How Do You Do, Sire?

The carriage ride was brief, as we had already arrived in the capital two weeks prior and had been staying at our manor ever since.

We were now passing through the Central Palace—the very heart of the imperial grounds—where the emperor held his royal audiences. The journey continued smoothly until the carriage finally came to a halt at our destination: the crown prince's palace, Astera.

As I've said before, our main house in the west, the magnificent territory of Beaufort, is already a castle, but this—this is God's city!

We stood at the bottom of the grand staircase, gazing up at the magnificent Astera Palace—the crown prince's official residence. Though this palace was impressive in its own right, it was just one of several grand palaces within the royal grounds. Other palaces, equally opulent and vast, housed various members of the royal family, each estate a testament to the empire's wealth and power.

"Child?" my father called.

I reached for his hand, and together, we began our ascent. Though I was nervous, excitement bubbled inside me at the thought of meeting the emperor.

As my father extended his hand to help me down from the carriage, the servants swiftly moved to lift my robe, revealing the gown beneath it. The moment my full attire came into view, I could hear the sharp intakes of breath, the hushed gasps, and the unmistakable murmur of disapproval spreading like wildfire through the crowd.

My gown—a daring tube ball gown with a low-cut back—was unlike anything the conservative nobility had ever seen.

"She's shameless!" a madam whispered.

"What an improper dress for a lady of noble standing," another murmured.

Yet, as much as I could hear their critiques, I also caught sight of the envious glances some of the women cast my way. Their eyes flickered with both judgment and reluctant admiration, and the way their lips pursed told me they wished they could wear something as bold.

And the men? Oh, they were certainly looking. Their gazes lingered, unashamedly raking over my figure—the generous swell of my chest, the cinched waist that emphasized my curves. Some even looked utterly captivated, while others barely concealed their smirks.

I held my head high, a small smirk playing at my lips.

As we climbed the stairs, the whispers only grew louder.

"Is that her?"

"Yes, that's Lady Melenheim."

"Isn't she the villainess?"

I sighed internally. Ah, yes. Here we go again.

"I heard she had her maids flogged just for displeasing her."

"Not just that! I heard she made them kneel on shards of glass while reciting their mistakes."

Gasps rippled through the gathered nobles, hushed whispers growing louder.

"Oh! To think she was merely a child back then and has only just come of age now!" one lady gasped, clutching her fan as if the very thought might make her faint. Her eyes gleamed with feigned horror, yet the subtle curl of her lips betrayed her delight in the scandal.

"That's not even the worst of it," another chimed in, lowering her voice just enough to sound conspiratorial. "They say she once dismissed a maid for spilling tea—then had the poor girl dragged through the mud by horseback as punishment!"

A chorus of shocked murmurs spread like wildfire, their voices brimming with scandalous delight—others with fear.

I narrowed my eyes at them, and they immediately looked away, pretending they hadn't just painted me as a merciless tyrant.

"I also heard she once had a suitor at a young age, and because she didn't like him, she had him bitten by their family's hunting dog."

"Hup!" I gasped at the rumor. They weren't just rumors after all. I swallowed hard, my fingers curling slightly. I really did those things.

Everything they mentioned was recorded in Aerin's diary.

I looked at the gossiping nobles. It wasn't my intention to look as if I were about to strike them down, but my piercing stare made them quickly avert their eyes. My expression—narrowed eyes, furrowed brow—must have been misinterpreted. I forgot that even my frown might resemble a murderer's grin to those who didn't know me.

"Cassius Felarina de Melenheim, Duke of Beaufort, humbly greets Your Majesty, the radiant sun of the empire, Emperor Efredus Valia de Theolia." The duke bows with practiced grace.

I only snapped out of the gossip when father spoke. Looking ahead, I realized we had already reached the audience room. In my distraction, I hadn't even noticed we had arrived.

"I, Aerin Angenas Felarina de Melenheim, greet the great sun of the empire, Emperor Efredus Valia de Theolia!" I proclaimed, bowing low in submission.

"Rise, Duke and Lady Melenheim," the emperor commanded, his voice steady and regal. Then, lifting his head, he swept his gaze across the grand ballroom, addressing the gathered nobles.

"Today is a joyous occasion, not only for your daughter, Duke Cassius, but for all the noble sons and daughters who officially step into society on this day. I congratulate you all on your growth and coming of age. May you walk the path of wisdom and honor, and may your contributions bring prosperity to our great empire."

"Thank you, Your Majesty," my father replied with pride. Although I would be happier if he would smile.

"Lady Melenheim..." The emperor's voice was soft and kind.

"Yes, Your Majesty?"

"You have grown into a fine young woman. Seeing you now, I am reminded so much of the late duchess Canaria," His Majesty said, his voice gentle and full of warmth. His eyes held a deep, genuine affection, not just as an emperor, but as a godfather watching over the child of his dearest friend—proud, nostalgic, and truly happy for me.

"Yes, Your Majesty. My father has often said I resemble my mother."

"I wish you health and happiness, dear." The emperor's words felt sincere.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," I replied, bowing again.

"Oh, no need for such formalities! Your parents and I have been good friends since childhood," the emperor said, waving a hand dismissively.

I couldn't help but laugh at his gesture. "I am well aware, my emperor."

"Enjoy the banquet. Today is your day."

"I certainly will, Your Majesty."

The event had been carefully arranged by many, and I was determined to not let anyone down, especially those who had worked tirelessly to make this celebration beautiful—to make me shine and look especially beautiful today.

"Announcing the presence of His Royal Highness, Prince Rolland Aurelio Valia de Theolia."

The servant's resounding voice cut through our conversation, and a hush fell over the ballroom. All eyes turned toward the grand golden doors as they swung open with measured grace, revealing the crown prince.

He stepped forward with an effortless elegance, his tall, lean frame exuding both nobility and quiet strength. His golden hair, luminous as if spun from sunlight, cascaded in soft waves that framed his striking features—high cheekbones, a sculpted jawline, and eyes of deep sapphire blue, piercing and unreadable. He looked as if he had stepped out of a master painter's most exquisite work—too flawless to be real.

Dressed in a meticulously tailored black military uniform, he moved with unshaken authority. Gold embroidery shimmered under the glow of the chandeliers, intricate patterns woven into the fabric like constellations against a midnight sky. A regal cape, fastened by an ornate clasp bearing the royal insignia, draped over one shoulder, adding to his commanding presence. Even the air seemed different with him in the room, charged with an unspoken reverence.

The prince strode forward, greeting the emperor with a voice rich and composed. My father soon joined the exchange, their words resonating through the vast hall. Yet, despite my best efforts, I found it difficult to focus. My thoughts kept drifting back to him.

Earlier, I had stubbornly avoided looking at him, determined to maintain my composure. But now, standing this close, I regretted not stealing a longer, more careful glance.

Of course, as a lady, I was expected to feel shy—but this? My face burned. How utterly pathetic. I grimaced inwardly, only now realizing how stiff my neck had become from my futile attempt at ignoring him. I never thought a man could make me feel this flustered, my heart pounding wildly in my chest.

Maya had been right—every lady in this room would swoon at the mere sight of him. I nearly did myself. It took every ounce of willpower to hold my ground.

Gasps and hushed whispers spread through the ballroom like ripples on water as the prince commanded every gaze with his mere presence.

"Young lady?"

The emperor's voice jolted me back to reality.

"Yes, Your Majesty?" I blinked, willing my thoughts to refocus.

"I have matters to discuss with the Duke," the emperor said, his gaze settling on me. "I trust you will attend the banquet tonight and conduct yourself with fairness and grace?"

I had been contemplating skipping the evening event, but with the emperor himself confirming my attendance, it seemed I no longer had a choice.

"Of course, Your Majesty," I replied with a smile, my voice steady. "It will be an honor to uphold the spirit of the celebration."

He smiled, feeling pleased with my answer. Then he turned to the prince.

"If you may, son, would you escort the lady?" he added.

My heart thumped. I longed to decline the offer for my own comfort, but I could not refuse the emperor.

"With all gladness, Father," the prince replied.

At that moment, I turned to face him. I couldn't help but feel impressed by their closeness. Not all emperors and crown princes shared such a warm relationship; many were bound only by duty, their interactions distant and formal. But here, it was different. The emperor had spoken to his son not just as a ruler addressing his heir but as a father speaking to his child, and that was something rare to witness.

The prince must have noticed my gaze, for he turned to face me and smiled.

Don't smile! I shouted at the back of my mind.

His presence was so striking that my thoughts scattered like leaves in the wind. And before I could even stop myself, I blurted out, "How do you do, Sire?"

The words echoed in my ears the moment I said them, and I froze. What on earth did I just say? I felt like my face was on fire, the heat of embarrassment spreading across my cheeks. It wasn't like me to speak in such a formal, old-fashioned way—let alone blurt it out to a prince! I mean, how do you do? It sounded like something out of a ridiculously proper novel, and here I was, awkwardly uttering it like I was trying to impress him with some ancient etiquette.

I could barely contain a laugh at my own ridiculousness. How do I do, indeed?

I felt like crawling into a hole. I did not even greeted him properly.

The prince, on the other hand, looked somewhat amused, his smile turning into an almost knowing grin. It seemed he was trying not to laugh himself.

Still flustered, I quickly added, "I mean—um, that is... eherm!" I tried to clear my throat in between. "Aerin Melenheim, greeting the little sun of the empire." I courtsied, then continued. "How are you fairing, Your royal highness?"

The prince raised an eyebrow, clearly holding back a chuckle, though his expression softened as he replied.

"I'm doing quite well, thank you for asking, Lady Melenheim." His voice was warm, yet there was an amused glint in his eyes, as if he found my awkwardness... endearing?

I was still trying to steady my breath, my face undoubtedly flushed from the earlier slip-up.

"Well, uh... it's a lovely evening, isn't it?" I continued, attempting to start a conversation. I mentally facepalmed myself.

Lovely evening? Of course, it was lovely, but it's definitely not evening!

"Ah, ha-ha, afternoon, I mean..." I blurted out, forcing a clownish smile in my embarrassment, as I tried to retrieve what I just said. I must have looked like a complete idiot.

Yeah, the idiot in me striked again. A very familiar trait from the original me.

The prince's smile lingered, but it wasn't mocking—more like he was entertained by my obvious nervousness. "It certainly is, my lady. I must say, the day seems to be even brighter now with your presence."

I blinked, surprised by his words. Was he... complimenting me? I wasn't sure if I should feel flattered or even more embarrassed. It seemed like the prince was used to offering such compliments with ease.

"Your words are very kind, Your highness," I replied, trying my best to keep my composure, though the warmth in my cheeks wouldn't go away.

He then tilted his head slightly, his expression thoughtful. "It's been a long day, hasn't it? All the festivities, the pressure of the debut... It must be overwhelming. Would you care for a little distraction?"

Before I could even process what he was implying, his smile returned with that glint in his eyes. "May I have the honor of this dance, Lady Melenheim?"

My heart skipped a beat. I had braced myself for many possibilities at this grand event, but discovering that my first dance partner was the Crown Prince was entirely unexpected. For a moment, the world around me faded—I forgot how to breathe.

I swallowed the lump in my throat and slowly, nervously, nodded. "I-I would be honored, Your Highness."

The prince's smile grew, and he offered his hand with a graceful gesture. "Then let's make this a moment worth remembering."

I was pretty sure he found my awkwardness more amusing and memorable than anything else.

As we walked together, my heart raced. When we reached the center, we paused, standing just a meter apart. The moment felt suspended, and I struggled to gather my thoughts.

Oh, God, he's too handsome... I can't take this!

My mind screamed in protest.

With a calm, practiced motion, he kissed my hand—a gesture I knew well, but somehow, the sensation startled me. I flinched, my nerves suddenly on edge. It was the first time someone had greeted me this way, and the softness of his touch left me momentarily unsettled.

He lifted his gaze to meet mine, his eyes softening as if noticing my reaction. A fleeting, questioning look passed across his face, but it was gone in an instant.

I quickly forced a smile, trying to recover from the unexpected surge of another series of nervousness. "Shall we?"

Taking a steadying breath, I composed myself. We both gave a slight bow, signaling mutual agreement. The first steps of the formal dance began, and I let the music carry me, focusing on the rhythm as we moved.