As Carlisle and Elena approached the hall, a guard gave a low bow and opened the door.
Kkiiiigeu.
A palatial room came into view, lavishly decorated under Elena’s direction. Elena glanced around to check for any minor problems, but everything seemed to be going as planned. The guests who already arrived at the reception turned their attention to the arrival of the couple, and the Emperor spoke first to greet them.
“My son and his wife have finally arrived.”
Jjag jjag jjag!
The crowd clapped and warmly congratulated the couple on their wedding day. At the scene before her, Elena smiled and moved with Carlisle toward Sullivan. Emperor Sullivan and Empress Ophelia sat at the head of the table, and there was a vacancy beside them.
“You must have had a busy wedding schedule. Thank you, sweetheart. Sit and rest for a while. “
“Yes, Father.”
Carlisle made a curious expression at the familiar way they addressed each other, but Elena made no mention of it and wore a large smile.
If the wedding was a show, this was the theater stage. Elena wanted to command confidence in her debut performance as a member of the Imperial Family. Soon after, Carlisle and Elena took their seats, and Sullivan addressed the room.
“Well, then let’s begin.”
“Yes, Your Majesty! First is the delegation from the Kingdom of Freegrand.”
A young ambassador stepped forward and gave a formal bow. Elena’s interest was piqued at the mention of Freegrand. She was curious about the other kingdoms as well, but Mirabelle had said she would consider going to Freegrand to study design.
“It is an honor to stand before His Majesty the Emperor, Her Majesty the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire!”
The ambassador was a graceful and beautiful woman with her hair tied to one side. Envoys were typically men, but Freegrand, as a free and prosperous kingdom, in rare form had sent a woman to represent their country. Perhaps it was because the kingdom was known for their fashion, but the ambassador wore a smart uniform instead of a gown, which captured Elena’s admiration.
“It must have been a long and difficult journey all the way here for a woman.”
“Not at all, Your Majesty. Gender is not important. It is an honor to meet with His Majesty the Emperor of the Ruford Empire. “
She spoke in a steady voice, then glanced at the others behind her to signal them to bring forward the gifts.
“I present to you the most precious fabric from the Freegrand kingdom. I hope that it pleases you, Your Majesty.”
“The Empress would prefer a fabric from Freegrand more than I do.”
Empress Ophelia answered with a soft smile.
“It is still the Emperor’s property, no matter how small the gift. If you desire to gift it to me later, you have my gratitude.”
“Hahaha, I’ll keep that in mind, Empress.”
“Of course, Your Majesty.”
The conversation seemed harmonious, but there was a subtle discordant note to it. The ambassador then turned towards Carlisle and Elena.
“To celebrate the wedding, we also offer gifts to the Crown Prince and Crown Princess. Please kindly accept them.”
Fine fabrics were also carefully presented to the couple, which seemed natural for a kingdom that had no special goods other than fashion. Elena gave her gratitude, her expression soft.
“Thank you.”
Was it because of Elena’s friendly bearing? For a moment, Elena’s and the female ambassador’s gaze met in midair, but then the moment broke as the ambassador stepped away. A young official standing near Sullivan heralded the next guests.
“Here is the delegation from the Kingdom of Carthenia.”
There was no time to waste, as there were many delegations from various other kingdoms. The Freegrand ambassador backed away, to be replaced by the ambassador from Carthenia, the poorest kingdom on the continent. In contrast to the unique uniforms of the Freegrand delegations, the envoys from Carthenia were dressed more commonly.
“Hail to His Majesty the Emperor. Eternal glory to the Ruford Empire.”
The Carthenian representatives also brought a gift to the Emperor, as well as a gift to celebrate Carlisle’s wedding. The congratulations were a constant stream.