Chapter 165

If she hadn't experienced it herself, Cyrus wouldn't have believed that His Holiness the Pope could be so naive...

He touched his forehead, which was red from all the kisses, and pursed his lips, saying, "... I've already told you what happened this morning, it's not like it was my fault..."

"It was because he suddenly wanted to... last night that Orville saw it."

Cyrus was also depressed.

He suddenly sent Eggy out to stop Orville from speaking, but who would have thought that Orville would actually...

No wonder he asked those questions in the hallway.

Seeing that Cyrus pouted unhappily, her forehead slightly red from the effort, and a blush rising at the corners of her eyes, Saigalo noticed something rather pitiful about her...

He couldn't help but lean in again and kiss Cyrus Zuoyi's lips, whispering, "It's not good, be good, don't be angry."

"Next time, let's do it somewhere where no one can see us..."

Upon hearing this, Cyrus pushed him away and glared at him again. "There won't be a next time!"

Don't overthink it!

He snorted, too lazy to pay any attention to the Pope.

Saigalo, with his deep eyes, brushed a strand of Cyrus's hair aside and said, "Beautiful roses always attract countless bees and butterflies..."

"How I wish I could place it in the garden, surrounding it completely, without a single breeze..."

"But I know she won't like it this way."

He slowly took Cyrus's hand, kissed the back of his hand, and softly asked, "So, when will you give me a definite answer?"

... Little Rose.

Early the next morning.

Saigalo, having other business to attend to, headed to the Saint Church. Not long after, the ecclesiastical monk Paul arrived at the Sheri Hall.

He said, "Your Majesty has sent a gift."

Cyrus asked in confusion, "What gift?"

Paul lifted the box by the bottom with one hand and opened it with the other—inside the velvet-lined box was an exquisitely crafted gemstone brooch that looked expensive and luxurious.

This gemstone brooch is made of gold and silver, with a base of sun and moon, and a dazzling red gemstone set in the center.

This ruby was meticulously carved into a rose in full bloom, as if it had just been picked with the morning dew, giving it a vivid and realistic beauty.

Cyrus couldn't help but pick it up and examine it closely, her expression revealing a hint of fondness.

Seeing this, Paul said, "Your Majesty, this is a gift His Majesty has long wanted to prepare."

"Rubies are extremely rare, and such exquisite craftsmanship makes them even more difficult to produce, resulting in a time-consuming process..."

"Your Majesty hopes you like it, and that you may wear this gemstone brooch to the King's engagement banquet tonight."

Cyrus ran her fingertips over the raised patterns on the gemstone brooch and nodded in agreement.

The engagement banquet will be held in the royal palace, and tonight it will be brightly lit.

Cyrus changed into a suit that had been altered to fit perfectly. The red gemstones on the gold and silver base shone even more brightly against the light white dress.

He walked out of the room and into the main hall, where he was sincerely praised by Brali, the leader of the Cardy tribe.

"The ruby is truly perfect for you, Lady Desinia, and this exquisitely carved rose symbolizes your family crest."

"I imagine the person who gave this gift put a lot of thought into it."

"Thank you," Cyrus said with a smile, her eyes crinkling. "I really do like this gift."

"Rubies are a symbol of nobility and love," said Brali. "May I ask which lady gave you this gift?"

Cyrus: "... Ahem, rubies are also a symbol of benevolence, and people believe that wearing rubies brings health, longevity, and wisdom..."

"Chief Brali, the person who presented this gift was not a lady, but a gentleman."

Upon hearing this, Brali scratched his head sheepishly. "Sorry, I've never really known much about gemstones."

"I've heard that in the Holy Empire, royalty and nobles use rubies as a symbol of marriage, so I thought..."

He had assumed that some noble lady was using the ruby as a subtle way of expressing her love to the leader of the Desinia.

Cyrus said it was nothing.

Meanwhile, the others also began to arrive in the hall.

Orville noticed the jeweled brooch on Cyrus's chest and frowned. His gaze then settled on the sun and moon, symbols of the Creator God.

The red rose cradled between the round sun and the crescent moon made him believe it was a gift specially sent by the Pope.

After a short while, he inquired and indeed received confirmation.

"What are you thinking about?" Archibald noticed Orville was starting to drift off again and walked over, saying, "It's time to go."

Orville said, "So just saying goodnight isn't enough after all..."

Archibald: "What goodnight?"

"No, it's nothing." Orville shook his head and then walked towards the door of the Sheri Hall.

Archibald, unaware of what was going on, followed behind.

As the guests approached the palace gates leading to the banquet hall, Prince Ken, now a prince Kien, personally came out to greet them.

Princess Lennar stood beside him, a smile on her face.

It must be said that Princess Lennar was lucky to be born into the imperial royal family, because she had two good brothers who did not marry her off for the sake of the imperial royal family's interests.

Fortunately, the king abdicated early, otherwise Lennar's wedding would have been the first event held.

We welcomed a guest in.

Lennar whispered to Kien, "Has Brother X really made up his mind? Tonight at the engagement banquet, he's going to marry Shamir and make her Empress..."

Kien replied, "Lennar, Brother X's decision won't change. Besides, things have come to this point; do you really think it'll change?"

"Shamir doesn't like Brother X, she likes..."

Lennar suddenly stopped talking, her expression slightly darkening as she bit her lip, a barely perceptible hint of reproach in her voice. "Even with news of Shamir's impending marriage spreading, she personally went to the Saint Church to confess her love at the entrance..."

"She didn't even consider how it would affect her brother's reputation."

Kien turned his head and said, "It doesn't matter who she likes."

"Royal marriages can exist without love. For X, this wedding is merely a means to consolidate power."

"As for who she likes..."

"Lennar, you must know that Shamir Phoebe had no choice, but it's different for you. You are the noblest princess of the Empire, and both you and Brother X hope that you can marry the person you love."

My beloved...

Lennar blushed, seemingly thinking of someone.

Our distinguished guests will arrive at the Sheri Hall shortly.

Cyrus alighted from the carriage and walked into the palace with Orville, Archibald, and others, where Kien greeted them at the entrance of the main hall.

As they approached, he said, "Lennar, please personally lead the Desinia leader, the Duke, and the others into the banquet."

Lennar nodded. "This way, please."

She wore a vibrant red dress, the hem of which rippled like water, creating a stunning and beautiful effect.

A delicate and eye-catching rose hair accessory made of fabric adorned the end of her smooth, beautiful blonde hair.

Lennar's makeup was exquisite, and she wore a fragrant rose perfume that symbolized passion.

Orville couldn't help but stare at her for a few moments before casually looking away.

The banquet hall was already bustling with activity. It was exquisitely decorated, exuding royal grandeur and luxury, and adorned with fresh flowers, filling the air with the aroma of flowers and red wine.

Intoxicatingly powerful.

As Cyrus stepped into the hall, many eyes were subtly cast towards her, and discussions arose immediately.

"I heard that Miss Phoebe was personally escorted to the palace by her father, Marquis Galli, today, and she was extremely unwilling the whole way."

"It was only after His Majesty spoke with her and exchanged a condition that Miss Phoebe obediently agreed to the engagement."

"What are the conditions?"

"Her engagement banquet hall is filled with red roses."

"Do you know what this means?" The speaker smiled and pointed to the roses that had been painstakingly collected and picked around them, saying, "The symbol of the Desinia Family is the rose, the Thorn Rose."

"Ah... His Majesty actually agreed..."

"It's clear these two aren't truly committed to the marriage," the man whispered. "... It's not a wedding representing the interests of the royal family; just offer your blessings."

The man's gaze was then drawn to the striking red gemstone brooch on Cyrus's chest, and he murmured, "Rose truly suits this leader."

"I heard that his castle is surrounded by roses, and even the nearby cities are filled with them... Isn't that what it means to be surrounded by roses...?"

"Yes," someone remarked almost inaudibly, "This leader is also a woman... a Rose woman, isn't she?"

Ignoring the gazes and hushed discussions around him, Cyrus turned and looked around, but couldn't find His Holiness the Pope.

Will he only appear after the official start of the engagement banquet?

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Archibald then brought him a glass of wine, the liquid swirling slightly, its color shimmering beautifully in the glass.

He said, "Little Zuoyi, you're an adult now, it's time to try drinking. Don't refuse like you used to."

Cyrus smiled and took the drink, saying, "Just one."

Besides the mellow wines served at the engagement dinner, there were also spirits blended with vodka, offering a variety of flavors.

Furthermore, the waiters intentionally placed bartending tools in a certain area of the hall for the aristocracy to use for their leisure.

After drinking a glass of vodka-mixed liquor, Cyrus's cheeks flushed slightly, making her look radiant and attracting even more attention.

Fortunately, a waiter soon announced that His Majesty the King and Miss Phoebe had arrived.