Late winter lingered over Moonveil Palace in quiet stillness.
Frost still clung to the rooftops each morning, yet signs of spring had begun to emerge within the once-abandoned residence.
In the small garden Elias had nurtured with care, tender green shoots pushed through the thawing soil, while the grapevines along the courtyard trellis stood healthy and strong, their branches bearing the first promising buds of a new season.
A royal guard entered Moonveil Palace carrying an invitation for Noble Consort Elyas.
She was the same guard who usually delivered imperial decrees.
This time, however, she had come with an invitation instead.
She was curious to see the Noble Consort’s reaction, but as always, when her presence was announced by his servant Keiro, the Noble Consort remained behind the carved partition.
Hiding again.
“State your purpose,” Elias ordered.
“I am here to deliver an invitation to attend Second Consort Leorin’s longevity banquet, which will be celebrated two days before the full moon,” she relayed.
“Very well.
You may leave,” Elias replied.
The royal guard frowned.
She wondered whether the Noble Consort would attend this time or not.
Her fellow guards would undoubtedly question her about his response.
Once again, everyone would be left wondering what the Noble Consort’s next move would be.
After the guard departed, Keiro turned to his master.
“Master, what shall we do this time?”
“Hmm.
We will attend.
I will have to prepare a special gift for Consort Leorin,” Elias said thoughtfully.
“Master, please be careful with what you give him.
Last time, your gift earned you a punishment,” Keiro said worriedly.
“What?
Which punishment?
I don’t remember,” Elias replied in surprise.
How many mistakes had Elyas made, and how many would he still have to correct?
Even now, he was still counting.
“You gave a cactus plant to Second Consort Leorin at his longevity banquet.”
“What?” Elias said, amused.
Wow, Elyas.
You really were something.
“Yes,” Keiro confirmed.
“But why?
He seems like a nice guy,” Elias wondered aloud.
He had seen Leorin outside Lynera’s palace that day.
He seemed decent enough.
Elias had even been considering making him the brand ambassador for his male clothing line.
If Elyas had treated him poorly in the past, Leorin might refuse.
“Yes, but you were jealous of him.
Everyone in the palace obeys Consort Leorin,” Keiro explained.
“Oh, then we definitely shouldn’t offend him this time,” Elias said firmly.
He couldn’t lose his future model now.
Elias began preparing gifts for Leorin, unaware that simply attending the banquet and presenting gifts to the Second Consort would create yet another round of chaos.
On the Day of Consort Leorin’s Longevity Banquet
Consort Leorin’s longevity banquet was held in one of the grand banquet halls of the Imperial Palace.
Elegant lanterns cast a warm golden glow throughout the hall, while winter plum blossoms and silver ornaments reflected the final beauty of the fading season.
Musicians played soft melodies in the background as nobles and officials gathered to celebrate the birthday of the Empress’s favored consort.
Unlike previous lavish celebrations, the decorations were tasteful and refined, reflecting Leorin’s calm and elegant nature rather than excessive grandeur.
The banquet was already in full swing by the time most guests had arrived.
At the head of the hall sat the Imperial Family.
Consort Leorin wore a ceremonial robe of deep sapphire silk embroidered with silver cranes and cloud patterns.
The wide sleeves and layered collars followed traditional court fashion, each stitch displaying the craftsmanship expected of the Empire’s favored consort.
A silver crown rested upon his neatly arranged black hair, while a jade pendant hung from his waist.
Elegant and dignified, he looked every bit the image of noble perfection, receiving birthday wishes with his usual gentle smile.
Beside him sat the Empress, calm and composed as always, while young Prince Philip happily accepted the attention of nearby relatives and officials.
The atmosphere was pleasant and harmonious.
Nothing unexpected.
Nothing unusual.
Everyone believed that Noble Consort Elyas would not attend the banquet.
This rumor had spread like wildfire the very day the invitation was sent to Moonveil Palace.
The royal guard had apparently confirmed that the Noble Consort would not be attending.
Most conversations revolved around the approaching spring season, recent court matters, and admiration for the favored consort’s celebration.
After all, everyone knew who the center of today’s banquet was supposed to be.
Consort Leorin.
At least, that was what everyone believed.
Servants moved gracefully between tables carrying wine, tea, and delicately prepared dishes.
Soft music drifted through the hall while nobles mingled in small groups, exchanging greetings and polite conversation.
Laughter occasionally rose from the gathering, blending with the melodies of the court musicians.
The musicians were deeply engrossed in their performance when they noticed Noble Consort Elyas entering through the banquet doors.
Their music stopped.
Everyone noticed.
Guests looked toward the musicians, then followed their gaze toward the entrance.
Time seemed to freeze.
Conversations halted. This chapter was copied from g.com without permission.
Guests paused with gifts still extended toward Leorin.
Everyone, including the Imperial Family, stared at the entrance.
Noble Consort Elyas had arrived.
There was no heavy fragrance.
No painted lips.
No jeweled crown.
No excessive ornamentation.
Yet countless gazes followed him across the hall.
His walk was different.
Elegant.
Unfamiliar.
Elias wore a robe unlike any seen before within the Imperial Palace.
The outer layer was crafted from rich charcoal-black fabric that flowed smoothly with every step, contrasted by a silver-gray inner robe visible at the collar and sleeves.
Instead of excessive embroidery, the garment relied on precise tailoring and elegant structure.
The waist was fitted just enough to define his frame before the fabric fell naturally toward the floor.
Silver thread traced subtle geometric patterns along the cuffs and hem, catching the light whenever he moved.
His long black hair was gathered into a high half-tied style, while the rest flowed freely down his back.
A simple silver clasp held everything in place.
There were no elaborate ornaments, jeweled crowns, or decorative chains—only clean simplicity that highlighted his natural features.
Keiro followed behind him, carrying the gifts.
Elias, meanwhile, remained completely unaware that he had frozen the entire hall.
He walked toward the dais where the Imperial Family sat.
His gaze settled on Second Consort Leorin.
Upon reaching him, Elias smiled warmly.
The sight nearly dazzled everyone present.
The Empress stared at him, stunned.
She had never imagined Elyas could look like this.
No one spoke.
Princess Lynera smirked knowingly at her sister’s reaction.
“Are you a fairy godfather?” Prince Philip asked, tugging at Elias’s robe.
Elias looked down and chuckled.
He crouched to the child’s eye level.
“No.
I am your father, Consort Elyas,” he said, gently patting the boy’s head.
The entire hall was shocked.
Prince Philip immediately wrapped his tiny arms around him.
Leorin’s mouth fell open in surprise.
Elias kissed the child’s forehead before standing once more.
“Consort Leorin, my best wishes on your longevity day.”
Leorin simply stared at him.
Only then did Elias notice the pin-drop silence around him.
He glanced around.
Everyone was staring.
What had he done?
He swallowed nervously.
“My apologies for the delay.
It was a long walk from Moonveil Palace.
Please forgive my unpresentable appearance.”
Panic began creeping into his voice.
They did not have a carriage, and the journey had taken much longer than expected.
Had he offended the Empress?
He sneaked a glance toward her.
She wore her usual cold expression.
His eyes quickly searched for Princess Lynera.
Am I in trouble?
his gaze silently asked.
She smiled and shook her head.
“Brother-in-law, don’t worry.
You’re on time, and you look beautiful,” Lynera said, breaking the tension.
The spell over the hall finally broke.
Music resumed.
Guests returned to their conversations while discreetly stealing glances at Elias.
“Thank you, Noble Consort,” Leorin finally replied.
He was still struggling to process the fact that his son had just called Elyas a fairy godfather.
“Keiro, please present our gifts to Consort Leorin.”
Keiro stepped forward and placed the package on the table.
“I would like you to open it now,” Elias urged.
Empress Selene stiffened.
Another problem?
Leorin hesitated but began unwrapping the gift.
Once again, the hall’s attention shifted toward them.
When Keiro fully revealed the contents, several people gasped.
Inside was a beautiful set of matching robes in red, black, and gold.
A completely fresh design.
One for Empress Selene.
One for Consort Leorin.
And a smaller one for Prince Philip.
“A beautiful matching set for a lovely family of three,” Elias said proudly.
He looked between the Empress and Leorin, waiting for approval.
For a brief moment, Selene felt her stomach tighten.
A family of three.
So he had finally accepted reality.
Surely she should feel relieved.
At last, Elyas seemed to understand the nature of their relationship.
He had accepted it.
She offered him a stiff smile.
Elias frowned immediately.
“Your Majesty, did you not like my choice?
I can have it altered or take it back.
This humble consort never intended to offend you.”
He bowed hurriedly.
“Rise,” the Empress ordered coolly.
Elias straightened.
Once again, he looked toward Lynera in confusion.
She reassured him with a small smile.
Their silent exchange did not escape Selene’s notice.
“Brother-in-law, please don’t worry,” Lynera said.
“The robes are beautiful.
Though I must admit, I wish I had one too.”
“She’s right.
For once, you’ve given a decent gift,” the Queen Mother added.
“Yes, yes.
Noble Consort, I truly like your gift,” Leorin agreed with a confused smile.
He certainly hadn’t expected something so thoughtful.
Elias visibly relaxed.
“Then I shall take my leave, Consort Leorin.”
“Why leave so soon?
Please stay and enjoy the banquet,” Leorin offered.
“Thank you for your kindness, but I must decline.
I am still serving under a decree.
I could not refuse your invitation, so I came, but I do not wish to intrude.
Please pardon me.”
Elias bowed to the Empress and the Queen Mother before turning to leave.
“Brother-in-law, wait.”
Princess Lynera hurried after him.
“Did you notice something?” she asked.
“What?” Elias replied, puzzled.
Lynera gestured toward herself.
Only then did he realize she was wearing the dress he had gifted her.
She had already started promoting his designs.
Elias was pleased.
Turning fully toward her, he met her eyes.
“You look lovely.”
He offered her one final smile before departing.
Keiro followed behind him.
As always, Elias did not ask the Empress for permission to leave.
She had never granted him permission to enter, so he saw no reason to seek permission to depart.
Princess Lynera returned to stand beside Empress Selene.
The two women exchanged a look.
Selene had not missed the compliment Elias had given Lynera.
“This dress was a gift from my brother-in-law,” Lynera said, gesturing proudly to her gown.
A smirk played on her lips.
Selene’s gaze hardened.
Now he’s playing favorites.
Author’s Note Congratulations to Noble Consort Elyas.
Without intending to, he has successfully: *Stunned the entire court.
* Made the musicians forget their performance.
* Made Prince Philip adopt him.
* Given Leorin emotional damage.
* Stunned Selene * Given the readers a fashion show.
And the best part?
He still thinks the biggest problem today is that he arrived looking “unpresentable.” Poor Elias.
See you in the next chapter, where the consequences of a perfectly innocent gift begin.
Lune5verse-