Episode 125

 

The banquet was becoming more lively as it progressed.

Jade and Princess Daina had not yet returned to the hall.

I wasn’t worried because I trusted they would handle things well on their own.

Remembering Lloydin’s request for me to focus on him, I quickly dismissed thoughts about my brother and the princess.

I glanced briefly at Lloydin.

After finishing our dance, a noble approached him.

He was a noble from a regional family I hadn’t heard of before.

Since then, the two of them had been conversing at a slight distance from me.

I didn’t know what they were discussing, but as the conversation dragged on, I started to feel a bit bored.

‘It’s a bit warm.’

With so many people and after dancing, I wanted some fresh air.

“Luke, brother.”

I approached my brother Luke, who was nearby.

As Jade had mentioned, Luke was with a young lady.

“Ayla.”

“Oh, hello, Duchess Blighton, correct?”

“Yes, hello. I’m Ayla Blighton.”

“I’m Veronica Yukrens from the Count of Yukrens family. Our family primarily resides in a small territory in the east.”

The lady who introduced herself as Veronica Yukrens had light purple hair and was very beautiful.

I thought they looked quite good together and smiled softly.

“So you came to the capital to attend the banquet?”

“Yes, that’s right. My father was coming, and I really wanted to attend a palace banquet, so I followed along.”

“I see. Are you enjoying the banquet as much as you expected?”

“Yes. Lord Anais has been making my time here very pleasant.”

Veronica looked at Luke with eyes full of affection, as if she were in love.

The surprising thing was that Luke had a similar expression.

“Actually, thanks to you, I’m having a happy and special day today.”

“Really?”

“Yes. I genuinely feel that way.”

“I’m so happy.”

Seeing my brother with such a sincere expression and voice was unusual but not unpleasant.

And Veronica’s smile showed she was equally pleased with his words.

“I’m glad to see you both having a good time. Oh, brother, I have a favor to ask.”

“What is it?”

“I want to step outside to get some air in the garden. If the Duke looks for me, could you tell him I’m there?”

“Sure.”

“Thank you. Lady Yukrens, I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.”

“I hope you have a wonderful time too, Duchess Blighton.”

“Thank you.”

After exchanging polite farewells, I left the banquet hall.

“Ah, that feels better.”

As soon as I stepped outside, the cool autumn breeze refreshed me.

Feeling invigorated, I headed slowly towards the garden.

The garden was filled with flowers and trees exuding a strong fragrance.

While I was enjoying the sights and scents carried by the wind, I suddenly sensed someone approaching.

I thought someone might just be passing by and didn’t pay much attention.

Then, a familiar voice came from behind.

“Duchess Blighton.”

Realizing who the voice belonged to, I couldn’t help but let out a small sigh.

Meeting the Crown Prince here was not at all pleasant.

But I couldn’t ignore him, so I quickly composed myself and turned to greet him.

“Greetings, Your Highness.”

“Were you enjoying the garden?”

“Yes. The banquet hall felt a bit warm, so I came out for some fresh air.”

“I see.”

A moment of silence fell between us.

I wished he would leave after the greeting, but he kept staring at me, deep in thought.

‘I’d like to stay out a bit longer.’

I wanted to stay outside as the hall was still too warm, but the Crown Prince showed no sign of leaving.

I decided it would be best for me to leave, so I opened my mouth to excuse myself.

“Then, I will take my leave.”

“Duchess.”

Just as I was about to return to the hall, the Crown Prince called out to me.

“Does being alone with me make you uncomfortable?”

“Pardon? No, that’s not it.”

I was a bit flustered but managed to deny the Crown Prince’s words.

Though I denied it, honestly, I did feel uncomfortable. Moreover, the thought that Lloydin might come looking for me soon didn’t help.

“Then how about a little conversation?”

What does he want to talk about this time?

Even though it was a suggestion, I wasn’t in a position to refuse given his status.

“Yes, I understand.”

I barely managed to agree, deciding to finish the conversation quickly and return.

“There’s a bench a bit further inside. Shall we sit there and talk?”

“…Alright.”

Following the Crown Prince, I entered the garden further and sat on the bench, keeping as much distance as possible from him.

I sensed a chuckle from the Crown Prince as he noticed my cautious behavior.

“Is there something you wanted to talk about…?”

I was eager to get this over with, so I quickly asked, pretending not to know.

“Are you enjoying the banquet?”

“What?”

“I asked if you are enjoying today’s banquet.”

“Oh, yes. I’m enjoying it. I’m very grateful to the imperial family for hosting such a grand event.”

“Is that so.”

This meaningless conversation was not what I wanted.

“So, is that what you wanted to ask me? If I’m enjoying the banquet?”

“Hmm.”

When I bluntly asked, the Crown Prince chuckled unpleasantly.

“Does such a question bother you, Duchess?”

“That’s… not it. It’s just that my husband might be waiting, so I thought I should go back soon.”

“It seems Duke Blighton is quite busy conversing with others right now.”

“Yes, that’s why I came out for some fresh air.”

“I see. Well, then a slight delay shouldn’t cause any issues.”

While it wouldn’t be a big problem, I still didn’t feel comfortable.

However, I didn’t want to express my discomfort to the Crown Prince, so I forced a smile and agreed.

“Yes, I suppose not.”

“Shall we then have a more relaxed conversation?”

“…Alright.”

Resigned, I nodded slightly, waiting for the Crown Prince to speak.

“About today’s banquet.”

Was he going to talk about something trivial again?

I sighed inwardly and responded indifferently.

“The banquet?”

“Yes. Today, I saw an unexpected pair together.”

His next words brought me to full attention.

An unexpected pair…

“Princess Daina and Lord Jade Anais.”

Of course, he was referring to my brother and the princess.

“How long have they been acquainted?”

“Pardon?”

“I asked how long they have known each other.”

“I… don’t know.”

“Oh, so you only found out today as well?”

“Yes, I found out today too.”

“I see.”

The Crown Prince nodded, giving me an unreadable look.

What is this? What does he want?

Was he trying to glean information about Jade and the princess’s relationship from me?

Just like everyone else at the banquet, the Crown Prince might also be curious about their relationship.

Although I could answer honestly, I didn’t feel like doing so.

So, I decided to be very cautious and hide what I knew.

“You must have been very surprised.”

“…Yes, very surprised.”

“The imperial family and the Anais family.”

The Crown Prince spoke slowly, as if deep in thought.

“Do you think it’s possible?”

Then, suddenly, he laughed in a way that annoyed me and asked.

“Pardon? What do you mean…?”

I looked at him in confusion, unable to understand.

He seemed to be implying that Jade and the princess could never be together.

“What do you mean?”

With a serious expression, I asked again, while he responded with a nonchalant smile.

“The union of the imperial family and the Anais family would indeed be a great blessing for the empire.”

If he knows that, why is he saying this?

“But…”

After a brief pause, the Crown Prince stared intently at me.

I met his gaze, bracing myself and waiting for him to continue.

After a while, he spoke unexpected words.

“That is, if the Anais family remains loyal and honorable to the empire.”

His words hit me like a blow to the head, leaving me staring at him in shock.