Elaine navigated through the forest of servants to Estella's family, standing among the remaining nobles. "I have returned, father and mother." She curtsied.

Gerard never looked back, only nodded in acknowledgment of her presence.

"Where have you been? How can you disappear during times like this?" Liviane scowled and admonished Elaine in a low voice. Her arms wrapped around her son in a tight embrace, pulling him close as if to protect the boy from imminent danger. The blonde-haired young boy hugged the Duchess' dress, burying most of his face in the comfortable silky fabric.

"I apologize, mother. I will ensure to request your permission to have a stroll for fresh air next time," Elaine mocked. She doubted Liviane spoke out of worry for her safety. Rather, she was confident the Duchess was more concerned about the Croix's reputation.

Estella's mother's eyes glowered, boring into Elaine. Their side exchange, however, got interrupted by the tense conversation at the center of everyone's attention. The foreign delegates, led by the Léonas envoy, all stood like monoliths, waiting for the Étoile sovereign to provide an acceptable answer.

Elaine's gaze surveyed the surrounding aristocrats. Besides a few lower ranks, almost all those who stayed behind were from the three dukedoms and their close confidants. She moved her attention to the royal family. Louis stood behind the Empress, shrouded in an image of composure. Yet, his ashen complexion betrayed the calm facade. Alexander, on the other hand, retained his familiar placid impression, unfazed by the current diplomatic tension. Their gazes met, and she immediately broke the connection, switching to other royal members. The Emperor's imposing figure sat on his throne. Cold eyes sweep through the chaotic scene below with no identifiable emotion, like an unrelated spectator observing from afar, bearing no responsibility or involvement.

"I understand everyone's concern," the Étoile ruler spoke after a brief silence. "The brazen attack also took us by surprise. We have lost many of our Empire's pillars tonight." The poker face loosened to a solemn and sorrowful expression.

Not only Gerard but the Emperor is also a great actor, Elaine mused.

"Forgive my impudence, Your Majesty. However, I find it difficult to believe you received no prior warning about this significant event." The Léonas envoy took a step forward, focusing his discerning gaze on hosting sovereign.

The imperial knights drew their swords to stop the man's advance. However, the Emperor waved his hand, ordering them to withdraw. "You are correct, Marquis Leonard. I received information on the rebels," he admitted. "Unfortunately, neither I nor my court could predict their deadly timing and tactics." The 'grieving' monarch then rose and raised his voice. "As tonight's host, I take full responsibility for the disturbance and casualties. For now, please return to your respective quarters and rest. We shall continue our discussion of the matter and Étoile's reparations for the damages you all received tomorrow morning."

Hushed whispers erupted among the foreign delegates. The Léonas envoy grimaced and glanced back at the already cracking coalition. The temptation of compensation, especially from Étoile, one of the most prosperous empires in Crea, was too luring for anyone to refuse. Marquis Leonard knew the monarch had won the battle, successfully diverting the conversation from the cause. What facts hid behind the insurgency pretense?

The reactions of some surviving aristocrats raised his suspicion. He recognized a few dead noblemen from previous intelligence reports. On the surface, they boasted little connections to each other. Yet, the Marquis' instinct cautioned him from believing Étoile's veiled truth. Despite wanting answers, his hands were tied as he was currently a guest in another's territory. Thus, this was not the time to probe about the skeletons in his host's backyard.

"Marquis, perhaps we should reconvene about this matter tomorrow. His Majesty has a point. We are all exhausted after witnessing such a harrowing event." An older man wearing an intricately embellished maroon robe and head garb stepped behind Leonard. He was the envoy of Röuseska, an empire in the East. "The others also agreed," he added.

A temporary, strained stillness descended on the chamber while everyone waited for Marquis Leonard's response.

"You're right," the Léonas envoy relented. The tide had changed, and pushing further would only create dissent from other nations. Marquis Leonard's years of experience advised him to pull back—not abandoning the subject but shelving it until he returned to the Léonas Empire before conducting additional investigations. His attention shifted back to the silver-haired monarch, admitting defeat. "Please forgive my disrespectful behavior from earlier, Your Majesty. I hope you will accept my deepest remorse."

"No need to apologize, Marquis Leonard," the Emperor replied, continued playing the gracious host. "As Étoile's honored guests, you all deserve an explanation for tonight's horrific event. I understand your sentiment."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The Emperor nodded and then directed the servants to lead the delegates back to their quarters.

So, the aftermath is part of the grand scheme. Elaine's eyes hovered between the Third Prince and his father, no longer able to deny the uncanny resemblance. Out of all his sons, the Emperor probably realized Alexander inherited after him the most.

"It is late. Let us, too, return," Gerard finally spoke. He bowed before the Étoile sovereign and swiftly exited the Ballroom, leading his family toward their carriages.

Before following the Duke outside, Elaine caught a glimpse of the Marche twins. The female twin, Amara, stared ahead with determined eyes as though decided on an important issue. She traced the girl's gaze to the royal family's location and wondered what had transpired inside her head. It is none of my business, she concluded. Despite the exhaustion, Elaine felt nothing but relief as she had survived another traumatic affair.