The evening banquet continued cordially with tense murmurs over the venue. In a private antechamber off the main hall, Celestia von Reingarde sat with her parents before the Emperor and Empress. A gilded chandelier cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table between them, but the atmosphere was anything but warm.

  The Emperor cleared his throat, breaking the silence. His sharp eyes flicked between the Duke and Duchess of Reingarde. “Duke Armond, Duchess Evelyn,” he began speaking, “as you are aware, given tonight’s... events, the decision has been made to annul the engagement between our son and your daughter.” His gaze shifted to Celestia briefly, “The formal annulment decree will be issued at a later date once the proper procedures have been carried out. But let it be known that as of now, the betrothal is effectively void.”

  Finally, no more farce of a courtship with a man who openly humiliated her.

  By the Emperor’s side, the Empress’s face remained a porcelain mask of displeasure. Celestia could feel the Empress’s glare like daggers. The personal knight of Imperial Prince Damon stepped forward and bowed apologetically. “His Highness regrets that he cannot attend this meeting,” the knight announced. “His Highness is indisposed due to personal reasons.”

  Celestia’s crimson eyes narrowed slightly at that blatant excuse. ‘Indisposed, is he?’ she thought with a trace of scorn. ‘Hmph. Hiding is more like it.’ It was the height of cowardice that Prince Damon could not even show his face to take responsibility for the disgrace he’d brought upon the Imperial Family’s name.

  He was likely nursing his wounded pride, or perhaps bruised cheek, after the spectacle earlier. The corner of Celestia’s mouth twitched in wry contempt. Typical. The Imperial Prince was nothing more than a spoiled, nouveau rich brat elevated by birthright.

  He didn’t deserve his position if he couldn’t even stand before the consequences of his actions; that utter lack of noblesse oblige, a noble’s duty to the people. ‘Pathetic.’

  The Emperor inclined his head slightly at the knight’s statement, neither accepting nor refuting the excuse. The silence in the room felt heavy. Finally, the Emperor addressed Duke Armond directly. “Duke, Duchess. Are you certain you wish to proceed with this annulment? This decision will have significant repercussions for both our families.”

  Duke Armond Von Reingarde did not waver. Celestia’s father rose slightly from his seat to bow his head in respect. “Your Majesty,” he said firmly, “my daughter’s decision is my decision. We are in agreement on this matter.” His voice was polite yet resolute, leaving no doubt that House Reingarde stood united behind Celestia.

  Celestia felt a swell of gratitude for her father; since her time in this world, he had always indulged her. Very unlike her previous world’s parents.

  The Empress’s thinly veiled glare slid from Celestia to the Duchess. It seemed she hoped to find some hesitation in Celestia’s mother. “And what of you, Duchess Evelyn?” the Empress asked coldly. “Do you truly consent to this course of action?”

  For a moment, Celestia glanced at her mother. Duchess Evelyn sat primly with perfect posture, a gentle smile touching her lips as she met the Empress’s intimidating stare without flinching. In a cordial tone, Evelyn replied, “I have no objections, Your Majesty. In fact, I admit I’m relieved.” She paused just enough to be polite, “I was growing worried that my daughter’s romantic prospects would be ruined by the prince, especially given his recent behavior and reputation.”

  A stunned silence fell. Celestia’s eyes widened a fraction. ‘Duchess?!’

  She hadn’t expected her mother to speak so candidly, almost flippantly, to the Empress of humanity. It was true that Evelyn Reingarde was often airily cheerful and melodramatic at home, but in official public matters, she displayed a steel backbone.

  The Empress’s lips thinned, her eyes flashing with indignation. “You dare insinuate such things about the Imperial Family?” she hissed, voice low. Her knuckles whitened where she gripped the armrest of her chair. “Are you prepared to handle the repercussions of insulting the Imperial Prince’s name, Duchess?” Each word was dripping with warning.

  Duchess Evelyn simply lifted her porcelain teacup to her lips with unhurried grace. She took a delicate sip of tea, as if oblivious to the Empress’s threatening tone, then placed the cup down on its saucer with a soft clink.

  A polite, indifferent smile remained on the Duchess’s face. “Oh, dear me,” she said lightly, “I intended no insult, Your Majesty. I merely spoke as a concerned mother.” Her demeanor was the picture of courteous innocence.

  Celestia had to fight to keep her own expression neutral.

  The Empress looked positively incensed, her glare burning, but she found no easy target. Evelyn’s reply was outwardly respectful in phrasing, making it difficult to accuse her of outright insolence.

  The Emperor raised a hand gently, interrupting before the exchange could escalate further. He gave a conciliatory nod towards Celestia’s parents. “It is late,” he said, “We will conclude this matter for tonight. House Reingarde, thank you for your candor. We shall draft the formal announcement of the annulment in the coming months and ensure it spares both our families undue scandal.” His tone was diplomatic, though a shadow of regret lingered in his eyes. The Emperor was surely aware his son’s misconduct had caused this mess, but propriety prevented any direct apology.

  Duke Armond inclined his head respectfully. “We appreciate Your Majesty’s understanding.”

  Duchess Evelyn stood and curtsied gracefully to the imperial couple. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty,” she added, addressing both Emperor and Empress in turn. Celestia followed suit, rising and doing a deep curtsy of her own.

  The Empress said nothing, her lips pressed thin in anger as she averted her gaze. Celestia could feel the Empress’s simmering wrath radiating from her demeanor.

  With formalities done, Duchess Evelyn offered a polite smile. “With your permission, we will take our leave. It has been a long evening indeed.” She looked to her husband and daughter, “Come, my dears, let us go home.”

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  Celestia didn’t need to be told twice. The prospect of leaving this palace and all its drama behind was most welcome.

  The Emperor dismissed them with a courteous gesture, and the imperial guards opened the chamber doors. Celestia’s parents led her out of the room and back into the vast marble-floored banquet hall. The grand celebration that had taken place earlier was all but over; only clusters of guests remained, murmuring among themselves as servants cleared plates and goblets.

  The moment Celestia stepped into the hall, a hush fell among those present. Dozens of eyes turned toward her, and she could feel the weight of their stares heavy on her skin.

  Whispers flitted from corner to corner like the buzzing of bees:

  “Look, that’s her… Lady Celestia...”

  “Apparently, the engagement is off. Who would have imagined?”

  “I heard she slapped His Highness right across the face!”

  “Careful! She’ll hear you.”

  Celestia held her head high and pretended not to notice the furtive glances or hurried whispers.

  Let them gossip. Let them speculate.

  If anything, Prince Damon’s disgraceful behavior was the cause of tonight’s scandal, not hers.

  As she neared the grand entrance, the Reingarde head butler stepped forward from the sidelines. Duke Armond paused to exchange a few low words with him. Celestia caught a fragment of her father’s calm but firm instructions: “...prepare the carriages. Ensure the other matter is handled.” The butler nodded briskly and strode off. Celestia wondered fleetingly what “other matter” he meant, but her father’s expression was unreadable.

  Turning to his daughter, Duke Armond gently placed a hand on Celestia’s shoulder. His eyes, usually so kind, were steely and resolved now. “Celestia,” he said quietly, “your mother and I have a few things to settle here before we depart. You should head home first.”

  Celestia blinked in surprise. “Alone?” she asked, before quickly correcting herself. Of course not truly alone, Reingarde guards and servants would accompany her. But without her parents? It was unusual.

  Duke Armond offered a reassuring smile. “We have a few business affairs to settle within the capital.” His tone remained gentle, but his eyes betrayed a hint of something calculating and cold. This reminded her that her father was not only a genial parent but also a formidable duke who navigated cutthroat politics when needed.

  Celestia hesitated only a second before she inclined her head in obedience. “As you wish, Father.” She trusted her parents implicitly. If they chose to remain behind, there must be a good reason, perhaps smoothing things over with the Emperor or handling the fallout in their own way.

  Whatever it was, she was too drained to worry about it tonight.

  Duchess Evelyn squeezed Celestia’s hand briefly. “Go on ahead, my sweet darling,” her mother said, her voice reverting to a softer tone now that they were out of the imperials’ presence. “We’ll be home soon. Get some rest.”

  “I will,” Celestia assured her. She mustered a small smile for her mother’s sake, then turned to descend the palace steps where her carriage awaited.

  Outside, the night air was cool and still. Under the moonlight, House Reingarde’s black-and-gold carriage stood ready at the foot of the marble staircase, the family crest carved on its door. A footman opened the carriage door as Celestia approached. Several knights in Reingarde uniform were already mounted on their horses nearby, and a pair of maidservants stood by to provide support if needed.

  With a lurch, the carriage started moving, rolling away from the palace into the lantern-lit streets of the capital. Celestia allowed herself to sag back against the cushions now that she was out of the public eye, leaving her body heavy with exhaustion.

  Despite her weariness, Celestia’s mind was still running gears. The annulment was essentially secured, an acceptable compromise given the circumstances. It wasn’t the immediate vindication she wanted, but this outcome was more than she could have hoped. The formalities would take time as the Imperial Family maneuvered to save face, but she could live with a short delay.

  She tried to puzzle out what her parents were up to back at the palace. What business could be so important that they’d send her ahead? Perhaps Father wanted a private word with the Emperor, or more likely, with the Empress, to smooth ruffled feathers. Mother might simply be keeping Father company, or perhaps… Celestia’s lips quirked as a thought occurred to her. Her parents had always been surprisingly romantic with each other. Could they be snatching a rare moment alone?

  It would be just like them to turn even a night like this into a little date.

  She huffed a soft laugh at the notion, shaking her head. Whether it was love or politics that kept her parents behind, Celestia knew they could handle themselves. ‘They didn’t become the heads of House Reingarde for nothing.’

  Her father’s eyes before she left though…

  As the carriage rattled through the dim streets, Celestia realized this was the first truly solitary moment she’d had all day.

  Celestia closed her eyes and leaned her head back against the cushioned seat.

  What a day it had been...

  Her thoughts drifted, and instinctively, she summoned the translucent interface. With a thought, a status window flickered.

  Rows of text and numbers hovered in her vision. Name, race, attribute...numeric stats? Celestia’s brow furrowed in surprise. This was far more detailed than what she remembered a status window should display. According to the Tower’s conventions or at least from what she could recall in the story, Tower Entrants were given only the most basic information: their name, race, and an attribute, perhaps a general indication of their abilities. Even skills were typically listed only by title and rank, leaving the individual to fully discover their effects through trial and error.

  Yet here, Celestia could see quantitative values for her strength, agility, and other attributes, neatly listed. And her skill was also described in detail. This was certainly not standard. ‘Is this an advantage from the System? Or did something about the Tower change?’ she wondered.

  Celestia bit her lip. This discrepancy nagged at her, mostly because she awakened before even entering the tower to begin with.

  Celestia exhaled slowly, watching as the glowing window faded from her vision. ‘It’s too late to sort through this now.’ She was utterly spent, mentally and physically. “That’s a problem for future me,” she murmured under her breath with a tired half-smile.

  Before long, the carriage rolled through the wrought-iron gates of the Reingarde estate. The familiar outline of her family’s grand mansion emerged in the darkness, lights in the street lanterns guiding her home. When the carriage came to a halt, Martha helped Celestia step down onto the cobblestone drive. A few footmen and house staff quietly greeted her, but Celestia only managed a polite nod and a mumbled word of thanks, which had surprised everyone.

  “Welcome home, my lady,” one of the butlers greeted with a bow, concern and surprise apparent in his eyes.

  Celestia replied softly. “I’ll be retiring for the night.”

  Without further delay, Celestia made her way upstairs to her chambers. She slipped out of her gown with Martha’s assistance and changed into a comfortable nightdress. Martha offered to stay and tend to anything else she needed, but Celestia shook her head. “That will be all, Martha.”

  After her maid departed with a candle in hand, Celestia sank onto her bed. The plush mattress and silk sheets felt heavenly. For a moment, she stared up at the canopy overhead, eyes tracing the embroidered constellations on the fabric.

  It had indeed been an extraordinarily long day. Within minutes, Celestia was fast asleep, her breathing soft and steady.

  Chapter 7: “A Dog-Eared Decree”