Tamed or Captured

eath. 

She had a slight sweat on her forehead, but the lively atmosphere brought a faint smile to her lips. 

Ella was standing by a pillar with a shocked expression on her face.

Then Karaf got up from his seat and said.

“I would like to express my gratitude to the butterfly candidates who lit up this banquet today.
You are all precious guests who have been formally invited to the Imperial Palace, so put all your worries and concerns aside and enjoy the banquet to your heart’s content.”

When he finished speaking, he glanced at Asha. 

But Asha didn’t meet his eyes on purpose. 

She looked away with an indifferent expression.

The corners of his sharp eyes turned up slightly, and then one corner of his mouth lifted slightly.

“A real butterfly flew into this banquet today.”

At those words, everyone’s gazes turned to Asha at the same time again. 

Although he didn’t specifically refer to her, everyone knew that it was her, so the protagonist at today’s ball was Asha.

“Asha Camelia.”

“…… Yes, Your Majesty.”

Asha bowed and greeted him politely, lifting the hem of her dress.

“Come to my side.”

Everyone in the banquet hall was shocked by the Emperor’s words. 

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During several flowering ceremonies, he had never called a woman to come to his side.

But Asha, with no shame, grabbed the hem of her dress and walked over to Karaf.

Karaf’s smile grew stronger at her boldness. 

The mere movement of her footsteps was enchanting as if a scent emanated from her.

Many noblemen had already fallen in love with her. 

As Asha drew closer to him, Karaf tapped the empty seat next to him.

As she sat down, the Imperial Musicians began to play bright music suitable for social events. 

Karaf says as his deep gaze looks at her.

“You look very beautiful today.”

Asha was inwardly shocked at those words. 

He had never openly told her before that she was very beautiful. 

She has received a hell of compliments from him like ‘all you have is that good looks’….

Seeing Asha’s reluctant expression, Karaf smiled slightly, and then asked, pulling his face closer to the side.

“So, have you given my proposal a good consideration in the meantime?”

Asha didn’t look at him, but looked ahead and answered calmly. 

“…… Butterflies only use their bodies to choose flowers.”

The corners of his lips turned up.

“I like it.”

He hid his expression, but his voice was full of excitement.

“There is still time until the official announcement of the butterfly.
On the last day of the festival, you will be introduced to the people of the Empire as Vanessa and my Empress.
Until then, relax and enjoy the festival.”

“…… Yes, Your Majesty.”

Asha looked around the hall, ignoring his eager eyes that seemed to want to hold her hand. 

A wonderful mural was painted on the ceiling.

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It was a sacred picture of Etzheim holding and smelling a rose on which a butterfly had landed.
It was a flower garden in full bloom. 

In the mural, the god Etzheim was wearing a white robe as if he was embracing everything, his eyes were closed, and a benevolent smile. 

Etzheim, the kingdom of flowers, was named after a god worshiped by distant ancestors, meaning ‘tree of life‘, and he was the god who reigns over all plants. 

Although butterflies were known to have close communion with God as they were chosen beings, Asha had never had communion with God even though she has resented God.

Asha looked at the mural, then turned her gaze back to the people. 

As the banquet began, the women invited to the Imperial Palace began to socialize enthusiastically.

Although they were not chosen by the Emperor, they wanted to fully enjoy their once-in-a-lifetime banquet.

They laughed and babbled as if butterflies were flying through the flower garden in search of their favorite flower. 

Asha had never experienced this before, so this scene was a bit refreshing, but she was soon focused on finding someone. 

Now the time for the assassin to appear was imminent. 

There was only one chance. 

While keeping Karaf from danger, she was also vigilant so as not to lose her life.

After her last words, Asha didn’t say a word at Karaf’s side. 

Karaf leaned to the side, looking intently at her contemplative face. 

She danced recklessly earlier, and from the moment she sat down next to him, she became very quiet. 

However, her upright posture and calm gaze seemed worthy of an Empress.
And her slightly loose hair, delicate neckline, collarbone, and long eyelashes looked so elegant from the side. 

He felt it when he first saw her, but when he took a closer look, she was more beautiful and mysterious. 

He couldn’t understand why he was mean to such a beautiful woman.

Suddenly, a desire to capture her arises in Karaf’s heart.

It was like the hunting instinct of an animal, but in this case, a flower attracts a butterfly with its scent. 

It was to let the other party know that they had sweet honey. 

Soon, a dizzying and strong scent of roses emanated from his body. 

It was a strong pheromone that would bewitch any normal woman.