Chapter 63: The Empire’s Princess
Chapter 63: The Empire’s Princess
The banquet hall gradually fell silent.
Every noble present rose respectfully as Princess Aurelia Aurelmont descended the grand marble staircase.
The soft rustle of her white-and-gold gown echoed gently throughout the magnificent hall.
With every graceful step, countless eyes followed her.
As Aurelia descended, the atmosphere within the banquet hall changed almost imperceptibly.
Conversations softened.
The clinking of crystal glasses faded.
Even the musicians seemed to lower the volume of their performance without realizing it.
No one had commanded silence.
It simply happened.
Her presence naturally drew every gaze.
Some nobles admired her elegance with genuine smiles.
Others observed her with calculating eyes, quietly measuring the future influence of the Empire’s First Princess.
Young noble heirs found themselves unable to look away, captivated by her beauty, while veteran politicians concealed their thoughts behind practiced expressions.
Even the Imperial Knights stationed along the walls instinctively straightened their posture as she passed.
She acknowledged everyone with the same composed smile.
Neither arrogant nor overly humble.
Every graceful movement reflected years of royal education and impeccable etiquette.
She carried herself with quiet confidence, as though the weight of the Imperial Family rested upon her shoulders without diminishing her elegance.
She possessed the dignity expected of the Empire’s Princess.
Upon reaching the bottom of the staircase, Aurelia first approached the Imperial Throne.
She bowed gracefully.
"Father."
King Augustus Aurelmont smiled warmly.
"Happy birthday, Aurelia."
"I wish you another year filled with happiness and good health."
Aurelia smiled gently.
"Thank you, Father."
After exchanging a few words with the Emperor, she turned toward the two young men standing nearby.
The eldest prince stepped forward first.
Darius Aurelmont.
His handsome face carried a warm smile, while his neatly kept golden hair and crimson eyes closely resembled the Emperor’s.he radiated the confidence expected of the Empire’s First Prince.
More importantly...
His smile was genuine.
"Happy birthday, little sister."
"I hope today becomes another wonderful memory."
Aurelia smiled brightly.
"Thank you, Brother Darius."
Unlike many royal families...
There had never been rivalry between them.
Throughout the Empire’s history, no woman had ever inherited the Imperial Throne.
As a result, Aurelia posed no political threat to Darius.
To him...
She was simply his beloved younger sister.
After speaking briefly with Darius, Aurelia walked toward her second brother.
Prince Eldritch Aurelmont.
His appearance was calmer than Darius’s.
Long golden hair rested neatly behind his shoulders, while his sharp crimson eyes revealed a thoughtful intelligence.
He smiled softly.
"Happy birthday, Aurelia."
"I hope your wishes come true."
Aurelia returned the smile.
"Thank you, Brother Eldritch."
Like Darius...
Eldritch genuinely cared for his sister.
However...
The same could not be said about the relationship between the two princes.
Although they treated Aurelia warmly...
They rarely spoke to one another.
Both possessed the ambition to inherit the Imperial Throne.
Both knew that only one of them could eventually succeed their father.
The rivalry between the two future heirs remained polite...
But unmistakable.
Aurelia understood this better than anyone.
Fortunately...
Their ambitions had never affected the affection they held for her.
After greeting her family, Aurelia turned toward the gathered nobles.
Her sapphire-blue eyes swept across the magnificent banquet hall.
A graceful smile appeared upon her lips.
"I sincerely thank everyone for attending my birthday banquet."
"It is an honor to celebrate this special day together with all of you."
Her elegant voice echoed throughout the hall.
Polite applause followed immediately.
Only then did Aurelia begin greeting the noble families personally.
The first family she approached was House Moonspire.
Standing before her were Duke Orion Moonspire, Duchess Selene Moonspire, and their eldest son, Lucien Moonspire.
The three bowed respectfully.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness."
Lucien stepped forward and presented an elegantly wrapped gift box.
One of Aurelia’s personal maids accepted it with practiced grace.
"Thank you."
Aurelia smiled warmly.
"I appreciate your kindness."
After exchanging several courteous words, she continued onward.
Next...
She approached House Emberfall.
Duke Cassian Emberfall stood proudly beside his wife, Duchess Vivienne Emberfall.
Accompanying them were their children...
Their eldest daughter, Rosaline Emberfall.
And their youngest son, Cedric Emberfall.
Like the previous family, they respectfully offered their birthday wishes before presenting another carefully prepared gift.
Aurelia thanked them sincerely before continuing through the banquet hall.
Meanwhile...
Standing beside House Valebright...
Andras quietly observed everything.
His gaze naturally settled upon Aurelia.
Aurelia Aurelmont...
A faint smile appeared in his eyes.
She had always been one of his favorite characters in Rise of the Sword Hero.
Not because of her beauty...
Although she undeniably possessed extraordinary beauty.
What fascinated him most...
Was her ambition.
Unlike the gentle image most people associated with her...
Aurelia possessed extraordinary determination.
She refused to accept the role society expected her to play simply because she had been born a princess.
She wished to stand alongside history’s greatest rulers.
Not behind them.
Combined with her unique talent...
She had become one of the most memorable characters in the original novel.
As Andras remained lost in thought...
Aurelia gradually approached House Valebright.
She greeted Duke Hadrian Valebright first.
"Your Grace."
Hadrian bowed politely.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness."
Duchess Elara Valebright followed.
"We wish Your Highness many years of happiness."
A beautifully wrapped gift was respectfully handed to one of Aurelia’s attendants.
Finally...
Aurelia turned toward Seraphina.
"Lady Seraphina."
Seraphina smiled gracefully.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness."
"I hope this year brings you everything you desire."
"Thank you."
After exchanging several pleasant words...
Aurelia continued toward House Darkmoor.
She smiled warmly at Evelyne.
"Duchess Darkmoor."
Evelyne inclined her head gracefully.
"Happy Birthday, Your Highness."
"May the coming year bless you with health, happiness, and prosperity."
Another gift changed hands.
Only one person remained.
Andras.
Aurelia turned toward him.
For the first time...
Their eyes met.
She paused.
Just for a single heartbeat.
His violet eyes were unlike any she had ever seen.
Calm.
Deep.
Unfathomable.
It almost felt...
As though those eyes could look beyond appearances.
Beyond words.
As though they quietly observed the very soul of the person standing before them.
For reasons she couldn’t explain...
She found herself unable to look away.
It was the first time in her life she had encountered someone with such eyes.
Then...
Andras smiled.
A calm, gentle smile.
"Happy Birthday, Princess Aurelia."
"I sincerely wish you a wonderful birthday."
His voice finally broke her brief daze.
Aurelia blinked before returning a graceful smile.
"Thank you, Lord Andras."
At that exact moment...
A familiar mechanical voice echoed inside his mind.
[Ding!]