The Empress Who Returned in Time: Kidnapping and Marriage

Chapter 10

Accompanying her father to the Sanders Duke family’s banquet, Eliano sipped champagne quietly.

Though no one outright gossiped in her presence but whispers and sidelong glances followed her everywhere.

She intentionally stayed by the wall, avoiding the center of the hall, but it did little to stop the piercing stares.

The discomfort made her want to leave immediately, longing for the days when she didn’t care what others thought.

“Lia, why are you playing the wallflower?”

The voice belonged to Lady Lilliana Sanders, dressed in a lilac gown, who approached with a group of ladies in tow.

Lilliana, as the Duke’s daughter, was one of the few women who didn’t have to bow to Eliano.

She sparkled with excitement as she spoke.

“Your father is with my uncle,” Lilliana said.

“I see,” Eliano replied calmly.

Lilliana felt a strange sense of unease at Eliano’s emotionless response.

Shaking it off as nothing, she cheerfully added, “It seems they’re discussing something important in private.” She winked and led Eliano along naturally.

In her previous life, Lilliana had been Eliano’s closest and most trusted friend, their friendship fostered by their fathers.

Lilliana always stood up for Eliano, especially when she was in trouble, acting like a protective older sister.

Eliano, in turn, adored her for her caring nature.

“Lia, I feel like the temple has stolen you from me. You’ve been visiting so much that you don’t even attend my tea parties anymore,” Lilliana complained playfully.

Eliano responded gently, “Don’t feel too upset. The temple doors are always open if you want to spend time together.”

It was an invitation to visit the temple if Lilliana wished to see her.

Lilliana, shaking her head, said, “Oh no, temple gatherings are so dull. My regular visits are more than enough.”

Lilliana’s expression hinted that she had much to say.

The group of ladies behind her sparkled with curiosity.

Eliano had seen this scenario play out many times in high society.

Bringing a group of allies to publicly confront someone about a sensitive issue—it was a childish yet effective tactic often employed by nobles of all ages and genders.

“Lia, I heard you had a disagreement with Lady Hyren,” Lilliana began.

Ah, the incident at the Marquis Perceitin’s tea party.

Eliano recalled the young lady who had mocked her only to be swiftly dealt with.

Remaining unbothered, Eliano replied, “I wouldn’t call it a disagreement—it was over too quickly for that.”

The ladies behind Lilliana perked up, hiding their faces behind fans as they whispered eagerly.

Eliano had to admit that her actions at the tea party had been shockingly uncharacteristic, given her usual image.

“Lia, is it true?” Lilliana asked hesitantly.

“What is?” Eliano replied.

“That you sent Lady Hyren away from the tea party.”

“‘Sent her away’—what a harsh way to put it,” Eliano said, feigning hurt.

Her flawless acting, honed during her previous life in high society, was so natural that only the most seasoned noblewomen might notice it.

“She mentioned feeling uncomfortable, and Lady Perceitin simply accommodated her,” Eliano explained, smiling faintly.

Lilliana’s expression shifted, betraying her surprise.

Eliano had never spoken to her so indirectly before.

“Lia, you don’t have to explain yourself like this to me. We’re friends. If it’s because of the other ladies, I can—”

“No,” Eliano interrupted, “there’s no need for that, Lilliana.”

Eliano’s green eyes swept over the ladies standing behind Lilliana, mentally noting their faces.

These were people who hadn’t even bothered to greet her.

“Eliano,” Lilliana began, “I never said I was tired of looking after you. There must be some misunderstanding.”

The words Lilliana spoke only confirmed Eliano’s suspicion.

Years ago, Eliano had overheard Lilliana complaining about having to play caretaker for her immature friend.

The remark had deeply wounded Eliano, leaving her sobbing in her nanny’s arms.

Despite the pain, she had continued their friendship, valuing Lilliana too much to let her go.

“Perhaps you were just frustrated with how childish I was,” Eliano said softly. “I can understand that. Looking back, I was such a crybaby. No wonder you were tired of me.”

“Lia, that’s not true!” Lilliana exclaimed.

Yet her attempts to deny it only deepened the tension.

Behind her, the ladies whispered more fervently.

“It’s all right, Lilliana,” Eliano continued, her voice laced with a tinge of sadness.

“It’s my fault for being so immature. Maybe that’s why, even at my age, I haven’t married yet.”

This comment struck a nerve, as it was one of the many disparaging remarks Lilliana had made about Eliano behind her back.

“Let’s talk privately,” Lilliana urged, trying to lead Eliano away.

“There’s no need, Lilliana,” Eliano replied, pushing her hand aside.

Lilliana leaned in close, whispering quickly, “Lady Hyren doesn’t even like you. How can you believe her over me? We’re friends, Lia. You’ve always been so kind and gentle. What’s going on?”

Eliano’s eyes gleamed.

So it was Lady Hyren who had informed her of Lilliana’s gossip.

Eliano stepped back, speaking just loud enough for everyone to hear. “Lady Hyren doesn’t dislike me. If anything, it feels like you’re the one who dislikes me, Lilliana.”

Eliano’s patience had worn thin.

The gentle smile faded from her face.

“You’re making things difficult for me,” she added.

“You’re the one being unfair, Lia!” Lilliana cried. “I’ve done so much for you. How could you accuse me like this?”

“No, Lilliana,” Eliano said firmly. “All it would take is a simple apology.”

Her emerald eyes glinted sharply.

“Then I could still be your kind and gentle friend.”

Lilliana froze, realizing for the first time that something fundamental about Eliano had changed.

—

Eliano walked away from the confrontation, leaving Lilliana and her entourage behind.

She headed toward the guest lounge, seeking solitude.

When she arrived, however, a servant stopped her, explaining apologetically, “I’m sorry, my lady, but the room is currently occupied. Please wait a moment.”

Before Eliano could respond, a man’s voice interjected.

“My apologies. It seems I’ve taken a lady’s space.”

The speaker was a golden-haired man with striking blue eyes.

Eliano’s expression tightened involuntarily—she disliked this particular combination of features.

It reminded her of the royal family from her past life.

“Lady Eliano of Rosana greets His Highness, the Crown Prince.”

The Crown Prince, Hiraeth, looked down at her, a lazy smile playing on his lips.

However, he failed to respond promptly, leaving Eliano to remain in her bowing posture.

“Why are you playing games again, Hiraeth?” another man’s voice called out, snapping the prince out of his daze.

Finally acknowledging her, the prince allowed Eliano to rise, but her face remained composed, revealing none of her earlier irritation.

She excused herself gracefully, refusing further interaction.