Summon the Modern Lady!

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The day of the Banquet of Honors had finally arrived, and Cheska thought she was prepared.

She really did.

But nothing could have readied her for the battlefield that was the preparation itself.

It began early, far too early, when the sun barely reached the high skies.

Cheska barely managed to secure her blue contacts in place before her room was swarmed by maids. They were led by a new addition to her personal maids— a maid assigned specifically to her care, Kalis.

Lea, the head maid, was on duty for overseeing the banquet preparations after all.

"This will take time, my lady," Kalis said with a polite smile that masked the storm of preparations ahead.

What followed was nothing short of a production.

Cheska was whisked into a hot, aromatic bath for an entire hour— like stepping into an onsen but with no time to relax. Her nails were meticulously shaped and painted in a deep sapphire blue to match the dress she had yet to wear.

Lunch? That was served in her room, of course, as there was no time to mingle before the event.

By the time the maids finished it was already 18:00.

They styled her hair into soft waves cascading down, adding extensions that Cheska didn't know existed in this world, making an elegant waterfall braid and securing every perfect fold of her deep blue princess gown,

She stared at her reflection, caught between awe at the transformation and exhaustion from the process.

The banquet had officially begun fifteen minutes ago.

"I should hurry—" Cheska started, but Kalis gently stopped her with a shake of her head.

"There's no need to rush, my lady," the maid said firmly. "Many others are still finishing their preparations. Only His Highness, Sir Emette, and Lady Amara are currently ready and waiting at Rudenheischt Castle's rest area. Even the lady finished just half an hour ago, but she insisted you take your time."

Cheska blinked. "Lord Emette? He's in between those two?"

Kalis gave a knowing smile. "Indeed, my lady."

The mental image of Emette, caught in the crossfire between Kayer's restrained intensity and Amaranthe's sharp retorts, sent a pang of sympathy through her.

She sighed, smoothing her dress before stepping forward.

"Let's not leave him alone with them for too long."

The rest area wasn't far from the banquet hall, and Cheska reached it swiftly despite Kalis's earlier warning to go gently. She paused at the entrance, catching the tail end of a surprisingly civil conversation.

"May I ask what you are studying, Lady Amara?" Kayer's low voice came through the slightly ajar door, calmer than she expected.

"Riverus Arenied," Amaranthe replied smoothly, her tone steady. "The royal alchemist who resigned recently."

Cheska peeked inside, careful not to disturb them.

Kayer with a tunic of gold and purple, sat with his usual composure, his posture regal but less rigid. Though his expression was unreadable, there was no sharpness to his gaze—only a quiet curiosity.

Amaranthe, as poised as ever, met his eyes with a calm clarity that gave no room for intimidation. And Emette, caught between them, looked like a man who would rather be anywhere else, though he stayed attentive and neutral.

The prince's words were measured, deliberate. "What have you learned about him?"

Amaranthe answered without hesitation. "He was a brilliant alchemist, unparalleled in his craft. His resignation surprised many, though it's said he left due to personal conflicts. There are no clear details, but some suggest it had to do with his own principles."

A faint flicker passed through Kayer's eyes, but he gave a slight nod. "That's… not incorrect."

Emette, sensing the conversation might tip toward tension, stepped in. "Your understanding is impressive, Lady Amara. Have you been reading the archives?"

Amaranthe inclined her head slightly. "I've been fortunate to have access to valuable resources. It helps to understand the new world you find yourself in."

The corner of Kayer's mouth twitched almost into a frown, though he quickly masked it. "A commendable habit."

Cheska felt a presence beside her and turned to see Ayessa.

"There you are," The princess whispered, her voice as light as her graceful appearance.

She looked ethereal, her white dress flowing softly around her like petals in the breeze. A sheer golden shawl cascaded elegantly down her arms and back, catching the faint glow of the hallway sconces. Her loosely braided blond hair framed her face, giving her the air of a spring fairy stepping out of a storybook.

Cheska raised a brow. "Aren't you going to stop them?"

Ayessa glanced into the room, her expression serene. "No. This is part of Kayer's self-reflection."

"Self-reflection?"

"The king tasked him with engaging Lady Amara in conversation starting from today," Ayessa explained, her voice barely above a murmur. "It's to improve their understanding of each other. It seems to be working, if slowly."

Cheska tilted her head. "And Emette's role?"

"Collateral," Ayessa said with a soft smile. "My poor husband..." she cooed, amused.

Inside, Kayer leaned forward slightly, his tone careful. "It's good that you study diligently, Lady Amara. Understanding history and the people shaping it is invaluable."

Amaranthe nodded. "Thank you. Knowledge is a necessity in every world."

For now, the atmosphere was calm. Whether it would stay that way was another matter.

Cheska sighed and straightened her dress. "Well, let's not leave Emette stranded any longer."

Ayessa chuckled lightly as they stepped into the rest area together.

The group had gathered in the rest area, the conversation turning to the evening ahead.

"What if I mess up?" Cheska asked nervously, her hands fidgeting with the hem of her dress.

Being a director to her branch made public appearances for a previous hermit like Cheska, however meeting new people in a new place with barely knowing anyone was nerve-wracking.

Ayessa gave her a reassuring smile, her voice warm and calming. "You'll be fine. Just be yourself and remember to be polite. That's all anyone expects."

The editor nodded hesitantly, though her nerves lingered.

Amaranthe, seated gracefully beside her, leaned in slightly. "Still, it's best to stay composed this time." Her tone was gentle, but the meaning behind her words was clear.

Cheska blinked, a little startled. "What do you mean?"

The author glanced at her, her voice even. "Last time, when you acted naively in front of Duchess Elenoir, she treated you like easy prey. It's better not to give anyone any openings tonight."

"I acted like a country bumpkin, didn't I?" Cheska sighed, when Amaranthe nodded, she brooded over the event.

Right. I've read these events before, She reassured herself. In novels and manhwas.

And I was a Public Image Director, someone who knows how to bring my branch to different places as the leader and should be most critical with public opinion! I can do this!

Hearing the name, Emette frowned, crossing his arms. "I suppose you met her at the boutique?"

Cheska nodded sheepishly.

The aide sighed, his expression weary. "Ill-natured woman. She used to be tolerable— tame, even. But since taking the Glandza name, she's grown fiercer. She has a knack for making herself an adversary."

Kayer, standing near the window, added quietly, "She'd always been ambitious. A good trait for a matriarch, but she applies it in all the wrong ways."

The room fell into a thoughtful silence until a knock at the door broke it. A guard knight stepped in, bowing briefly. "The King and Queen have arrived and are ready to greet you."

At those words, everyone rose, brushing off invisible wrinkles and straightening their attire.

When they stepped out into the hall, Cheska couldn't help but marvel at the sight.

The King and Queen stood poised at the entrance to the banquet hall, their presence commanding and regal. Unlike the warm, familial versions they had seen during lunch, they were now every bit the rulers of the realm.

Their tailored golden outfits shimmered under the light, intricate embroidery enhancing their majesty. The only distinctions between them and their children were the crowns adorning their heads— a stark reminder of the responsibility they bore.

Emette wore a sand-colored tunic with finely woven green patterns along the cuffs, elegantly merging the colors of both Ruchuster and Glandza.

Amaranthe's deep green floral gown was a subtle statement in itself. Though her soft-colored contacts muted her sharp gaze, the high ponytail of her pink hair curled at the ends, adding an air of authority to her look.

The group exchanged formal greetings with the King and Queen, their tones respectful and measured.

As they turned toward the banquet hall, the heavy doors creaked open. The faint hum of conversation and the glow of chandeliers spilled into the corridor.

~~~

The heavy, ornate doors of the banquet hall creaked open one final time for the night's grandest announcements. Conversations dwindled, replaced by the soft strains of the orchestra playing a refined melody that filled the air with an elegant hum.

Seated on the balcony railing, hidden behind heavy curtains, was a man.

Midnight-blue hair fell past his shoulders, strands swaying faintly with the evening breeze that seeped through the open window.

Riverus Arenied held a crystal glass of white wine, the pale liquid untouched as he gazed downward, his honey-colored eyes tinged with quiet discontent.

His sharp features gave him a commanding presence, but the frown on his lips betrayed his thoughts.

He had little interest in the event, but he was curious of the ongoing rumors around regarding the earthquake.

The summoners were gathered in bulk previously and left last month.

An operation must've failed. Or succeeded.

As the doors swung fully open, the guard's voice resonated through the grand hall, a formal declaration that pierced the subdued conversations.

"Presenting Their Majesties, King Villaim Sanz de Rudenheischt and Queen Misha Ellen de Rudenheischt!"

Riverus's gaze flicked lazily toward the scene. The king and queen entered with measured steps descending the marble staircase to the hall. Each wore a shimmering purple cape over the golden attire, each detail meticulously tailored to project their authority as the crowd bowed down in quiet reverence.

Following close behind came another announcement.

"Her Highness, Princess Ayessa de Ruchuster-Glandza, escorted by her husband, Lord Emette Ruchuster-Glandza."

Riverus's watched the two with a calm gaze, At least they got their happy ending.

The guard's voice rang out again.

"His Highness, Crown Prince Kayer de Ruchuster!"

Finally, Riverus's lips curled down in irritation, scowling, as he drained the last of his wine and set the empty glass aside with an audible click.

His sharp gaze landed on the crown prince as he stepped into view. Kayer's expression was unreadable, a blank mask that only irked Riverus further.

Looks like he's still grieving, Riverus thought, rolling his eyes. What an annoying guy. My sister might roll over even in the seal.

The man leaned further back on the railing, his movements languid, as if uninterested in the pageantry in the distance. He reached for the bottle beside him to pour another glass, but his hand froze when a new announcement followed.

"Presenting Lady Amara Lee, esteemed guest of Rudenheischt! The summoned one!"

A ripple of murmurs surged through the crowd as all eyes turned toward the new figure stepping into the hall.

Riverus sat up, his attention fully captured.

Pink.

The woman's hair was a stunning shade of pink, rare to the point of myth in the kingdom, a color Riverus had only seen in the imperial capital.

The crowd fell into an awed hush as she descended the stairs. Her deep green dress, adorned with floral accents, flowed like liquid grace, matching the sharpness of her piercing gaze.

Riverus tilted his head, his honey eyes narrowing slightly. Her walk was precise, her posture regal, but there was something in her expression— an exhaustion, perhaps, or unease. Yet she carried herself with such calm authority that it unsettled him.

Who does she remind me of?

Before he could linger too long on the thought, another name echoed through the hall.

"Presenting Lady Cheska Reyes, esteemed guest of Rudenheischt! The summoned one!"

The murmurs swelled again, curiosity and surprise rippling across the room.

Riverus's eyes widened slightly.

The curly-haired girl who entered behind Amara wore a navy blue dress that sharpened her soft gaze. She looked beautiful and formal, as if someone ready to present a report, though compared to the first one, she let out serene smile.

Lady Snowdrop, Riverus thought, the corner of his lips lifting faintly, recalling their earlier encounter. So, it really was her.

He swirled the wine in his glass, an amused glint in his eyes as he watched Cheska descend the stairs, oblivious to the waves her presence had stirred.

Riverus watched as the influential guests crowded around the summoned ones when the banquet continued.

He retracted his gaze, leaning back on the wall and drank more of his wine. Riverus had loyal subordinates in the crowd, he'll just let them gather the information he wants.

Well, the night is young. Right, sister?

Riverus made a toast to the moon, smiling faintly.