Ariya's eyes blazing from across the room.
The music ended. Applause followed, but the tension hadn't left the air.
Reinhardt walked away to greet his Kaeran guests. Elric resumed her quiet search. Her eyes scanned every guest, every shadow.
She was looking for Viscount Jeasper, the royal healer and alchemist—one of Reinhardt's most valuable assets. If anyone could help Kael's condition, it was him.
But her path was intercepted.
"Duke Elric."
Lady Ariya stood before her, flanked by her court of well-dressed flatterers.
"I just saw two men dancing together. Scandalous, isn't it?" one giggled.
"Should we pretend not to notice?" another added.
Elric made no reply, attempting to step around them.
But Ariya reached out and grabbed her wrist.
"Tell me, Duke," she said louder, drawing attention, "aren't you basically a widow? Still engaged to a dead man? Or are you just pretending to have value?"
A cruel chorus of laughter followed.
Elric's eyes flashed.
But before she could respond—
SMACK!
A sharp slap echoed through the hall. The laughter died. Gasps filled the air.
Ariya fell to the floor, holding her cheek, eyes wide with disbelief.
Reinhardt stood before her, hand still raised.
The silence was absolute.
He looked down at her coldly.
"Don't you dare disgrace the name of the Hero," he said, voice low but razor sharp. "If I ever hear you say such words again—your title, your family name, even your land—will vanish by tomorrow's dawn."
He didn't yell. He didn't glare. But the rage beneath his voice made the floor feel colder.
No one in the hall breathed.
Elric, stunned, watched as Reinhardt turned from Ariya without a second glance. He didn't look at Elric. He didn't explain.
He simply walked away into the crowd, leaving behind stunned nobles and one trembling woman on the floor.
The name Kael still held power.
Even now, it was a name that could make an Emperor break royal decorum—for one slap that shook an entire Empire.