Liser narrowed his eyes as he looked toward Logus, the center of attention in the ballroom.
The man was more handsome than himself, which irritated him slightly.
Beside him, Emilia quietly said, "The current Crown Prince. Known for his ruthless nature. His elder brother's death likely has something to do with him."
Liser observed him closely.
This brother of his has a cunning nature and a smile that never reaches his eyes, he thought. I've seen people like him countless times in the business world of my past life.
Standing at the edge of the ballroom, Liser suddenly noticed Rozia entering the hall.
The moment she stepped inside, she stole everyone's attention.
Her beauty, coupled with her stunning purple dress, made her seem like a fairy who had wandered into the mortal world.
The Second Prince's eyes lit up as he stepped forward.
"Virtuous Lady Kristina, it is nice to meet you. This is a tragic occasion, as my brother died so suddenly. My condolences."
Kristina looked at him calmly, though the possessiveness in his eyes disgusted her.
"Your Highness is thoughtful," she replied politely. "I am deeply saddened by my fiancé's passing. I wish to spend some time alone mourning him."
Seeing her polite rejection, the Crown Prince did not push further. He knew forcing the matter would only annoy her and damage his image.
So he stepped aside.
As Kristina lifted her gaze, her eyes locked onto Liser's.
A flash of excitement appeared in her eyes.
Liser remained calm on the surface, but inwardly, he was equally excited.
Emilia, who had been observing Kristina closely, noticed where her gaze landed.
She froze.
"Little brother…" she muttered. "Do you know the Virtuous Lady Kristina?"
Liser hesitated for a moment before speaking.
Naturally, he avoided mentioning reincarnation.
"Elder sister… I know her. Actually, we're in love. Even before the First Prince died, we were already in a relationship."
Emilia was stunned.
Her brother?
How had he become involved with the famed Virtuous Lady Kristina?
In the capital alone, her suitors could probably stretch for ten kilometers. She had rejected everyone, and only the late First Prince had managed to win her favor after breaking off her childhood engagement.
But then Emilia suddenly realized something.
"Little brother… how did you even meet her? Weren't you confined to the palace this entire time?"
Liser immediately understood that she did not believe him.
"Sister, it's a secret between us," he said quickly. "But rest assured, we truly love each other."
Emilia stared at him for a moment before sighing.
"If that's true, then there's a huge problem."
Liser raised an eyebrow.
"What problem?"
"The Second Prince has his eyes on your beloved," Emilia replied seriously. "Right now, his influence is at its peak. Kristina could be forced to become his concubine at any moment."
Hearing this, Liser took a sharp breath.
"Don't worry, sister. I'll protect her."
Emilia immediately smacked him on the head.
"With your current strength, you cannot contend against him," she scolded. "You must borrow the tiger's might."
"Borrow the tiger's might?" Liser frowned. "Whose might am I supposed to borrow?"
"Of course, our grandfather's."
Emilia lowered her voice slightly.
"The Rockwell family is still powerful even after losing the succession struggle. Grandfather is the Protector of the South. Our mother's family has guarded the borders against foreign invasions for generations. They still hold immense authority."
But Liser frowned even deeper.
"Why would he help me? I've never even met him before. Why would he care about me?"
Hearing this, Emilia chuckled.
"Even if he doesn't know you, he dotes on me the most. Why do you think I managed to survive in the palace all these years?"
Before Liser could respond, Emilia grabbed his arm and pulled him through the crowd toward their maternal grandfather, Grey Rockwell.
After weaving through the ballroom for some time, a tall elderly man came into view.
He had a majestic aura, sharp hawk-like eyes, and a neatly kept white beard. Even standing silently, he carried overwhelming pressure.
Yet the moment Emilia saw him, all dignity vanished.
"Grandpa!"
She hurried over like a child.
"How have you been? I missed you."
The old man's cold expression instantly melted away.
"Emilia," he said warmly. "How have you been? Has anyone been bullying you lately?"
"No, Grandpa. I'm fine. But I heard people speaking badly about our family again. They have no idea how much our family sacrificed for this empire, yet they still try to belittle us."
Hearing her words, Grey Rockwell's smile deepened.
Meanwhile, Liser stood there speechless.
The same sister who had been calmly lecturing him moments ago was now acting completely spoiled in front of her grandfather.
Then Emilia turned toward him.
"Grandpa, let me introduce someone to you. This is my youngest brother, the last child of my mother."
Grey Rockwell shifted his gaze toward Liser and scrutinized him.
Liser calmly met his eyes without retreating.
A faint trace of appreciation appeared in the old man's gaze.
Then Emilia enthusiastically explained Liser's relationship with Kristina.
After hearing everything, Grey Rockwell looked at Liser with an odd expression.
"I'll see what I can do."
He stepped forward and placed a hand on Liser's head.
"Liser, was it? I am your grandfather."
Liser looked up into his eyes.
Those cold, calculating eyes were familiar to him.
He knew that gaze well.
The old man was evaluating his worth.
But beneath that calculation, Liser also noticed traces of guilt.
"Greetings, Grandfather," Liser said respectfully.
Thus, through Emilia, grandfather and grandson finally met for the first time.
The surrounding nobles were visibly shocked.
Grey Rockwell then withdrew his hand and said,
"I've got you."
Without another word, he grabbed Liser's hand and led him toward the center of the ballroom.