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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
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Chapter 35: Prestigious Beauty Pageant
Raising her head, Selina smiled serenely, as if she had never cried.
"Your Majesty, with my reputation so tarnished, wouldn't it be more beneficial for you if I joined the Imperial Family after restoring it to some degree?"
"It sounds like you have a good plan. Stop stalling and sign that contract immediately. Then this will all be over."
Despite the Emperor's words, Selina maintained her smile.
"Your Majesty, unlike the temporary Acting Head who was just ousted, I know my place. If someone like me were to be accepted into the Imperial Family, it would lower the threshold and people will try to take advantage of it. It would only increase Your Majesty's troubles."
"Do you have a solution?"
"In one of the books on the Empire's history, culture, and folklore that I read at the academy, there was a symbol of the now-defunct social circles."
"What symbol are you talking about?"
"You must remember the Red Jewel."
At Selina's words, the Emperor slapped his knee, as if recalling a pleasant memory from the past.
"There's no one in our generation who doesn't know about that event."
"Do you remember why that tradition doesn't continue anymore?"
"I do. Isn't it because of my deceased sister?"
The Emperor clicked his tongue again, his expression showing displeasure.
The Red Jewel was a contest to select the flower of the Sephia capital's social circles.
Like the ruby that symbolizes the Sephia Empire, the winner of the Red Jewel was the symbol of the social circles.
They had to possess not only beauty but also talent and achievements recognized by everyone, along with impeccable manners and elegance.
The Red Jewel was usually held once every 10 years, and only in special cases was it held sooner.
Depending on their debut timing, participants could compete up to twice, but there was no record of a second-time participant winning.
The Red Jewel signified a generational shift, and usually, the flower of the social circles representing that generation would win.
Since top-secret information was also shared in the exclusive gathering of Red Jewel winners, it was a position coveted by all unmarried noble ladies.
However, that tradition ended in the Crista era.
Even before receiving the dragon's power, Crista was an excellent knight and an object of admiration.
She displayed valor on the battlefield and radiated youthful charm in social circles, garnering overwhelming support and became the winner of the Red Jewel.
However, a shocking incident occurred after the contest. A young lady committed suicide, unable to bear the shock of not becoming the Red Jewel.
"Can a contest that takes someone's life truly be called a tradition of our Sephia?"
Christa shattered the ruby brooch, which was used as a symbol of the Red Jewel, at the winner's award ceremony.
Thus, the Red Jewel became a tradition that could not continue, ending with its last winner, Christa.
"I believe now is the right time to restart the Red Jewel. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
The Emperor looked at the confident Selina and pondered.
'When my sister became the Red Jewel winner, my mother smiled with satisfaction and congratulated her on becoming the Empire's finest lady. Indeed, the Red Jewel was an event recognized by all citizens of the empire.'
The Emperor's eyes turned cold as he recalled the day Christa threw the ruby brooch to the ground.
'How dare she abolish such a traditional event without anyone's permission. It wouldn't look bad if I revived what my sister recklessly ended. It would appear as if I'm cleaning up the mess she made.'
Seeing the Emperor lost in thought, Selina felt satisfied.
'It's working. It will go as planned.'
* * *
Ingrid Hazel, adorned in her finest attire, rode in the plush, comfortable carriage sent by Crown Prince Eric to their date location.
"Ingrid!"
Eric, spotting the carriage's arrival, rushed towards her.
"The Little Sun of the Empire, Eric..."
"Why such a formal greeting? It's just the two of us. Come on in."
Recently, Eric had secured a secret meeting place for the two of them near the Imperial Palace.
Of course, the proximity to the palace meant the building came with a hefty price tag, but he was the Crown Prince of the Sephia Empire.
He purchased the building, whose price would make even the wealthiest hesitate, and decorated its interior in the opulent style of the palace.
Today was the day he would show it to Ingrid for the first time.
As Ingrid stepped out of the carriage and took Eric's hand, she inwardly chuckled, noting how the garden, corridors, layout, and interior design of the building closely mirrored the Crown Prince's Palace.
'It's like he moved the entire palace here. Only the Crown Prince could pull this off. But this isn't enough. He has power, but not the dragon's might.'
Hiding her dissatisfaction, Ingrid surveyed her surroundings with feigned admiration, deceiving Eric.
'Those wide eyes filled with wonder are so beautiful! She's so adorable to be so amazed.'
The love-struck young man didn't even question whether it was an act.
Touching the polished edge of a sofa, Ingrid said, "What a lovely sofa."
"I heard it's all the rage overseas these days. I took one from Count Arsene's collection. Everyone probably thinks this sofa is somewhere in my palace. But I decided to put it here. I knew you'd love it, Ingrid."
After their tour, the two headed to the dance hall. The building Eric had purchased wasn't a residential space.
It was a dance hall built for Ingrid, who had expressed her reluctance to dance at balls due to her lack of practice.
"It's like the ballroom at the palace."
Eric nodded at Ingrid's words.
"I had it made as similar as possible. That way, it would be easier for you to adapt. If it's this similar, you won't be nervous at the palace balls, remembering our practice here, right?"
Eric led Ingrid to the center of the hall and said, "I will be your partner in this dance hall from now on."
"Your Highness, it is my infinite honor."
"My lady, just let me lead you. Is there any dance you've always wanted to learn?"
Eric was indeed a skilled dancer and teacher.
Seeing Eric's confident smile and gentle instruction, Ingrid thought,’
Yes, he's the sole Crown Prince of this empire. Having him in my grasp will be helpful someday.'
A softer smile graced Ingrid's face.
"Shall we start with the waltz then?"
Eric gestured to the orchestra hidden in the corner.
The waltz music, a popular choice at recent balls, began to play.
"My lady."
Eric extended his hand politely.
Ingrid placed her hand on his with a bright smile.
One step at a time, the two began to waltz.
Laughter erupted whenever Ingrid almost misstepped.
Moonlight bathed the dance hall. Eric gazed at Ingrid intently.
He felt as if he would drown in her beautiful blue eyes and unconsciously leaned closer.
It was the boy's first kiss.
"Ingrid, I love you."
The boy confessed his love.
"I love you too, Your Highness."
Ingrid shyly leaned her head against Eric's chest.
Eric lifted her chin once more and kissed her. Ingrid, receiving his bold kiss, opened her eyes languidly for a moment before closing them again as if nothing had happened.
When Ingrid didn't pull away from the kiss, which grew longer, Eric mistakenly believed their feelings were mutual.
"Your Highness, it's too fast."
Those words made Eric step back from Ingrid, as if to prove his gentlemanly nature.
"Ingrid, when I'm with you, I lose all self-control. It's all because you're so beautiful."
"Your Highness."
Eric could never have guessed what Ingrid was thinking as she demurely lowered her head.
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HELHEIM SCANS
[Translator - Kie]
[Proofreader - Starfall ]
Join our Discord for release updates!
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