MPBGS 67

Chapter : 67

“Lady Evangelin Rohanson of the Rohanson County, and Sir Gabriel, Commander of the Pararos Knights, have arrived!”

At the attendant’s announcement, the gazes of the countless people filling the grand banquet hall pierced toward us all at once.

I had thought the temple was already extravagant—but the Imperial Palace was on an entirely different level.

Every pattern carved into the walls was so intricate that it was impossible to imagine how much money had been poured into it. An orchestra played in one corner, while attendants moved about serving wine.

The guests’ attire was just as dazzling. It wasn’t my imagination—people were definitely whispering while staring at us.

Of course they would. A combination like a righteous holy knight and the villainess of the century was bound to attract attention.

It felt like I had suddenly become the center of attention. People murmured, but their words blended with the music, making them impossible to distinguish.

“It’s rather noisy.”

The moment I spoke, the murmuring stopped.

I even thought I heard someone hiccup.

“My lady,”

Gabriel quietly called out to caution me. I hadn’t expected everyone to fall silent just because I commented on the noise…

Was this the influence of a villainess destined to dominate high society? I’d better be careful with what I say from now on.

“My daughter, Evangelin! You’ve finally arrived!”

A familiar man suddenly appeared from the crowd—the Count, who had gone ahead without waiting for me.

He clenched his teeth, forcing himself to act affectionate. It seemed my earlier warning to act like a harmonious father and daughter had worked. At least rumors about our bad relationship would quiet down a bit.

That said, he looked visibly uncomfortable, goosebumps rising on his arms.

“Why are you so late?”

“Perhaps Father left too early?”

In other words, he was scolding me for not arriving early to make an impression, and I was retorting that he should’ve taken me with him if it mattered so much.

“Has Grandfather already passed away?”

“No. He’s still present. Look at about the ten o’clock direction—you’ll recognize him. He resembles you.”

Looking past the Count, I spotted an elderly man who bore a striking resemblance to Evangelin.

Duke Hosaquin—her maternal grandfather—had neatly combed white hair and a sharp, imposing aura. Contrary to rumors that he was near death, he looked perfectly healthy.

See? I knew those rumors were nonsense.

The Count lowered his voice.

“This is your chance. Make a proper impression.”

“I don’t need reminding. That’s the deal, isn’t it? Then Father should prepare to return to the territory as promised.”

“I’ve already arranged it.”

That was all we had to say. Once we finished, there was nothing left to talk about.

The Count turned to Gabriel.

“So you’re Sir Gabriel?”

“Yes. I’ve visited the Rohanson estate a few times, but this is our first meeting. I am Gabriel.”

“I’m Coleus Rohanson. If you’ve caught this one’s attention, your fate must be rather unfortunate.”

The Count patted Gabriel’s shoulder, asserting authority.

Given Gabriel’s position as a knight commander, he wasn’t someone a mere count could look down on—so this was probably the Count getting ahead of himself, imagining Gabriel as a future son-in-law.

Gabriel calmly removed the Count’s hand.

“On the contrary, if the lady were to take interest in me, it would be my honor.”

“Hah. So the pure knight has fallen in love and become a fool. Seems the rumors are true.”

The Count sneered.

Seriously—why pick a fight with someone already struggling? I literally rejected that “love of the century” not long ago.

Before things escalated, I stepped in.

“If we suddenly act too close, people might find it suspicious. Shouldn’t we part ways now? Unless you intend to stay with me, Father, perhaps you should return to your group.”

With that, I sent him away.

As the Count left, Gabriel spoke.

“It seems you’re not on bad terms with him.”

“It’s just mutual interest.”

There was no affection there—only necessity.

“Then… returning to your territory—is that also part of that arrangement?”

“No. That’s just for my own business.”

“…Will you be staying there long-term?”

He asked cautiously.

Why was he acting so melancholic today…?

“Just briefly. I’ll stay a few days, then return here—to where you are.”

Last time I pushed him away—now I pull him closer.

Gabriel seemed subtly pleased.

…This is exhausting.

Am I any different from the Count who manipulated Evangelin’s mother for money?

Just then, Lady Totten returned.

“My lady.”

She seemed calmer now.

“Shall we go greet His Highness the Crown Prince?”

“Yes.”

We headed toward the high seat.

On the stage stood a handsome blond man.

Wait—wasn’t the Crown Prince supposed to be middle-aged?

“Lord Oratorio is the imperial grandson,” Gabriel whispered.

Ah—the talented grandson expected to inherit the throne.

He was older than I expected—and strikingly handsome.

“And beside him is Crown Prince Laudes.”

I looked—and nearly jumped.

A man with almost no presence sat there.

Was he even there just now?

They looked nothing alike. Oratorio had blond hair, while the Crown Prince had black hair and blue eyes—

…Wait.

That look…

Gabriel?

I glanced back and forth.

They looked similar.

Was this some secret birth trope?

Was Gabriel secretly royalty?

“And those beside them are Jeremiah and Tenebre.”

Twin sisters.

I bowed gracefully.

“Your Highness, congratulations on this glorious day.”

“You may rise.”

Thankfully, there were no drawn-out formalities.

I introduced myself.

“Evangelin Rohanson.”

“Rohanson?” Oratorio repeated.

“So you’re the one from the rumors…”

Of course they knew.

“Indeed. I heard your health was poor, yet you still attended.”

After presenting my gift—

“A sword?”

The Crown Prince barely reacted and set it aside.

…That’s it?

“Thank you. It will be useful for the hunting season.”

…It doesn’t even have a blade.

Whatever. He’ll figure it out eventually.

The banquet hall fell silent.

Her silver hair shimmered like gathered light, her golden-threaded dress sparkling with every step.

Evangelin Rohanson.

Something beyond human.

Her beauty was too perfect—like a sculpture crafted over centuries.

Her red eyes swept across the hall.

Those who met her gaze froze, like prey before a predator.

Even the Crown Prince struggled to maintain composure.

After finishing greetings, Evangelin stepped down.

Though it was a debutante event, it wasn’t official—many others also wore debut flowers unofficially.

Lady Totten explained:

“The banquet truly begins after His Highness performs the first dance.”

She had been too busy caring for Ryder to explain earlier.

Suppressing her grief, she maintained composure.

“Shall we greet those on the list Sir Gabriel prepared?”

“Yes, that will suffice.”

They approached a group.

“Lady Totten, please introduce us!”

“I was asked suddenly by Sir Gabriel. This is Lady Rohanson.”

The reactions varied—admiration, curiosity, fear.

“Pleasure to meet you. I am Evangelin Rohanson.”

The people on Gabriel’s list stared blankly, as if in a dream.

“You’re staring quite intently.”

She smiled faintly.

They hurried to flatter her.

Conversation flowed—though it felt more like a performance.

Eventually—

“Shall we move on? You mentioned others to introduce.”

“Yes, of course.”

After Evangelin left—

“Was that a dream?”

Those who had seemed dazed lately suddenly returned to normal.

“Lady Tafoni, you seem better now.”

“…I was unwell?”

She didn’t remember.

A faint burn mark remained on her hand.

After greeting several groups—

“Shall we rest?”

Even Evangelin was tired.

Lady Totten smiled—then froze.

How could I smile… on the day my son died?

“Are you alright?”

“Yes… I think so.”

Evangelin handed her wine.

“Drink.”

After a sip, her breathing steadied.

The maid who served them had her mouth covered with a scarf—unlike the others.

When Lady Totten looked at her, the maid gestured that she couldn’t speak.

Then she walked away.