Sidañian and Irelina finally arrived at the entrance door of the Golden Empire Hall. Two guards had noticed them from the outside.
“Finally, we are here,” she smiled.
“Yes, are you ready to blow their minds off? We’ll be the center of attraction for tonight’s party.” He grinned and thought, I will play along and see how the emperor will react.
They looked at each other with a content smile on their faces.
She vivaciously said, “I’m ready. Let’s do this.”
She gently put her left arm onto his right arm, acting like a couple. Then, Sidañian signaled the guards to open the door as they did. The golden door creak opened and took everyone’s attention. Their entrance to the hall was so spellbinding that it took all the guest's eyes on them. They were all surprised to see the Emperor of Horos and the 9th Concubine in each other arms as they confidently walked together in the crowd.
Dianthus was in disbelief. How come she’s still alive?! She’s supposed to be in a coma. She seethed.
Regent Robina was surprised. What is going on? Why did the Emperor of Horos and Irelina come together? She looked at Zeddrick's astonished face.
How come she’s here? When did she wake up? No. How come she came here with the Emperor of Horos? Zeddrick was dazed and felt a troublesome pound in his heart.
Irelina— Medicius's looked stunned.
Everyone started to murmur.
Isn’t it the Emperor of Horos?...
And that lady with him must be the 9th Concubine of Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas.
But how come they are together?...
So it’s true; she’s wearing a veil to cover the ruined face caused by the shadow demons.
The unstoppable murmur and gossip ringed the entire hall. The Emperors of the East, West, South, and North and their sons were in awe at their unexpected appearance together.
'Wow, I am about to melt. The way they looked at us was like fire and ice.' Irelina thought as most of the guests looked ambivalent in her eyes.
They came forward to greet the emperor. Irelina let go of her arm from Sidañian. He was not pleased with letting her go from his arms. He felt a pang in his heart, and his eyes glistened in fury, but he kept himself composed and not to cause an act of jealousy.
Irelina and he bowed gracefully.
“Greetings to the Emperor of the Golden Empire and Regent Robina of Verticulas.”
“Irelina,” the regent was confused by the surprise.
“I didn’t know that the Emperor of Horos and the 9th Concubine became immediately close.” Zeddrick tone was sarcastic.
Irelina was surprised and looked at Sidañian with a stunned expression. What?!! Are you freaking kidding me?!! He’s the Emperor of Horos?! Why didn’t you tell me? You cheeky bastard! Her heart boiled. She wanted to scream at being treated stupidly. She furrowed her left brow at Sidañian secretly while he quietly smirked.
Sidañian bowed and left up his head. “Greetings, Your Majesty. I don’t want to be rude, but I accidentally met the 9th Concubine who got lost on the way here. So, I helped her.”
Their glances stung like electric vines that were about to fight. Yet, Sidañian added.
“It is a norm in Helleus to protect women regardless of their status. And it’s an honor to meet someone precious like Irelina Mercius.”
Behind his smile is a threat and a challenge to Zeddrick. Sidañian remarked to himself, I will get what I want. I want Irelina Mercius to be mine and mine alone—words that run through Sidañian’s greedy mind.
Huh? Precious? What the heck are you blabbing about now.” Irelina was dumbfounded.
Zeddrick clenched his fist and furrowed while the regent was worried about the situation.
Zeddrick called Irelina out loud. “You!”
Huh? Why is he looking at me? Is he referring to me? Irelina tilted naively and asked, “Are you referring to me, Your Majesty?”
“Who else? How come you’re here?” He furrowed.
“Am I not supposed to be here?” Her tone was sarcastic, and she thought, no wonder—he’s handsome but a pain in the ass.
Zeddrick was annoyed.
The regent whispered toward him, “Your Majesty, we can talk about this later. Should we skip this part and let them enjoy the night? Just think about our guests. They are all looking at us.”
Zeddrick glanced at everyone. He tried to calm down so as not to ruin the party.
“Fair enough. Welcome to my Empire, Emperor Sidañian Neus Horos. I hope you will enjoy the party and your stay in Hēnte,” He sneered.
“Thank you for inviting me to your special occasion, and surely I will enjoy my stay, Emperor Zeddrick Apeus Verticulas.” He bowed and looked at Irelina, who looked calm.
Zeddrick noticed how he looked at Irelina desirably.
“Again, my apologies for being late, Regent Robina. I believe you have already acknowledged me during my absence. I supposed I should head back?” She politely said.
“You’ve just arrived, Irelina. Why not enjoy the party and have something to eat before going back?” Regent Robina suggested and smiled.
Meanwhile, Dianthus was displeased and annoyed in her sophisticated, long red gown.
Irelina bowed. “Okay, well then—” and turned her back.
“9th Concubine, Irelina Mercius,” Dianthus called out loud her name.
Some people looked at them. Irelina turned sideways to face Dianthus.
“Do you have something for me?” Irelina asked and remembered something. Earlier, when Sadi and I entered this hall, this lady had the strangest reaction. Isn’t she the first concubine that Ella mentioned before? The sophisticated one? If she’s the culprit, why did she do that? Did the previous Irelina irritate her somehow? Well, let’s find out. Her expression was thoughtful behind the veil.
“Did you just present yourself without preparing something for His Majesty?” Dianthus's tone was sarcastic.
Is she referring to a gift or something? Irelina thought that Sidañian quietly watched them.
Irelina didn’t like her tone, and the other concubines started muttering, looking at each other with a disgraceful look.
“What is there to give to His Majesty when he already has everything?” She replied sarcastically.
They were stunned to hear her blunt reply. And Dianthus felt humiliated.
Irelina thought, Now, you can’t even say a word. But—I’m just starting. She smirked behind her veil and added, “But—you’re right, I should have brought something for His Majesty,” She held her chin and looked at the emperor.
“Well, if His Majesty and Regent Robina are okay with it, I’d like to sing a song.” She said.
“That would be lovely, Irelina.” The regent smiled. ‘I’m now interested in what she could do.’
Zeddrick waved his hand and snubbed at her. “Go ahead, as if it makes a difference.”
“Then, why not play the piano?” Dianthus is trying her best to embarrass Irelina. ‘As if she knows how to play the piano.’
She’s getting on my nerves. No wonder she looked sophisticated but a vicious lady. But, sorry, Dianthus, I’ll never follow your childish play. She smirked and added. “I’m sorry, but I don’t follow your orders, concubine Dianthus Aechmā. Also, why should I play the piano if I can play something else?” Irelina brazenly said and smiled mischievously behind her veil. Get lost, you, you stupid little chick.
They were astounded by her tone, especially Zeddrick, that he felt Irelina's presence uncanny while Sidañian crossed-armed and chuckled at her stubbornness. Castaeus, on the other hand, noticed him from a distance. Dianthus was ashamed as she hatefully gripped her long dress skirt and bit her lip due to anger.
Meanwhile, the rest of the crowd, standing in opposite directions, wondered what Irelina would do to brighten the atmosphere in the hall.
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