"We are going to leave at the right time. Louiselle and Ram's mercenaries will be waiting at the designated place."

Said Noel after getting into the carriage heading to the banquet hall. Irene nodded.

The Grand Duke decided to protect the Duchy during the banquet while Irene and Noel infiltrated the Imperial Palace. Using the secret passage provided by the Crown Prince would make it easy to enter the main palace where the Emperor was staying.

The problem was whether they could get out of the banquet hall without getting noticed.

"We're here."

As Irene and Noel got off the carriage, they saw the banquet hall right ahead of them. The door was guarded by two of the Grand Duke's knights, who were under his direct command, so they were in on what would be happening later.

"You have finally arrived, your Excellency."

"I see, announce our arrival."

As Noel nodded and spoke, the knight went inside and shouted aloud.

"Duke Noel Kristen and his wife, Duchess Irene Kristen, have arrived."

//I love the title of Duchess on Irene. Perfect couple hehe.

With their names announced, Irene and Noel went inside. A bright chandelier shone brightly over them.

When the two influential individuals, second to the Grand Duke, entered the palace, everyone seated rose and greeted them.

Receiving their greeting, Irene scoffed.

'Trickery.'

She was worried about what would happen if they didn't attend, but fortunately, the Rixis family was also present.

"I was surprised when I suddenly got the invitation as it was the last dinner before the end of the year. I heard that the Grand Duke came up with this. It is an excellent idea."

The vassals rushed to suck up to Noel as soon as he came in.

"Thank you."

Noel greeted them politely, then headed to Count Rixis.

"Thank you for attending, Uncle."

"Why, all the vassals and relatives of the Grand Duke must attend, so how can I not come?"

Even though Noel had become a Duke, Count Rixis still had his eyes on the position, it was an unspoken understanding that he did not recognise Noel as the Duke, but Noel only smiled at him.

While watching Noel and Count Rixis interact, Irene turned her head, and Ascardo fell into the line of her sight.

"Madame, you look even prettier today."

Irene bit her lip and smiled at him as he spoke with a smirk.

"Thank you."

Ascardo's expression darkened because Irene wasn't in her usual attire and looked rather captivating.

Maybe it was impulsive of her, but she didn't want to avoid his gaze, as she didn't want to back down.

'Relax.'

She wanted to show an open front as much as possible. No matter what she was thinking, nor what plans she made, she would never show a sign of distress in front of Ascardo.

Exchanging greetings didn't take much time, and Irene soon sat down with Noel. Ascardo's strange gaze followed Irene, but she ignored him. The Grand Duke arrived quickly, and all the vacant seats were filled.

"I hope you all enjoy your dinner tonight in good harmony."

The vassals looked bewildered but soon nodded.

After the brief word from the host, the food came out and was served.

Irene watched silently as her attendant poured wine into her glass.

And she was impatiently looking at it as if it was an hourglass.

"Wife?" 

"Huh."

Irene, who couldn't take her eyes off of the wine glass being filled, came to her senses and picked it up with a slightly trembling hand, making the surface of the liquid quiver.

"Irene, are you okay?"

When Noel asked in a worried voice, Irene nodded discreetly.

"Yes, I am just a little nervous…."

She did not know when that door would open, and the Imperial army would come in. Irene was starting to worry about whether she could leave this place safely.

However, she couldn't show her emotions outside, as Lord Ascardo Rixis might still be watching, making her hands somewhat shaky.

"It'll be okay."

Noel looked at Irene assuringly and spoke as he covered Irene's hand, which was still shaking, with his own.

"You don't have to worry. I will bear all of the burdens so that you can move forward without worry."

Noel comforted Irene with a soft voice and pressed his lips to her knuckles. Even though she was wearing gloves, she could feel the heat coming from his lips, so Irene bit her lower lip.

"Thanks. Just having you by my side gives me strength."

"What a coincidence. That's how I happen to feel about you."

Noel met her eyes and smiled softly, making Irene admire his dreamy and charming appearance.

-Bang! Bang!

The double doors suddenly swung open with a deafening boom.