Upon her first step inside, words from Alexander prodded Elaine's mind. Though she preserved a natural expression, her brows slightly raised, eyes searching the crowds. He is not here, Elaine realized, unable to locate the Third Prince among the gathering aristocrats. She furtively glanced out the Ballroom's window and noted the night had not settled. Similar to other attendees, the Croix had arrived early, and it was not yet time for the royal hosts to grace the banquet with their presence.

He must be close by, she concluded. Alexander informed her of their telepathic communication distance restrictions during the joint expedition waiting period. Though he did not specify the exact range, she determined the approximate distance based on her experience traveling to and from the campsite. Your Highness, are you still there? Elaine called, seeking clarification for the sudden message. Unfortunately, only silence answered her.

"It has been a while, Duke Geris," a hoarse, baritone voice addressed Gerard.

Elaine withdrew her wandering gaze to trace the voice's origination, landing on a feeble older man approaching her direction. The man retained the noble's elegant stride despite a partially hunched back requiring a walking cane for support. Ashen hair and brows covered his deep creases and wrinkles lined face. Yet, the ancient appearance could not cover the experience and wisdom in his gaze—observant eyes peered through others' nefarious intentions and oppressed them with his authoritative presence. Following him were a pair of copper-colored hair twins, a male and a female roughly Estella's age.

"It has only been a few months since our last meeting, Your Grace," Gerard laughed and inclined his head. "I pray you are in good health."

Elaine and the remaining Croix members also curtsied or bowed, paying their respects. Even without rummaging through Estella's memories, deducing the man's identity was not challenging. Only one person within the Étoile Empire besides the royal family required the Duke to lower himself—the Grand Duke of Cerda, Ludwig Ceasar de Marche.

The House of Marche was the first primary pillar of the Étoile Kingdom before the Croix and d'Amboise swore their loyalties. Tasked with maintaining internal peace, the Marche sustained neutrality while their descendants served as arbitrators between the other two clans throughout the empire's history. For their efforts, previous Étoile Emperors bestowed upon them the highest rank among the three dukedoms.

Elaine peeked at the docile-looking twins standing behind him, focused primarily on the young girl. Wavy orange-tinted hair cascaded to her waist while calm aquamarine eyes shone like jewels on her firm yet delicate face. Though taller than most of her female peers, the girl was not lanky but well-proportioned. She was Grand Duke Marche's granddaughter and the Third Prince's future fiancée and queen, Amara Isa de Marche.

Before Elaine's arrival, Estella had met Amara several times at previous royal events. They were neither friends nor enemies and only had fleeting exchanges while both Houses' patriarchs converse. Contrary to Estella, however, Celeste and the Marche siblings were close childhood friends. Amara was always the sensible, collected voice in the female protagonist's reckless, often dangerous misadventures, advising her against unwise decisions and saving her from troubles—an ideal supporting character in the story.

The copper-haired young girl and the Cerda Dukedom would later play a critical role in Alexander's triumph over Louis and, by extension, the House of Croix. Thus, Elaine never believed the Third Prince when he promised her the empire's matriarchy title for betraying Estella's fiancé. She was his pawn, and he was hers in the prolonged, versatile chess game—nothing more and nothing less. A mutually beneficial arrangement, she mused.

"I see you brought your son," the Grand Duke commented, sending little Armes an amiable smile.

"Of course," Gerard's hand rubbed his stubbles. "Every Croix member is His Majesty's loyal subject."

"I commend your bravery, Gerard." Ludwig nodded. "Though I do prefer less adventurous choices."

"I appreciate the concern, Your Grace." The Duke maintained his courteous smile. "But I have my assurances."

The Grand Duke lightly shook his head, then switched to another subject.

Elaine's brows furrowed while listening to the cryptic discussion. Combined with Alexander's earlier message, she recognized the situation was abnormal. She sneaked a glance at Liviane, noticing a tiny crack in the pleasant expression. Despite the composed facade, the Duchess' hand clutched Elaine's tightly. The pressure almost made her cringe. She replayed the conversation in her head, searching for clues.

Her eyes darted around the room, surveying the other guests. The Marche twins exhibited little reaction. Were they unaware, or did they already know? Elaine's gaze shifted to other congregated groups—from the Capital's and provinces' aristocrats to the foreign envoys. Everyone seemed engaged in regular social interactions, nothing diverted from the ordinary, yet a sense of dread suspended in the atmosphere, churning her stomach.

No, something is amiss.

One, two…eight, Elaine counted. From only two attending an event to eight individuals representing five noble Houses. Why would the Étoile Emperor invite so many of the overlooked Northern Houses after years of neglect? Before she could continue scrutinizing the enigma, a familiar, booming voice snatched her from contemplation.

"I am pleased to see you here, old friend." The Duke of Lévis approached from the far corner. His thunderous laughter transmitted across the room, catching everyone's attention. Behind him walked Marquis Veros and two blonde-haired young men with features resembling the female protagonist.

Elaine recognized the young men were Celeste's older brothers. But where is the female protagonist and the d'Artois' heir? she wondered. The youngest child's absence might be insignificant, but an heir's truancy to a royal event was impudent behavior.

A sudden realization sparked inside Elaine, and her gaze returned to the Marche's siblings. Their older brother, the Cerda Dukedom's heir, was also absent. It might be negligible if it was only the eccentric House of d'Artois' mistake. However, disregarding the unspoken etiquette was incomprehensible for the socialite Grand Duke of Cerda.