Chapter 104

Chapter 104

Translator: Yonnee

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Peering out of the carriage window, Radis took in the magnificent sight of the imperial palace.

Surrounded by many defensive walls, the imperial castle was like a huge city in itself.

Even as they had already arrived within the palace’s bounds, their carriage ride still continued for a longer time after that, and they had to pass through several gates and vast expanses bordered by topiaries.

The scale of the palace would make anyone put into perspective just how powerful the empire was.

Eventually, the carriage stopped in front of a huge structure standing at the center of the palace walls.

Alighting the carriage, Radis was instantly mesmerized by the splendor around her.

Atop of the building before her was a tall clock tower that was so high up, and the walls of the building itself were lined with intricately carved columns, bronze statues and large windows.

And through the arched stained glass windows, brilliant light streamed through and emitted many various colors.

With a slight brush of his lips over the back of her hand, Yves murmured.

“Shall we go, Lady?”

Radis let herself be escorted by Yves Russell, and they soon entered the hall, where the ball was already in full swing.

Lights as dazzling as the night sky’s galaxies poured over her head. She was awestruck as she looked around.

When she glanced up, she saw the enormous chandelier hanging above.

The number of candles that were lit was immeasurable, and countless crystals were splitting the illumination into smaller rays of brilliance. Thus, the hall was filled entirely with dazzling light.

And beneath that dazzling light, many beautifully dressed people were gracefully gliding along.

As Yves led her around, Radis greeted so many people that she couldn’t remember each and every one of them.

Eventually, they stood in front of a man who had a king’s crown perched upon his head, and to match it, the man was also dressed as glamorous as a peacock. He greeted them with open arms.

“Marquis Russell! It’s been so long.”

“Your Royal Majesty Luntier.”

“Hahaha, it’s comfortable living away from people, but the capital is as remarkable as I remember it. Watching you young people grow up makes me feel younger as well.”

“But Your Royal Majesty is still young.”

“Kehahaha! Yes, I’m still on duty, too, aren’t I!”

The silver-haired, elegant Duchess Byard widened her eyes as she greeted Yves and Radis.

“Marquis Russell, have you finally found yourself a spouse?”

Yves leaned down to give the duchess a kiss on her wrinkled cheek, and with an equally graceful smile on his lips, he replied.

“I don’t know about a spouse just yet, but here, I would like to introduce this Lady to you. She is the esteemed daughter of House Tilrod, and I’m sponsoring her.”

Radis curtsied before the duchess with utmost courtesy.

“I am Radis Tilrod.”

“Ohhh, Miss Radis. This old man was in a hurry and unintentionally made a fool of himself. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“It is my honor to meet you as well.”

Despite pretending to be calm, Radis’ eyes were spinning.

This was her second time attending a ball.

Still though, this New Year’s Ball was vastly different compared to the birthday banquet that had been held at the Marquis’ residence for Prince Olivier.

In this grand hall, the imperial family was present, as well as royalty from other countries. Nobles who had imperial blood were in attendance, too, and the great nobles were also here.

Suddenly, it felt as if she was a humble shepherd boy who had taken the wrong turn and had barged mistakenly into a banquet of the gods.

Golden shadows moved slowly, as if dancing around her.

She felt queasy. She didn’t even feel any motion sickness when she had passed through the warp gate before, but she felt so dizzy now.

Then, Yves’ hand gently squeezed her shoulder.

“Radis.”

“Huh?”

She could see Yves grinning.

“It’s hectic, isn’t it? Let’s take a small break.”

Yves took her hand and led her up to the third floor of the banquet hall.

But Radis pointed towards the second floor.

“I think the lounge area is that way though.”

In turn, Yves gave her a gloating smirk.

“There’s a first class one upstairs, you know.”

She saw that there were many people on the second floor, but practically no one on the third floor.

In fact, the hallway they were passing through on the third floor was connected to the roof, so it didn’t seem like a good place to rest because of the ice-cold wind.

But Radis soon understood why Yves referred to this place as first class.

The spectacular sight of the chandelier spread out before her.

“Pretty…”

Radis stared dazedly at the chandelier.

Every time the wind blew, the candles flickered and the crystals shook.

It felt as if she was standing in the middle of an ocean of stars, glimmering bright gold and silver.

Yves took off his coat and placed it over her shoulders.

The inside of his coat was warm.

This was because Yves’ warmth had remained.

And it wasn’t just his warmth.

Accompanied by his warmth was a sweet scent.

Yves’ scent.

Radis turned her head and glanced at him.

He was smiling faintly as he was looking away, but when his gaze met with Radis’, the look in his eyes turned playful.

Just as he was about to open his lips to speak, Radis beat him to the punch.

“Let me guess, ‘Don’t fall in love with me’?”

“How did you know?”

Radis burst into a peal of laughter.

Her bright smile was enough to overshadow the chandelier’s luster.

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