TVGS 111

Chapter 111

The man’s sword quickly stabbed into Kubel Hintz’s stomach.

“High Priest!”

The holy knights rushed at the man, and a battle of more than ten against one began.

The man was truly a master, blocking the swords of over ten knights at incredible speed.

His skills were among the best in the empire—he could be called a human weapon.

“Keuhk.”

“High Priest, are you alright?”

When a knight approached the fallen Kubel and helped him up, Kubel frowned deeply but stood.

“I’m fine. Thanks to wearing armor.”

Who would be unarmed when facing such a stranger?

Under his priest’s robes, Kubel Hintz had worn armor even sturdier than the legendary protective armor Phileos Regalo once wore during the hunting festival.

Clang—clang—

Meanwhile, the man with crimson eyes began to be pushed back. No matter how skilled he was, he couldn’t withstand being outnumbered like this.

Soon, as the man was suppressed and finally fell, Kubel Hintz placed his hand over his chest.

‘Phew, I survived.’

News came from Kubel Hintz that he had captured five monks from the Western region.

‘All the players are now in place.’

I smiled wickedly.

“You look so beautiful, my lady.”

Meanwhile, Anes, who had dressed me in a pale gown of pink and silver, clasped her cheeks in delight.

The other maids who adjusted my clothes and brushed my hair also looked at me in awe.

“You look like a doll.”

“No, like a work of art.”

“How can you be so beautiful?”

The necklace and earrings worth ten billion won, sent by Etias, adorned me. Looking in the mirror, I saw they were indeed worth their price.

‘Yes, it looks pretty.’

It felt like a game effect had been applied—beauty +10, visibly noticeable.

My already lovely face now carried an even more mysterious and elegant aura.

Anes leaned close and whispered softly.

“His Majesty won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”

That would be troublesome today.

I chuckled lightly.

“You get ready too.”

“Yes?”

“I mean, come with me.”

Anes’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Girls, it’s Anes’s turn now.”

I ordered the maids to prepare her as well.

“I’m jealous, Sister Anes.”

“You’ll get to eat lots of delicious food at the party.”

“We’ll dress you so beautifully that fine gentlemen will fall for you.”

“B-but…”

Seeing Anes so flustered, I told the maids:

“Take good care of her, girls.”

“Leave it to us, my lady.”

A little later, while waiting in the lobby, I turned at the sound of footsteps.

Anes came carefully down the stairs, a bit awkward in her movements.

Her brown hair flowed in soft waves, and the orange dress suited her well.

‘Since Caron will also be at the party… it’ll be good for them to meet together.’

“My lady…”

Blushing, Anes stood behind me nervously. I placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder and patted it.

“Have confidence. Just like when you lied for me in front of the Rebel Emperor.”

Her eyes shook at my words.

“To think I’d ever wear such a pretty dress and go to a party… it feels like a dream.”

Her emotional words made me smile with pride.

Encouraged by my expression, she smiled deeply and asked carefully:

“But, um… won’t the steward be coming with us today?”

“Ah, Heros…”

I recalled what I’d heard earlier.

“He went straight to the party hall. We’ll meet him there.”

“But without an invitation, won’t he be stopped?”

“He has one.”

I laughed quietly, thinking of the person he was bringing with him later.

The lively atmosphere of the banquet hall fell silent the moment I entered, as if cold water had been poured over it.

“……”

Well, it wasn’t unusual.

In the memories of Lady Katrin Elemore, infamous across society, everyone had always wanted to avoid me.

‘There are plenty who’ve suffered at my hands.’

My misdeeds had affected both the emperor’s faction under the Rebel Emperor and nobles outside it.

Even if the House of Elemore had now become the first meritorious family, and even if I enjoyed Etias’s trust as emperor…

It was natural for them to feel uncomfortable.

‘I’m used to such silence.’

As I calmly looked around—

“…?”

I sensed that their gazes were different from before.

My fingertips twitched as I noticed many nobles staring blankly at me.

“…Hmm.”

Then, after a pause, the noble ladies rushed toward me.

“Lady Elemore—no, Duke Elemore.”

“Your Grace, my name is…”

People who once avoided even meeting my eyes were now greeting me?

They introduced themselves politely and asked questions about me.

Was this the taste of power? Still, remembering how even at the last state ceremony they hadn’t dared approach me, I thought this change couldn’t just be because of that.

‘Maybe because of the style change?’

It was Anes who had suggested I wear brighter makeup for the party.

The dress was softer than usual, and my hair was styled half-down.

“You look like a saint from a painting. Truly beautiful.”

“You don’t seem like the same Lady Elemore. Before, you looked so scary.”

I heard people fussing behind me.

It felt as if the towering villainess image I had carried was collapsing.

Well, being admired and receiving friendly gazes wasn’t so bad either.

“I am Viscount Licht Durendorf of Durendorf.”

“I know. You earned great merit in the revolution by assisting Duke Beatrice.”

“My goodness, for you to recognize me—it’s a true honor.”

An awkward amount of hospitality poured in, and people continued to gather around me endlessly.

There was no longer fear in their eyes.

Well, some still seemed nervous, but admiration shone brighter.

Somehow, I had become the center of the ball.

‘I’m not used to being welcomed at parties.’

“I told you, my lady,” Anes whispered with a soft laugh behind me.

I admitted it—her skill.

Just then, a grand trumpet sounded.

The murmurs died down, and everyone’s eyes turned forward.

The main star of today’s victory celebration was about to appear, and even my own heart began to beat faster.

‘Etias…’

The curtains drew back, and Etias entered—wearing the emperor’s white ceremonial robes, a blue cape flowing behind him, striding like a knight.

Thanks to containing his power, no trace of dark energy showed in his shadow, but his presence alone sent overwhelming pressure across the hall.

Others felt it too; many brushed their arms as if shivering.

‘My favorite—he really is handsome.’

Seeing his radiant face, I couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction, as if admiring my own masterpiece.

Standing on the platform, his eyes immediately sought out mine.

“….”

‘Ah.’

His lips parted slightly, and his blue eyes trembled—

as if surprised.