The Engagement and the Parting, Part One

The day of the engagement ceremony between my elder sister and His Highness Arthur had come all too quickly.

Tonight is the day of the Foundation Festival.

For days, the Emmental household had been blessed with good tidings.

First, the imperial decree announcing the engagement between His Highness, the Third Prince Arthur, and my elder sister, Stella.

Then, the news of Lady Melujène’s pregnancy.

She is now in her seventh month, and her belly has begun to show plainly.

Next, the offer of a donor for Alex Elder.

With this, Alex Elder will be able to live without losing his noble status.

Finally, the emergence of a candidate for the next Virgin of the Barrier in the Emmental domain…

At dinner just days ago, our father announced these matters, and the entire family could not conceal their joy.

The whole household seemed to float in a festive spirit.

No wonder, really.

The long-awaited heir’s birth, the sudden appearance of the elusive donor after years of searching, the beloved daughter summoned to the Imperial Palace as if from a tale— even the vexing matter of the Virgin of the Barrier, once a source of deep concern, now showed clear signs of resolution mere days after the current lord’s declining strength was confirmed.

And now I sit within the carriage bound for the Imperial Palace.

I travel alone, without a partner.

My destination is the wedding venue of His Grace Arthur and my elder sister Stella.

Clad in a newly tailored gown, the finest I have ever worn, and adorned with pearl ornaments formally bestowed upon me by my grandmother, I prepare to enter.

As I arrive, every gaze turns toward me.

I am the blood relative of tonight’s central figure, a young woman once tainted by scandal, a younger sister whose betrothal was stolen by her elder sister—pitiable, and thus the object of every eye.

Though their gazes differ, the reaction upon seeing me is the same: a sharp, startled stillness across each face.

To them, I offer the most perfect smile of a noblewoman—performing the flawless maiden they expect.

Gracefully, delicately, with poise, I enter the hall with solemn dignity.

No one stops me. No one reproaches me. All keep their distance, watching from afar.

The gathering has already begun; the signal for its start has been given. The people are enjoying the party, each absorbed in their own delight.

It is now, precisely, the moment when today’s main figures should arrive.

I have come at just the right time—neither too early, nor too late.

As planned, the moment I step into the hall, the fanfare of the royal entrance sounds.

First to enter are the Second Consort and the Empress Dowager.

Today, due to the Foundation Festival festivities, the Emperor and Empress will arrive later.

The venue is the Crystal Palace, once used for the wedding of Cain Elder.

As before, all turn their gaze toward the inner staircase and bow in reverence.

I, unlike that time, stand near the wall, curtseying as I wait for the moment.

At the foot of the grand staircase, where all eyes are fixed, Father and Mother already stand, along with Cain Elder and his wife, and Alex Elder.

A short while later, Fret Elder joins them in the uniform of the guard.

I position myself with my back against the wall, observing.

Father nods as if the family were complete, even though I do not join the line, and the announcement begins.

"From this moment forth, the betrothal ceremony of His Highness Arthur, Third Prince of the Empire, Heir of the Radiant Sun, and Miss Stella, Heiress of the Empire’s steadfast foundation, the County of Emmental, shall be conducted.

The couple may enter."

And the curtain on the staircase rises.

Lord Arthur wore his first formal attire, the Sacred Stone brooch—pale blue, likely gifted by his elder sister—fastened at his chest, a sword at his side.

His expression bore a faint, distant smile, as if clouded.

In contrast, Stella, his elder sister, laughed like a blooming flower.

Her gown was my debutante dress, taken from me.

Unlike at her own debut, the family crest embroidery on the front of the dress was not concealed, but boldly displayed, and where stains had marred the fabric, flower corsages were placed upon it—so overtly, as if to declare its past.

Even now, the memory of that dress, transformed thus, made it clear it was no longer mine to claim.

Then, the formal announcement of the engagement was made, and greetings exchanged from both families.

From the imperial side, Her Majesty the Empress Dowager offered a blessing, stating that it was the Emperor’s own will, and urged the elder sister to remain steadfast.

From our household, my father then stepped forward to speak his greeting.

"Esteemed guests, it is truly an honor that on this auspicious day of the Foundation Festival, our household has come to be linked with the Imperial Family.

Since the betrothal of our daughter, good fortune has followed us.

The eldest son’s family has been blessed with pregnancy, and the second son has found a donor to overcome the long-standing illness that has plagued him for years.

Moreover, I take this occasion to announce that this summer, a Virgin of the Barrier shall be welcomed to our domain.

The Virgin of the Barrier has been graciously recommended by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. I offer my deepest gratitude once more."

With that, Father turned to face his elder daughter.

"I believe all the blessings we have received have been woven by this child. Stella, thank you. May you be happy."

The elder sister smiled brightly. "Yes! Father, thank you!"

The hall began to fill with a sense of blessing, and the guests, each with gentle smiles, gazed upon the scene.

To me, it seemed absurd—yet to others, no doubt, profoundly moving.

Immediately after, the dance music began, and Your Highness took his elder sister’s hand, descending onto the floor.

Her dancing, so hesitant and strained as she followed Your Highness with grace, was honestly unbearable to watch.

During the dance, my gaze met Your Highness’s—fixed upon me as the ornament upon the wall.

A gaze that held surprise, sorrow, and joy all at once—complex, layered, and heavy with meaning.

Only a beat later did my elder sister’s eyes meet mine, having noticed Your Highness’s gaze.

Where Your Highness’s look was tender and kind, hers carried anger.

You should not stand before the public with such a fearful expression, elder sister. If you wish to become a princess, mastering the art of composure is a necessity.

I thought this, within my mind, while returning her gaze with the flawless smile of a lady.

When the dance ended, the two approached me—Your Highness with a sorrowful expression, my elder sister with her brows drawn down like a demon’s.

I bowed deeply in the manner of a loyal subject.

“Spica! I’m glad you came, but what in the world is that dress supposed to be?”

She speaks before the one of highest rank here—clearly unaware that such conduct breaches all etiquette. I glance briefly at my sister, then offer my greeting to Your Highness.

“Your Highness Arthur and his betrothed, I offer my respects.”

Your Highness said only, “You are forgiven.”

“Congratulations on your betrothal. I rejoice that this auspicious day has come.” “Yet you speak not a word of me! Don’t ignore me—what is that dress, I’m asking you!”

My sister’s outburst—sharp as a cry of fury—cut through my greeting. To think I might spare myself further words on this ill-fated match, now so close to dissolution, brings me a quiet relief.

And yet, I deepen my smile, for she has done exactly as I expected: rebuking me for my attire.

The color of my dress tonight is pure white—the color reserved for the central figure, taboo except for a debutante, a betrothal, or a wedding.

But tonight, there is no fault in my choice. So I will tell her so.

“Is there something amiss with my appearance, sister?”

My ladylike smile cannot hide her irritation, and she lunges at me.

“What do you mean! You know, don’t you? You’re a perfect lady—surely you know how out of place you are! You know perfectly well only the betrothed may wear white at a betrothal ceremony, don’t you?”

Her fists tremble violently.

I suppressed a laugh, though the irony of my elder brother’s wedding day, and yet he dared to lecture me—yet I deepened my smile and spoke again.

“Ah, my lady, if that is so, then I bear no fault at all.

Only Her Imperial Majesty may wear this hue tonight.

If you doubt me, why not inquire of Her Imperial Majesty herself? I have a reason worthy of this rare color this evening.

Of course, you have studied courtly etiquette, have you not?”

My elder sister, lacking the courage to approach Her Imperial Majesty and too ignorant to conceal her own shortcomings, could only remain silent.

“Miss Spica, would you grace us with a dance as thanks for our celebration?”

“No, you cannot! Arthur-sama is my betrothed! You must not dance with Spica!”

Your Highness intercepted her sister’s interruption, yet gently reprimanded her.

“Betrothed, you must dance with others this evening as well. Put aside childish selfishness. And is she not your sister? There is no harm in fostering goodwill with one’s kin, is there?”

Her sister could not reply, silenced by such words.

In that moment, Your Highness and I stepped onto the floor.

For a brief span, we danced in perfect harmony.

Our rhythm far surpassed that of her sister and Your Highness earlier.

Years of dancing together have etched the steps into my body, so deeply that my limbs remember him as if by instinct.

“You are departing tonight?”

“Yes, I leave shortly…”

You must have noticed, having been informed in advance.

“Safe journey… is an odd thing to say…

Yet just now, you seemed quite different from your usual self.”

I smile playfully.

“Fufu, I’ve lately come to understand the ways of a villainess.”

Your Highness smiles in return.

“You are entirely removed from such a role.”

“Not at all, I assure you. Thanks to my elder sister, my reputation has become quite the one of a villainess.”

“No, you are far better suited to be a saint. My beloved… I cherish you. And I wait.”

“I cherish you too. But do not wait…

May the one who stirs your heart find happiness. That is why I go…”

The music nears its end.

With reluctant grace, I release your hand and bow deeply at the final dance with Your Highness.

“Thank you.”

I offer my deepest gratitude, every moment of it.

Your Highness presses a single kiss to the palm of my hand, then bids me farewell with “May your journey be blessed.”

And so, with the final dance concluded, I am met by the family of Emmental.

They surrounded my elder sister, her face clouded with displeasure, waiting with bated breath for my dance to end.

“Spica, what is the meaning of this? Why are you ruining your sister’s engagement ceremony?”

“Father, I offer my sincerest congratulations on this day.

Yet I am deeply hurt. I have come here to celebrate my sister’s joy… have I done anything amiss?”

I feign ignorance. The look of shock on my face—how unlike me to refuse to apologize outright—reignites his fury.

“You know full well! Your attire, dancing with Your Highness, even the way you speak now—none of it is innocent!”

“Oh? I did inform my sister of this dress. She granted me permission to have it made, and the colors were approved by Her Majesty the Empress Dowager.

As for the invitation, Your Highness kindly asked me to dance as a gesture of gratitude for my earlier speech. How could I possibly refuse?”

It seemed rather improper to refuse a dance with my betrothed, family member though she may be…”

I touch my cheek, tilting my head slightly, as if in doubt of my own thoughts.

Father grows red-faced, unable to refute my logic despite wishing to shame me.

“Why trouble your sister so! It is a wedding ceremony—can you not at least uphold her dignity? Even Merlyjune yielded the white dress to Stella at her own wedding. I do not know the reason, but surely the color of a dress is a small enough concession?”

Cain Elder speaks up in defiance.

The family all nod in agreement, and I feel a dry laugh rising in my throat.

They do not care to understand why I wear this dress—only to condemn me for it.

Surely, in this hall, some have begun to grasp the meaning of my attire…

Please convey your thoughts to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager. She will surely provide an answer.

Moreover, if my memory serves me correctly, it was Elder Brother Cain who urged my elder sister Melujene to remove her white dress... There is no bride who willingly surrenders her white gown.

My elder sister, her belly now clearly grown beneath the family shadows, nods slowly, affirming with soft murmurs.

I am aware she still holds a grudge over that moment, yet I brought it up anyway. I wondered if it were wrong, but she seems to understand.

Indeed, among all those gathered here today, she is the only one who comprehends the meaning behind my attire.

I receive from her a glance tinged with a quiet pity, a look that carries remembrance.

It grieves me that I shall never meet my niece or nephew, yet when I think of this child’s future, my resolve strengthens.

Cain Elder, realizing his disadvantage, falls silent.

“Spica! Why have you become so cruel? Return to your honest self, already!”

Fret Elder barks something entirely misplaced.

“Elder Brother, I have committed no act unbecoming of proper conduct. I would ask you not to label such actions as malicious.

If I appear unkind to you, you must adopt a more impartial perspective.”

I speak sharply, and he flushes crimson—exactly as our father does.

“Spica, do not be so stubborn. Apologize. You could borrow a dress from the Imperial Palace’s wardrobe right now… or I’ll even apologize with you. You’re meant to be a lady of grace, aren’t you?”

Perhaps it was a remark born of Alex Elder’s kindness, yet it still felt misplaced. Just how old was I, I wonder…

He has lived without the burden of noble blood, so naturally, Alex Elder carries a certain detachment from tradition and custom, a touch removed from the world of courtly affairs.

“You may be kind-hearted, Alex Elder, but there is no need for apology. The lady I admired never apologized for having done nothing wrong.

And if the Empress Dowager has already approved this attire, would you not realize that to remove it would be an act of disrespect?”

To point it out would silence even the family as thoroughly as ever before.

“Ah, speaking to family… where did I go wrong in raising you? Perhaps I spoiled you too much, thinking you were only a foster child!”

Those words, hurled at me with hysterical force from Mother—those were the ones that cut deepest.

When my father sensed my agitation, he too broke his silence.

“That’s right! To forget all the kindness shown, and then to treat your own family thus…

You are now exactly eighteen, of age. Take this as an opportunity to leave the household and cool your mind. You may be certain there will be no seat for you among the nobility, nor any support from this family!”

Mother hurriedly said, “Now, my dear husband!” and tugged at his sleeve.

My father huffed, as if satisfied with his own words.

I could see plainly that he expected me to cry and beg forgiveness.

“I understand. If this is your judgment as head of the household, I accept it with due respect.

Yet I still hold the dignity befitting a humble servant of Emmental. May I, then, take this remaining time this evening to bid farewell to Emmental, as my own?”

Whether startled by my calm inquiry, or by my not offering apology, she paused for a moment in silence, then—

“Do as you please! At least refrain from further disgracing our family name.”

She turned her back and walked away.

I bowed deeply, my heart holding a quiet sorrow that went unnoticed.

“Until today, I thank you, Spica, for raising me. I shall repay this kindness in full.

May you all remain safe and whole.”

My elder sister briefly turned her face toward me, a smug smile on her lips, then led the family away from me.

The last image I saw of them was a face filled with scorn—grief welled within me, anger burned at being humiliated before the public, yet I could not hate them, for they were irreplaceable to me…

Thank you, truly, for loving me.

There is so much I cannot convey, yet I will not speak it in words anymore.

But, Stella-sama… no, Stella-otome-sama, I hated you until the very end.

Farewell, everyone of Emmental.

First, I apologize for the delay in this post.

Many of you must have been startled by the sudden passage of time.

I plan to post about the engagement ceremony and the period of penance that follows, so I hope you will wait patiently.

As mentioned in my activity report, due to various circumstances, I have not been able to find time to write, and I am truly sorry for keeping you waiting.

I look forward to your continued support!