As night gradually fell, guests from all corners began arriving at the banquet venue.
Since the event was held in a hotel, so distinguished guests naturally could check in early, avoiding the necessity to travel from elsewhere and thus did not need to enter the venue so early.
This was indeed a very delicate matter, as those of lesser status needed to arrive early to seize the opportunity to cultivate connections, and their status did not permit them to risk tardiness.
But for the VIP guests, arriving after most of the guests were present, thus entering under the gaze of all, truly highlighted their status.
The most distinguished guests at this banquet were undoubtedly Her Majesty the Empress of the Victor Empire and her heir, Eldest Princess Annie.
As such, Perfikot was now chatting with these two esteed guests in the hotel’s luxurious suite, discussing so daily topics while accepting the maid’s attentions.
Don’t misunderstand, it was rely about changing her into the attire for tonight and arraying her with as much precious jewelry as possible.
The term ’array’ here is not an exaggeration, but rather a realistic description.
Currently, Perfikot wore a necklace on her neck made of over a thousand diamonds and seventeen pigeon-egg-sized rubies, her hands adorned with similar jewelry that might more accurately be described as gloves rather than bracelets.
Even her clothes were similarly embellished with a multitude of jewels, making her shine brilliantly under the lights.
Even the train of her floor-length gown was encrusted with an astonishing number of rubies, making the entire dress look like burning flas.
If Perfikot were willing, at least two strings of ruby earrings would have hung from her earlobes.
According to Perfikot’s estimation, the jewels adorning her today were ample enough to deplete a gemstone mine and then so.
After all, an ordinary gem mine could not yield so many large rubies; those adorning her were partly Prince Edward’s inheritance, partly royal jewels, and the rest donated by Langton’s three top jewelers.
In other words, aside from Perfikot, it’s challenging to find soone worldwide who could assemble at least a hundred rubies larger than a thumb.
Yet these jewels paled compared to the rather modestly adorned crown on her head, which was encrusted with a few gems that hadn’t been faceted.
Not that this crown was more valuable than her jewelry ensemble, but its historical worth was extraordinary.
Crafted for the wife of the first founding monarch of the Victor Empire, it was limited by the craftsmanship of that era and Victory’s financial standing, resulting in its modest appearance.
Since the founding of Victory, each Queen has worn this crown at their weddings, and princesses in the Royal Family take pride in wearing it upon reaching adulthood.
Even the coronation ceremony of Her Majesty the Empress used this crown.
Naturally, the crown formally worn on the coronation was the one symbolizing royal authority, not this one, but its significance was nonetheless profound.
In a certain sense, Perfikot wearing it could even be described as presumptuous.
Though she theoretically had a claim to the throne, it was rely a political asset left by Prince Edward, with no genuine possibility of inheriting the throne.
This crown was traditionally worn only by Victor Empire’s Queens and Royal Family princesses, and not every princess had such privilege; even Queens could only wear it during major ceremonies.
The fact that Perfikot could wear it for her coming-of-age ceremony sent a rather remarkable political ssage.
Were it not clear of her lack of blood ties to the Royal Family, so might speculate she was Eldest Princess Annie’s illegitimate daughter and the preordained successor to the throne.
Indeed, discussions of this nature existed within the Royal Family, as Eldest Princess Annie nearly adopted Perfikot years ago.
But when the Empress brought out the crown earlier, she explained to Perfikot it rely signified the Royal Family’s support, nothing more.
Such words... Perfikot believed anyone aware of the crown’s significance couldn’t simply take them at face value.
Yet she didn’t pay much attention to it, for it was beneficial to her, and she personally wasn’t overly concerned.
Moreover, frankly, if she had any such intentions after tonight, the Empress might really contemplate adding her to the list of successors.
After all, the Godslaying Armor was ready.
Another way of putting it is, given what Perfikot commands today, should she declare at the banquet her desire for a crown, so royal family from an old-world country might willingly exchange the crown for their family’s survival.
And for those countries, accepting Perfikot’s rule might not be refused either.
Perfikot would need subjects in that country to govern, right? Trading a crown to surpass their crisis; old-world small nations powerless against the doomsday winter would likely vie for it.
After all, from a commoner’s standpoint, switching rulers could an survival through the crisis. Would it matter who the ruler is?
Compared to overcoming this apocalyptic calamity, Perfikot felt most people wouldn’t mind a new, genuinely rescuing monarch.
However, this held little allure for Perfikot, as with her power now, calling herself a queen lacked only a crown.
"Don’t make it so tight; I’m finding it hard to breathe." Perfikot stopped the maid from tightening her waist further, indicating to relax before allowing the maid to tie the dress.
Eldest Princess Annie laughed at this: "It could only be little Perfikot like you; anyone else wouldn’t leave here today without broken ribs."
"Not that exaggerated; a maiden’s waist is indeed slender." Her Majesty the Empress interjected. Had it been anyone else, Perfikot’s spontaneous act of loosening the dress wouldn’t be allowed, but for Perfikot, even trousers would be permissible.
"Alright, let’s prepare to enter." Perfikot displayed a perfect smile.
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