Chapter 291: Chapter 291: 291 Royal Banquet (Part 2)_1

Translator: 549690339

To the flowing melody, Colin held Queen Midela’s slender, delicate waist and began to dance on the exquisite carpet.

In the confines of the courtly dance, the dancing couple seemed to be closely intertwined, but that was actually a visual illusion, with only their arms making contact, leaving no other parts of their bodies touching.

Only lovers or spouses would press their bodies intimately together.

Of course, Colin would never disrespect Queen Midela, but unexpectedly, the Queen took the initiative to move closer.

Feeling the softness and warmth on his abdomen, Colin managed to maintain his cool.

“Judy has been learning to dance since she was a child, and she has a bad habit of stepping on people’s feet. It’s not deliberate against you, I hope you won’t take it to heart.” Queen Midela whispered into his ear.

Her lazy tone and moist breath continuously stirred Colin’s emotions.

“Being stepped on by a beautiful lady is also an honor.” Colin responded with a smile.

At the same time, he remembered that at the dance ball in Silver Moon City, Queen Midela too had once stepped on his foot.

Indeed, like mother like daughter.

Perhaps thinking of the same incident, a touch of gorgeous red appeared on Queen Midela’s pretty face.

Colin led Queen Midela in a quick spin, her purple long dress blooming like a flower, revealing a fleeting glimpse of enchanting scenery underneath.

“I heard the Empress is ill?”

Colin suddenly asked, awakening Queen Midela who had been lost in the dance.

The Queen glanced at Colin, chuckling, “Where did you hear that from?”

Colin remained silent, he wouldn’t betray a little girl.

But Queen Midela’s reaction suggested that the rumor was true.

No wonder Emperor Reinhardt hasn’t appeared.

When Colin didn’t reveal his source, Queen Midela didn’t press further, she nodded, “Yes, the Empress is indeed unwell, but you don’t have to worry, she should be all right soon.

Also, I hope you will not spread this news; after all, it could easily incite unnecessary panic.”

“I understand.” Colin nodded, then asked, “What does the Emperor think about the issue of the Northern Duke’s heir?”

The expression on Queen Midela’s face became serious, she softly said:

“Don’t worry, both the Emperor and I wish to see Vera inherit the Duke of the North Territory. Besides, you have the will of the former Northern Duke, so take your time, wait for the ideal time, and I will organize a meeting with the Emperor.”

Queen Midela’s reassuring words, far from calming Colin, only served to make him more aware that something was amiss in the Imperial Capital.

More importantly, he noticed that the Queen said “when the timing is right”, and not “when the Emperor recovers”. This led Colin to speculate: could it be that the Emperor isn’t critically ill and unable to receive guests, but rather the timing is just not convenient, and he isn’t willing to meet Vera?

“Your Majesty, of course I am willing to follow your arrangements.” Although he had his suspicions, Colin certainly wouldn’t question the Queen’s decision openly.

After all, they were not in Winterfell City but Dragon City, where the St. Hilde family’s limited influence relied heavily on Vera’s aunt, Queen Midela, one of the most important people here.

However, Colin would not place his complete trust in this beautiful queen.

She may be Vera’s aunt, but she was also Joyce’s aunt.

Colin couldn’t be sure whose side she was truly on.

Seeing that Colin was obedient, Queen Midela’s smile brightened and she spoke up again:

“Oh, and there’s something else you should heed.”

“Please do tell.”

“Don’t trust Sabas St. Hilde!”

“Huh?” Colin was caught off-guard and nearly missed a beat, but he quickly recovered.

Sabas St. Hilde, Vera’s uncle by marriage, was also the Governor of the Imperial Senate.

The Imperial Senate had five Governors drawn from the Elders of the five Holy Knight Families, rotating monthly to chair the meetings of the Senate.

In other words, this Mr. Sabas was also an important figure from the St. Hilde family in Dragon City.

Colin and Vera had planned to visit him the next day, but they didn’t expect Queen Midela to warn him not to trust Sabas.

What’s going on here?

In terms of seniority, Sabas was after all Queen Midela’s biological uncle.

Is this a family feud?

Colin was speechless for a moment, then quickly asked, “Your Highness, why is this happening?”

Queen Midela did not respond.

Seeing this, Colin did not feel it was appropriate to press for answers.

As the song ended, Colin let go of Queen Midela’s delicate hand and waist and bowed respectfully.

Queen Midela, with a smile, curtsied gently and whispered, “Trust me, Dragon City is now a dangerous vortex. The best choice for both you and Vera is to remain impartial. If you rashly get involved, it will only lead to trouble for yourselves.”

Colin narrowed his eyes, and said in a solemn voice, “Your Highness…”

But Queen Midela interrupted him directly: “Do not ask too many questions, do not think too much, wait patiently for my news.”

After saying this, Queen Midela swayed her slim waist and drifted away, leaving Colin standing there in a daze.

“Colin, what’s the matter?”, Vera came over, took her husband’s arm and asked with a puzzled expression.

“I’ll explain when we get back home.” Colin patted Vera’s small hand, but saw a familiar figure approaching.

“I didn’t expect to see you again so soon, Viscount Angler!”, Count Evan said cheerfully as he walked over to Colin. He then greeted Vera and introduced the lady accompanying him to Colin and his wife.

“This is Miss Sallya, the legitimate daughter of Prince Lexie and also my betrothed.”

Colin raised an eyebrow, turning to look at Count Evan’s companion.

This Miss Sallya was wearing a beige dress, her features delicate, black hair and black eyes. With a gentle and graceful air and her demurred demeanor, she was the type of woman that particularly aroused the feeling of protectiveness in men.

But what really caught Colin’s attention was her identity – daughter of a Holy Knight!

Moreover, Colin remembered that the Marquis of the East, whom he had just freed, was Count Evan’s brother. The Marquis’ wife was merely the daughter of a Count in the east.

It seemed that Duke St. Prowse truly intended to change his successor.

Thinking back to the words he exchanged with the Marquis Vincent on the Angry River, Colin felt that the future of the East would certainly be lively.

Just as Colin was lost in his thoughts, Count Evan extended an invitation to Vera, “Beautiful Miss Vera, may I have the pleasure of sharing a dance with you?”

Vera turned to Colin, and seeing his smile and nod of approval, she extended her hand to Count Evan.

Watching the two of them hand-in-hand making their way to the dance floor, Sallya blinked her clear large eyes, seemingly implying to Colin – what are you waiting for?

Colin realized what he should do and quickly extended an invitation to Sallya.

With her agreement, Colin took the slender hand of the knight’s daughter, and once again entered the center of the dance floor.

“Have you and Count Evan just recently got engaged?” Colin asked, holding Sallya’s petite waist, a curious tone in his voice.

“Yes, just a week ago.” Sallya replied softly, then fell silent and concentrated on her dancing.

Typically, in court dancing, the male is the leader and the female is the follower. But Colin found that this Sallya seemed to possess a peculiar magic, able to influence and even guide Colin’s steps, improving the elegance of the court dance to its utmost limit, making it a feast for the eyes.

Even Colin, who was by no means an expert in court dance, felt like a dance master at this moment.

This feeling made Colin lose himself in the dance, and for a moment he forgot to continue probing whether Count Evan had another motive for coming to Dragon City at this time.

When the dance ended, Colin still wanted for more.

Thunderous applause then broke out, and Colin finally came to his senses.

“You are the most outstanding dancer I’ve ever seen!” Colin complimented sincerely.

“Thank you!” Sallya blushed, seeming to still be out of breath from the dance.

“Wow! Viscount Angler! I’m a bit jealous. Sallya has never been so in sync with me when we danced!” Count Evan, with Vera by his side, exaggeratedly exclaimed as they returned to the edge of the dance floor.”

Vera also excitedly praised Colin, and didn’t forget to ask Sallya for tips on dancing.

Colin humbly accepted the compliments, then turned to Count Evan and asked, “Have you set a date for your wedding with Miss Sallya?”

“It’s set for the end of this year. At that time, we’ll send out invitations. It is our hope that both you and Miss Vera will be able to grace it with your presence.”

“Okay. If there are no special circumstances, we will definitely go to White Dew City to attend the ceremony.” Colin responded cheerfully.

Following that, Colin and Vera did not join the dance floor again, but chatted casually with Count Evan and Sallya at the side.

As the night deepened, the guests gradually left.