Before long, gifts were piled high from the representatives of each country. Elena noticed that enormous tributes were given to the Ruford Empire, perhaps for various reasons, but not least as a payment to not invade their kingdom. The Ruford Empire had been part of countless wars, and had ravaged and defeated many countries like a bloodthirsty demon. For the surrounding kingdoms watching, the Ruford Empire was a symbol of fear, and no one dared to challenge their military might.
The Empire was more peaceful under Sullivan’s rule, but Carlisle, the current crown prince, seemed to have the bloodthirsty streak of previous emperors. It was natural to be concerned whether the violent history would be resurrected. Carlisle was better known among the foreign kingdoms rather than in the Ruford Empire, as he had encountered the other kingdoms directly in the battlefield. Elena had these thoughts to herself as she watched the delegations.
‘Is that why they keep looking at him?’
The delegates first looked towards Sullivan, but their eyes were inevitably drawn towards Carlisle. They all had the same fear in their eyes. For Elena, who had already lived one life, knew how Carlisle was viewed by other kingdoms. They were the first to say that Emperor Paveluc’s treason would have failed if Crown Prince Carlisle were still alive.
Elena looked at Carlisle with new eyes. Feeling her gaze on him, Carlisle shifted his expression from indifference at the delegates to amiable when he looked at her. He bent over slightly and whispered in her ear.
“What are you thinking of, wife?”
His tone was playful, but Elena was flustered. Perhaps it was because of the way he addressed her as “wife.”
The delegates looked on in astonishment at Carlisle’s sudden change in mood, and Elena replied in a low voice.
“They’re all constantly staring at you, Caril.”
Carlisle’s expression turned steely, and he looked over them one by one.
“You mean you don’t like them?”
Elena shook her head, trying to assuage Carlisle’s threatening tone.
“No, I’m just amazed. Everyone seems to know you very well.”
“Some may have seen me before, but the others…they may have heard rumors.”
“Are the rumors frightening?”
Elena made a joke about what she already knew. Carlisle paused for a moment, and replied in a deadpan voice.
“Of course not. I’m sure they’re talking about my generous compassion…however, let me know if there is someone who is gossiping about me.”
“Why? So you can deal with them?”
Elena already had a rough idea of what kind of past Carlisle had, despite how indirectly Carlisle talked about it.
“Deal with them? I only want to just reason with them.”
Elena couldn’t hold back a laugh at his remark. The day Carlisle gently admonished anyone twice would be the day she died.
The guests were astonished at the scene of the couple amiably whispering to themselves. It wasn’t only the foreign ambassadors. The nobles of the Ruford Empire noticed too, including Empress Ophelia, who was sitting not far away. The Empress’ eyes glimmered as if she had discovered something very interesting.
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Emperor Sullivan started to look more fatigued as the reception of the delegates continued on, and he interrupted in a quiet voice.
“I need to rest for a while.”
Carlisle and Elena rose straight from their seats, and Carlisle spoke first, his expression smooth.
“Let me see you off.”
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” There is no need. This is your day.”
Sullivan turned towards Ophelia, who had been sitting wordlessly next to him.
“I don’t feel well, so come with me.”
“Hoho, you don’t think I’ll do something wrong if you’re gone, do you?”
Ophelia had a soft smile, but her tone was churlish. Nevertheless, Sullivan seemed accustomed to it.
“Not at all. I mean that you’re the only one that can take care of me.”
“I understand. We’ll leave together.”
Ophelia smiled as if she had no choice, then in a graceful motion stood up to support Sullivan. On the surface, the scene didn’t seem strange at all, but the atmosphere was hostile. Elena bowed in farewell to them.
“Go back safely, Father, Mother.”
Sullivan smiled back.
“Yes, enjoy yourself, sweetheart.”
Elena turned to Ophelia, but the Empress brushed past her. Carlisle stared at the increasingly distant figures of Sullivan and Ophelia with a cold expression.
Now that the Emperor and Empress were gone, the greatest attention turned towards Carlisle and Elena. She didn’t know if Sullivan had intended it, but she wouldn’t waste this opportunity. Now, no one would notice the Emperor’s fatigue.
“I’m going to greet the people who came to see me from the south.”
Carlisle responded with a slight nod.
“Very well. Come to me when you’re done, and I’ll introduce you to the people I know.”
“I will.”
Elena parted from Carlisle’s side, and she stepped down from the head table and approached Marissa with a bright smile.
“Marchioness Holland, thank you for coming all this way to my wedding.”
“Oh, Your Highness!”
Marissa had quickly accustomed to Elena’s new title in a short amount of time. As a model in southern society, she made no mistake at all. Marissa and her close friends bowed.
“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”
Elena wasn’t still unused to the greeting, but she gave a gentle smile without showing any outward signs of anxiety. The Blaise family was from the south, and if Mirabelle were to return there in the future, she would need the help of the southern aristocrats.
The Ruford Empire was divided into five regions—the south, the east, the west, the north, and the central capital. It was natural for Elena to start exerting influence in the south, which was her home after all.
“We were all amazed to see your wedding dress earlier today. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you commission it?”
Dresses were a popular topic among noblewoman, and Elena was prepared for this. She responded kindly.
“From Anco’s Tailors in the capital. My sister also has a talent for design, and contributed many ideas.”
“Oh, you mean the young lady from before? So incredible already at such a young age.”
Although Marissa was playing up the compliments, Elena covered her mouth and smiled. Now that she had risen to a high position, it was natural for everyone to try and flatter her.