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nThe people who had seen the royal carriage on the road all stopped whatever they were doing and gawked. They were also curious as to who was the person sitting inside and thought that it might be one of the princes and princesses. Those who have seen it leave the vicinity of the palace from earlier knew that the person inside isn't a royal at all, because it had left empty.

nSo now, they are all scratching their chins and guessing who it was. It might be some powerful person or a very important guest of the royal family. Not long after though, their questions would be answered.

nTailing behind the three royal carriages is another one. It was smaller compared to the one ahead of it, but it is still big nevertheless. It has the insignia of the Marquis Herman's estate, the roaring lion. Therefore, all of them put the bits and pieces together and all came to a conclusion. It must be the young miss of the Herman family.

nShe is not only related to the current Empress and Crown Prince by blood, but she is also the rumored King of The Hunt.. Her news of falling into sickness spread like wildfire too, and she became the most famous noble lady in just a day after the event had ended. Her name was spread all over the social circle amongst the nobility and was even the talk for almost 2 weeks now.

nAfter all, it was the first time that The Hunt's winner was a woman, plus the fact that she is the youngest one at that in the history of the event, ever since it was practiced.

nNadia Eleanor Herman.

nEven the patriarchs of the family had been pushing their sons to at least get her hand in marriage, and their daughters to specifically befriend her. Just days ago, the news of the Crowned Prince Ezekiel, visiting her house was spread around as well. Mouth to mouth, ears to ears, they all have different tales to tell. But the fact that the royal family had sent an entourage just after the rumored lady woke up from a coma, only made her name more fragrant.

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"The emperor would grant her favors today, right?

" one of the curious noblewomen who saw them passed, voiced out. She was out on a walk with her husband in the capital and had stopped to watch the carriage go forth.

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"It is the reward, yes,

" her husband answered and stared at it. It was now out of their sight.

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"How lucky,

" the woman then mumbled before the two of them continued to their destination.

nThe carriage went inside the open gates of the royal palace and carried on until they had reached the wide courtyard where knights and the likes were all waiting for them. Nadia's eyes surveyed her surroundings as soon as she came off. She was internally screaming from how beautiful it was as she greedily drinks in everything.

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"Good afternoon, Lady Nadia of Herman,

" Nathaniel greeted her formally, to Nadia's amusement.

nHe was leading the whole squad of knights, and if she is not mistaken, she could also see the other three with him.

n'So this is how they look when they are dressed in a knight uniform…' was her thoughts.

n'What can I say except for, they are all too pretty for the eyes… Fufufufufu~'

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"Good afternoon,

" she greeted back and smiled at her brother full of mischief. She wants to tease him, but that would be inappropriate so she held back her tongue.

nHe then led her inside, dismissing the other knights except for Eon.

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"'Sup Nads,

" Eon called out.

nNadia looked at him in question,

"Nads?

"

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"That is your pet name, Nads,

" Eon answered and winked at her.

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"Are you flirting with my sister?

" Nathan suddenly voiced out in a dark voice.

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"No way! She is my little sister too, you know!

" Eon defends himself.

nThe both of them went silent when someone was in sight and went formal, which almost made Nadia snort in an unladylike manner.

n'How pretentious.'

nAfter they were out of hearing range, Nathan glared at Eon again. The latter only smirked in response.

nThey now approached the big double doors of the main hall so Nadia composed herself, wearing a mask of confidence even though she was nervous as hell.

nThe doors opened and Nathan gestured for her to go in. She gave herself one last pinch to her right palm before she calmly sauntered inside. She was greeted with the sight of a luxurious room with big chandeliers and golden decors. There was a long red carpet that trailed up until the throne in which a figure of a man and woman were sitting there comfortably.

nThere were knights lining each column at the side, stiff and unmoving. Her eyes drifted upfront, to the two sitting people. The two of them were looking at her intently. One was without expression while the other was smiling warmly. Beside the throne was her cousin, and some older men, one of them was her dad.

nNadia took her time in approaching the throne. Her movements were steady and unhurried, and there was an air of youthful elegance around her. The people in front all watched her with curiosity in their eyes.

n'So this is the rumored young miss,' was Duke Reichen's thoughts.

n'Bea's friend and savior…' was Duke Ethalion's.

nNadia then curtsied as soon as she was a few meters away from the throne, executing it flawlessly.

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"Greetings to the great suns of Rosenthal. Blessed be our nation, blessed be His Imperial Majesty and Her Imperial Highness,

" she declared and stood up straight afterward.

nThe two monarchs studied her for a moment and Nadia remained there smiling but was incredibly anxious inside.

n'Is my curtsy weird? Did I slur my words? I did not, did I?'

nThe Emperor's sharp eyes are giving Nadia the intimidation she had never felt before. After all, this was the father of their nation, a very powerful man. He could order to slash her head off if he wants to.

n'I have not offended them, have I?' she can't help but to overthink.

nWhat else could she do if the person in front of her isn't saying anything?

n'I mean, the empress is my father's sister so she won't support the beheading thing right?'

nAfter some more tense moments had passed, the Emperor finally spoke.

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"What do you desire?

"

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