IHDOE Ch 110

People busied themselves speculating on what sort of party the candidates would prepare.

[Noble] "I hear Lady Flora, who became a Golden Star candidate this time, is buying an immense quantity of flowers. She seems to plan on decorating her entire estate with flowers."

[Noble] "Lady Flora as well? I heard another lady I know is using flowers too."

[Noble] "It is a classic theme. Besides, summer is the season when flowers bloom in abundance."

[Noble] "Yet unless executed meticulously, attracting a crowd will prove difficult. Everyone will grow tired of flowers shortly."

[Noble] "I even saw a lady intending to cover her estate in blue using an ocean theme."

[Noble] "More importantly, does anyone know how Lady Satina is preparing her party?"

In the past, nobody would have cared whether Satina hosted a party or not, yet now public opinion of her had shifted completely.

With Coraline's downfall, setting royalty aside, Satina stood as the highest-ranking noblewoman in the Empire.

Her striking beauty captivated every eye at social gatherings, her sharp intellect resolved complex crises, and her divine power commanded reverence in the west—all elevating her standing beyond reach.

Furthermore, resolving her father's scandal had recently earned public sympathy and favor, establishing a reputation that no one could ignore.

Opinions regarding Satina's party varied greatly. Some claimed that while she succeeded in gathering recommendation letters somehow, hosting a party for the first time would reveal her clumsiness.

Others argued that since she maintained close ties with artistic figures like Countess Sorwen, she would naturally win with their assistance.

Regardless, one thing remained certain: public curiosity regarding Satina's party was overwhelming. Yet no matter how keenly people listened, discovering how she decorated her party proved impossible.

Meticulously wrapped packages moved in and out of House Bersabet, yet nobody knew what lay inside. That secrecy fueled people's curiosity even further.

How on earth is she preparing her party that it requires such secrecy?

Perhaps she abandoned party preparations entirely.

Just then, rumors leaked through a merchant visiting the Bersabet estate.

[Merchant] "I witnessed it clearly! Relics of the ancient empire were entering the Bersabet ducal estate! Lady Satina must be planning to decorate her party using them!"

Astonishment swept through those who heard those words.

The ancient empire?

The legendary ancient empire where houses were built of gold and diamonds flowed in rivers instead of water?!

As a topic that once created a sensation throughout the Empire, public curiosity expanded immensely.

[Noble] "Did she use relics of the ancient empire?"

[Noble] "Yet a single vase from the ancient empire costs astronomical sums. Decorating an entire party hall would prove impossible, even for House Bersabet."

[Noble] "Yet the merchant claimed he saw ancient imperial relics with his own eyes."

Parties hosted by other candidates faded from memory long ago. Whenever people gathered, they babbled eagerly about Satina's party.

Amid rampant speculation, no further information leaked from House Bersabet. Thus, the moment the day of the party arrived, people rushed toward House Bersabet.

And people realized their imagination fell far short of reality.

[Noble] "My goodness... Are those truly items from the ancient empire? Heavens..."

The moment guests entered the banquet hall, they stood frozen in awe.

Ceiling chandeliers sparkled with jewels. Vases contained decorative flowers. Not living blooms, but gemstones. Infused with genuine floral extracts, the gemstone flowers wafted a sweet fragrance as guests drew near.

Goblets, plates, and every utensil used at the party were well-preserved ancient imperial relics.

Furthermore, in the center of the banquet hall sat a fountain built in the ancient imperial style, filled with diamonds instead of water.

At the sight, everyone recalled the legend of rivers flowing with diamonds instead of water in the ancient empire. Even coating the walls in gold would have drawn less astonishment.

After this party, should anyone ask where the wealthiest place in the Empire was, people would unanimously name House Bersabet.

[Noble] "This is... my goodness..."

Though nobility was accustomed to precious items, such treasures rarely rolled around like pebbles on the ground.

Satina stood in a flowing white gown, greeting her guests.

Katan and Sharlan flanked her on both sides, captivating eyes with their striking appearances.

As guests took in the opulent scenery beyond the thrown-open doors and saw Satina glittering under the radiance of countless jewels, only one thought filled their minds:

She was fully worthy of becoming the Empire's Golden Star.

Simultaneously, intuition told them she would lead future social circles.

---

The party proved a resounding success.

People scrambled to engage Satina in conversation, asking where she found ancient imperial relics or purchased her dress. Compared to the past when people avoided and maligned her at parties, new emotions welled up within her.

Still, enduring constant attention throughout the party brought fatigue quickly.

Stepping away from the crowd, Satina led Katan onto the balcony.

A satisfied smile touched her lips as she looked out at the bustling ballroom.

The ancient imperial relics and gemstones were treasures she had brought back from the west. After transferring them under the name of a new merchant guild established by Hedzel, Satina concocted a story for Sharlan. Claiming she had borrowed the items from that very guild.

Satina had sent someone covertly to gauge the atmosphere, and reports confirmed that guests flocked exclusively to her venue, ignoring the other parties.

At this rate, securing the title of the Empire's Golden Star was practically guaranteed. The day to annul her engagement and leave the Empire grew near at last.

Sharlan approached at that moment and handed Satina a glass of fruit juice.

[Sharlan] "You seem in an exceptionally good mood today, Sister."

[Satina] "Do I? Seeing the party open successfully brought me joy, I suppose."

In truth, her joy stemmed from her impending departure, but sharing such a fact was impossible.

Only a few days remained for them to act like affectionate siblings. That thought lightened her heart, eliciting a soft chuckle.

Sharlan looked subtly surprised by her expression.

[Satina] "Why?"

[Sharlan] "No…... I believe it is my first time seeing you laugh like that, Sister."

[Satina] "What do you mean 'like that'?"

In response to Satina, who was in a lighter mood than usual, Sharlan trailed off uncharacteristically.

[Sharlan] "I am unsure. Light... and seemingly more cheerful..."

[Satina] "What is that supposed to mean?"

He watched her laugh and involuntarily clenched his fist.

He knew not why such a feeling surfaced suddenly. His sister had always treated him with a gentle voice and a tender smile. Though unchanged now, strangely, it felt as though he witnessed Satina's true laughter for the first time.

When she laughed like that, she appeared far more fragile and delicate than ever before, looking as though she might scatter like smoke at any moment. Though unrelated by blood, Satina was now his sole family.

The mere thought of his sister vanishing planted a cold seed of anxiety in his chest.

[Sharlan] "Sister."

[Satina] "Hmm?"

He took her hand, his face etched with anxiety.

[Sharlan] "Is there anything you desire?"

[Satina] "So suddenly?"

[Sharlan] "Tell me if you need anything. Consider it a celebratory gift for becoming the Empire's Golden Star."

[Satina] "A celebratory gift... Then I wish to go on a trip."

[Sharlan] "A trip? Then how about the Idris estate you visited with the Marchioness of Riermont previously? Did you not enjoy it quite a bit?"

[Satina] "Sounds lovely."

[Sharlan] "Let us go together this time. We shall enjoy forest baths at the Idris estate, rowboats on the lake, and... and return together to the estate."

Sharlan knew well that such words held no binding force. Even so, hearing that answer felt necessary to ease his mind.

As expected, Satina nodded with a gentle smile.

[Satina] "Yes, let us do that."

Only then did his mind ease slightly.

After sharing various conversations regarding the trip, Sharlan excused himself to engage in business discussions.

Katan had stood beside her like a silent shadow throughout her conversation with Sharlan, but he finally spoke.

[Katan] "He will feel sorrowful once he discovers you are departing, My Lady."

[Satina] "It will last only briefly. Even if I die, he will forget completely once the funeral concludes."

Instead of agreeing with her words, Katan stared at her intently.

[Satina] "Why look at me like that?"

[Katan] "It seems you don't know the people around you well, My Lady."

[Satina] "What about me?"

She tucked a stray strand of wind-blown hair behind her ear and spoke.

[Satina] "This sort of party will be the last as well."

[Katan] "Do you feel regretful?"

[Satina] "No, relieved rather. I hold few good memories regarding parties. Ah, though failing to dance feels somewhat disappointing. I practiced immensely, yet never danced properly once."

Just then, the orchestral piece playing in the banquet hall shifted.

Katan extended his hand toward her.

[Katan] "Then, before departing the Empire, how about sharing one last dance?"

[Satina] "Shall we then?"

She smiled and placed her hand atop his extended palm.

Satina assumed she would need to lead since he had likely never danced before, but Katan moved with remarkable grace.

[Satina] "Why are you so good at dancing?"

A faint smile touched his lips.

[Katan] "Someone taught me."

[Satina] "Who?"

[Katan] "You, My Lady."

[Satina] "I never taught you."

[Katan] "I learned by watching you dance, so let us consider it as such."

[Satina] "What is that supposed to mean?"

The two continued to dance on the narrow balcony, lightheartedly teasing each other.

---

Following the party's conclusion, Satina was selected as the Empire's Golden Star unanimously.

[The player's first hosted party receives public acclaim!]

[Selected as the Empire's Golden Star, the player's fame echoes throughout the Empire!]

[Fame increased by 20.]

With this, her Fame surpassed 100 as well.

The Emperor summoned Satina to the imperial palace, granted her a golden brooch, and inquired about her wish.

At long last, she spoke the words that would bring this entire journey to an end.

[Satina] "Please grant me permission to annul my engagement with the Crown Prince, Your Majesty."

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