Lia wore an elegant black evening gown, one hand gracefully linked through Viktor's arm.

  They proceeded slowly along the red carpet, nodding with regal elegance to the nobles on both sides.

  The moment the nobles caught sight of Lia and Viktor, all eyes immediately focused on them.

  Some even set down their wine glasses and bowed respectfully.

  However, there were still some who, upon seeing Lia, couldn't help but want to approach and greet her.

  Yet when they saw Viktor's expression—calm as still water—they all hastily withdrew their outstretched hands.

  Even their steps, already taken forward, were quickly pulled back.

  One by one, they lowered their heads, not daring to approach.

  Lia walked elegantly while glancing around.

  Seeing the nobles' reverent reactions, she felt quite satisfied.

  Previously, at any banquet, there were always those hypocritical nobles who would actively approach her with flattering intentions, offering toasts.

  While Lia found their advances troublesome, she could always manage to handle them.

  However, facing their toasts proved particularly difficult for Lia, who had poor alcohol tolerance.

  She certainly didn't want to converse with these filthy nobles while intoxicated.

  Therefore, she always had to explain to each of them that she didn't drink.

  She understood these nobles' attitudes—after all, the Kravina family was now in a completely different league.

  Undeniably, because of Viktor, the Kravina surname had become extremely influential.

  Whenever Lia went out and was recognized by nobles, she was always pestered for quite a while.

  Lia was well aware of this.

  Since they didn't dare approach Viktor directly, they could only curry favor with her.

  And Lia, being a businesswoman, had to maintain the family's reputation and interests.

  This meant that when these nobles greeted her, she had no choice but to respond politely.

  This resulted in Viktor barely needing to do anything when they attended banquets together.

  He could simply make a relaxed appearance and then mysteriously disappear.

  Meanwhile, she—despite not being the family head—was kept incredibly busy.

  The more Lia thought about it, the angrier she became, wishing she could teach Viktor a lesson right then and there.

  At this moment, Viktor, whose arm was linked with Lia's, gradually began to feel uncomfortable.

  He wasn't used to having all these nobles' gazes focused on him.

  Viktor frowned, trying to withdraw his arm so he could find a quieter spot to sit for a while.

  However, perhaps sensing Viktor's movement, Lia tightened her grip on his arm:

  "Don't move."

  "I helped you out of a tight spot today—don't you think you should reward your sister?"

  Upon hearing this, Viktor fell silent.

  After all, Gwen had indeed been deflected by Lia's excuses.

  Thinking about how Gwen was no longer pestering him about the 'wedding,' he supposed he really should thank Lia.

  Meanwhile, Lia's complaints came as soft as a mosquito's buzz:

  "I haven't even complained about you wearing that old windbreaker to such a grand banquet."

  Viktor didn't respond to Lia.

  He knew that even if he did, Lia would always have countless reasons to shut him up.

  Fortunately, Lia didn't complain too much about his attire.

  However, when she made sure there weren't many people around, she moved slightly closer to Viktor.

  Her soft voice whispered in his ear:

  "Tell me the truth—do you not want to marry Gwen?"

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  Lia paused, looking around to confirm no one was listening, then continued in a low voice:

  "If you don't want to, I can help you..."

  "Gwen, as my fiancée, can solve many problems for me."

  "As a marriage partner, she's also the most suitable choice for me."

  Viktor's bland response to Lia forced her to swallow the words she was halfway through saying.

  At this moment, he also reacted, looking down at Lia beside him and asking with some confusion:

  "Hmm, what were you about to say?"

  "...No, nothing."

  Lia lightly brushed her hair aside, her gaze avoiding Viktor's eyes as she looked away.

  Viktor didn't pay much attention to Lia's reaction and raised his head again, continuing:

  "As for marriage, now isn't the right time."

  "At least we should wait until after the princess's coronation."

  Hearing this, Lia slowly raised her head and glanced at him with a strange expression:

  "Are you sure?"

  She wouldn't mention others for now.

  If this princess really became empress, Viktor's marriage would probably become quite complicated.

  As an observer, Lia could see the relationship between the princess and Viktor very clearly.

  The princess's dependence on Viktor seemed to have transcended the teacher-student relationship.

  After all, as her teacher as well, the princess wasn't nearly as dependent on Gwen.

  Just as Lia was about to say something, her gaze was caught by a flash of gold.

  Lia couldn't help but raise an eyebrow, looking over curiously.

  It was the First Prince.

  The First Prince wore a new white formal suit with gold-trimmed trouser edges and a golden silk collar draped over his shoulders, appearing supremely noble.

  He held a golden staff in his hand, its top inlaid with brilliant diamonds.

  In this resplendent banquet hall, he appeared even more elegant and distinguished.

  At this moment, he was chatting casually with surrounding nobles, holding a wine glass with a composed demeanor.

  This person called the "Perfect Hero" could maintain perfection anywhere, anytime.

  However...

  Upon seeing this First Prince, Lia's expression darkened slightly.

  She certainly couldn't claim to like this prince.

  Sensing a gaze from behind, the First Prince turned around.

  Upon turning, he immediately spotted Viktor's figure.

  So he gracefully nodded to the surrounding nobles and said politely:

  "Excuse me for a moment."

  When the nobles saw the First Prince actively approaching Viktor, their expressions couldn't help but change, confusion arising in their hearts.

  What was going on?

  How did the First Prince end up getting involved with Viktor?

  When the First Prince reached Viktor and Lia, he raised his wine glass as a gesture of politeness:

  "Count Viktor, and..."

  His gaze passed Viktor and fell on Lia, where he seemed slightly stunned, then showed an embarrassed smile:

  "Uh... Miss Lia."

  He hadn't seen clearly earlier and thought the person linked to Viktor's arm was a female companion he'd brought.

  However, the First Prince quickly recovered his composure, bowing slightly to Lia before showing a kind smile:

  "Long time no see. You look absolutely beautiful today."

  However, Lia only smiled slightly without responding.

  Seeing this, the First Prince was immediately at a loss for words.

  He laughed awkwardly a few times.

  This was bad—it seemed Miss Lia still held a grudge against him.

  It was all Jace's fault for causing unnecessary trouble back then.

  Fortunately, he hadn't come for Lia.

  After forcing a laugh, the First Prince's gaze returned to Viktor:

  "Count Viktor, everyone should be here by now."

  "Haven't the elves arrived yet?"

  This was also what others were wondering—why hadn't the elves arrived yet?

  After all, this banquet was prepared for the elves. If they hadn't arrived, the banquet would lose its meaning.

  Viktor looked at him and responded calmly:

  "Do you know why they're called elves?"

  The First Prince raised an eyebrow slightly, confusion showing in his eyes.

  "Elves represent nature, and likewise, they're close to nature."

  His words carried deeper meaning:

  "In such a luxurious and complex banquet hall, do you think elves would feel comfortable?"

  Hearing Viktor's words, the First Prince surveyed their surroundings.

  This place was resplendent with gold and jade, nobles coming and going, hypocritical flattery endless.

  He fell into thought, realizing the implication of Viktor's words.

  These wine banquets and music halls could only be considered standard for their human high society.

  But as Viktor said, human banquets... elves probably wouldn't be used to them.

  After all, this was their first time inviting elves to the empire for a banquet—who would know what elves preferred?

  The First Prince straightened his posture, looking seriously at Viktor and asking earnestly:

  "Then how should we proceed?"

  "Just make some adjustments."

  Adjustments?

  In such a short time, how could they adjust?

  The next second, Viktor's windbreaker was covered by flowing emerald light.

  "Watch carefully."

  "I'll only teach you once."

  Under the First Prince's bewildered gaze, everything around them suddenly began to change.

  In the resplendent banquet hall, saplings suddenly sprouted from the ground and began growing rapidly.

  These brown saplings grew at a visible speed.

  Slender trunks quickly became sturdy, lush leaves extending from the branches, intertwining intricately.

  Among these rising trees, flower buds began to emerge.

  When all the leaves fully unfurled and swayed gently, countless buds bloomed.

  Colorful and vibrant, the air filled with fragrance.

  Witnessing this scene, the surrounding nobles stood stunned in place.

  What was happening? Wasn't it winter now?

  Then, from among these entwined flowers, a white figure slowly emerged, entering all the nobles' shocked gazes.

  Cocotte stepped lightly, accompanied by soft white clouds.

  In the silver light scattered by the leaves, her white gown appeared particularly dazzling and enchanting.

  With each step she took, the earth seemed to grow more abundantly beneath her feet.

  Though it was winter, the scenery around the banquet hall was like spring with all things growing.

  Green leaves suspended in air, petals dancing.

  At the same time, Lia released Viktor's arm.

  Standing to the side, arms crossed, she watched the scene before her with interest.

  Libert, who had been chatting pleasantly with nobles, also turned around upon sensing the changes in the banquet hall.

  His golden eyes swept through the dense forest, settling on Cocotte.

  He raised an eyebrow slightly, murmuring:

  "This is... the Elf Queen?"

  Pure natural aura surrounded Cocotte as she approached Viktor step by step with an elegant and kind smile.

  She looked up, her bright, spirited eyes staring directly at Viktor.

  As if enjoying the attention and admiration from everyone, a mischievous glint flashed in her eyes.

  Cocotte spoke softly, her tone carrying undisguisable joy:

  "Viktor."

  "Do I look good today?"

  Just as Viktor was about to answer, Cocotte reached out and playfully covered his mouth with her hand.

  Then, she extended the back of her hand toward Viktor.

  Like a queen facing her guardian knight.

  Her movement was elegant yet quite bold.

  Her eyes sparkled with anticipation as her voice rang out, both commanding and pleading:

  "Kneel down and kiss me."

  """

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