Two days later, the noble ladies went to the palace to attend the tea party that the princess was organizing in the afternoon. There were many of them, coming from different families of different social ranks.

They all gathered in the big salon with Lady Lobelia, impatiently awaiting the arrival of the princess.

The atmosphere was suffocating for Azusa. The young girls were doing nothing but gossiping with each other and showing off with their dresses and jewelry.

The young lady was wearing a pretty simple burgundy colored dress with slightly puffed sleeves, simple black ankle boots and some jewelry. As for her hair, she let it free.

' she thought.

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Luana walked along the long corridor to reach the big salon that was in the west wing of the palace.

She was dressed in a pretty beige, long-sleeved velvet dress and a pair of beige suede boots with small high heels. As for her hair, it was styled in a pretty messy braid.

she thought as she walked faster.

She continued to advance in her way while being deep in thought.

Once she heard that voice, Luana was snapped out of her thoughts. She raised her head to meet the gaze of Captain Koraxos who was smiling warmly at her.

she replied, smiling back.

he asked.

he said as he stood beside her, still smiling.

she replied hastily.

she said.

They looked at each other for a moment without saying anything as the young knight sighed.

he replied, smiling slightly.

she said, returning his smile.

he asked, scratching the back of his neck nervously.

she answered, smiling.

he said nervously.

he asked hesitantly.

she replied, looking him straight in the eyes.

he asked, a little taken aback.

Lucas looked at her with a surprised expression on his face.

she replied.

He stayed silent for a little moment, looking at the ground.

he replied with a sigh.

'Yeah, just like you,' he thought.

she added determinedly.

he said in a small voice.

he added insistently.

Luana sighed then smiled at him softly.

he replied, smiling back at her.

They stood there looking at each other silently for a little while.

she said.

he replied, bowing to her.

The young princess stepped forward to continue on her way.

he called her from behind.

she turned around to look at him.

he said, smiling.

she replied, smiling before turning around.

Lucas remained standing there, watching her walk away, a big smile on his lips and a pounding heart in his chest.

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Meanwhile, the young noble ladies were sitting, chatting together in the salon.

said one of the girls, excited.

replied another.

"

a sarcastic voice replied.

Everyone fell silent and turned to look at the owner of that voice.

the young woman said pretentiously.

Her name was Cecilia Kalmiv, daughter of Marquis Dale Kalmiv. She was pretty with a fair skin, platinum blonde hair and black eyes. She was wearing a very sophisticated dress for the occasion, with lots of accessories and jewelry. But her beauty was nothing compared to her arrogance and cruelty.

said one of the ladies, trying to change the subject.

exclaimed another.

Cecilia said arrogantly.

Azusa replied.

the young lady replied sarcastically.

she added.

she asked again.

she replied.

A long silence settled in as the ladies stared at each other, completely speechless.

said one of them.

replied another.

The young girls continued to discuss until they heard the guards announce the arrival of the princess.

The young princess made her entrance into the big salon, a small smile on her lips, as the noble ladies stood up to bow to her.

They all sat down together around a very large table to have tea together and chat.

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A few minutes later, a young lady rushed into the room.

she greeted, bowing hastily.

The young princess smiled kindly at her.

she asked.

the young girl replied.

Asminah was very pretty with fair skin, lovely long wavy honey hair and blue eyes. She wore a pretty purple dress with long sleeves and a pair of black ankle boots.

The girl walked over to the table to sit down with the others.

Cecilia asked arrogantly.

The young girl remained silent, ignoring her.

she continued sarcastically.

" she added, laughing.

exclaimed the princess.

Silence settled in the room.

she said, standing up.

The princess and her best friend walked towards the door.

She paused for a moment, then turned around.

she called out.

asked the young girl.

she said, smiling.

Asminah replied, bowing.

After that, Luana left the room with Azusa.

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Asminah walked along the hallway to get out of the palace and go back home.

'The princess is a very nice person. It doesn't surprise me that father and mother love her and the emperor so much. They treat everyone the same way and with kindness. I hope that mum and dad will get well soon,' she thought.

She was so deep in thought that she ran into a person and fell to the ground.

she exclaimed in pain.

the other person asked her worriedly.

When Asminah looked up, she met the gaze of a handsome young man.

He was tall and muscular with slightly tanned skin, short deep teal hair, and gorgeous orange eyes.

The young man held out his hand for her and helped her up.

she said in a small voice.

he replied.

They stayed silent for a while, looking at each other.

someone called out.

The two young people turned around to see Azusa coming their way.

Asminah said hurriedly before leaving.

The young man stood there, watching her go, his cheeks as red as tomatoes.

Azusa walked over to him.

she asked, a little worried.

he replied.

Lady Lobelia sighed.

she asked curiously.

he answered.

he said before leaving.

Azusa remained standing there, smiling at her brother's back.

I clearly saw the way you were look at Lady Taliny... So, like that, my big brother who is as cold as an iceberg, can show such expressions and emotions... It's really cute,

══════ ∘◦❁◦∘ ══════

Luana went to her father's office to pay him a short visit and help him tidy up the place.

he said, smiling affectionately at her.

she chuckled.

They laughed together for a little while. Then, Luana looked at him in the eyes.

she said seriously.

he replied.

she added, worried.

Arthur laughed at his daughter's behaviour.

he stood up to walk to the door

Arthur stood up from his chair and walked over to the door. He was feeling a little bit dizzy and heavy, but decided to hide it.

Midway, he fell to the ground, coughing up blood.

Luana cried, running towards him.

The emperor continued to cough very hard until he passed out.

she screamed.