The originally golden banquet hall was now draped with towering, sturdy tree trunks and fragrant, vibrant flowers.

  A forest-like landscape rose from the ground, filling the nobles' hearts with awe.

  However, for them, this was merely a small appetizer.

  It wasn't until the Elf Queen appeared and spoke those words—"Kneel down and kiss me"—to Viktor in front of everyone present that everything changed.

  The entire banquet hall, now embraced by forest, suddenly fell into complete silence.

  Everyone's eyes widened as they stood frozen like statues, too stunned to speak.

  Like golden wax figures, they found themselves lost in this endless banquet wilderness.

  Why were they so shocked?

  Because the person who uttered these words was none other than the Elf Queen of the entire elven race!

  The very mystique of the elven race was enough to make these nobles sense their ethereal nobility.

  And Cocotte, as the Elf Queen, held a position in their hearts as lofty as the stars in the sky—utterly unreachable.

  Yet here was this proud and mysterious being, publicly demanding a kiss from Viktor before everyone!

  As if announcing to the entire world that she favored Viktor alone.

  But now there was a significant problem.

  Was this Elf Queen actually demanding a kiss from Viktor, or was she requesting a hand-kissing ceremony?

  Well, there was quite a difference between the two—and not a small one at that.

  The nobles flanking the red carpet drew sharp breaths. The entire venue fell silent as everyone awaited Viktor's response.

  Including Prince Aubrey.

  He too was left speechless by this theatrical scene.

  He never imagined such drama would unfold at today's banquet.

  Aubrey could already picture the headlines if this news broke—every newspaper would run it as front-page material.

  Those ruthless editors were probably already crafting sensational headlines in their minds.

  But more than that, he was astounded by the magic Viktor had just displayed.

  The prince lifted his gaze, scanning between the tight bark of tree trunks and the lush green canopy.

  Viktor had barely moved, yet in an instant, the entire golden banquet hall had been completely consumed by verdant green.

  Like early spring slipping through the cracks of time itself.

  The prince's expression remained dazed, his vision filled with crystal-clear tree trunks.

  He felt deeply shaken by the overwhelming power Viktor had demonstrated.

  Fortunately, witnessing this scene brought him not only shock but also comfort and anticipation.

  After all, Viktor had promised to help him deal with the monsters plaguing the south.

  Though he'd felt Viktor's power indirectly during their southern encounters, witnessing firsthand this ritual that could transform an entire setting was far more overwhelming.

  The stronger Viktor proved to be, the more at ease he naturally felt.

  At this moment, not a soul in the banquet hall dared make a sound—the atmosphere had become far too delicate.

  Everyone waited for Viktor's response.

  However, Cocotte, the person at the center of it all, seemed completely oblivious to the tension.

  She maintained her mischievous, proud demeanor, leaning back slightly with arms extended and a triumphant smile gracing her features.

  She waited for Viktor to kneel and kiss the back of her hand.

  Though Cocotte appeared confident on the surface, internally she was quietly second-guessing herself.

  She'd done what Lia suggested at the beginning, right...?

  ...

  "In our empire, nobles place great emphasis on proper etiquette."

  At the time, Cocotte had been motionless during her makeup session, able only to stare straight ahead at her reflection.

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  Elves possessed natural beauty with flawlessly perfect skin.

  Though she had no need for human cosmetics, Lia still worked to add finishing touches, striving to make her absolutely perfect.

  While adding delicate details to her face, Lia explained:

  "Among these customs is a hand-kissing ceremony that best demonstrates a gentleman's refined manners."

  Cocotte gazed at her gradually perfected reflection, eyes sparkling with wonder.

  That jade-like countenance was simply like a heavenly gem, carved by nature and adorned with nearly perfect features.

  She'd never really studied her appearance before—had she always been this beautiful?

  Though absorbed in admiring her own beauty, Cocotte still absorbed every word Lia spoke.

  "So when you make your entrance today, you should request a hand-kissing ceremony from Viktor."

  Lia continued:

  "This will not only showcase Viktor's gentlemanly nature but also emphasize your noble status."

  At this, Cocotte's eyes lit up with excitement.

  After all, Viktor was her boss—the thought of making her boss kiss her hand filled Cocotte with thrilling anticipation.

  Lia dressed her in an immaculate white gown and arranged her final strand of hair.

  Cocotte studied the face in the mirror, every feature radiating pride and expectation.

  "Most importantly, this will let everyone know you're here as an honored guest of the Kravina family."

  ...

  Viktor observed Cocotte as she tilted her head back with that blend of pride and mischief, raising an eyebrow.

  His gaze quietly shifted from Cocotte to Lia.

  He spotted Lia lurking nearby, arms crossed, wearing a subtle expression with that half-amused look.

  Just as he'd suspected.

  Clearly, Cocotte wasn't familiar with such protocols, which left only one possibility.

  Cocotte had been completely hoodwinked by Lia.

  If Cocotte truly understood the implications of a hand-kissing ceremony, she would never have acted so boldly.

  However, Viktor also grasped Lia's intentions perfectly.

  A slight smile tugged at his lips as he placed one arm elegantly across his chest.

  Then he dropped to one knee, gently grasped Cocotte's arm, and lifted it.

  Watching Viktor's movements, Cocotte felt momentarily stunned.

  Wait a second.

  Something felt... off?

  But it was too late for any reaction.

  The next instant, Viktor had already lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on the back of her hand.

  In that moment, she felt warmth flowing from her hand throughout her entire arm.

  Somehow, her body suddenly refused to obey her, her mind went completely blank, and her heart pounded as if a small deer were racing wildly inside her chest.

  Crimson instantly flooded Cocotte's entire face, and wisps of white steam even began rising from the top of her head.

  The surrounding plants seemed to pause for this moment.

  Flowers and grass ceased their swaying, stems straightened, and even the towering trees appeared frozen in time.

  The nobles present fell speechless at this sudden turn of events.

  Their eyes widened in complete amazement.

  Even Libert, mingling within the crowd, raised an eyebrow with his lips curling slightly upward, finding the scene quite entertaining.

  An elf and a human.

  How fascinating.

  Having completed this gesture, Viktor rose gracefully to his feet.

  Like the epitome of refined gentility, he faced Cocotte and bowed once more.

  By now, Cocotte's cheeks burned scarlet.

  She could feel the blazing heat in her face, her vision growing hazy.

  Her body unconsciously swayed backward, nearly fainting.

  Fortunately, the cloud beside her immediately moved forward, catching Cocotte before she could fall.

  She lay upon the soft, billowy surface, her eyes gradually regaining some clarity.

  Her gaze settled on the gently swaying branches as her hand pressed against her burning cheeks, her heart filled with utter confusion.

  How strange—what was happening to her?

  Cocotte had rehearsed this scenario countless times in her mind.

  Her plan had been simple: when Viktor kissed her hand, she would burst into laughter.

  She'd release all the humiliation she'd endured during her time at the Kravina household, finally reclaiming her dignity.

  "But what's happening now?"

  Cocotte's heart swirled with confusion, her mind blank, all her carefully laid plans seeming to evaporate in an instant.

  For a moment, she didn't even know how to react.

  What exactly was... this feeling?

  The crowd, finally recovering from their initial shock, hurried to bow respectfully to the Elf Queen.

  After all, Cocotte was a distinguished guest from distant lands, and her status within the elven race was equivalent to the empire's own emperor.

  Furthermore, since Viktor had already bowed and performed the hand-kissing ceremony, they naturally needed to follow suit with their own respects.

  Coming to her senses, Cocotte slowly sat up, glanced around, and finally understood.

  Just as Lia had promised, Viktor's kissing ceremony would indeed elevate her status to appear more noble.

  After all, this was Viktor—the empire's universally acknowledged most powerful mage.

  Such actions were merely meant to enhance her standing; she couldn't afford to appear so flustered.

  She needed to maintain her composure.

  Now it was her turn to return the courtesy.

  Cocotte cleared her throat softly, straightened her posture, and gazed at Viktor with determined eyes.

  She clasped her hands tightly against her chest.

  "May nature's grace be upon you."

  "May life's blessings flow into your heart."

  "Let disasters crumble, let a thousand spirits descend."

  As she chanted, emerald rays of light materialized around her body, transforming into spiraling vines that gradually enveloped Viktor.

  The radiance cascaded across the golden walls of the banquet hall, draping the entire chamber in a layer of verdant green.

  The nobles watched Viktor receive the Elf Queen's blessing, their eyes brimming with envy.

  "The Elf Queen truly is magnificent..."

  "And she's so beautiful, so regal..."

  "Even Viktor shows her such reverence—truly the perfect queen..."

  The nobles whispered among themselves, their words heavy with deep admiration.

  Cocotte closed her eyes and continued her incantation.

  Just then, her keen hearing picked up the humans' ongoing discussions.

  With her exceptional auditory abilities, she could hear their conversations crystal clear.

  Though maintaining outward calm, Cocotte was secretly thrilled.

  Wonderful! Was this the extent of Viktor's influence?

  She truly felt satisfied now.

  She'd definitely have to convince Viktor to bring her to more gatherings in the future.

  But suddenly, she heard the nobles' conversation take an unexpected turn:

  "Such a shame that the Elf Queen is already married."

  "Ah, yes... I wonder who her partner could be. I've never heard of male elves existing?"

  "Could it be a human? I heard the Elf Queen has lived for centuries—having several human husbands would be perfectly normal."

  Huh? Wait, what?

  Upon hearing these comments, Cocotte froze slightly, her chanting unconsciously trailing off.

  The surrounding natural energy scattered like broken pearls.

  Rich natural essence spread throughout the banquet hall, causing the previously lively atmosphere to plunge into sudden silence.

  Every noble in the banquet hall stared at Cocotte, who had abruptly stopped her incantation, and promptly closed their mouths.

  An awkward and uncertain tension suddenly permeated the air.

  Cocotte remained standing there, looking utterly bewildered.

  "Huh?"

  What exactly were they... talking about?

  """

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