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The May sky was a brilliant, vivid blue.
The rose garden of the Jurnova ducal estate was in perfect order—no fallen leaves, not a single weed. The multicolored roses were in full bloom, their fragrance drifting on the gentle breeze. Beside the guards dressed in immaculate ceremonial uniforms, the ducal banners fluttered proudly. The water from the polished fountain sparkled in the sunlight, forming a small rainbow.

.

Ekaterina stood beside Aleksei, waiting for the royal family’s carriage to arrive.
In front of the main entrance of the capital’s ducal residence, where several carriages could be parked side by side, a formation of knights stood in precise order behind them, holding aloft both the imperial flag and the Jurnova family standard.

It would still take a little while longer. The cheers that could be heard in the distance had not yet drawn near.

The distance from the imperial castle to the Jurnova estate wasn’t great—around as far as from the Imperial Palace to the Akasaka Estate in my previous life, give or take. Speaking of which, Akasaka used to be the Edo residence of the Kii-branch of the Tokugawa family. Apparently, even when the world changes, the powerholders always end up living at roughly the same distance from each other.
With that being said, the annual imperial visits to the Three Great Ducal Houses were well known among the citizens of the capital, who gathered along the route just to catch a glimpse of the royal family. Normally quiet streets, lined with the city residences of high-ranking nobles, were filled with commoners on this day alone. The royals waved to the crowd as their carriages proceeded at a leisurely pace, which made the journey take quite a bit longer.

Besides, the purpose of the imperial visit to the three ducal houses was to demonstrate the unity between the crown and the dukes in the first place. For that reason, the route was deliberately announced in advance, traffic was restricted, and the Imperial Knights escorted the procession in a grand, parade-like display of splendor.
This served not only to elevate the prestige of the ducal houses and strengthen their authority over lesser nobles, but also to subtly stoke the rivalry among the three, ensuring that they would not join forces to threaten the crown.
The Jurgrahn Empire had stood for four hundred years since its founding—an exceptionally long lifespan for a state, however many reasons might explain it. Throughout those centuries, the imperial house had preserved its system of rule. Even for the three great ducal families, whose duty included safeguarding the imperial bloodline, the royal family remained an object of awe and reverence.

.

The cheers were drawing closer—and then—

“Ekaterina, do you hear it?”
“Yes, Onii-sama.”

The sound of horns echoed, clear and proud.
At Aleksei’s signal, the trumpeters of the Jurnova Knights raised their horns and blew a powerful, resonant melody.

During the empire’s founding, when Emperor Piotr the Great and his three younger brothers—who would become the founders of the ducal houses—rode to battle, they not only carried visible banners but also used distinctive melodies, each sounded on a horn, to signal their position and coordinate their forces.
Following this tradition, when the Emperor visits a ducal house, the royal heralds blow Piotr the Great’s melody before arrival, and the ducal house responds with the melody of its own founder.

.

(*Ahhhh, the nerd blood in me is boiling!*)

Ekaterina, who had been nervous about the royal visit, suddenly perked up. The history of this world was simply too good. Especially the tales of the four founding brothers—absolute gold.

The founding emperor, Piotr the Great, possessed a charisma that commanded the hearts of his soldiers and was himself a warrior of legendary might, blessed with lightning-element magic and exceptional political acumen. However, he wasn’t particularly skilled at commanding individual battles and had often been rescued from near defeat by his younger brothers.
Those who came to his aid were usually the second brother, Sergei, or the youngest, Pavel. The third brother, Maxim, excelled in diplomacy and domestic governance but was poor at field command, much like his elder brother. Even so, Maxim was ambitious, and on several occasions, he and Pavel plotted rebellion against Piotr. Yet after Piotr ascended the throne, Maxim contributed greatly to the empire’s stability and growth.
Pavel, in contrast to his three elder brothers, was a man of the military—the finest field commander among the four. In his youth, he had been a rough brawler, obsessed with strength and prone to mocking intellectuals, but as he aged, he came to value knowledge. “One must cultivate the mind” became his motto; he founded the Astra Research Institute and devoted himself to study, eventually becoming quite a skilled poet in his later years.
Sergei, the second brother, was an all-rounder with no polarised talents. He acted as mediator among the brothers, and when Maxim tried to rebel, it was Sergei who persuaded—or rather, smacked—him into sense, reconciling him with Piotr. Piotr trusted Sergei absolutely, but that trust led him to dump all responsibility on him. Sergei, exasperated, twice abandoned everything and shut himself up in his fortress (more like self-imposed seclusion). Both times, Piotr rushed over in person to apologize profusely, and they made up again.
A certain historian wrote, ‘Lord Sergei was to Piotr the Great what a true wife is to her husband.’
Ekaterina had burst out laughing when she first read that line.
There was something about the freedom and drama of the founding era that reminded her of Japan’s Warring States period.

.

“Their Majesties are both gracious and approachable. Do not be nervous—act as you always do.”
“Yes, Onii-sama.”

He had told me that many times before, but it’s a tall order.
Still, I’ll do my best! After all, Onii-sama had said this dress suited me better today! Even if that had nothing to do with anything, a compliment like that is enough motivation for a girl to give it her all!
My gown today also used the Celestial Azure as its theme, but the bodice was of spring-sky blue, overlaid with black lace. A delicate lace frill adorned my neckline, with a rainbow-gem brooch pinned at its center.
Not to toot my own horn, but black lace on a villainess fits *so well.* Not to toot the horn again, but I look amazing. My sexiness level just went up. Not that it needs to.

When Ekaterina first appeared fully dressed, Aleksei’s eyes widened.
Then, after a rare pause—as if searching for words—he gave a slightly embarrassed smile.

“Forgive me if this sounds foolish… but for the first time, I understand that a man draws strength from the beauty of the woman at his side. If I can hold your hand, I feel I could accomplish anything. You are beautiful. Even more beautiful than yesterday. I don’t know much about women’s fashion, but this gown seems to suit you better than the last.”
“Oh my… I’m truly delighted.”

(*Hold it together, knees! Don’t collapse! Stay strong!*)

Without letting any of her internal screaming show, Ekaterina smiled serenely.
I managed to weather his attacks (moe) yesterday! But today’s ATK is on a whole different level!
A man as flawlessly composed as Onii-sama, smiling bashfully—what am I supposed to do with that? Not that I need to do anything, but still.
Either way, Onii-sama, it’s actually *me* who’s gaining strength from *you!* I’ll make it through today and prove it!

.

And finally, the carriage carrying the Imperial Family passed through the gates of the Duke’s mansion. It was a dazzling sight—ornately decorated and magnificently crafted.

(*Whoa, look at those horses!*)

The two horses pulling the carriage weren’t ordinary horses. They were the Magic Steeds of Krymov, descended from magical beasts.
Because of its luxurious design, the emperor’s carriage was heavy enough that it would normally take six regular horses to pull. Yet these two managed it with ease. At first glance they looked like beautiful white horses, but each bore a silver horn on its forehead, and its mane and tail shimmered with a faint blue phosphorescence. On closer inspection, fangs peeked out from their mouths.
Why do horses have fangs? Aren’t they supposed to be herbivores? …Maybe not here.
Actually, that’s exactly why they’re *so cool!* Even the horses alone were enough to make people flock to see the spectacle with excitement.

The splendid carriage came to a stop before Aleksei and Ekaterina.
A liveried imperial attendant stepped forward and opened the door.

With a hand to his chest, Aleksei bowed deeply in reverence.
One step behind him, Ekaterina, playing the part of a noble lady, gracefully knelt and lowered her head in a perfect curtsy.

“Aleksei, well done with the reception. You may rise.”

A deep, resonant voice filled the air.

“The one standing there—your sister, I presume? I have wanted to meet her.”
“It is my greatest honor, Your Majesty.”

Aleksei stepped back half a pace and took Ekaterina’s hand.

“By your gracious permission, my sister Ekaterina is blessed to behold your face, Your Majesty.”

There was an unmistakable pride in his voice that he could not fully suppress.
Guided by her brother’s hand, Ekaterina rose and lifted her gaze.

“I am Ekaterina Jurnova. It is an honor beyond words to be granted an audience with Your Majesty.”

Though she managed to keep her composure, Ekaterina couldn’t help but clutch Aleksei’s hand tightly.
As expected of the emperor—his presence, his *aura*, was overwhelming. “Amazing” didn’t even begin to cover it.

His Imperial Majesty Konstantin Jurgrahn, Emperor of the Jurgrahn Empire.

He looked just like the Imperial Prince. He should be around forty years old now, and he did look like the final evolution of the prince. He is what happens when a good looking guy ages like a fine wine.
His hair, the color of a summer sky, was streaked faintly with white. His eyes were the same bright azure as the prince’s, yet his gaze carried the weight of experience. I wonder what kind of life he’s lived.
The empire was at peace and thriving. And it was undoubtedly this man before me who had done the most to make it. Onii-sama himself reveres him greatly, so really, thank you so much, Your Majesty.

The emperor’s expression softened slightly.

“A beautiful young lady. I am relieved to see that the long-separated siblings share such affection. I’m glad for you, Aleksei.”
“I am humbled, Your Majesty.”

Aleksei bowed, gently squeezed his sister’s hand, and exchanged a warm smile with her.

“I’ve heard about your incident with the magical beast. I expected a rather wild young lady, but you seem so calm and elegant—it’s quite the surprise.”

Came a graceful voice from beside the emperor.
I had been wanting to see her! Her Majesty Magdalena!
Her hair and eyes were a brilliant blue-green, they were beautiful like the color of coral seas. There were faint smile lines at her eyes, but her gaze sparkled with vitality. Though she was the same age as the emperor, she looked remarkably youthful. She was quite tall for a woman, nearly His Majesty’s height, and she possessed a commanding grace and striking beauty.
She’s just as I imagined, so cool! She was the very image of a capable, confident woman. Not that they looked alike, but she reminded me of a former Takarazuka ¹top star I had admired in my previous life.

“Ekaterina can surprisingly be just as strong-willed as you, Mother. Though she is also exceedingly kind.”

Hey, prince, are you praising me or throwing me under the carriage here?
Ekaterina glanced at Mikhail—and couldn’t help widening her eyes.

Whoah…the prince is actually a *Prince.*

Come to think of it, I’d only ever seen him in his school uniform before. The academy uniform was fine and all, but casual. Today, in his ornate attire trimmed with gold braid, he radiated royal elegance.

Mikhail, too, seemed taken aback when he saw Ekaterina.

“Now that I think about it, this is the first time I’ve seen you outside your uniform. That’s a beautiful dress. It’s… very mature—and it suits you well.”

…Not bad. For a fifteen-year-old boy, that’s an excellent compliment. It’s Onii-sama’s talent for flowery praise that really was something else.

“You are too kind, Lord Mikhail. You look wonderful yourself.”

When she smiled at him, Mikhail’s cheeks flushed faintly red.
Sorry. I know I’m being shameless even though I’m the villainess. Again, sorry.
But honestly, for someone in your position, you’re bound to be tempted by far bolder older ladies in the future—so you’d better start building up some resistance now.
Then again, in this world where marriages happen much earlier than in my past life… maybe he was already being pursued.
If my small praise is enough to make you blush, how are you going to survive? Hang in there, prince.