Within the palace.

It was resplendent with gold and jade.

Just from the lavishness of the interior decoration, one could see how much the current King doted on his young daughter.

Ethan didn't quite understand decorations, but he happened to have recently moved houses and bought a carpet.

At that time, the shop owner highly recommended a custom style made from the fur of polar bears from the northern ice plains of the Old Continent, requiring two months' advance booking. Just a small piece placed under the coffee table in Ethan's living room cost ten thousand Golden Rye.

And in the palace, such carpets were laid from the entrance to the deepest parts.

Not to mention the platters held by the servants, which showcased the craftsmanship of well-known artisans just from the workmanship alone.

This was something Ethan, who had been deeply involved in the art circle recently, definitely couldn't be mistaken about.

He casually picked up a glass of grape water and sniffed it, only to realize he was mistaken.

It was actually just a glass of plain water, not even grape water.

At banquets in the Royal Capital, although they dared not use wine directly, grape water was the generally understood substitute everyone used.

It seemed the Princess's intention to ban alcohol was truly emphatic.

Ethan took a sip and noticed out of the corner of his eye the arrival of Palon and Haska.

They had managed to slip in, but in such a setting, as long as they didn't make a scene, there wouldn't be any issue.

As more people arrived, the evening's main character was finally about to make an appearance.

A gentle sound of the door opening was heard, and then, led by an attendant, a graceful figure slowly came into everyone's view.

The Princess was wearing a well-tailored yet extremely simple black dress without any accessories.

But standing there, she was already the brightest scenery in the venue.

This was not just because of her status but because of her looks, her uniquely splendid violet hair of the Nokturnis royalty.

Undoubtedly, she was enchanting.

Even though Ethan had the likes of Sofia and Anya beside him, he still found himself momentarily captivated by her beauty.

Yet, upon regaining his senses, Ethan noticed something amiss.

Though the Princess was only eighteen, appearing every bit her youthful age, her aura and charm were like the most mature and stunning blossom.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to tonight's banquet, please enjoy yourselves to the fullest!"

She raised both her hands high.

The others also raised their glasses.

The banquet officially began.

Glasses clinked, laughter and cheer abounded.

Ethan mingled among the various nobles, occasionally sharing the story about the flush toilet, which always garnered applause.

After quite some time had passed, the Princess finally walked over gracefully.

Ethan noticed something else—that this Princess also had a distinct air of dignity.

A mix of grace and allure, perfectly fused into an eighteen-year-old girl, was truly paradoxical.

"Your Highness, allow me to introduce you to the man who's been turning the entire Royal Capital's art scene upside down lately, Ethan!"

Pupol, as ever exuberant and unrestrained, was the same even in front of the Princess.

The Princess smiled gently, quite reserved yet irresistibly charming.

She slowly came to Ethan's side, looking at him and said, "Ethan, your painting 'The Orphan of Saint Kuanti' is my favorite, thank you for creating such a piece."

"Thank you for your Highness's appreciation." Ethan feigned a look of being overwhelmed with favor.

"I'm not saying this lightly, it's sincere." Unexpectedly, the Princess emphasized once more, quite earnestly, "Few people pay attention to those citizens in the far northern cold, but you did, thank you. By the way, how is the girl in that painting now?"

"She's well, grew taller this spring. I've been teaching her to paint, she wants to be an artist in the future too."

Ethan genuinely spoke without lying.

Ainebez showed a delightfully surprised expression, nodded, and said, "That's wonderful. If I get the chance to go north, I must meet her. With your guidance, I believe she will become an amazing artist."

At this point, Ethan felt the conversation had reached its end since there were many guests tonight and he couldn't monopolize her attention.

Judging from the way this Princess handled matters, even at eighteen, she was already absolutely mature and steady.

But what Ethan didn't expect was, towards the end of the banquet, suddenly an attendant found him and softly said a word.

"Mr. Ethan, her Highness invites you."

"Oh?"

Ethan was surprised, but he had no choice but to follow.

The servant led him to a room within the interior and stopped, gesturing for him to enter.

Ethan felt a bit wary, mainly wondering why the Princess wanted to meet him in private now.

Could it be a trap?

His senses expanded to the maximum.

However, no malice emanated from the room.

He cautiously pushed the door open.

The room's light was soft, with Princess Ainebez standing quietly beneath it.

She had already changed into a white dress with some gold thread pleats, looking more homely and comfortable, making her appear much gentler.

"You're here, Ethan, come in."

Her tone was soft too.

Ethan could only enter the room, yet he asked, "Your Highness, may I know what this is about?"

"I want you to appreciate a piece of art."

Ainebez said.

"At your service."

Ethan exhaled a breath, so that's what it was.

However...

It seemed there wasn't any artwork in the room.

Aside from a coffee table and sofa, there was just a piano covered in cloth, and nothing else.

Could it be the piano?

He wasn't knowledgeable about that.

"May I ask what piece, your Highness?"

At this moment, Ainebez stopped speaking, just stared at Ethan, as if wanting to see through him, her eyes gradually showing a bewitching glimmer.

Finally, she spoke in an indescribable, dreamy, hazy, enchanting, and shy voice: "Am I not considered a piece of art?"

Ah?

Ah?!!!

Ethan didn't have time to react before Ainebez's gown suddenly fell to the ground.

Her entire form was laid bare before Ethan.

"Your Highness…"

Ethan couldn't help but swallow hard.

She slowly sat on the piano, extending her hand to him: "Come, relish in me fully."

No…

Ethan felt dizzy. He didn't understand how things had escalated to this.

He turned to leave, afraid of angering the Princess.

Moreover, as he reached for the door, he discovered it was locked.

If you find any errors ( broken links, non-standard content, etc.. ), Please let us know < report chapter > so we can fix it as soon as possible.