The annual banquet in the Imperial Palace was held on the 25th day of the 12th lunar month. After that, it was declared a holiday for the officials until the third day of the lunar new year.

Perhaps it was because of Howard's prior inquiry about the banquet, or Harper's innate sensitivity to danger, she felt that the banquet would not be a peaceful affair.

"My Lady, someone from the Bu Clan has come." The steward stood at the door respectfully. Ever since he was punished by Harper, the steward minded his behavior in the Emerald House and made sure that he did not offend her in any way.

"What is the matter?" Harper asked out of bewilderment.

"The steward of the Bu Clan has come here to ask whether you would like to go to the Imperial Palace with them, My Lady. He said that Lady Caroline has been missing," the steward answered. "If you agree to go with them, My Lad

ecause of these shoes." With a complacent smile on her face, Nicole walked to and fro inside the room. Every now and then she would look down at her feet and a childlike delight would appear on her face. She was walking like a normal person, just like any others.

Harper was happy to see that Nicole was walking like any other ordinary person. "Recently, the cobbler has come here to measure your feet, right? It was at that time that I found that your left leg is only two centimeters shorter than the right. That caused you to limp. So I considered making the left shoe two centimeters higher so that you could walk like a normal person. And fortunately, it turns out that you can!"

Nicole turned around, wiped her tears, and said, "That's so thoughtful of you, Harper."

Harper just smiled. "Mother, please wear this pair of shoes when you go to the Imperial Palace today."