Step Forward

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Unfortunately, no matter how Alexander refused to accept the truth in his heart, it remained a fact that Emilia was chosen as the third guest of honor by the Prime Minister of Phoenix.

Bellatrix smiled as she shook hands with the shy crimson-haired beauty who finally stepped on stage after much encouragement from her blonde companion, and she couldn't help but tease the girl a little. "After hearing all about your bold and fearless decisions so far, I didn't think Empress Emilia would turn out to be so shy in person."

Emilia naturally didn't expect that the prime minister would actually dare to tease her like this, but she didn't let it disturb her too much as she responded to her with an innocent smile. "I-I just didn't expect that I would be here today."

In reality, she wasn't actually as embarrassed as she appeared, though her surprise at being chosen was most definitely real.