Ilya looked at Flora’s small face, which was still etched with nervousness, and softened her tone. “As for what to say, it’s very simple. First, thank everyone.”
“Talk about your feelings regarding tonight’s banquet, talk about the beauty here, or mention some ‘interesting’ phenomena you saw in the courtyard just now.”
Flora’s heart skipped a beat. ‘Phenomena in the courtyard? Is Mother hinting that I can talk about what happened earlier in a more formal way in public?’
“But…” Flora still hesitated.
“No buts. This is something that must be done,” Ilya said in a gentle yet unquestionable tone.
“Flora, remember your current status. Your words carry power. You don’t need to strive for beautiful phrasing; just say your true thoughts.”
“Whether it’s about respect, rules, or the future coexistence of the demon race and the blood clan, it’s all fine. What you have seen with your own eyes and felt for yourself are the most powerful words.”
After speaking, Ilya stood up and adjusted her skirt. “Alright, time is almost up. I also need to go make some final confirmations. Just stay here and think it over. Relax a bit, Little Lola.”
“Phew, I guess I have no choice but to think about it.” Flora looked at Ilya’s departing figure and let out a deep sigh.
So, how exactly should she say it? Aside from that one incident, she didn’t seem to have anything else worth mentioning.
Wait!
Flora’s heart suddenly throbbed. This seemed… to be a way forward.
Perhaps Mother’s hint lay right there. Mother didn’t just want her to complain or report someone; she wanted her to use it as a way to express an attitude — a stance.
‘Yes… back then, I was thinking about the same thing — the matter of self-cultivation and morality.’
Furthermore, at such a gathering, revealing her own stance and views for her first public appearance was indeed a very good choice.
A few sentences gradually emerged in Flora’s mind:
‘I believe that no matter what status or power one possesses, true decency lies in how you treat those weaker than yourself.’
‘A person’s cultivation is reflected in the most basic ways they treat others.’
While thinking of these sentences, Flora imagined Horn and that Klaus looking ashen-faced while she was on stage. She guessed they had probably already recognized her by now anyway.
And there were those nobles who often bullied the weak; she could imagine their reactions as well.
Of course, some people would surely approve. So this was undoubtedly a gamble — she might offend some people, but she might also win some genuine respect.
There was one more thing: she didn’t want others to think she was just a princess in name only, a puppet-like figure.
Even if her voice trembled, or if her wording wasn’t perfect…
As long as she spoke out, that would be enough.
Flora took a deep breath. That breath carried the chilly fragrance of the Vampire Garden, refreshing her spirits.
“Then I’ll make my final preparations too. I’ll go change into the gown Mother gave me.”
Flora stood up and walked toward the dressing room.
Inside the dressing room, Flora once again donned the gown that looked like a supreme treasure.
Even though she had seen herself in it yesterday, she was still stunned when she saw it again today.
That moment of daze almost made her forget the details of her speech and the sentences she had just thought of.
Subsequently, a maid lightly arranged her long hair and put on a pair of teardrop earrings made of deep blue sapphires. The earrings swayed gently with her movements, reflecting fragments of cold, fine light.
The sense of distance brought by the gown blended perfectly with Flora’s own temperament, creating an ethereal beauty that transcended age and felt almost surreal. She looked like both a deity from ancient legends and an elf born from the night itself.
“Princess, you…” The maid beside her opened her mouth but found that any words were pale at this moment.
Flora shook her head slightly, indicating there was no need to say more. Beauty was also a burden because it made all eyes focus on her even more.
Flora closed her eyes — one last time, she organized the not-yet-fully-formed speech in her mind.
‘Gratitude… feelings… future…’
When Flora opened her eyes again, the hesitation and fluster in her pupils had been suppressed, replaced by an unbelievable calm.
She straightened her back, and the Flora in the mirror emanated a restrained brilliance.
She walked out of the dressing room and, led by the maid, arrived behind the massive curtain at the back of the main hall.
The clamor of voices and the melodious music were already quite clear. Flora could even see many guests inside through a gap in the curtain.
Lias and Xueli had already appeared; next, it was her and Ilya’s turn.
Ilya was already waiting there. When she saw Flora arriving in full regalia, a flash of unsurprised admiration and pride crossed her eyes.
She stepped forward and gently tucked a stray lock of hair behind Flora’s ear.
“You’re beautiful, Little Lola,” she said in a low voice, carrying a soul-soothing power. “And remember, you represent more than just yourself now.”
Flora took a deep breath and nodded, her throat feeling a bit dry.
Just then, the host’s clear and loud voice pierced through the curtain, reaching every corner of the hall:
“Honored guests, next, please welcome our great demon queen, Her Majesty Ilya, and Princess Flora!”
The curtain slowly pulled open before them. The dazzling crystal light and countless curious gazes instantly focused on them.
Ilya elegantly extended her arm for Flora to take.
Flora pursed her lips, then lifted her chin, her golden eyes looking toward the stage and the crowd behind it.
As Flora and Ilya walked onto the stage, they stood firmly under the brilliant lights. When the crowd’s eyes met theirs, time seemed to freeze for a brief moment.
This was followed by almost uncontrollable gasps and whispers that spread like a tide.
“Is that the princess…?”
“My god, the gown she’s wearing is so beautiful! It fits her perfectly.”
“Look at the color of her eyes; it’s so rare. Few people in the demon race have golden eyes like that.”
“That poise… it’s definitely not something an ordinary noble can compare to.”
Countless gazes were like the densest arrows, instantly piercing Flora. Some were pure shock, some were pointed investigations, and some were stunned by her incredible beauty and unique temperament.
She could clearly feel the emotions in those gazes — envy, jealousy, curiosity, and calculation.
But these gazes also made Flora feel a bit suffocated; after all, they were too sharp.
She felt like a precious treasure pushed onto an auction stage, with every detail being carefully observed, and then judged.
She subconsciously tightened her grip on Ilya’s arm.