It Turned Out She Wasn't a Favored Concubine - Episode 60

“The white dress adorned with diamonds looked like a pure wedding gown—it was truly beautiful. Especially paired with His Majesty’s white ceremonial attire, it reminded me of a sacred wedding scene.”

“I heard His Majesty bought two boxes of those precious diamonds on the spot and summoned a famous foreign artisan to craft the dress. I had high expectations, and it’s even more beautiful than I imagined.”

I forced a faint smile as praise poured in from both sides, cold sweat trickling down my back.

And the ones offering those compliments? None other than the First Concubine, Rosaadel del Partmati, and the Second Concubine, Xenia von Leten.

As planned by Erich, I entered the autumn banquet dressed in a white gown, appearing like a snowflake alongside him.

Outwardly, the compliments were all about beauty and elegance, but I couldn’t ignore the whispers leaking from the nobles.

That I had returned from my family home after resting comfortably, then pestered the emperor into making a lavish diamond-studded dress and demanded a private walking path only I could use.

Well, I was already hardened to this level of gossip, so it was bearable. But having the two concubines fan the flames with their insincere praise made me feel like I was sitting on a bed of needles.

Would it have been better if Marian were here? I looked up at the empty air wistfully. Marian had been suffering from a severe flu since I left the palace. When I tried to visit, I was turned away for fear of contagion. Naturally, she was absent from today’s banquet due to the illness.

“Exactly. The transparent diamonds and white dress suit Lady Arne’s fair skin so well.”

Xenia, who must’ve polished her acting skills over the past month, spoke without her usual scowl. Was the imperial palace a training ground for perfect actors? Compared to masters of performance like Erich and Rosdel, Xenia’s honest emotions had once felt more human.

“Lady Arne must’ve been relaxing at the Edelheit estate, getting skincare treatments. I, on the other hand, was helping Lady Rosadel prepare for the banquet and couldn’t manage my skin well enough to pull off such a white dress.”

Thank goodness. That was the Xenia I knew. Her blatant sarcasm was oddly comforting. Rosadel tried to stop her.

“Don’t say that. Lady Arne must’ve had more important matters than banquet preparations. Since the Marquis of Edelheit recently returned, she must’ve had a lot to handle at the estate.”

“Hmph, what does the Marquis’s return have to do with Lady Arne? Everyone in society knows he avoids her…”

I let Xenia’s words pass through one ear and out the other—until one line snapped me to attention.

Arne and Giscal didn’t get along?

“I will now begin announcing the brave participants of the autumn hunt. Please give them a round of applause to wish them safety.”

Just as I was about to ask for clarification, a loud voice rang out from the emperor’s podium.

Announcing the hunt participants was a key part of the banquet. The event itself was exclusive to those attending the hunt and their companions, though there was no limit on the number of guests, so the grand hall was packed.

Calling out each of the hundred or so participants by name was a gesture of respect. When else would they receive applause from the entire hall?

Royal family members had to ascend the podium, so I missed my chance to question Xenia. Erich greeted me warmly as I trudged up.

“Arne, are you enjoying the banquet?”

No, thanks to you, I’m not.

Unable to speak the truth, I took Erich’s offered hand. That placed me one step ahead of the other concubines, drawing sharp gazes from behind.

“First, attending the autumn hunt for the first time, Lord Zirnero of the Merch family!”

The herald seemed to know exactly where everyone was. He pointed to the correct spot, and applause spread from that area throughout the hall.

Lord Zirnero bowed lightly in response to the grand applause.

The process repeated: name called, applause, bow. At first, I tried matching names to families mentioned in my journal, but after twenty names, faces and names blurred together. I just clapped mechanically, hoping it would end soon.

Well, they say clapping improves health—blood circulation, immunity, and all that. I focused on clapping mindlessly.

But as the second half began, my ears perked up. Familiar families from my studies appeared.

“The new head of the Maruana family, Count Kephulon!”

“Returning with strong performance from last year’s hunt, Viscount Sicilnon of the Garman family!”

Apparently, the more prestigious families were called later. That theory was confirmed when ten names remained and the most important families began appearing.

“Winner of last year’s imperial sword tournament, expected to shine in the hunt—Count German of the Leten family!”

The name Leten slowed my mechanical clapping. It was Xenia’s family. According to my journal, the previous Count Leten had three sons and one daughter—Xenia von Leten. The current Count German was her eldest brother. His upturned eyes and sharp jawline resembled hers, even his stubborn, fiery expression.

He smiled faintly and bowed to the clapping nobles. Then he turned to the podium and smiled more broadly. His gaze landed on Xenia, who stepped forward and waved. Her eyes curved gently—something I’d never seen before. They were always sharply angled when she looked at me. Still, it seemed she had a good relationship with her brother.

Suddenly, I thought of Giskal. I hadn’t seen him since stepping onto the podium. He was supposed to attend—was he late?

“Not even clapping out of courtesy? Isn’t that a bit too obvious?”

The whisper was quiet but laced with malice.

Xenia again. She said it while returning to her spot. I then noticed my hands awkwardly frozen midair.

“No, it’s just…”

“Arne? Is something wrong?”

“No, it’s nothing.”

I brushed off Erich’s concern and glanced at Xenia. Her expression had turned sour. I’d merely been distracted and missed a few claps, but it had caused a misunderstanding.

It was frustrating. I couldn’t explain now, and even if I did, it wouldn’t help. Was this even worth explaining?

The final names were from the highest-ranking noble families. The last was, of course, the Partmati family. Rosdel’s father, the Marquis Partmati, was elderly, so his son—the heir—was attending the hunt. As the young Partmati greeted the hall, I clapped diligently. I didn’t want Rosadel to misunderstand like Xenia had.

I was chuckling at my own timidity when I spotted a figure entering the hall briskly. My discomfort from Xenia vanished instantly.

Even the herald, who had been calling names without pause, took a moment of silence. It was the final announcement.

“Lastly…”

I knew who it would be, but anticipation still fluttered in my chest. My heartbeat quickened.

“The empire’s hero, undefeated in every war, expected to perform brilliantly in the hunt—Marquis Giscal of the Edelheit family!”

Whether it was because he was last or because he was Giscal, the announcement echoed louder than any before.

This time, I clapped with genuine feeling.

Giscal, dressed in his usual black uniform, bowed briefly to the emperor. Though his greeting was short, the applause didn’t stop. Amid the cheers, Giscal met my eyes.

Once all names were called, Erich stepped forward with a glass of red wine. Attendants handed identical glasses to everyone in the hall.

“All of you are brave and noble enough to deserve this hunt. I look forward to your victories!”

Erich drained his glass in one go, and the hall followed suit, erupting in applause. As the clapping faded, music began to play. The formal part of the hunt banquet was over. Now it was time to enjoy the festivities.

Erich, having emptied his glass, approached me as if it were the most natural thing. I already felt exhausted thinking about dealing with him for the rest of the evening.

He extended a hand—an invitation to the first dance of the banquet. I sighed inwardly and took it. Saying no wouldn’t work with Erich.

But instead of leading me to the dance floor, Erich fastened something around my wrist.

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