Reborn as the General's Useless Daughter-Chapter 25: The Imperial Banquet (Part-5)

At that moment, Zora was seated quietly beside Prince Kael, half-listening to his lazy remarks while her attention drifted elsewhere.

Compared to the tense atmosphere around them, the corner they occupied felt unusually secluded. Prince Kael, detached as ever, remained entirely out of place in this grand political gathering—and yet, strangely at ease.

The two of them looked like casual observers, completely removed from the storm brewing at the center of the banquet.

Until—

Zora suddenly felt something shift.

It was like being stabbed by countless invisible needles.

Dozens upon dozens of gazes slammed into her from every direction at once.

She raised her eyes in faint confusion—

And met the sight of Philip pointing directly at her.

"Zora of House Phoenix."

The atmosphere exploded.

Philip’s voice rang clearly, each syllable stretched just slowly enough for no one to mistake it.

Since the moment she had appeared tonight, his eyes had never truly left her. No matter how hard he tried to suppress it, no matter how much reason warned him otherwise, his gaze always returned to her. The elegant confidence, the calm pride, the cold detachment in her eyes—none of it resembled the girl he once scorned.

And yet...

It was precisely because of that transformation that he could no longer let go.

When he had seen her seated beside Prince Kael earlier—so relaxed, so familiar—an uncontrollable irritation had surged in his heart. An uncomfortable, almost unbearable sense of possession gripped him.

He didn’t know what this feeling was.

But he knew one thing.

He wanted her.

The moment Philip spoke her name, the expressions across the royal garden turned strange.

Shock.

Confusion.

Mockery.

Disbelief.

Zora was once the abandoned fiancée, the woman he had personally cast aside. The marriage contract had only been annulled not long ago, and that annulment had shaken the entire capital. Now he was choosing her again in front of all these people?

Was this a joke?

Luna felt as if the sky had collapsed.

Her face drained of all color as she stared at Philip in utter disbelief. The man she had chased for so long... the man she believed was hers... was pointing at the very woman who had become the root of all her humiliation.

Emperor Alexander’s expression darkened instantly.

So did the Empress.

Among the countless noblewomen present, Philip could have chosen anyone—but the one person he absolutely could not choose was Zora.

"No!"

Emperor Alexander’s voice thundered through the garden, heavy with unmistakable authority.

The word struck like a blade.

His gaze was sharp and cold as frost as it landed on Philip. "The marriage contract was personally annulled by this Emperor. There will be no second talk of it."

How could he allow a former discarded woman—no matter how accomplished she had now become—to return as a princess consort? It would become the greatest laughingstock of the entire dynasty.

Philip’s face stiffened.

His jaw tightened involuntarily as anger, frustration, and unwillingness surged within him. He took a step forward, about to argue— "But Father..."

But the Empress quickly reached out and stopped him.

"Have you lost your mind?" she whispered sharply, her voice low with warning. "Do you want to challenge your father in front of the entire court?"

"But Mother—" Philip insisted stubbornly, "this is the only one I want."

The Empress brows knit tightly. "Are you trying to get yourself stripped of your title?"

Philip finally met Emperor Alexander’s cold gaze.

That look alone was enough to crush any remaining rebellion.

His fists clenched tightly at his sides. The last bit of resistance in his heart collapsed.

Zora, who had been watching everything silently from the sidelines, finally let out a quiet breath she hadn’t realized she was holding.

Thankfully...

She didn’t need to lift a finger.

Philip truly had lost his mind.

After that, he sat back down in silence, no longer speaking. His pride had been crushed thoroughly in front of everyone. The Empress took over the matter completely, guiding the selection with calm efficiency. To Philip, it no longer mattered whom she chose.

In the end—

Scarlett, the treasured daughter of Minister Henry, was formally named the Crown Princess.

Applause rose in layers across the royal garden.

Congratulations echoed from every side.

Only Philip sat motionless, his fingers pale as he gripped his wine cup—

And only Zora knew how close she had just come to being dragged back into the very fate she had torn herself away from.

Among all the noble ladies present, Scarlett stood out almost effortlessly.

Whether in birth, appearance, or talent, she was unquestionably worthy of Philip. Her posture was elegant, her aura steady, and her expression calm under the countless gazes of the court. Even those who harbored jealousy had to admit one thing—this Crown Princess selection was, on the surface, perfectly matched.

When Emperor Alexander announced the result, Minister Henry’s face nearly split with joy.

He stepped forward at once, pulling his daughter gently behind him as he knelt in gratitude. His voice rang clear and loud through the royal garden, filled with pride that could not be hidden.

"This minister thanks the Emperor for this great honor!"

As he rose, his eyes deliberately shifted toward General Helius.

That single glance carried unmistakable provocation.

General Helius’s expression darkened immediately. The veins on his temples throbbed faintly, but he suppressed his anger with effort.

For years, he had stood shoulder to shoulder with Minister Henry in court. Now, with one imperial decree, Minister Henry had stepped directly above him.

How could he not be furious?

At that moment, Minister Henry’s gaze suddenly drifted past General Helius—as if unintentionally—toward the silent figure seated beside Zora.

A trace of calculation flickered through his eyes.

Taking a step forward again, Minister Henry spoke with deliberate casualness, yet every word carried hidden intent.

"Your Majesty, today is already a joyous occasion with the Crown Prince’s selection settled," he said respectfully. "But when one happy event occurs, why not add another? Prince Kael has reached a suitable age as well, yet he remains unmarried. Since everyone is already gathered here, would it not be appropriate to arrange his marriage too?"

The words fell gently. 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

But the ripples they caused were anything but small.

Emperor Alexander looked toward him, expression unreadable. "And whom does the Duke propose?"

Minister Henry lowered his head slightly, the corner of his lips curving faintly.

"The second miss of the General’s Manor—Zora."

The moment the name left his mouth, a faint stir ran through the garden.

Emperor Alexander’s gaze shifted slowly toward Zora. The more he thought about it, the more reasonable it seemed. Prince Kael had remained unmarried for many years. Leaving such a powerful figure unattached was never a wise decision in the long run.

As for Zora...

Her current reputation, influence, and public goodwill made her even more suitable.

Before Emperor Alexander could speak, the Empress had already smiled gently and added her own persuasion.

"What Minister Henry suggests is indeed excellent," she said softly. "Zora is intelligent, composed, and now famous throughout the capital for her medical skills. If she becomes the Princess Consort, it would surely be a blessing for Prince Kael. Your Majesty, what do you think?"

Her gentle tone hid a sharper calculation.

As long as Zora was tied to Prince Kael, Philip would have no chance of touching her ever again.

Philip’s face stiffened.