AESVM Chapter 74

Chapter 74
The Lady’s Knight

 

“She also ran into a gossip columnist that day. And to make things worse, she collapsed in the carriage on the way back.

Judging by the way she looked before that, she must’ve seen something that really shook her.”

As Kisha continued speaking, Celestian looked about one second away from taking up a sword and murdering someone—anyone—on the spot.

“But instead of bringing you along, she brought home her loyal knight—me.”

Kisha added playfully, but the tension in the room did not ease.

“Still, look on the bright side. You’ve had quite the status upgrade—from some villainess’s lover to April Buchanan’s father.”

“……?”

“The entire kingdom thinks of you as Lady Daphne’s husband now. Do you know what people are saying in the capital these days?”

Celestian remained silent.

Kisha stroked his upper lip, mimicking a mustache, and then loudly proclaimed,

“Oi, royal family! How dare you lock up April’s father? What an outrage!”

“Are you trying to mock me or piss me off? Pick one.”

“I’m trying both. Will you hit me for it? Or should I go tattle to the young lady?”

Celestian let out a long, weary sigh. He raked a hand through his golden bangs, ran his fingers over his ears, and flicked the dust off his gray vest. Then, resting his arms on his knees, he stared down at the marble floor.

“You look exhausted. Could it be… from not seeing our young lady?”

“Shut up.”

“Shut…?”

“…Just be quiet.”

Kisha nodded.

For three seconds.

Because no Serenade could resist poking at something interesting.

They were all like Daphne.

“Your Grace, you don’t look any better than she does.”

“…….”

Observing him carefully, Kisha suddenly smacked his broad back three times—one of them hard enough to make a solid thud.

Celestian, however, didn’t flinch.

He didn’t make a sound.

He didn’t even react.

Kisha, who had instinctively tensed up in anticipation of a counterattack, blinked in amazement.

“Your Grace… don’t tell me—”

“…….”

“You haven’t eaten anything since the day you were taken?”

“Mm.”

If he counted the days since Celestian had been imprisoned, it had already been fifteen.

Kisha clicked his tongue.

He had heard the stories—how Celestian had been imprisoned for an entire month once, accused of conspiracy against the throne. They had starved him, and still, he had survived.

“And you haven’t slept either, have you?”

No response.

Kisha sighed and nodded to himself, as if everything suddenly made sense.

Then, he hopped to his feet, gave a thumbs-up, and pointed toward the door.

“This is bad. Looks like you’ll have to take my place.”

Celestian frowned.

“What?”

“I’ll lend you that fine sword the lady bought me.

Now, go play knight.”

“…….”

Celestian still looked dazed.

His condition was getting worse by the second.

Kisha’s bloodshot left eye stung as he blinked rapidly.

He had been stubborn about not applying any medicine, but at this rate, he might actually have to ask Narid to help.

“You’re exhausted, I get it. But you don’t have a choice.

Your princess is about to get sold off by that wicked old hag.”

****

The dinner dragged on.

Daphne had paid the singer a hefty sum to keep performing, maintaining just enough background noise to stave off the oppressive silence.

I might get indigestion at this rate.

She made a show of eating every dish brought to the table, knowing full well that Amber was watching her like a hawk. Meanwhile, her mother hadn’t so much as touched her silverware.

Daphne couldn’t even tell if she was properly chewing or just stuffing food down. Occasionally, she pressed a hand to her stomach, which didn’t go unnoticed—Marius kept glancing at her.

“Daph.”

“Yes?”

“You’ll come with me, then?”

“Of course. I’m feeling perfectly fine now.”

She even threw him a playful wink.

For the Buchanan father and daughter, flaunting their good relationship was practically a tradition—one that happened only once or twice a year.

Despite their refined upbringing, the two despised anything dull. Operas were too stiff, plays required sitting still for too long, and parties were just glorified arenas for useless power struggles.

If you’re going to fight, at least let it be real.

That was why, every year, Daphne pretended to loathe being dragged to the gladiator matches with her father.

But in truth, she loved it.

The blood, the sweat, sometimes even bits of flesh flying—it was the perfect spectacle.

Not to mention all those well-built men.

She smirked to herself.

And…

Her gaze flickered toward Marius. He was leaving the country tomorrow.

This was her last chance for a public father-daughter outing.

And if he left thinking she was pregnant, that would create complications down the road.

Dad hates lies. I should tell him the truth.

Knowing him, he’d proudly boast to everyone that his daughter was expecting—probably even send gifts to the mansion.

Then the lie would spiral out of control, making it impossible to clean up later.

And, most importantly—

The trust fund.

A sudden realization hit her like lightning.

Her father owned the bank where her massive trust was locked away.

She leaned toward him immediately.

“Dad, Dad. I have something important to tell you. And I need a favor.”

“What is it?”

“Well—”

“Don’t tell me the baby’s name really is April? How about letting this grandfather pick one instead?”

Daphne hesitated.

Marius had never truly felt like a father to her. But now, watching his deep blue eyes sparkle with excitement, he looked almost… boyish.

He’s still young—doesn’t the idea of being a grandfather bother him? No, if I tell him there’s no baby, he might actually cry.

Pouting slightly, she glanced at Amber.

Her mother’s golden eyes were clouded over, her expression frozen.

The look of pure fury.

“I hope the baby gets my blue eyes,” Marius mused. “Traits tend to skip a generation, after all.”

And yet, despite Amber’s smoldering rage, Marius remained obliviously cheerful.

“If it’s blonde with blue eyes, it’ll be gorgeous. Just like a novel’s male lead.”

“I hope it takes after you,” he said warmly. “Then it’ll be truly beautiful.”

His playful tone made the nausea in Daphne’s stomach disappear.

She smiled sweetly.

“So, what was it you wanted to tell me?”

“Oh, that—actually…”

Daphne paused.

You know what? I should get back at him for earlier.

She had been just about to spill the truth when Marius had cut in with his own surprise.

And with Amber staring daggers at her, now wasn’t the time to talk anyway.

“I’ll tell you later. After the match.”

“Hmm? You’re such a tease.”

He tilted his head curiously, then burst into laughter.

The table was a mess—but only Daphne’s plates were completely empty.

“Let’s make a bet again.”

“Is there something you want?”

“The whole kingdom?”

“Consider it bought.”

His tone was light, but it was the kind of thing she loved to hear.

Daphne had always believed her father was a man worthy of love.

Setting aside her childhood neglect and all the bitter moments—yes, he was.

Which was why it was so strange to her that Amber treated him with such calculated formality.

If they weren’t discussing business, they barely spoke. And even then, it was through written correspondence.

Are they really only staying together because of me? They don’t have to.

If they ever announced a divorce, Daphne had already decided—she would move out on her own.

But Amber would never be the one to initiate it.

Marius’ wealth was her greatest asset.

Then why hasn’t Dad left?

Marius checked his silver pocket watch, then stood up.

“Daphne. Time’s up. Let’s go.”

“Huh? Oh.”

She pushed her chair back, hesitating for a moment as she looked at Amber.

“Mother, are you coming?”

“…….”

“Ah, my mistake. Amber Green wouldn’t enjoy a place like that.”

Amber’s eyebrow twitched.

Then, without a word, she stormed out.

Daphne followed after her.

The moment they stepped outside, the summer night air filled her lungs.

And suddenly, she remembered—

Celestian was still at the mansion.

Amber will hate dealing with the hotel staff. I should be the one to take her home.

She considered taking the household guards out to Saturn Memorial for a change of pace.

Maybe even bring Celestian along…

Raising a hand, she was about to call for the driver when—

“Amber.”

Her eyes widened.

She glanced back and forth between her parents.

Marius had just called Amber by her name.

That hasn’t happened in… three years?

And even stranger—

He was inviting her to join them at the match.

And Amber was agreeing.

She climbed into the carriage without hesitation.

Daphne stared.

First at her father. Then at her mother.

What was this?

“Not getting in?”

Marius smiled.

“There’s an event tonight I think you’ll really enjoy.”

“…Huh?”

Amber’s voice was almost cheerful.

Daphne’s eyes narrowed with deep suspicion.

Something was going on.