Chapter 126
Chapter 126: The Coronation of the New Sun
“Could it be that you’re disappointed? If so, we could—”
“N-no! Please go, Lupeon. Tomorrow is your coronation, after all.”
As Elena tried to hide her flushed face while quietly protesting, Lupeon slowly rose from his seat with apparent reluctance.
“Then I’ll see you here tomorrow night.”
“What? Tomorrow night?”
“Didn’t I tell you? I’ll come to your bedroom every night.”
“…”
‘This is really troublesome.’
At this rate, her heart wouldn’t survive…
* * *
On the cold, hard ground, flowers that had endured the harsh winter were gradually bearing red fruits.
As the sweet fragrance of the fruit wafted gently through the window, Elena smiled contentedly.
Now that Lupeon had survived and completely diverged from the original plot of “To the Blooming Lily of the Valley,” she felt a renewed appreciation for all their efforts.
‘Finally, Lupeon is becoming Emperor.’
Lupeon had already headed to the Imperial Palace’s banquet hall for today’s coronation ceremony.
Vivian, who was helping Elena prepare in her bedroom, said in a clear voice:
“Miss, you look absolutely beautiful today!”
Vivian, who had been taking careful notes at Demeter’s Boutique a few days ago, seemed to have put considerable effort into preparing her mistress for today.
Thanks to her skilled maid’s touch, Elena smiled with satisfaction as she looked at her reflection in the mirror.
The light blue chiffon dress harmonized with the blue of her sapphire earrings, creating an elegant atmosphere.
The look was completed with subtle makeup and her hair braided up with brilliantly shining ornaments.
“Thank you, Vivian. It’s all thanks to your efforts.”
When Elena looked at her confidante with affectionate eyes, Vivian gave a bright smile.
After completing all preparations, Elena hurried to the main hall where the child would be waiting.
Soon she found Anasha standing perfectly still.
Wearing a blue velvet ribbon in her hair and a deep blue dress, the child looked as small and lovely as a water fairy from a storybook.
However, noticing Anasha’s somewhat tense appearance, Elena quickly approached her young lady.
“Miss, have you been waiting long?”
The child, seemingly just noticing Elena’s presence, started slightly before answering.
“Big sister, you’re here?”
‘She must be nervous.’
Anasha, who rarely attended formal gatherings, appeared tense about having to appear before so many people.
Looking sympathetically at the unusually rigid child, Elena soon pulled a candy from her pocket.
“Miss, do you like peach candy?”
“Yes, I do!”
“I’m glad. I hope it helps you feel less nervous.”
Though it was just sweet peach candy, something sugary might help ease the tension.
Anasha’s blue eyes sparkled as she unwrapped the candy with a crinkling sound.
As the subtle scent of peach juice spread, the child happily popped the candy into her mouth.
Elena smiled gently as she watched Anasha’s cheek bulge out on one side.
Soon she met the child’s wide-eyed gaze.
“Wow, you’re right, big sister! I do feel a little less nervous!”
“I’m glad to hear that.”
Relieved to see Anasha finally smiling brightly, Elena affectionately patted her head.
Then, with a serious expression, she continued:
“Miss, as I mentioned before… not all the noble guests at the banquet will be well-intentioned.”
Given that she couldn’t know the intentions of those gathered there who might approach Anasha, Elena felt the child needed some caution.
Anasha nodded vigorously and clenched her fists with determination.
“I know! The etiquette teacher already told me!”
Fortunately, it seemed Anasha’s imperial etiquette teacher had explained the atmosphere of high society in a way the child could easily understand.
Elena held the child’s small hand firmly and spoke with steady eyes:
“I want you to remember that behind you, there’s not only Lupeon but also me.”
“Yes, I’ll always remember! That behind me are my brother and big sister!”
Hoping her warmth would reach Anasha, Elena headed to the Imperial Palace’s banquet hall with the child.
* * *
“Announcing Her Imperial Highness Princess Anasha Dia Argenta and Lady Elena of House Rohenbach!”
The doorkeeper threw open the banquet hall doors and announced Elena and Anasha’s entrance in a loud voice.
At that moment, the bustling hall fell so silent you could hear a pin drop, and all eyes turned to the two of them.
It was enough to draw attention, as the young princess had returned to her rightful place after seven years.
“So that’s Her Imperial Highness.”
“Looking at her now, she’s the spitting image of the late Emperor.”
“Indeed. With that snow-white silver hair and clear eyes, it’s just like seeing His late Majesty.”
Since Lupeon’s uncle and his family had been struck from the imperial lineage, they must have been referring to the Argenta siblings’ father.
Anasha looked around the overwhelmingly grand banquet hall, her eyes darting about.
The walls and ceiling were adorned with paintings by renowned artists, and beveled glass spread across the high windows and ceiling.
As light reflected off the ornate glass, the child naturally squinted.
Smiling faintly at this sight, Elena pointed to a chair on the platform beside the imperial throne and whispered in the child’s ear:
“I’ll be here, so you just need to sit in that chair and wait for Lupeon.”
“Alright, big sister.”
Nodding slightly, Anasha slowly walked along the path that might have seemed rather long for a child to walk.
Elena watched her young lady proudly before turning with a fresh smile to those approaching her.
“It’s been a while, sister.”
“Elena, have you been well?”
She nodded gently as she looked at Marquess Rohenbach and Lisette, who greeted her with welcome faces.
“Of course. Have you all been well?”
“We’re the same as always. Right, Father?”
As Lisette looked at their father teasingly, the Marquess answered with a kind smile.
“Indeed, we’re doing well. Elena, will you visit the mansion sometime?”
‘Come to think of it, Mother’s death anniversary is approaching.’
When the anniversary of the Marchioness Rohenbach’s death came around, Elena usually visited the grave at a different time from her father.
However, this time it seemed the Marquess wanted to gather his courage and visit together with his children.
Elena looked at her father quietly before pulling her lips into a gentle smile and answered playfully:
“I was thinking of visiting tomorrow, but should I wait until later?”
“How could that be? It’s your home—you should come and go freely. Of course, of course.”
Elena smiled softly at her father’s anxious response.
At that moment, the grand sound of the brass band filled the banquet hall, and they naturally turned their heads.
Soon a man in a red cape appeared, walking with heavy steps onto the platform.
The Archbishop who followed him stood before the prepared table on the platform with a gentle smile.
Wasn’t the Archbishop supposed to place the crown on Lupeon’s head during today’s coronation?
Anasha waved her small hand with an excited expression as familiar faces continued to appear.
Watching today’s protagonist with wondering eyes, Lisette exclaimed dramatically to her sister:
“Wow, whoever’s brother-in-law he might be, he looks especially handsome today.”
As Lisette said, Lupeon’s natural beauty seemed as undeniable as the pressure he exuded.
Elena nodded slightly as she watched her lover quietly, wearing a newly contented smile.
The coronation ceremony for the Valdeon Empire’s new Sun proceeded smoothly.
Lupeon sat on the imperial throne with perfect posture, maintaining his dignity without the slightest imperfection.
The Archbishop, having finished the mass, lifted the crown and placed it on his head while offering a blessing:
“Sacred Guardian of the Empire. May light and faith always be with you.”
