"Is there anyone here who still wants to raise objections to the marriage agreement we plan to proceed with?"
Duke Callisto's voice echoed, he tried to represent the King, who was calmly cutting his meat in silence.
This Duke constantly tried to bring himself into the spotlight, ensuring everyone knew he held authority as well, although, of course, still under the King.
Viana quietly fed herself, occasionally stealing glances at Count Lazarus.
The man, however, continued to eat peacefully, paying no attention to the light debates happening all around them.
The discussion revolved around a request from the King of Glyndale to establish a political marriage between one of his sons and one of the noblewomen from the Kingdom of Elysia.
Initially, they had planned to propose a marriage with the Crown Princess.
However, the Yanis dynasty decided against it, as they had no intention of marrying off their only daughter anytime soon. Besides, she still needed to learn much more about managing the kingdom.
Viana believed this reason was somewhat fabricated because, deep down, she knew from the past that her parents simply weren't ready to let her go.
If it were her past self, she would have outright rejected the idea and might have even thrown a tantrum at her parents.
But the present Viana didn't care anymore. She understood that, even back then, her parents would never force her into a marriage with someone she didn't love.
After all, her parents themselves had married out of love, so they truly understood what love meant in a marriage.
And now, amidst this banquet, all the nobles were deciding who would marry one of the princes of Glyndale. Especially since the prince in question was not the Crown Prince, many of them were reluctant to offer their daughters for the arrangement.
Now, they were pushing for the only daughter of Count Daelis, as he was considered one of the weakest nobles in the Kingdom of Elysia.
Viana picked up her wine glass, sipping it lightly with a faint smile on her lips.
'They have no idea that in the future, this kingdom's survival will depend on Count Daelis' family,' she thought and feeling amused.
"What is your opinion, Count Daelis?" Duke Callisto insisted, pressing his point firmly while the other nobles pretended not to care.
Count Daelis with slightly nervous manner, answered after swallowing his food, "I will follow the opinion of His Majesty the King."
Duke Callisto leaned slightly forward at the table, turning his gaze to Count Daelis, who was seated a little farther to his right. With a tone hinting at blame, he stated, "Of course, this is also at the request of His Majesty the King."
All the nobles who heard the Duke's statement turned their gaze toward the King. Yet, the King remained silent, calmly continuing to eat his meal.
Suddenly, Marquis Ellen raised his voice slightly, saying, "We should wait for the King. How do you know this is truly His Majesty King Yanis's request?"
The Duke slammed his napkin onto the table and retorted, "And who are you to challenge His decision?"
Viana rolled her eyes in mild annoyance. In the past, their endless debates would nauseate her and take away her appetite.
'Soon enough, my father will silence this arrogant Duke,' she thought while taking another sip of her wine.
It wasn't long before the King spoke up to calm everyone down, "I have not yet decided. So wait for my decision tomorrow."
The room fell into silence, including Duke Callisto, who begrudgingly replied, "Understood, Your Majesty," as he continued eating with a flushed face.
***
Finally, the exhausting banquet came to an end. All the nobles stood up, waiting respectfully for the royal family to leave the room first.
"Thank you all for attending this banquet. May you all continue to be blessed with health, happiness, and prosperity," said King Yanis as he concluded the noble gathering while standing in front of his dining throne.
After that, the King and Queen exited the hall, followed by the Princess.
But as Viana passed by where Count Lazarus was seated, he suddenly quickened his pace to walk alongside her.
"Greetings, Your Highness. Do you have a moment to speak with me?" he asked with a deep and raspy voice.
Viana was startled, not expecting this arrogant Count to approach her or ask to speak with her.
Still, she couldn't refuse him, given the number of nobles present around them.
Trying to calm herself without showing it to anyone, she responded, "Yes, Count Lazarus. What do you need?"
"Please, could we talk in a place with fewer people around?" asked the Count, his slight smile making her feel extremely uncomfortable.
Viana nodded and walked out of the banquet hall, moving to the edge of the corridor and stopping beneath a large window.
"What do you need, Count Lazarus?" she asked first while feigning indifference.
The Count stood in front of her, a little too close, leaning his taller frame toward Viana.
He half-whispered in a slightly teasing tone, "Princess, why have you been stealing glances at me this entire evening? Is there something you wish to discuss?"
Her eyes widened, and she instinctively stepped back.
"W-who's been stealing glances at you?" she blurted out, her voice slightly louder than intended, catching the attention of the nobles walking out of the banquet hall. Their curious glances shifted momentarily toward the pair.
Lowering her tone, she grumbled with an air of arrogance, "What is it that you really want to talk about with me, Count?"
The Count grinned and replied, "Forgive me, Your Highness Princess Viana. Perhaps I was just being overly sensitive. Very well, I shall take my leave."
He placed a hand over his chest and bowed gracefully toward her with perfect etiquette.
She watched his departure with a look of utter disgust. As she walked back toward her chambers, she muttered to herself in frustration.
"What did he mean by that? Does he seriously think I'm interested in him?"
Her own words surprised her, and she suddenly froze in the now-empty corridor.
"Oh my God, what have I done…?"