The emperor frowned at the unexpected answer. 'Those two are not on good terms as far as I know…' he thought in confusion but soon raised the corners of his lips. This was perfect. It was likely for his son to introduce Beatrice to Lagon's king just to irritate the empress.

Having resolved all the issues, the emperor nodded agreeably. "I see. It seems he hasn't decided on a partner either, so I will talk to him about it."

Relief only lasted for a moment for Beatrice. She suppressed her desire to scream when she realized what she had done. 'I've gone mad. What was I thinking—saying that I was going to partner with that scum!'

Regardless, the emperor grinned. "I must say that Maximillian is a handsome man—just like me. Now that he has a beautiful partner as well, so many maidens will be heartbroken at the sight of you two entering the banquet!"

Beatrice suddenly felt sick to her stomach. Despite feeling nauseous, she forced a smile.

* * *

His face crumpled, Max thought about his stepsister's banquet which would take place in a few days. Although he hadn't planned on intending, he was worried about other noblemen approaching Jubelian during the event. Faces of countless men who had been lingering around her passed by in Max's head. The one that bothered him the most was Duke Elios' son, whom his master had mentioned.

'I better be there. He might try to pull something in my absence.'

In all honesty, Max wanted to be her partner and stay by her side throughout the day. But if he did so, she would find out that he was the crown prince. He couldn't show up to the banquet wearing a mask this time. He was wondering how he could hide his identity for the ball when a servant knocked on the door to his room.

"Your Highness, His Majesty has sent a message."

Max wrinkled his face at the mention of the emperor. At the same time, he was confused. Why would his father send a formal message like this? Caught up in an ominous feeling, Max opened the door and asked, "What is it?"

The servant stared blankly. The crown prince was not donned in his usual helmet, allowing his striking features to shine. Then, realizing he had shown disrespect, the aide bowed in haste. "Oh, i-it's… T-this is the message, Your Highness."

Having received the parchment, Max snarled, "And what is this supposed to be?"

Watching the crown prince crumple up the letter without even reading, the servant swallowed nervously. To make it worse, the prince was giving a death stare. "L-lady Beatrice has requested His Majesty to partner with Your Highness for the banquet. His Majesty has already accepted her wishes," the messenger reported with a shaky voice.

Max realized what had happened and smirked. It seemed that his father had called Beatrice himself to fulfill his plan. Max thought the emperor and the empress were going to deal with this issue themselves. He had not expected things to go this way.

'Even if the means changed, it's the same end result for me.'

Frankly, Max could refuse if he wanted to, but he had a good reason for accepting Beatrice's request. Thanks to her, it would be easier to monitor what happened during the banquet. Beatrice was likely to spend time with Jubelian, which meant he would be able to approach the lady away from the emperor and empress' suspicions.

'Beatrice being useful to me… That's a first.'

Suddenly feeling better, Max responded, "I see. I will gladly accept my lovely sister's request to be her partner for her coronation ceremony."

* * *

Beatrice almost passed out in shock when she received her stepbrother's reply from the servant. "What now? Maximillian accepted the request? Is that true?"

"Yes, His Highness also said he would be preparing a wonderful gift for the ceremony and that you are welcome to look forward to it."

Chills ran down Beatrice's back. 'T-that devilish man is giving me a present? What the hell is he trying to give me?' Given his cruel nature, it was unlikely to be a normal gift. Beatrice's head throbbed. She regretted what she had said to her father earlier in the day. Thinking about her uncaring parents and entering the banquet hall with her stepbrother made Beatrice want to cancel the event altogether. If she really could, she wouldn't host such an event.

Just then, she was reminded of the graceful lady.