The Number One Star in the Interstellar Era

THEY were at a satellite near the capital planet's orbit. It was called Dionysius. An autonomous satellite owned by some mysterious individual. And for some unknown reason, the Empire, most often than not, turned a blind eye to the things that happened there. As if the person who owned it had something that could hold off the Empire's royal family.

It had been like that since its establishment a hundred years ago. 

Many forms of entertainment could be found here. There's a casino, a fighting arena, underground auctions, they even provided adult entertainment. In short, it's a place where people could freely let out their greed and desire. And since it's mostly out of the jurisdiction of the Imperial Army, many people could do things that they normally couldn't. That's why it's really popular among the nobilities.

Emmy chose this venue for this party and rented one of its buildings. It was easy. Because Dionysius would not reject any kind of business as long as one would pay the right amount of money. The real problem was convincing her father to let her arranged this party. 

Since they had that last talk, it would suspicious of her if she suddenly wanted to have a party considering how she knew that she was just being used as a glorified 'bait'. But since she was supposed to be still angry – which, frankly, she still was – she just needed to act unreasonable. Guilt-tripping her father – if he ever felt guilt - into agreeing to what she wanted. After all, she was still being given to a rapist/murderer as a bride. 

If she organized a party to acknowledge her engagement with Cecil Lancaster and then acted as if she was doing that to spite her father, then her move wouldn't be suspicious at all. 

They chose Dionysius because they didn't allow private armies here. Which meant that Cecil Lancaster couldn't bring his swarm of guards. But he could still two or three people and made them attend the party as if they were guests. Emmy didn't mind that. She simply left the task of dealing with them to Gage. 

He was also invited to this party. Which was not really a cause for suspicion considering that he's the protégé of Simon Lancaster – Cecil's brother. The other was even invited to the Lancaster's patriarch's birthday. So, attending this little party despite not being a part of nobility was not a big deal at all.

She also invited most of the young nobles – and with 'young', she meant those who hadn't yet reached their 50th year - living in the capital. When those nobles found out that the venue was Dionysius, they were more than happy to attend. The reason why she did that was to let down Cecil's guard.

If it was party with attended by only young nobles, he would definitely not think that something was amiss. Especially if the venue was Dionysius. He would just simply think that this was a whim of a young girl who wanted to impress other nobles of her generation and at the same time spite her father who agreed to marry her off to someone she didn't like. Who didn't know that the overly proper Duke Grimaldi didn't like Dionysius?

This time, Emmy's age truly worked for this plan. She's young and known for her stubbornness. It would definitely not cross Cecil Lancaster's mind that this party that she planned would be the last party he would ever attend. 

Their plan was simple and crude. But it could also bring the fastest result to them. But just as she and Gage had talked about, this plan was not without any drawbacks. The result of their success would be them throwing away their current lives.

Strangely enough, Emmy didn't feel scared of that. She already made all the preparations she needed. Her only regret was that she could not say goodbye to Casey in person. 

But it's not like she could return. No matter what her father and brother's reasons were for doing what they did, she couldn't go on living with them as if nothing had happened. That would definitely just make her insane. It's better to leave and just live the way she wanted. Aside from her younger brother, it's not as if there were people who wanted her to be in that house.

So, it's better this way for everyone.

She raised her head and looked at the bastard she was dancing with. Her only wish right now was for their plan to succeed. Successful enough to kill this bastard.

"Why are you staring at me?" Cecil asked, amusement filling his green eyes.

"Nothing. I just thought you're very handsome," Emmy answered with no emotion in her voice.

Cecil chuckled. "Well, I'm glad my future wife thinks so."

Emmy rolled her eyes and moved her gaze. Then her gaze clashed with a pair of teal-gray eyes. Gage nodded to her almost imperceptibly. That was a signal. It meant that he had taken care of the people Cecil brought. 

They could now commence with the plan.

When she and Cecil finished dancing, he escorted her diligently. While they were walking, Emmy acted like she was about to fall. As if she suddenly felt dizzy. Cecil quickly supported her. 

"Are you alright?" he asked sounding very worried.

"I feel a bit dizzy. The alcohol must have gotten into me." Emmy leaned into Cecil, acting very weak and helpless. "Sorry but could you bring me to one of the resting rooms?"

He must have liked this look of hers. Because there was a sudden gleam in his eyes. "Of course."

They walked with his arm around her shoulders. And as they walked closer to the resting area, she smiled inwardly.

Finally. Everything would be over.