The carriage suddenly halted, and Rose looked at Daimon inquiringly. "What''s going on?" she asked.
Daimon leaned forward, looking out the window. "It seems the guards are inspecting the carriage," he said.
Rose nodded, watching as the guards checked the carriage. One of the guards approached the window and bowed.
"Invitation letter, please," he said.
Rose rummaged through her bag and produced the letter. She handed it to the guard, who inspected it carefully before handing it back.
"Thank you, Lady Rose," he said, bowing.
The carriage resumed its journey, passing through the gates of the Capital. As they entered the city, Rose noticed that the streets were surprisingly clean and empty. Not a single beggar or vendor was in sight, and the streets were spotless.
"It''s unusual to see the Capital like this," Rose said, her voice filled with curiosity.
Daimon looked out the window, his eyes wide with wonder. "I''ve never been to the Capital before," he said. "I''ve heard stories, but I never imagined it would be like this."
Rose smiled, her eyes sparkling with amusement. "The Capital is always like this when there are important visitors," she said. "They want to make a good impression."
As they continued on their journey, Daimon noticed that there were guards stationed at every alleyway, their eyes watchful and alert.
"There are a lot of guards," Daimon said, his voice low. "It seems they''re taking no chances."
Rose nodded, her expression serious. "They want to prevent anyone from disrupting the carriages on their way to the palace," she said.
Daimon''s eyes met Rose''s, his expression thoughtful. "The Wright estate being the Capital is just a title," Rose continued. "If we become the Capital, we will become the first rich estate, without the taxes they''re taking from the houses. Their only income is from the establishments and one mining site, which I heard will be depleted in about three years."
Daimon''s eyes narrowed, his expression thoughtful. "The Capital must be threatened by your standing, Lady Rose," he said.
Rose''s eyes flashed with determination. "I will be talking to other houses, Daimon. This conversation is secret; you can report it to Commander Demi only."
Daimon nodded, his expression somber. "Rest assured, Lady Rose, I''ll keep everything I''ve heard confidential."
The carriage continued on its journey, passing through the quiet streets of the Capital. The only sound was the clatter of hooves on the cobblestone streets and the occasional shout of a guard.
As they approached the palace, Rose''s nerves began to flutter. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what lay ahead.
The carriage finally came to a stop in front of the palace. Daimon opened the door and stepped down, offering his hand to Rose. She took it, her heart pounding in her chest.
A large staircase loomed before them, lined with nobles and guards. Rose''s eyes locked onto the palace, her heart pounding with determination. This was it. If she convinced most of the houses, the Wright Estate would fall.
As a gentleman, Daimon offer the courtesy holding and Rose gladly put her arm around Daimon''s forearm. Rose lift her skirt when they walked up the stairs.
As they entered the grand throne hall, the lavish decorations and furnishings of the Wright Family''s palace unfolded before them. The high, vaulted ceiling was adorned with intricate frescoes, depicting scenes of great battles. Crystal chandeliers refracted the light of a thousand candles, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the polished marble floor.
The room was filled with the cream of society, all dressed in their finest attire. The air was thick with the scent of perfume, wine, and the faint hint of smoke from the candelabras. Rose''s arrival sparked a flurry of whispers and sideways glances, as the assembled guests couldn''t help but speculate about her bravery and the circumstances surrounding her punishment by the Emperor.
Rose stood tall, seemingly impervious to the gossiping crowd. Suddenly, a woman appeared before her, a bright smile on her face. "Lady Rose, your dress suits you perfectly. You look different today," Lady Sandra said, her eyes sparkling with curiosity.
Without warning, Sandra grasped Rose''s arm and gently pulled her away from Daimon. Although Rose lost her balance for a moment, Daimon casually followed them, his eyes scanning the room.
Sandra expertly navigated the crowds, searching for a quieter spot. She finally found a secluded corner and leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper. "I never thought you''d attend this event," she murmured. "Especially considering...your past actions and your former title as Crown Princess." Daimon''s positioned himself discreetly beside Rose, his eyes fixed on the surrounding crowd as he ensured her safety.
Sandra and Rose had formed a close bond during Rose''s stay at the Wright Palace, where Sandra served under the Master of Coin. Rose smiled wryly. "If I''d stayed hidden away in my palace, people would think I''m still bitter about everything."
Sandra nodded in understanding. "The palace isn''t the same without you, Lady Rose. It''s been much quieter since you left."
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Rose''s curiosity got the better of her. "Have you seen the new Crown Princess?" she asked.
Sandra shook her head. "Not yet, Lady Rose. She''s supposed to arrive today. I''ve heard she''s from the East side, and there''s rumors the Emperor will make an important announcement to all the nobles. That''s why every noble family has been invited."
Daimon''s hand came to rest on Rose''s shoulder, and she turned to him, her eyes meeting his. He leaned in, his voice barely audible as he whispered, "There''s growing tension between the East and West sides, Lady Rose. I suspect the Emperor will announce a war to defend the West side."
Rose''s gaze drifted away, her mind racing. ''So that''s it,'' she thought. ''This is where Matthias'' blade will be drawn.''
Sandra''s eyes narrowed, her expression thoughtful. "That would be a probable announcement, given the current climate. Your time with Commander Demi has clearly honed your instincts, Lady Rose."
Daimon bowed his head slightly. "Thank you, Lady Rose."
The crowd fell silent as the Wright Family and East Side Family descended the staircase and took their seats in the ceremonial chairs. At the center, Crown Prince Nicolas sat flanked by the Emperor and Empress on his left, and the East Side Crown Princess, East Emperor, East Empress, and the Crown Princess''s two brothers on his right. The two princes gazed out at the crowd with an air of curiosity and haughtiness.
Everyone gasped at the breathtaking beauty of the Crown Princess. Her natural silver hair cascaded down her back like a river of moonlight, and her blue eyes sparkled like sapphires in the light. Her pale skin glowed with a subtle radiance, and her red lips curved into a gentle smile. Her slender body and tall figure seemed to embody the very essence of elegance.
Rose''s gaze lingered on the East Crown Princess, a faint tinge of envy crossing her mind. ''I see why Matthias fell in love with her,'' she thought. ''Her beauty is truly captivating.''
Just then, Sandra turned to Rose and whispered, "Lady Rose, I must join my family. If you''ll excuse me." With a gentle wave, Sandra slipped away, her silk dress whispering softly as she navigated the crowd to find her family.
Daimon stood beside Rose, his eyes fixed on her with a mixture of admiration and concern. She wrapped her hand around his forearm, feeling a sense of reassurance at his solid presence.
An announcer came forward, his voice booming through the room as he called out the names of the noble families. The crowd murmured and shifted, their eyes fixed on the announcer with varying degrees of excitement and boredom.
Rose''s gaze drifted to Daimon, noticing the faint tension in his stance. "I''m kinda nervous, Lady Rose," he whispered.
Rose offered a reassuring smile. "I''m here, Daimon. Just walk and bow your head."
Daimon nodded, his expression easing slightly as he steeled himself for their introduction.
As the announcer''s voice boomed once more, Rose and Daimon stepped forward. "May I present to you, The Rose of Magrave Family, and Daimon Fullbuster."
With dignified strides, they glided along the crimson carpet, the crowd parting to create a pathway. Gasps rippled through the assembly as those who hadn''t noticed Rose before caught sight of her. Eyes widened in surprise and curiosity, fixed intently on her as she walked by.
The Crown Prince sneered to himself, his eyes narrowing as he watched Rose and Daimon approach. ''Does she think that by coming here and change her preference on dresses, I''ll change my mind and want her back? I''m sorry, Rose, but I find the new Crown Princess more suitable to carry the Wright Family''s future.''
The Empress suddenly frowned as Rose and Daimon approached, her eyes fixed on Daimon with a mixture of confusion and shock. ''Have I seen that guy before? He looks familiar.''
The Empress glanced at the Emperor, who looked equally shocked. In a flash of realization, the Empress understood that the man beside Rose looked like the Emperor when he was younger, except for his jet-black hair, which he must have inherited from his mother.
The Empress bit her lip, her mind racing with the implications. ''If he''s the son of that woman, then he''s the Emperor''s son. This can''t be? I was there when they burned down the mansion. The news said they both died in the fire, but why is this kid still alive? And worse, he''s with the Rose Magrave.''
Rose bowed alongside Daimon and quickly moved to the other side, her eyes fixed on the Empress and Emperor with a hint of curiosity. Before she bowed, Rose noticed the Empress''s and Emperor''s expressions, her mind whirling with possibilities.
"Interesting," Rose murmured, her voice barely audible.
"Did you say something, Lady Rose?" Daimon asked, his eyes fixed on her with concern.
Rose shook her head, her smile enigmatic. "It''s nothing, Daimon."
The East Crown Princess continued to stare at Rose, her intense gaze making Rose look back at her. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as their eyes met.
''She must know that I''m the former Crown Princess,'' Rose thought to herself, her mind racing with the implications.
As the announcer''s voice boomed through the throne room, signaling the final family''s courtesy to the Emperor, the air grew thick with anticipation. Everyone waited with bated breath for the Emperor''s announcement.
"First of all, I would like to introduce to all of you, The Byrd Family, The Crown Princess Isabella Byrd. " the Emperor declared, his voice echoing off the stone walls.
The Crown Princess, Isabella, stood up and stepped forward, her silver hair gleaming in the light. She bowed elegantly, her blue eyes flashing with a hint of pride. As she returned to her sit, the room erupted into a chorus of whispers and gasps.
The Emperor''s expression turned solemn, his eyes sweeping the room. "The North and East side have had a friendly relation from the very beginning. In times of war, when the West and South side are preparing to attack us, we have always stood together, united against our enemies."
Rose shifted uncomfortably, her eyes rolling in frustration. "Why doesn''t he just get to the point?" she muttered under her breath.
The Emperor continued, his voice growing more resolute. "By marrying my son, Crown Prince Nicolas, and Emperor Herald''s daughter, Crown Princess Isabella, we will forge an unbreakable bond between our nations. This union will strengthen our nation and secure our future."
A murmur of approval rippled through the room, but Rose''s eyes narrowed. She sensed that there was more to the Emperor''s announcement than met the eye.
The Emperor''s expression turned grave, his voice taking on a somber tone. "You are all aware of the growing tension between the East side and West side. I have received intelligence that the South side is planning to ally with the West."
The room fell silent, the nobles exchanging worried glances.
The Emperor''s voice cut through the tension, his words dripping with gravity. "I, the North Emperor, hereby summon 70 percent of your armies, every noble house, to march west and defend our nation."
A collective gasp echoed through the room, followed by a chorus of shocked whispers. However, some individuals, including Rose and Daimon, remained composed, having anticipated this announcement beforehand.
"If any of you refuse to spare your soldiers and knights," the Emperor continued, his voice unwavering, "then the sons and daughters of your houses will take their place on the battlefield."
The room erupted into a uproar of outraged protests and worried murmurs, the nobles shocked by the Emperor''s decree. Rose''s eyes never left the Emperor, her expression unreadable. "We shall see how much blood is spilled for the mountain that holds gold."