The Emperor's Secret Luna

Chapter 4: The Grandiose Banquet

The Grand Duchy of Chantrea was decorated splendidly. The pillars of the entrance were wrapped in gold leaves, while entrancing works of art were arranged in the main hall in an organized manner. The carpet that stretched across the floor was made of a very expensive fabric. The crystal chandelier reflected the candlelight, shining brilliantly even in the middle of the night.

The door of the whole mansion was open to greet guests. Candles were placed all over the place for the grandiose banquet, and a golden glass of liquor was distributed to all guests.

Round tables spread throughout the main hall and they were decorated with gold ornaments with their names engraved on them, which were given as gifts to those who attended the celebration.

Grand Duke Chantrea was already inside the main hall, greeting the guests. He wore a dark blue robe and wore his family’s insignia. As the head of the Grand Duchy of Chantrea, he had to welcome the guests who had arrived.

Congratulations flooded from the military’s influential men to the court officials, and other nobles.

“Grand Duke Chantrea, I did not expect you to host such a grandiose event. It was in doubt at first, but after receiving the invitation, it really got me by surprise.”

“We thought the same, Count Logan. I even thought that Grand Duke Chantrea was making jokes about this.”

Grand Duke Chantrea just laughed at his colleagues. It would definitely surprise them, especially those who had known him before. The last time he hosted such a grandiose event was during his wedding to his late wife, Margaret, Alvira’s mother.

“Oh well, I just wanted to flaunt my daughter to all of you. It is her birthday and she deserves all the best things in the world!”

“Grand Duke Chantrea is right. Having Lady Alvira as a daughter, everyone will be so envious of you. By the way, how was her health? I have heard of what happened. I hope she has recovered already.”

“Of course. My precious daughter had fully recovered. I appreciate your good wishes.”

Their conversation continued as they changed the subject to politics. Grand Duke Chantrea still has a smile and keeps the pretense. He knew where the conversation would lead afterward, but feigned ignorance, as he didn’t want to spoil the mood of the banquet he prepared for his daughter.

“It would not be nice to talk about work at this celebration, my honorable officials. We are to enjoy and congratulate Lady Alvira on her birthday, aren’t we?”

At the words of Prince Isaac, the officials were dumbfounded and nodded their heads awkwardly.

“His Highness is right. We apologize for spoiling this joyful event with work, Grand Duke Chantrea.”

Prince Isaac turned his attention towards Grand Duke Chantrea and bowed humbly. Everyone was surprised by such an action, even Grand Duke Chantrea was dumbfounded by this sudden act of the 1st Prince.

“I would like to take this chance to sincerely apologize to you, Grand Duke Chantrea. My younger sister had done such a malicious deed towards Lady Alvira which caused her harm. I feel ashamed of her actions and so, here I am, asking for an apology in her stead.”

The Islomore Empire placed great importance on hierarchy, and although Grand Duke Chantrea held the largest military power, he was still only just an official. There was still the imperial family who were above him and it should be normal for him to bow to them, not the other way around.

But for Prince Isaac to bow respectfully, it was simply showing his sincerity toward the Grand Duke.

“Your Highness, please, stand up.” Grand Duke Chantrea immediately supported Prince Isaac. However, Prince Isaac still did not move.

In the eyes of the people present, Prince Isaac was truly a gentleman. He did not flaunt his social standing and instead, lowered his head to apologize for his younger sister’s action. It was truly a benevolent and generous act.

“I hope Your Grace, the grand duke, will accept this humble apology.”

Grand Duke Chantrea knew better what was running inside the 1st prince’s mind. He had seen a lot in his past years of experience and this little trick from him couldn’t escape his discerning eyes.

Prince Isaac had been trying to meet him privately. However, he managed to dodge his request by giving him excuses. However, this time around, the 1st prince used this banquet as a leeway for him at the same time, to force him to accept his apology.

If Grand Duke Chantrea did not accept his apology, he would be branded as an evil person and this would put the Grand Duchy's reputation down.

‘Such a clever trick, Prince Isaac’

“What nonsense, everything is fine now, Your Highness. My daughter is already fine. Nothing else matters.”

After hearing such a reply, Prince Isaac raised his head and smiled warmly, “Thank you for accepting my apology, and thank you for inviting me to this special banquet, Grand Duke Chantrea.”

“Please enjoy the banquet, Your Highness.” That was all Grand Duke Chantrea could reply.

Since they were still near the entrance of the hall, it was time for Grand Duke Chantrea to greet the other guests who had entered and so, Prince Isaac took his leave and headed inside the main hall.

Back in Lady Alvira’s room, the inside was true to its splendor. It was decorated with white lace and light pink silk. There were also pink roses decorated in various places, it was full of a good scent.

“Lady Alvira, there are plenty of dresses made for you to wear today. Would you prefer to wear this dress with a plunging backline to show off your shoulders?” Esther excitedly asked.

Seeing the dress, Alvira shook her head. “No, that’s too exposing.”

Alvira chose the ocean blue dress which complimented her fair skin completely. The dress leaves her shoulders uncovered, instead, it’s supported around her neck and flows down into a stylish court neckline. Her arms were left uncovered. A choice that adds to the elegance and grace of the dress.

The dress’s waist is wide, but it’s a slim fit. An elastic band within the dress perfectly accentuates her waist and breaks up the dress nicely. Below the waist, the dress fits snugly around her and has a sundress style. The dress reaches all the way down to her feet and is longer at the sides.

She then paired it with a crystalline-colored pump, a perfect choice in combination with the dress. To top it all off, she’s wearing a gorgeous aquamarine necklace and several elegant bracelets.

Alvira checked her reflection in the mirror and nodded her head.

“Lady Alvira, you look extremely beautiful. All eyes will be on you at tonight’s banquet! As always, nobody will be more beautiful than you!”

The people around Alvira were busy fawning over her appearance. Those maids just made a fuss, as they always did. Esther bit the inside of her mouth to quell her laughter. Their young lady had never been pleased with that sort of praise ever since.

As expected, Alvira just nodded slightly, not looking proud or conceited.

A knock on the door disrupts the noisy place as Butler Murray enters.

“Lady Alvira, you look as lovely as the late Madam!” he complimented with sincerity.

Alvira turned around and spoke calmly, “Thank you, Butler Murray.”

Butler Murray smiled even more brightly, “The banquet is about to start. Your Grace has called over for you to enter the main hall.”

“Understood”

Alvira glanced back at her face in the mirror and lifted up her hand. “Beauty that is envied and power that is coveted. Which do you think holds more importance?”

It was a fairly simple statement that Esther immediately understood. Ever since, Alvira had always shown a lukewarm expression of her beauty.

It was an open secret that the military power of Grand Duke Chantrea had been extremely coveted by everyone. Even the servants in the residence knew that much.

***

Alvira stepped into the entrance of the grand hall. Gradually, the orchestra’s performance became louder. She put a calm expression as always on her face. Grand Duke Chantrea saw his gorgeous daughter appearing and his smile grew wider.

‘Look at our daughter my dearest, she was so beautiful today, just like you.’

He couldn’t help but tear up a little. His little girl is growing too fast. She was once an adorable little child, but look at her now, she had now become a gorgeous and fine young lady.

“The heiress of the Grand Duchy of Chantrea, Lady Alvira Chantrea!”

Along with it, a new performance, announcing Alvira’s appearance, magnificently filled the grand hall. When she stood in front of the entrance, an enthusiastic cheer burst out with the music.

Grand Duke Chantrea went towards his daughter, escorting her toward the center of the hall.

“You look lovely tonight, my precious daughter.”

Alvira smiled slightly as she replied, “Thank you, father.”

The performance stopped when they took the center of the empty hall. Then the cheers and applause also stopped. Grand Duke Chantrea raised his hand as Alvira grabbed the hem of her dress and took a pose to start dancing. They began the dance perfectly, moving to a cheerful and beautiful melody.

One of the most beautiful young ladies in the entire empire danced in the center of the grand hall with her father, Grand Duke Chantrea. If Princess Octavia had facial features like how the spring season blossomed, Lady Alvira’s beauty was as tranquil and cold as the winter season.

Once the song ended, she raised her hand in greeting. The people around cheered in applause.

Prince Isaac, who was watching the hall with his chin on his hand, soon made his way to Alvira. He had a bright expression on his face while approaching the young lady in the center.

“Happy Birthday, Lady Alvira. I wish you a prosperous year and good health. May I have this dance?”

It would be impolite to reject the 1st prince and so, Alvira slightly nodded her head and placed her hand on top of his. “It would be an honor, Your Highness”

The next music began anew as they got into position. Just like how she danced with her father, she danced around and around.

“Looking at Lady Alvira, now I know the difference between pretty and beautiful.” Prince Isaac started the conversation.

Such flattery would not please Alvira in any way. So, she answered in a calm tone, “Thank you for the compliment, Your Highness.”

“I hope that my sister’s past actions will not put hatred in your heart, Lady Alvira.”

Alvira felt complete disgust at his words. She was never interested in men, let alone anyone in the imperial family. And for Prince Isaac to say such things, she knew very well what his motive was.

“It was all in the past now, Your Highness… Talking about such a bad incident in this joyous occasion would cause a bad omen.”

“I made a mistake. I apologize, Lady Alvira… I didn’t intend to spoil the mood of your birthday.” Prince Isaac immediately understood that Alvira didn’t want to talk about it.

‘I was right, you are definitely not a simple person, Lady Alvira… But there’s no rush, you will soon come to my side. I’ll make that happen.’

“Lady Alvira Chantrea!”

Their eyes turned in the same direction at someone’s exaggerated voice like an opera actor. Prince Allen was smiling and approaching them with his arms open. Prince Isaac distorted his cold face.

“Prince Allen Thorne, 2nd prince of the empire would like to greet the heiress of the Grand Duchy of Chantrea with a prosperous birthday! May infinite glory shine upon you.”

Prince Allen spoke slowly, lifting up one corner of his mouth. “It’s the first time I’ve seen Lady Alvira since the imperial hunt in the forest. You have become even more beautiful than ever.”

Alvira knew what the 2nd prince was talking about. It was not a secret how much the 2nd prince hated the 1st prince. So, talking to him in this way, Prince Allen must have wanted to use that incident to his advantage.

“Watch your words, 2nd prince.” Prince Isaac coldly warned him.

The tension building up between the two was felt by the crowd present. It was not a good idea to let them fight or else the ducal house would be implicated as well by not properly managing the banquet. And so, Alvira had to placate the situation.

She smiled towards Prince Allen as she calmly spoke, “It’s been a while since I have seen you as well, Your Highness. I hope you are enjoying the banquet.”

Prince Allen kicked his tongue and burst into laughter. “Yes, I am! It’s truly a joyful banquet.”

Then he pulled out a box made of gold. There was a big diamond necklace inside of it.

After seeing the present, everyone’s eyes turned wide. It was because the jewel was the rarest diamond in the entire empire. It had been highly covered by the empress yet she wasn’t able to obtain it. Looking at it, it had already been bought by the 2nd prince as a birthday present for Lady Alvira.

“This is a birthday present to Lady Alvira from me.”

“Wow! Such a grandiose gift! His Highness, the 2nd Prince, had really put so much effort into picking the gift.”

“No wonder that rare jewel was suddenly lost in the auction house. It has already been bought by the 2nd prince!”

“Lady Alvira was so blessed! She was able to get a piece of jewelry that Her Majesty, the Empress, wanted to have!”

The necklace was gorgeous and beautiful, but there was a problem. This was because this piece of jewelry was coveted by Empress Victoria. Accepting such a gift would mean that she was opposing the Empress and would choose the side of the 2nd prince to support. And, rejecting it would also be rude and would mean that she was choosing the side of the 1st prince. Alvira was definitely in a dilemma.

“Your Highness has really made so much effort for this. I wonder if it is appropriate for a lowly noble like me to accept it.”

“Oh, it’s okay. I bought this just for this day. I hope Lady Alvira will accept such a gift. Her Majesty wouldn’t mind it at all. She is not a petty person, after all.”

It was when Prince Isaac tried to warn him in a sharp voice, “2nd Prince, what are you trying to say?”

“Hahahaha!”

Suddenly, a woman’s laughter burst into laughter. Even the nobles, who were spying on them in that unusual atmosphere, were bewildered by that laugh. Everyone leaned their heads to where that voice was coming from.

“Grand Princess Cecilia! It’s the Grand Princess!”

“It was Grand Princess Cecilia! When did she arrive?”

“I heard that the Grand Princess left the empire for years and rarely comes back. I wasn’t expecting her to be here!”

Not just the crowd, even the princes who were just fighting were also stupefied by the unexpected guest. Even Alvira and Grand Duke Chantrea were surprised as well.

“My dear imperial nephews, I see that you haven’t changed at all.”

Grand Princess Cecilia was the only sibling of Emperor Vester. She was his older sister and, although she was only a princess, she still held power in the imperial court. But despite her power, she did not interfere in court matters, letting her brother do as he pleased.

But, it doesn’t account for his sons. If there was another person that could keep the princes in check aside from the emperor himself, it was the Grand Princess.

“It’s only been a few years yet you have already forgotten your manners. I don’t think a proper gentleman would present his gift to a lady when the lady’s father hasn’t done so yet.” Her words were directed towards Prince Allen.

“Imperial Aunt…” Prince Allen wanted to rebut but Grand Princess Cecilia cut him off and turned her attention to Prince Isaac.

“And, I don’t think that it’s right to show attitudes in someone else’s place. It seems that His Majesty wasn’t teaching you well.”

Alvira’s eyes narrowed slightly. ‘The Grand Princess? Why would she help me?’

There were only a few people in the empire who could make this kind of comment towards the princes. One of them was Grand Princess Cecilia. Even so, there was no reason for her to step in and help Alvira, much more by attending her banquet. Everyone knew that Grand Princess Cecilia hated attending social gatherings, so why would she suddenly make an appearance there?