Before long, gifts were piled high from the representatives of each country. Amanda noticed that enormous tributes were given to the Keith Empire, perhaps for various reasons, but not least as a payment to not invade their kingdom. The Keith Empire had been part of countless wars, and had ravaged and defeated many countries like a bloodthirsty demon. For the surrounding kingdoms watching, the Keith Empire was a symbol of fear, and no one dared to challenge their military might.
The Empire was more peaceful under Howard’s rule, but Oliver, the current crown prince, seemed to have the bloodthirsty streak of previous emperors. It was natural to be concerned whether the violent history would be resurrected. Oliver was better known among the foreign kingdoms rather than in the Keith Empire, as he had encountered the other kingdoms directly in the battlefield. Amanda had these thoughts to herself as she watched the delegations.
‘Is that why they keep looking at him?’
The delegates first looked towards Howard, but their eyes were inevitably drawn towards Oliver. They all had the same fear in their eyes. For Amanda, who had already lived one life, knew how Oliver was viewed by other kingdoms. They were the first to say that Emperor Luke’s treason would have failed if Crown Prince Oliver were still alive.
Amanda looked at Oliver with new eyes. Feeling her gaze on him, Oliver shifted his expression from indifference at the delegates to amiable when he looked at her. He bent over slightly and whispered in her ear.
“What are you thinking of, wife?”
His tone was playful, but Amanda was flustered. Perhaps it was because of the way he addressed her as “wife.”
The delegates looked on in astonishment at Oliver’s sudden change in mood, and Amanda replied in a low voice.
“They’re all constantly staring at you, Oliver.”
Oliver’s expression turned steely, and he looked over them one by one.
“You mean you don’t like them?”
Amanda shook her head, trying to assuage Oliver’s threatening tone.
“No, I’m just amazed. Everyone seems to know you very well.”
“Some may have seen me before, but the others…they may have heard rumors.”
“Are the rumors frightening?”
Amanda made a joke about what she already knew. Oliver paused for a moment, and replied in a deadpan voice.
“Of course not. I’m sure they’re talking about my generous compassion…however, let me know if there is someone who is gossiping about me.”
“Why? So you can deal with them?”
Amanda already had a rough idea of what kind of past Oliver had, despite how indirectly Oliver talked about it.
“Deal with them? I only want to just reason with them.”
Amanda couldn’t hold back a laugh at his remark. The day Oliver gently admonished anyone twice would be the day she died.
The guests were astonished at the scene of the couple amiably whispering to themselves. It wasn’t only the foreign ambassadors. The nobles of the Keith Empire noticed too, including Empress Madelyn, who was sitting not far away. The Empress’ eyes glimmered as if she had discovered something very interesting.
*
*
*
Emperor Howard started to look more fatigued as the reception of the delegates continued on, and he interrupted in a quiet voice.
“I need to rest for a while.”
Oliver and Amanda rose straight from their seats, and Oliver spoke first, his expression smooth.
“Let me see you off.”
” There is no need. This is your day.”
Howard turned towards Madelyn, who had been sitting wordlessly next to him.
“I don’t feel well, so come with me.”
“Hoho, you don’t think I’ll do something wrong if you’re gone, do you?”
Madelyn had a soft smile, but her tone was churlish. Nevertheless, Howard seemed accustomed to it.
“Not at all. I mean that you’re the only one that can take care of me.”
“I understand. We’ll leave together.”
Madelyn smiled as if she had no choice, then in a graceful motion stood up to support Howard. On the surface, the scene didn’t seem strange at all, but the atmosphere was hostile. Amanda bowed in farewell to them.
“Go back safely, Father, Mother.”
Howard smiled back.
“Yes, enjoy yourself, sweetheart.”
Amanda turned to Madelyn, but the Empress brushed past her. Oliver stared at the increasingly distant figures of Howard and Madelyn with a cold expression.
Now that the Emperor and Empress were gone, the greatest attention turned towards Oliver and Amanda. She didn’t know if Howard had intended it, but she wouldn’t waste this opportunity. Now, no one would notice the Emperor’s fatigue.
“I’m going to greet the people who came to see me from the south.”
Oliver responded with a slight nod.
“Very well. Come to me when you’re done, and I’ll introduce you to the people I know.”
“I will.”
Amanda parted from Oliver’s side, and she stepped down from the head table and approached Vivian with a bright smile.
“Marchioness Holland, thank you for coming all this way to my wedding.”
“Oh, Your Highness!”
Vivian had quickly accustomed to Amanda’s new title in a short amount of time. As a model in southern society, she made no mistake at all. Vivian and her close friends bowed.
“Hail to the Crown Princess. Eternal glory to the Keith Empire.”
Amanda wasn’t still unused to the greeting, but she gave a gentle smile without showing any outward signs of anxiety. The Windsor family was from the south, and if Amelia were to return there in the future, she would need the help of the southern aristocrats.
The Keith Empire was divided into five regions—the south, the east, the west, the north, and the central capital. It was natural for Amanda to start exerting influence in the south, which was her home after all.
“We were all amazed to see your wedding dress earlier today. If you don’t mind me asking, where did you commission it?”
Dresses were a popular topic among noblewoman, and Amanda was prepared for this. She responded kindly.
“From Charlotte’s Tailors in the capital. My sister also has a talent for design, and contributed many ideas.”
“Oh, you mean the young lady from before? So incredible already at such a young age.”
Although Vivian was playing up the compliments, Amanda covered her mouth and smiled. Now that she had risen to a high position, it was natural for everyone to try and flatter her.