Chapter 81

Before the Queen's banquet began, Darnell sent someone to fetch the person who had dressed and groomed the Queen, discreetly escorting her into the palace so as not to attract the attention of others—a secret and covert operation.

Cyrus changed her clothes at the Grand Duke Achiyoli's residence, and then entered the palace with Orville.

He had originally intended to accept Darnell's invitation to go in with him, but after thinking about it, he felt it would be more convenient to use the Grand Duke's status.

Cyrus wore a black tuxedo, cinching her waist and showing off her long legs. In addition to the family crest representing Desinia, she also wore Thorn Rose ruby brooch given to her by Segalot on her lapel, and a matching ruby ring on the index finger of her right hand.

Orville usually wore all white, but this outfit was even more luxurious and noble, with elegant patterns drawn with gold and silver thread on the collar and cuffs, and he wore a pair of black boots.

During her stay at the Duke's mansion, Cyrus did not see Orville much.

Orville clearly had a lot to do. Besides being away for long periods every day, the first thing he did upon returning to the Duke's mansion was to go to the large hunting grounds in the back hills to see the wild animals.

This hunting ground was the private property of the Grand Duke Orville, covering a vast area of forest, where countless wild animals naturally lived.

Given the ferocious nature of Coalball, Snowball, and Egg Yolk, and to avoid causing daily panic at the Duke's mansion and frightening the servants, Cyrus accepted Orville's friendly suggestion to allow the three large beasts to enter the large enclosure to hunt.

They have adapted well and have now become the new leaders of the large paddock.

As for Black Sugar, aside from occasionally going hunting in the hunting grounds with Coalball, Snowball, and Egg Yolk, it usually prefers to stay by Cyrus's side.

It's still just a half-grown leopard; it's more cute than fierce right now.

Orville's frequent activities consisted of going to the enclosure to see the wild animals, trying to touch them, feeling slightly discouraged after failing, and then immediately trying again...

However, so far, Grand Duke Orville has only touched Black Sugar's round little ears once, and the next moment Black Sugar squinted her golden eyes and dodged away, baring her sharp little teeth to scare him.

Orville persevered.

Cyrus's response. "..."

It seems the Grand Duke is no longer going to hide his... "hobby" from him.

Just before he was about to leave, Orville suddenly stopped Cyrus and personally straightened his bow tie.

His beautiful silver hair was neatly combed back, with only a strand hanging down in front of his forehead, slightly resting in front of his gray eyes. His face was indifferent yet incredibly handsome.

Orville said softly, "Something unexpected might happen at tonight's banquet. Are you afraid?"

Cyrus: "Things may happen in ways I don't expect, but I won't be afraid."

He looked up at Orville again and said perceptively, "You seem to have something to say to me."

Orville frowned slightly, his voice light and calm. "I just hope you're not frightened by what happened tonight..."

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He paused for a moment and then said, "If you're scared or helpless, you can hide behind me. I won't hurt you."

Cyrus: "... Then thank you in advance, Your Grace."

The capital of the Anas Empire was far more prosperous and bustling than the former capital of Kaies. This was the difference between an empire and a small country, which also resulted in differences in the quality of life of cities and people.

Of course, those at the very bottom of the social hierarchy continue to suffer oppression and exploitation.

The bright moonlight appeared above the night sky, stars dotted the heavens, and in the distance of the royal city, thousands of lights shone brightly.

Because the Queen's birthday banquet was also a celebration for all the people of the empire.

Unable to enter the magnificent palace, they could only watch with envious eyes as carriages passed by, then sigh with envy and resentment, thinking how lucky the rich were.

Cyrus's carriage stopped behind Grand Duke Orville, Judas got out first, extending her white-gloved right hand for him to help her up.

The Achiyoli House's coat of arms features a roaring lion, engraved on their carriages, making it particularly conspicuous even at night.

The Grand Duke held a prestigious position, and so when Grand Duke Achiyoli's carriage stopped at the bustling palace gates, everyone else paused to show respect.

Their gazes were not only fixed on the Grand Duke's carriage, but also on the unfamiliar carriage following behind. They quickly realized that the person sitting in the carriage behind must be the Lord of Desinia who had just arrived at the Imperial port and was taken away by the Grand Duke.

For a moment, everyone's expressions became subtle, revealing their scrutiny.

They watched as the Grand Duke alighted first, his face as handsome and aloof as ever, seemingly unapproachable, before turning and walking toward the carriage behind him.

After a handsome young man came down with the steward by the arm, he nodded slightly and led the young man into the palace.

This was clearly the act of waiting for someone, but it was particularly unbelievable given the reputation of the Grand Duke, who treated them like the coldest winter.

They couldn't help but think that Grand Duke Achiyoli's attitude towards this lord was indeed unusual, but they wondered what his purpose was...

Butlers and servants were forbidden from leaving the palace. After exchanging a few words with Judas, Cyrus followed Orville into the palace.

Along the way, they were accompanied by many nobles. The men held the arms of a woman. They were dressed in proper and formal attire, while the women's long dresses were eye-catching and showed a lot of thought.

Cyrus noticed a few women walking in twos and threes not far ahead, each holding a folding fan and accompanied by no men, which made her look a little puzzled.

Orville whispered beside him, "Those are all His Majesty the King's mistresses."

Cyrus opened her mouth in surprise, so many?!

This happened at the Queen's birthday banquet, and the King's mistress came to attend... Wasn't this a complete provocation? The Queen would lose all face.

"Didn't the palace servants stop them?"

Perhaps because Cyrus's expression was too interesting, Orville's lips curled into a slight smile, and he said in a low voice, "They have the honor bestowed by His Majesty the King and his tacit permission. Who would stop them?"

"Do you see that woman walking at the very front?"

Cyrus looked over and nodded.

The woman was dressed in the most magnificent long gown, with stunning beauty and an arrogant demeanor. She paid no attention to anyone around her, and no woman was worthy to walk with her.

Orville's face held a meaningful look. "She is Tosi Cavendish's mother, Joanna Ann, and also..."

Seeing the Grand Duke suddenly stop speaking, Cyrus looked over with some curiosity. "Also what?"

Orville: "You're still young, I'm wondering if I should tell you..."

Cyrus: "..."

He raised his chin, his beautiful caramel-colored eyes meeting a pair of light gray eyes. "Not small!"

Orville leaned close to Cyrus and whispered in a voice barely audible to the two of them, "King Puli Cavendish once had an older brother named Lawrence Cavendish."

"This Prince Lawrence was once the heir to the imperial throne, but he later passed away, and the throne was inherited by His Majesty the current King..."

Just as Cyrus was wondering what the connection was, Orville continued—

"Joanna Ann is Lawrence Cavendish's wife."

Cyrus hummed in agreement and nodded.

He immediately realized the obvious meaning in those words, and stared wide-eyed at Orville —You're not mistaken?!

Orville: You're right.

How can a beautiful woman who has lost her husband and all her support survive in the royal city?

Joanna's family did not belong to the empire; she was a princess of a remote small country, the woman Lawrence Cavendish fell in love with at first sight during his travels and brought back to marry.

Therefore, after Lawrence's unexpected death, Joanna lived a difficult life in the Empire. In the end, she used her beauty to seduce the current king. On the surface, she was a noble lady, but "secretly" she was the king's mistress.

Of course, this "secretly" refers to the fact that most members of the royal family, including the nobles, were fully aware of it.

Cyrus asked in bewilderment, "Since her husband is dead, why doesn't she return to her country? Doesn't the Holy See care about this... immoral relationship?"

Orville: "It's complicated."

Robert, a subordinate of Orville but also a nobleman, had followed them into the palace, walking behind them the whole way. He was clearly aware of the situation and offered an explanation upon hearing this.

Having enjoyed the extravagance and luxury of the empire, how could Joanna possibly return to that remote and backward little country? Besides, she wouldn't be valued whether she returned or not.

"If that's the case, why doesn't she stay in the Empire and continue to be a noble lady?"

"The King's affair with Joanna was only exposed two years ago. Before that, people always thought the King's attention to her was out of respect..."

"As for the Holy See's view on this... I can only say that not long ago, the King had a conflict with the Holy See."

Robert's expression was disdainful; few members of the imperial family and nobles respected Joanna.

She only attained her status because of the king.

--The empire's inner circle is a mess.

This was Cyrus's first thought. He never expected that before the Queen's banquet had even officially begun, he would have such a juicy tidbit of gossip and gain a new understanding of the King's absurdity.

This king sitting on the throne is a disaster.

After following Orville into the magnificent banquet hall, Cyrus finally saw His Majesty the King of the Anas Empire.

His face, though in his fifties, still vaguely revealed his once handsome features. He was tall and hadn't gained much weight despite his age. With a smile on his face, he walked towards them after noticing Orville enter the hall.

For a moment, the people at the banquet openly and subtly cast their gazes upon...