# 42
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“This seal...”
I stopped reading the invitation, lost in my thoughts.
Aglaia Clyde, Speaker of the Imperial Parliament.
She was the aunt of Etheus – the elder sister of the current emperor.
In 「Revolution Star」, power was concentrated in the hands of the Emperor, but laws were enacted by Parliament.
Power was divided between the Emperor and Parliament in a ratio of approximately 70:30.
The parliament was composed of the heads of noble families.
Even the Emperor couldn't completely ignore him.
In fact, Ethios's survival was partly thanks to Parliament.
Speaker of Parliament Aglaia Clyde could not prevent her brother from usurping her nephew's throne, but she...
She was able to use the power of Parliament to prevent its liquidation.
Although Aglaia did not join Ethios' revolt, she was the only political figure on his side.
“The person I hated most...was my father.”
This is understandable, since he supported the Emperor in deposing Etheus.
“Someone like her invites me to her birthday party...”
This can't be a good thing.
I read the message on the invitation.
“I would like you to check something the Duke of Elmore left behind.”
Something my father left with Aglaya.
I can guess what it is, but I need to be sure.
“Send a reply that I will come.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Having said that, I looked out at the beautiful Elmore Gardens.
Water was flowing from the fountains, and birds were singing sweet melodies.
“Well, I have a trump card prepared for today.”
* * *
After his reaction to Catherine at Government House, two days passed before Etheus fully recovered from the effects of the drug.
“Just look at me for a moment...”
As he remembered Catherine's round eyes staring at him, he pressed his fingers to his brow.
His heart was now giving him a clear answer about Catherine Elmore.
“Your Highness the Prince.”
Karon delivered to Etheos a letter from the Speaker of Parliament, Aglaia.
Etheus, who had been upset since Catherine's visit, silently accepted the letter and opened it.
He knew it was an invitation for her birthday as usual.
The answer was always the same.
Apology.
So this message would not have worried him... Unless there's something else on his mind.
“Did something happen?”
Etheos was never the type to worry unnecessarily.
He preferred actions to contemplation.
But if it came to Catherine Elmore, things might be different.
“...Maybe I made fun of him.”
As he imagined her evil smile, Karon's eyebrow twitched.
Although Sestina had recently sent much-needed supplies, Elemore remained Elemore.
While Karon pondered, Etheus put the letter aside with a gentle knock.
He assumed he would refuse again.
But Caron had something to say before he answered.
“Her Highness insisted on your attendance this year. She was disappointed that you had not attended in recent years.”
“...She said she wanted to introduce you to someone.”
"Sorry?"
"woman."
Karon raised his eyebrows in surprise.
“Marriage broker? But...”
Aglaia had tried to arrange marriages for Etheos before – daughters from non-Imperial faction families eager for a royal title.
Even the daughters of members of parliament.
But Etheus showed no interest in any of them.
“This time...it's Elmore.”
Karon's eyebrows rose.
"Elmore? Princess?"
Elmore supports the Emperor, right? Karon couldn't hide his shock.
“Don't tell me...isn't that Catherine Elmore?”
Etheos frowned looking at the letter, where no specific name was written.
“I'll know when I go.”
* * *
The Aglaia Gardens were full of tables for their guests.
The musicians played uplifting melodies.
She had her black hair neatly tied up and wore a white dress, welcoming the nobles.
Although most of the guests were opponents of the Emperor, Aglaia's connections included many nobles of the Imperial Faction as well.
“Oh my God, here you come! My handsome, reliable nephew.”
When she saw Etheus approaching, Aglaia screamed, putting her hands over her mouth.
All eyes were on him.
Although his simple shirt, waistcoat, and trousers were not flashy, his tall stature and attractive features made him stand out and could not be ignored.
“Congratulations, aunty.”
Etheus kissed her hand as a formal greeting.
Aglaya looked at him with admiration, as if he were the most precious being in the world.
The treatment he received here was in stark contrast to imperial occasions.
She remained unmarried until her forties, vowing not to start her own family to protect Etheus from the Emperor.
“...Etheus, as I wrote to you, there is a lady whom I would like to introduce to you.”
His fingertips trembled.
Elmore.
Immediately, two vibrant violet eyes flashed into his mind.
Aglaya smiled and gestured lightly.
A blonde woman stepped up beside her and bowed to Etheus.
“Your Highness, I...”
Her green eyes sparkled.
“Lucia Elmore, it is an honor.”
Aglaya clapped enthusiastically as she presented it.
Unaware that Etheus's blue eyes had become ice cold.
“Isn’t she pretty? She’s seen you before but she’s never talked to you. Although the Elmore family has a complicated history, her father, Mr. Fadelmon, is a very upright person.”
Fadelmon Elmore.
Currently under Etheos investigation due to Catherine's accusations. His arrest was postponed by Parliament – now Etheus understood why.
Etheus stared at Lucia Elmore with icy, emotionless eyes.
Despite her bright smile, his expression remained unaffected, making Lucia's eyebrows twitch.
Aglaia forced herf to smile, and reached out to grab Lucia's wrist, pulling her closer to Etheus.
“It will be embarrassing if you stay like an old woman here, walking in the park and talking.”
The noblewomen behind her laughed and nodded in agreement.
Etheus gave a short nod before turning to walk away.
Lucia hurried to follow him.
As she watched them, Aglaya's lips curled greedily.
At that moment, a servant approached to announce the arrival of a new guest.
“Princess Catherine Elmore has arrived.”
Aglaya's eyebrow rose sharply.
“Ah, the child I intended to teach a lesson has arrived.”