11 The tradition

The person in front of Caius was wearing a light purple gown. Her regality was too obvious. Her mere presence became a heated topic to discuss and a historic moment to witness for all those who were present there.

The empress's golden hair, her light purple gown, and three guards behind her who looked sturdy caught eyes of all those who were busy enjoying the banquet to the fullest a few minute earlier.

Caius didn't know how to react.

All the people present in the hall said in one voice, "Your Majesty, the Empress!!"

Their heads were bowed down. They didn't dare to disrespect the empress with their words or their lacking etiquette. They simply didn't want to appear bad in her presence.

The empress leisurely said, "Be at ease."

All those people present there raised their head. Caius also raised his head.

All the people were confused. No one ever thought that they would see the empress personally attending a mere graduation banquet. They were excited and confused at the same time.

Viviana started having an ominous premonition. She felt uneasy seeing the empress in front of her brother. She really hoped that Caius would be able to fully enjoy his graduation banquet.

Empress handed a bouquet of lavender which seemed to have gone unnoticed although it was in her hand the entire time.

Everyone present in the hall knew the meaning of providing flowers and especially purple flower by the royalty. Afterall, purple colour was the colour of royalty. And giving flower to someone in that situation and occasion could only mean persuasion.

In the Royal Academy, the tradition of giving flowers on the day of graduation started when Kasper graduated. The then deputy commander of Royal Force, Valeria Flores proposed Kasper Norton with blue flowers.

After that particular case, all the people started following her footsteps. Everyone who wished to reach the heart of their beloved gave flowers that represented their family or even the eyes of their beloved.

It had been an unspoken rule to accept the flowers and agree to the proposal or directly refuse both the flowers and the proposal.

Clair and Burt were with the entire crowd. When they heard people guessing why the empress presented the flowers to Caius, they were shocked. They didn't have any idea how Caius came to know the empress.

Moreover, they never heard of anything related to the empress from his mouth.

Baris was also shocked when he saw the empress giving flowers to Caius.

Caius had already decided to accept the proposal. But he didn't want to do in such a flashy way. He wanted to quietly leave the capital after accepting the proposal. Now, it seemed impossible.

Caius couldn't reject the flowers. He accepted them with a face that had no expression. However, in the eyes of those who envied him started the rumor that Caius's face was like he was over the moon at that time right after the end of the banquet. And even during the banquet.

Empress looked quite satisfied with the attention that her doing was getting. She asked in a pleased tone, "Would you do me a honor dancing a song with me?"

"It would be my honor to be able to dance with your majesty." Caius replied while bowing his head slightly.

Viviana was really angry with the empress. She didn't know what to do anymore.

Caius looked at the Empress's hand that was covered with dark purple gloves. Her left hand was held out as an offering.

Soon a light music started to lighten up the atmosphere of the room and the mood of the people there.

Caius was like about fifteen centimeter taller than Cyra. They looked good together at least in the eyes of the observers.

Caius's left hand was holding Cyra's right hand. His right hand was holding her back. Cyra's left hand was resting on Caius's shoulder. They were in perfect harmony throughout the song.

As soon as the song was completed, Caius and Cyra slightly bowed at each other. The banquet was still going on.

Many people were starting to adjust in the heavy presence of the empress. They were starting to enjoy the banquet once again. However, Caius and Viviana were no longer in mood to celebrate.

Caius informed his friends and came out of the banquet hall with Viviana. Caius was still holding those lavenders. Seeing those flowers, Viviana felt angry.

Clair wanted to ask Caius what was going on. But looking at his countenance, he didn't utter any word.

The empress soon left the banquet as well.

There were many rumors that claimed that Cyra and Caius were childhood sweethearts. They were in love since they were children as per the rumors.

Many rumors also claimed that the Empress pursued Caius even before she rose to the throne. She had been waiting to propose Caius but she couldn't do just yet due to the problems that were rising inside the palace.

'Their union is the power of true love.' Such rumors were starting to be the afternoon gossips among the nobles and the commoners.

Every street and alley in the capital praised the so-called love story of their Empress and their soon-to-be Emperor Consort.

It might really be the result that the Empress wanted. But that made a lot of trouble for the Flores Family. Many invitations and congratulatory letters started to arrive at his home. It was a nightmare to manage all those letters.

The Flores Family soon became busy with all the incoming letters and invitations. Caius really didn't have to handle them as Viviana took care of them herself.

Cold season was approaching in rapid speed. The fall was quickly passing by. The trees were almost naked. Cold breeze was quickly cooling down the entire surrounding.

Caius was leisurely flipping over the book in the library. Kasper came to him with a white cloak and white fur around the neck.

He handed the cloak to Caius and said, "Put it on. Although capital is still not cold, you always get cold easily. It is better to be careful."

Hearing his father, Caius took the cloak and put it on.

Kasper looked at Caius and asked, "When are you leaving for the Northern Region?"