Chapter 7: “A Dog-Eared Decree”

The evening banquet continued cordially with tense murmurs over the venue. In a private antechamber off the main hall, Celestia von Reingarde sat with her parents before the Emperor and Empress. A gilded chandelier cast a warm glow over the polished mahogany table between them, but the atmosphere was anything but warm.

The Emperor cleared his throat, breaking the silence. His sharp eyes flicked between the Duke and Duchess of Reingarde. “Duke Armond, Duchess Evelyn,” he began speaking, “as you are aware, given tonight’s… events, the decision has been made to annul the engagement between our son and your daughter.” His gaze shifted to Celestia briefly, “The formal annulment decree will be issued at a later date once the proper procedures have been carried out. But let it be known that as of now, the betrothal is effectively void.”

Finally, no more farce of a courtship with a man who openly humiliated her.

By the Emperor’s side, the Empress’s face remained a porcelain mask of displeasure. Celestia could feel the Empress’s glare like daggers. The personal knight of Imperial Prince Damon stepped forward and bowed apologetically. “His Highness regrets that he cannot attend this meeting,” the knight announced. “His Highness is indisposed due to personal reasons.”

Celestia’s crimson eyes narrowed slightly at that blatant excuse. ‘Indisposed, is he?’ she thought with a trace of scorn. ‘Hmph. Hiding is more like it.’ It was the height of cowardice that Prince Damon could not even show his face to take responsibility for the disgrace he’d brought upon the Imperial Family’s name.

He was likely nursing his wounded pride, or perhaps bruised cheek, after the spectacle earlier. The corner of Celestia’s mouth twitched in wry contempt. Typical. The Imperial Prince was nothing more than a spoiled, nouveau rich brat elevated by birthright.

He didn’t deserve his position if he couldn’t even stand before the consequences of his actions; that utter lack of noblesse oblige, a noble’s duty to the people. ‘Pathetic.’

The Emperor inclined his head slightly at the knight’s statement, neither accepting nor refuting the excuse. The silence in the room felt heavy. Finally, the Emperor addressed Duke Armond directly. “Duke, Duchess. Are you certain you wish to proceed with this annulment? This decision will have significant repercussions for both our families.”

Duke Armond Von Reingarde did not waver. Celestia’s father rose slightly from his seat to bow his head in respect. “Your Majesty,” he said firmly, “my daughter’s decision is my decision. We are in agreement on this matter.” His voice was polite yet resolute, leaving no doubt that House Reingarde stood united behind Celestia.

Celestia felt a swell of gratitude for her father; since her time in this world, he had always indulged her. Very unlike her previous world’s parents.

The Empress’s thinly veiled glare slid from Celestia to the Duchess. It seemed she hoped to find some hesitation in Celestia’s mother. “And what of you, Duchess Evelyn?” the Empress asked coldly. “Do you truly consent to this course of action?”

For a moment, Celestia glanced at her mother. Duchess Evelyn sat primly with perfect posture, a gentle smile touching her lips as she met the Empress’s intimidating stare without flinching. In a cordial tone, Evelyn replied, “I have no objections, Your Majesty. In fact, I admit I’m relieved.” She paused just enough to be polite, “I was growing worried that my daughter’s romantic prospects would be ruined by the prince, especially given his recent behavior and reputation.”

A stunned silence fell. Celestia’s eyes widened a fraction. ‘Duchess?!’

She hadn’t expected her mother to speak so candidly, almost flippantly, to the Empress of humanity. It was true that Evelyn Reingarde was often airily cheerful and melodramatic at home, but in official public matters, she displayed a steel backbone.

The Empress’s lips thinned, her eyes flashing with indignation. “You dare insinuate such things about the Imperial Family?” she hissed, voice low. Her knuckles whitened where she gripped the armrest of her chair. “Are you prepared to handle the repercussions of insulting the Imperial Prince’s name, Duchess?” Each word was dripping with warning.

Duchess Evelyn simply lifted her porcelain teacup to her lips with unhurried grace. She took a delicate sip of tea, as if oblivious to the Empress’s threatening tone, then placed the cup down on its saucer with a soft clink.

A polite, indifferent smile remained on the Duchess’s face. “Oh, dear me,” she said lightly, “I intended no insult, Your Majesty. I merely spoke as a concerned mother.” Her demeanor was the picture of courteous innocence.

Celestia had to fight to keep her own expression neutral.

The Empress looked positively incensed, her glare burning, but she found no easy target. Evelyn’s reply was outwardly respectful in phrasing, making it difficult to accuse her of outright insolence.

The Emperor raised a hand gently, interrupting before the exchange could escalate further. He gave a conciliatory nod towards Celestia’s parents. “It is late,” he said, “We will conclude this matter for tonight. House Reingarde, thank you for your candor. We shall draft the formal announcement of the annulment in the coming months and ensure it spares both our families undue scandal.” His tone was diplomatic, though a shadow of regret lingered in his eyes. The Emperor was surely aware his son’s misconduct had caused this mess, but propriety prevented any direct apology.

Duke Armond inclined his head respectfully. “We appreciate Your Majesty’s understanding.”

Duchess Evelyn stood and curtsied gracefully to the imperial couple. “Thank you, Your Majesty. Your Majesty,” she added, addressing both Emperor and Empress in turn. Celestia followed suit, rising and doing a deep curtsy of her own.

The Empress said nothing, her lips pressed thin in anger as she averted her gaze. Celestia could feel the Empress’s simmering wrath radiating from her demeanor.

With formalities done, Duchess Evelyn offered a polite smile. “With your permission, we will take our leave. It has been a long evening indeed.” She looked to her husband and daughter, “Come, my dears, let us go home.”

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Celestia didn’t need to be told twice. The prospect of leaving this palace and all its drama behind was most welcome.

The Emperor dismissed them with a courteous gesture, and the imperial guards opened the chamber doors. Celestia’s parents led her out of the room and back into the vast marble-floored banquet hall. The grand celebration that had taken place earlier was all but over; only clusters of guests remained, murmuring among themselves as servants cleared plates and goblets.

The moment Celestia stepped into the hall, a hush fell among those present. Dozens of eyes turned toward her, and she could feel the weight of their stares heavy on her skin.

Whispers flitted from corner to corner like the buzzing of bees:

“Look, that’s her… Lady Celestia…”

“Apparently, the engagement is off. Who would have imagined?”

“I heard she slapped His Highness right across the face!”

“Careful! She’ll hear you.”