The palace was brilliantly lit, gleaming with golden light. Red silk curtains hung from the ceiling, extending to the palace floor, while the night sky was visible through the dome above.

Melodious music filled the air, reaching the ears of every guest present. The banquet tables were laden with delicacies, awaiting the guests' arrival.

Nobles exchanged compliments and greetings, raising their glasses of fragrant beer as they waited for the main characters of the evening to appear.

Kevla stood beside Gwen, holding her glass high. Her purple hair complemented her dress of the same hue, making her appear alluring and enchanting. She moved among the nobles and politicians, exchanging greetings as usual.

Gwen stood behind Kevla, looking somewhat uncomfortable. She kept her legs tightly pressed together, her body twisting and fidgeting uneasily.

Noticing Gwen's strange behavior, Kevla pulled her into a corner and asked, "Little Gwen, what's wrong?"

Gwen tugged at her dress, complaining uncomfortably, "Sister, why do I have to dress like this?"

Gwen usually only wore armor, and even in casual settings, she always had light armor on. Wearing this formal attire felt like torture to her.

"And I never heard I had to wear makeup too," she grumbled to Kevla, who just smiled at her with narrowed eyes.

"Come on, it's not like you can wear armor to a banquet. You'll have to get used to these things sooner or later," Kevla said.

"But..." Gwen tugged at her chest area, pointing at it dissatisfied. "This part is too tight. It doesn't suit me at all."

Kevla: "..."

Though she wore a smile, Kevla didn't seem very happy. She reached out and pinched Gwen's cheek, saying with a forced smile, "Who told you to not have a single formal dress in your wardrobe? The one you're wearing used to be mine."

"Sorry if it feels tight around the chest."

Not understanding why her sister was angry, Gwen fell silent, letting Kevla pinch her cheek like a pitiful victim.

Kevla released her hand and shrugged. "You don't even know how beautiful you look right now, do you? Those nobles are almost staring their eyes out at you."

If it weren't for some people knowing that Gwen was Viktor's fiancée, they would have approached her long ago.

"I don't need others to look at me," Gwen muttered.

"Oh, come on, what's wrong with dressing up nicely? Maybe when Viktor sees you later, he'll look at you differently," Kevla said, gently nudging Gwen.

Hearing her sister mention Viktor, Gwen knew Kevla was teasing her again. She blushed and turned her head, saying, "How Viktor looks at me has nothing to do with me."

Knowing her sister was just being stubborn, Kevla clicked her tongue and turned to look elsewhere.

Duke Levi was also mingling among a group of mages, his face full of smiles.

"Haha, how have you been lately, Baron Beck?" he asked.

The white-haired old man, leaning on his obsidian cane, nodded to Duke Levi. He approached the duke and clinked glasses with him.

"Duke Levi, it's been a while," Beck said.

"I'm just an old bag of bones now. How could I be doing well? But you, no one would believe you're sixty years old."

"Oh, where's your daughter?" Beck inquired.

Hearing the question about Erica, Levi turned his head to look for his daughter. Baron Beck followed his gaze and saw Erica conversing effortlessly among the younger generation of nobles.

He smiled and said to the duke, "How envious I am that you have such an excellent offspring, Duke."

Duke Levi was pleased to hear Baron Beck's words. He knew it was flattery, but mentioning his daughter still filled him with pride.

Erica seemed completely at ease in her interactions with the nobles. Her golden hair paired with a silver gown made her look like a white swan with a golden crown, elegant and refined.

A young nobleman was attracted by Erica. He also had golden hair and a handsome face, dressed in luxurious attire.

"Miss Erica," he said.

"I am Pipol Tia, the eldest son of the Tia family. May I have the honor of a dance with you?"

Erica didn't shake her head, but politely responded, "I'm sorry, Lord Pipol, but I already have a prior engagement."

She nodded politely to him and walked away under his disappointed gaze.

Taking advantage of this moment, Erica returned to her father's side.

Suddenly, the guests at the banquet all stopped talking, unanimously attracted by the sound of a door opening.

The music also came to an abrupt halt.

They raised their heads, looking towards the second floor of the palace.

The golden doors on the second floor slowly opened, and Emperor Aubrey gradually emerged, accompanied by Aurelian in a silver-white gown.

Following them was the head of the Kravina family, Viktor Kravina.

Behind him was his sister, Lia Kravina.

Although Lia had attended many banquets before, never had she felt as proud as she did now.

To be following behind the emperor, with the eyes of thousands of guests focused on her.

Just thinking about it made Lia almost forget how to walk.

Her legs were stiff now, struggling to support her and prevent her from falling.

After all, if she messed up now, it would be embarrassing in front of thousands of people.

Lia didn't want that.

She knew this honor came from Viktor, so she couldn't embarrass him.

The emperor slowly walked to the front of the floor, and many people also recognized Viktor's familiar face.

"Is that... Viktor?"

"What? Viktor is actually behind the emperor!?"

"Holy crap! Viktor!?"

Many guests became unsettled upon seeing Viktor. They looked at each other, feeling incredibly incredulous.

When Gwen and Kevla saw Viktor, their mouths fell open.

"Sis... sister, is that Viktor?" Gwen's hand holding the wine glass started to shake, her voice trembling.

Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author's consent. Report any sightings.

Kevla was equally surprised, but having experienced many grand occasions, she wasn't as dramatic as Gwen. She just nodded and replied, "It should be..."

"To think he's standing next to the emperor. The emperor must really value Viktor."

...

Where there's admiration, there's also jealousy. Some people's gazes were filled with hostility as they stared at Viktor.

However, they didn't dare to do anything, only tightening their grip on their glasses, their thoughts varied.

Erica naturally saw Viktor too. She stared blankly, her eyes fixed on the second floor.

Then, she turned to look at Duke Levi beside her.

Seeing that her father's expression showed no particular surprise, but rather seemed matter-of-fact.

'It seems Father knew about this already.'

The emperor personally commending Viktor and Viktor accompanying the emperor were two entirely different matters.

Commendation was for Viktor's contributions, his well-deserved achievement.

But accompanying...

There were too many implications to ponder.

However, no matter what, this was a signal from the royal family to all the nobles.

A signal that the Kravina family was in good standing with the royal family.

At this moment, Erica also caught sight of Lia behind Viktor, her eyes lighting up.

The beautiful shop owner she had seen at the prop store was indeed Viktor's relative.

Only Viktor's family members could have the privilege of accompanying the emperor.

Everyone put down their wine glasses and bowed to the emperor, showing their respect.

The emperor waved his hand, cleared his throat, and began a formal speech:

"I'm sure you are all aware of this recent Imperial War. Although we ultimately emerged victorious, the empire has suffered significant losses."

"As the leader of the empire, I feel immense grief. From this day forward, the Demon War will be recorded in the empire's history, and that day will be established as a day of remembrance, for the entire nation to remember this painful lesson."

"Viktor Kravina's contributions are known to everyone in the capital. He defeated the demons, preventing the tragedy from escalating further."

"I will, in the name of Sol VIII, bestow upon Viktor the highest honor of the empire, the Imperial Medal!"

As soon as the emperor finished speaking, a minister beside him approached the second-floor platform with a shining medal.

Emperor Aubrey personally took the medal and pinned it on Viktor, nodding at him with a smile.

Viktor placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly to show respect.

Seeing this, the guests spontaneously burst into applause, congratulating Viktor.

As the minister gradually retreated, the emperor turned around and continued:

"Furthermore, Viktor Kravina is hereby elevated to the rank of Count."

Hearing the emperor's announcement, Lia suddenly felt a sense of dizziness.

So this was the irrefusable matter the emperor had mentioned to Viktor.

If it were as the emperor said, the Kravina family should have been promoted long ago. The delay in reaching the rank of count was due to her late father's refusal.

But now, Viktor had no room to refuse anymore.

Another minister presented Viktor with the patent of nobility. Viktor accepted it and bowed to the emperor in a gesture of loyalty.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

In an instant, even more enthusiastic applause erupted from below.

Erica's face broke into a smile, looking at Viktor with admiration, the stars in her eyes shining even brighter.

Gwen and Kevla also couldn't help but smile, applauding from below, congratulating Viktor.

With the conferment ceremony over, the banquet began.

At this point, the emperor was also preparing to leave.

Before leaving, he didn't forget to say one more thing to Viktor:

"Enjoy yourself, Viktor. This kind of occasion is not suitable for an aged emperor like me to attend."

He brought Aurelian to Viktor's side, indicating for Viktor to take her along.

"From now on, you are Aurelian's teacher."

Viktor nodded and responded:

"I will do my best."

After the emperor finished speaking, he smiled and slowly left with the support of his servants.

Only when the emperor was out of sight did Viktor turn around with Aurelian to return to the banquet.

Aurelian followed behind Viktor, timid and not daring to walk in front of him.

She had heard some stories about Viktor.

Many ministers often spread rumors in the palace that Viktor was a pervert who liked minors.

Seeing Aurelian's timid demeanor, Viktor led her to find a quiet place to sit down.

He didn't particularly like this kind of occasion either.

It was somewhat quiet around them, the usual chatter not ringing in his ears.

He missed Vega a bit.

Crows symbolize ill omen, so naturally, it couldn't enter such a banquet and could only wait on the railing outside the palace.

The princess, seeing Viktor looking a bit bored, mustered up her courage and decided to greet him in advance:

"Mr. Viktor...? H-hello?"

Viktor turned to look at the princess.

He looked her up and down.

The current Aurelian was hard for him to imagine.

Except for some similarities in her face, neither her personality nor her figure matched that of the future Eternal Witch.

But.

Viktor focused his gaze on her somewhat timid expression for a few more moments.

Who could have imagined what was hidden beneath her harmless appearance?

Viktor said to her, "Your Highness, there's no need to be so formal. This is a banquet, and your father is not present."

"Right now, it's just the two of us."

"Although I am your teacher, in private, I can also be your friend."

Viktor thought this speech should be enough to fool a child.

So Aurelian gradually began to chat with him.

Soon, Aurelian felt more at ease, and her words became more numerous.

As a gentleman, Viktor responded unhurriedly and politely, always making the princess feel comfortable and at ease.

"Father said you are very powerful, and I can learn a lot from you."

Viktor didn't deny it, only responding mildly:

"As long as you study diligently, you will become even stronger than me."

While he coaxed her with words, he was thinking about when he could leave.

Meanwhile.

Erica was searching for Viktor at the banquet, puzzled that she couldn't see him anywhere.

How could such a big person just disappear?

But when Erica turned around, she saw Viktor chatting with a young girl.

The girl looked about her age, but obviously younger than her.

This raised a sense of alertness in Erica's heart.

"Who is that girl?"

They say Viktor likes minors, could this girl be Viktor's next target!?

She cautiously approached, carefully examining the girl's features.

Upon recognizing the familiar face, Erica was so shocked she almost cried out.

She widened her eyes and quickly hid behind a pillar.

"That's... Her Highness the Princess???"

How could Viktor be associated with the princess?

At this moment, Erica became hesitant.

She was conflicted about whether to go and greet Viktor.

Counting the time, it had been almost two weeks since she last saw him.

As she was thinking, something soft suddenly pressed against her back. Erica was startled, and an arm was already reaching towards her neck.

She quickly turned her head, recognized the person, and couldn't help but exclaim.

"Sister Kevla!?"

"Little sister Erica, what are you doing here?" Kevla hugged Erica, smiling at her.

"No... nothing." Under such intimate physical contact, Erica felt a bit unnatural.

As she twisted her body, Kevla followed her line of sight.

Seeing the familiar figure sitting in the corner, Kevla was taken aback.

"Oh? Why is Viktor here?"

Isn't that her black-hearted brother-in-law Viktor?

She still clearly remembered him selling her four potions for 8,000 geos.

And beside him is... the princess?

The princess had rarely appeared in public, and few people had seen her face.

Even for a social butterfly like Kevla.

However, the princess who had just accompanied the emperor was seen by everyone.

Naturally, Kevla had also remembered the princess's appearance.

Thinking of Erica hiding here to peek, Kevla showed an intriguing expression.

She looked down at Erica and said with a smile:

"Viktor is a professor at your academy, right? Why don't you go say hello?"

But Erica seemed to have seen someone, her emotions recovered, and she said calmly.

"I do need to greet him, but it'll have to wait a moment."

"Someone else is going over first."

Kevla let out another "Oh?" and looked towards Viktor's position.

A silver-haired man was walking over with a wine glass.

Kevla showed a delighted smile.

"Oh my, who do we have here? Isn't that the eldest son of the Reiser family?"

...

Jace Reiser looked at Aurelian with a fake smile and greeted her.

"Your Highness Aurelian."

Upon seeing him, the princess seemed frightened and shrank behind Viktor.

Viktor didn't move at all. He glanced at the princess behind him and calmly asked.

"Who is he?"

"Jace Reiser... he's Devin's brother," the princess quietly replied, informing Viktor of his relationship with Devin.

Now, everyone knew that Devin had colluded with demons.

And the demons were defeated by Viktor.

So, the intentions of the person before them seemed self-evident.

Viktor didn't stand up, but asked the little princess behind him one more question.

"Do you dislike him very much?"

"Even though... he's my cousin."

The little princess shrank even more, completely looking like she didn't want to see him.

"I see," Viktor said.

Viktor maintained a poker face and stood up.

His not-so-broad body blocked Jace Reiser.

"What do you want to say?"

Jace Reiser looked at Aurelian. Even though the princess seemed scared, he continued to smile as if he hadn't noticed at all:

"I saw Her Highness sitting with you and was a bit worried, so I came to check."

"After all, she is the emperor's most beloved daughter, and she's also underage."

Viktor's face showed no ripples as he said calmly:

"If you're just here to cause trouble, then I have no interest in continuing this conversation with you."

Viktor showed no mercy, his words clearly indicating his intention to drive Jace away.

But Jace Reiser didn't leave. Instead, he narrowed his eyes, his gaze revealing a dangerous glint:

"So, Lord Viktor, could you explain to me why Her Highness the Princess is sitting with you?"

Viktor heaved a heavy sigh, turned his head, and said to Aurelian behind him:

"Now, I'll give you your first lesson."

"If you encounter someone you dislike."

"Previously, you might have had to be polite to them because of their status, but now, when you have enough power and a strong background..."

"You can directly do this to them."

Aurelian looked at Viktor with confusion, then saw Viktor suddenly smile as he turned to face Jace Reiser.

Flames instantly erupted behind Viktor, curling around Aurelian like a fierce fire snake, stopping right in front of Jace Reiser.

"Get lost."