The Count froze, his words dying on his tongue. Julian took a few unhurried steps closer, his tone deceptively calm.
"I only wish to confirm one thing," he said. "If this woman truly carries the child of your second son, then there's only one honorable way to protect your family's name…"
He paused, eyes locking onto the Count's pale face.
"…and that is to marry her. Isn't that right, Count?"
The entire ballroom seemed to hold its breath. Count Erickson swallowed hard, color draining from his face, while murmurs rippled through the crowd like the rising tide. His second son, Andrey, stared down at his trembling hands, unable to meet anyone's gaze.
Julian's smile widened—gentle, but cutting like a blade.
"I only think," he continued lightly, "that such a marriage would make everyone feel… much safer, don't you agree?"
The tone was polite. The meaning was lethal. Everyone could see it—this was not a suggestion. It was a royal command wrapped in velvet.
The Emperor said nothing, his expression unreadable. Liv, standing beside Jay, only glanced at him in silence. Deep down, she knew Julian was playing a dangerous game—one that even the Duke seemed reluctant to interrupt.
"I will never allow my son to marry a servant!" Count Erickson's voice thundered across the hall, startling several noblewomen nearby.
Julian's smile didn't falter. His tone, calm and almost amused, cut sharper than any blade.
"Is that so?" he said softly. "Then tell me, Count—what will you do about the servant who's carrying your son's child?"
The hall fell silent. Count's mouth opened, but no words came out. Julian took a slow, deliberate step forward.
"After all," he continued, "everyone here knows this young woman has attended several of your family's gatherings. Do you truly expect us to believe she's just a servant? The rumors said otherwise… that they were lovers, weren't they?"
Count snapped, his face flushed with anger.
"My son was courting Lady Liv Albrecht!"
Gasps filled the air. Marchioness Albrecht, standing proudly beside her son Leon, immediately stepped forward, fury burning in her eyes.
"That is a lie!" she declared. "My daughter has been betrothed to Duke Zareth since birth. Every noble family here knows that!"
From the royal table, Grand Duke Zelthar and Grand Duchess finally spoke, their voices steady and commanding.
"Indeed," the Grand Duke said. "The engagement was arranged by His Majesty himself. There is no room for doubt."
But before the tension could settle, Andrey suddenly shouted from his seat, face pale and eyes trembling.
"It's her fault!" he cried. "Isabel ruined everything—she wanted to be my wife!"
The room erupted in murmurs and disbelief. Count turned sharply toward his son, then back to Julian, forcing a strained smile.
"Your Highness, that woman is a liar—a shameless girl. The child she carries could belong to anyone!"
Julian's expression darkened. The warmth left his face entirely.
"Then we should verify that, shouldn't we?" he said coldly.
He turned toward the Emperor.
"Father, the Holy Temple has a method to test bloodlines—even those still in the womb. With it, the truth cannot be hidden."
The Erickson family stiffened in terror. Gasps spread like wildfire among the nobles.
The Emperor finally spoke, his deep voice echoing through the silent hall.
"Enough."
His piercing gaze fell on Count Erickson.
"You will have your son marry the woman—end this disgrace. Otherwise…"He paused, the weight of his words falling like a hammer."…your son will be imprisoned."
A dead hush filled the grand ballroom. And in that instant, everyone realized—the prince's birthday celebration had turned into a royal court of judgment.
Julian tilted his head, a sly smile curving on his lips.
"It seems the Count would rather see his son imprisoned," he said softly, his tone disturbingly calm. "That's fine… I've been running out of toys to train in the dungeon anyway."
The entire hall froze.Whispers died instantly.Everyone knew the rumors — that the Crown Prince personally tortured prisoners as a way to "teach them a lesson."Now, he had just confirmed it with a smile.
The Emperor let out a long sigh and looked down at Count Erickson.
"Isabel is a subject of this Empire," he said sternly. "Regardless of her status, she deserves justice."
But the Count was desperate.
"Your Majesty, there must be another way! Marriage isn't the only solution!"
The Emperor's expression hardened.
"Another way?" he asked coldly. "Such as?"
Count swallowed hard, his voice trembling.
"We… we can pay a fine."
The hall erupted in outrage.
"Shameful!""Does he think a woman's honor can be bought?""Disgraceful!"
Even the servants looked away, too ashamed to meet anyone's eyes.
Andrey turned sharply to Isabel, anger and panic mixing on his face.
"Why won't you say something?! Speak up!"
Isabel lifted her face, her voice calm yet clear, echoing through the silence.
"I'm just a commoner," she said softly. "And when His Highness himself has spoken — someone whose rank and title stand far above mine — it would be treason to interrupt him. I'd likely be hanged for it."
She paused, tears glistening in her eyes but her tone unwavering.
"So, I'll do what commoners are meant to do — obey."
Andrey clenched his fists.
"I'm not afraid to die!" he shouted.
Isabel gave a faint, bitter smile.
"You should be," she whispered. "Because I'm only a victim here. You're the one who should live in fear."
Her voice grew stronger, cutting through the air like a blade.
"You're nothing but a deceitful, lecherous coward who preys on women. And thank the gods Lady Liv was wise enough to see the truth about you."
Silence.Julian smirked, clearly entertained.Jay remained still — eyes cold, unreadable.And Liv… Liv simply looked at Isabel for a long moment, before a faint smile curved on her lips — the first hint of respect between two women on opposite sides of power.
Lira leaned closer, her voice barely a whisper."Just accept the marriage," she murmured, her tone silky but venomous. "I'll make sure she regrets ever living."
No one heard her— not the guards nearby, nor the nobles craning their necks for gossip. Her words slipped into Andrey's ear like poison.
Andrey swallowed hard, his expression distant. Fear of his father held him still, but Lira's whisper sounded like a way out—a path paved with deceit.At last, he nodded faintly, almost imperceptibly. It wasn't courage that moved him, but cowardice dressed as surrender.
When the Emperor's gaze fell upon him again, waiting for a response, Andrey lowered his head."Very well, Your Majesty," he said quietly. "I will marry her."