Chapter 82

To me, it was a shock similar to the world being turned upside down.

'The story can take a different turn.'

I had already changed a lot in Altair's life. According to the original novel, Altair should still be struggling with a poor fiefdom.

'But...'

That was a change in the parts where I was directly involved, meaning the story moved according to my intentions. However, the relationship between Altair and Duke Bioskes had quietly progressed in a place I didn't know. My confidence stemmed from knowing the plot of the novel and thus having an information advantage over others. When the foundation was shaken at an unexpected moment, I felt momentarily dazed. But before I completely lost my composure, Altair introduced me to Duke Bioskes.

"This is my wife, Nadia."

"Oh, so this beautiful lady is the baron's wife of the rumors."

Duke Bioskes shook my hand up and down with a friendly smile.

"I am Nadia Eilsworth, Your Grace."

"Of course, you are the daughter of the late Baron Vain. I remember you well."

I barely managed to greet him, swaying with each shake of his hand. It was far from the proper way to greet a lady, but Duke Bioskes was known for not valuing etiquette and formalities, likely due to his practical nature as a knight.

'Thinking about it, Altair and he do have something in common.'

Still, the reason Altair and Duke Bioskes became enemies in the novel was due to the duke's loyalty. The duke was one of the most steadfast supporters of the emperor, not just because he was the emperor's father-in-law, but because he believed it was the duty of a noble to protect the emperor. A steadfast knight who supported the emperor and a group of rebels who sought to overthrow everything and seize the throne were destined to be enemies.

'But for Altair's first social connection to be Duke Bioskes...'

Does this mean Altair is going to side with the emperor? How will the story unfold from here? Does this mean the plot where Altair becomes the villain is no longer possible? These complex thoughts swirled in my head, tormenting me. Then, something happened that brought the grand hall back to silence.

"His Majesty the Emperor! Her Majesty the Empress!"

The emperor and empress appeared together. As a result, the attention of those who were surprised by the unusual connection between Baron Eilsworth and Duke Bioskes quickly shifted to them. It was an important event, so the emperor and empress were dressed in splendid formal attire. Every step they took made the numerous decorations on their clothes sparkle under the lighting, blinding the eyes. The nobles bowed their heads in respect as the two passed by. No one dared to lift their heads until the emperor, seated in his slightly elevated position, commanded, "Everyone, raise your heads!"

This was the authority of the emperor. The emperor looked around at the nobles with a kind smile.

"In celebration of the Silver Jubilee, I am infinitely pleased to hold this grand banquet, a blessing from the heavens. I hope all present today will enjoy prosperity and peace."

After the short welcome speech, the first prince stood up from his seat and approached the emperor.

"To celebrate this glorious day of His Majesty, I have prepared a gift."

"Your kind gesture is greatly appreciated."

With the emperor's response, the nobles, including the princes, began to present their gifts in the pre-arranged order. The first prince presented a sword, the second prince a painting. The next was the third prince, Orca. As in the novel, he presented exotic artifacts he had collected from various regions under the pretext of convalescence, subtly showing the breadth of his knowledge. The emperor and empress, as well as the nobles who were eagerly waiting to see what precious gifts would be presented, were amazed by the new artifacts Orca introduced. Even Altair, who had been quietly observing, seemed to be carefully examining the items Orca described.

"Looks like the third prince wasn't just traveling for convalescence."

"Indeed. Seeing him today, he seems to have grown physically and is much healthier than before."

"His demeanor is also quite impressive... I didn't expect him to have grown so well."

Listening to the nobles' murmurs, it was clear that the evaluation of Prince Orca was skyrocketing. The effect was even greater because he was showing unexpected excellence from someone who was not highly anticipated. Moreover, with so many people gathered, a few murmurs quickly spread, creating a significant impact. There was a reason Prince Orca chose this stage as the starting point of his return. After Orca, it was Duke Bioskes's turn. He presented the skin of a giant lion he had hunted himself, followed by other dukes who presented their gifts as called by the herald. Next, it was the turn of the viscounts. My uncle, realizing it was his turn, began to prepare to step forward. Considering his earlier boasts about the grand gift he had prepared, he seemed quite confident in what he had brought. However, the herald did not call my uncle's name. Nor did he call any other viscount's name.

"Baron Eilsworth, please step forward and present your gift!"

"Baron Eilsworth?"

Barons are usually called last, and a newly introduced baron would be called even later. Yet, the herald ignored this convention and called Altair first. While the order of presentation is determined by the emperor and is not strictly based on rank, it generally follows a certain pattern. This was a very unconventional situation. Everyone was surprised, but the emperor, who had designated the order, remained calm. Altair seemed briefly surprised but did not waver as he stepped forward to the emperor. I quickly followed him and greeted the emperor. The box we had prepared was then brought forward by the herald. As the emperor nodded, the herald opened the box. The moment the magnificent crown was revealed, everyone in the hall gasped in awe.

"Wow!"

Even the nobles, who were accustomed to seeing beautiful and luxurious items, seemed impressed by the crown.

"I made this crown in the hope that His Majesty's reign will continue to the Golden Jubilee, Diamond Jubilee, and Platinum Jubilee."

"Hmm."

The emperor's face showed satisfaction, both with the appearance and the meaning of the gift.

'It seems our plan worked.'

However, the tension of standing before the emperor and the pressure of everyone's gaze prevented me from feeling proud. All I could think about was, "I hope the emperor will dismiss us soon..." But the emperor, clearly pleased with the gift, continued to speak, unlike with the other nobles.

"I have heard a lot about Baron Eilsworth recently. I was eager to meet you, so I placed your name at the top. How regretful it is that I only now get to meet such a fine gentleman."

"Your praise is too kind."

"I hope to see you often. However, as you are based in the eastern fiefdom and have no connections in the capital, it will not be easy for you to visit..."

The emperor paused as if in thought, then continued.

"I will grant you the Baltor mansion in the capital."

The Baltor mansion was one of the most prestigious estates in the capital, owned by the emperor. Granting such a grand estate to Altair in front of everyone was a strong signal that the emperor wanted to bring him to his side. I instinctively glanced at Prince Orca, worried about how he would react to this situation, given his apparent interest in Altair. However, Prince Orca looked calm. His slightly smiling face was no different from usual. And Altair...

"This is too generous a gift. I already have connections in the capital, so there is no need to trouble yourself, Your Majesty."

"Connections in the capital?"

"Yes. My wife is the daughter of the late Baron Vain."

"The late Baron Vain...?"

The emperor's piercing gaze turned to me. I tried to smile confidently, but I could feel my shoulders stiffening. After a moment, the emperor, who had been examining my face, narrowed his eyes and nodded.

"I understand. You must have something else in mind."

"I apologize."

"I thought you were a born knight like Duke Bioskes, but it seems that is not the case."

His words sounded teasing but were filled with goodwill. The emperor and Altair seemed to understand the hidden meaning behind their cryptic conversation, but the nobles, including me, were left confused. What did Altair want if not the Baltor mansion? Did the emperor already know?

"You may step down now."

While I was trying to figure it out, a welcome sound reached my ears. I quickly bowed to the emperor and stepped back with Altair. The herald then began to call the names of the viscounts. My uncle was called second among the viscounts. As I watched my uncle boast about his gift, I whispered to Altair.

"What's going on?"

Instead of answering, Altair looked at me, his eyes asking what I was curious about.

"When did you become close to Duke Bioskes? Why did you refuse the emperor's gift? Are you planning to get involved in politics?"

Faced with my rapid-fire questions, Altair's eyes widened slightly before he chuckled.

"Do you want me to get involved in politics?"

"Of course not!"

I knew exactly how Altair became entangled in the struggle for the throne and turned into a villain! I had made Eilsworth wealthy and worked hard to keep Prince Orca at a distance to prevent that! Was he misunderstanding my intention to spread rumors about Baron Eilsworth?

I sighed and cautiously glanced around at the nobles.

"I just didn't want people to ignore Altair or Eilsworth. I know how nobles without honor are treated in the capital."

Thinking of my own situation after my parents passed away, my shoulders sagged.

"I also wanted to spread rumors about Eilsworth and the masonry mines to do good business... Anyway, I don't want Altair to get involved in this kind of thing."

"If I need to get involved to get what I want?"

This was the same question that came up in the conversation with the emperor. What Altair wanted.

"What do you want?"

"..."

Instead of answering, Altair closed his mouth. His strange expression made my heart race.

"I just want to set things right. To straighten out what has been twisted. Isn't that the right thing to do?"

His answer seemed directed at me, but it also felt like he was talking to himself. As I tilted my head in confusion, the long gift-giving ceremony seemed to be over, and the emperor clapped lightly to draw everyone's attention.

"On a good day, good wine and lively music are essential. Enjoy yourselves!"

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, the orchestra began to play. The emperor and empress led the first dance, and the nobles began to invite and accept dance partners, moving to the center of the hall.

'Even though Eilsworth feels very different, in the end, festivals are about wine and dance.'

As I chuckled at the thought that people are the same everywhere, a large hand suddenly appeared in front of me. Looking up, I saw Altair shrug with a stern face.

"A woman who doesn't dance at such an event will be mocked."