Bon Appétit

Side story 13: Hidden story.

 

This story begins with the death of the former emperor, Raytheon.

“Are you sure you want to go?”

Cain looked at Ingrid with a worried expression. He didn’t want Ingrid to go to a dangerous place directly. However, Ingrid seemed to have no intention of toning down her stubbornness.

“Yes, I have to go.”

Ingrid answered firmly.

“Didn’t you say that the emperor is already dead?”

“Yes, they said so, but…”

Ingrid, who was speechless, sighed deeply.

“I want to see it with my own eyes.”

Was the emperor really dead? She wanted to make sure that it was true that he could never bother her again, so Ingrid decided to take the risk and go to the emperor’s funeral.

“It will be difficult for outsiders to enter.”

“I still have the some of the powder Luana gave me left. It’s just a little bit, but I can use it.”

The powder had very mysterious abilities. It might come in handy later, so it might have been a waste to spend it on this. That’s why Ingrid couldn’t look straight into the face of Cain, her knight.

After welcoming him as a knight, she did nothing for him. Nevertheless, Cain always devotedly helped Ingrid. She always felt guilty.

“Then I will take you there too.”

“It’s impossible. There isn’t enough powder left for two people. Lord Cain will be in danger.”

“My Master is going to a dangerous place, but I am the only one who is safe.”

“You can’t. You don’t have to worry about me.”

“but!”

“If you really think of me as your master’s, please don’t stop me.”

Now that Cain had come forward like that, it became more difficult for Ingrid to stop him.

“Then please, let me stay nearby.”

“It’s not a request, it is a command.”

“I have given you an order.”

“I will follow your orders.”

Cain placed his hand on his chest and bowed slightly.

 

***

 

That day has arrived. The day of the emperor’s funeral. Ingrid transformed into the person she had investigated in advance and hid inside.

Perhaps because there was little powder, the makeup came off in the end, but no one could see her with her face covered.

Perhaps it was because of the rain that continued to fall from the sky. At times like this, it wasn’t easy to care about other people.

 

Some people were sad, while other people lamented. Ingrid stood between them and watched the emperor’s funeral. Holding onto the flowers she had prepared in advance. The funeral proceedings took place in a solemn atmosphere, and the emperor’s coffin was finally revealed.

There was no surprise. The emperor did not come back to life. Looking at the flowers falling on the coffin, Ingrid also threw the flowers she brought. When the fallen flower hit the coffin, she felt a strange emotion.

She hated the emperor , that was indisputably true. But seeing him dead like this gave her an indescribable feeling. For a second, she felt like she  made eye contact with someone beyond the rain. Ingrid decided to return back at this point. It seemed dangerous to hold on any longer.

Ingrid carefully escaped and left the imperial palace.

At the end of the funeral, many people passed through the open gate of the palace.

There were people coming and going. Thanks to them, without much trouble, she was able to get out.

“Ingrid.”

“I told you to go back and wait!”

Cain smiled bitterly at the accusatory words. Only then did Ingrid realize that her words were sharp. It seemed like she was being too harsh on the person who had waited so long out of concern for her.

“Sorry. I’m not blaming you.”

“It’s okay. Let’s get out of here first.”

Ingrid left the scene with Cain. Now it was time to go back to the hideout. She decided to shake off her old feelings. Now it was time to move forward.

“By the way, have you been in contact with other nobles?”

“Yes, I am in secret contact with a few people.”

“Please proceed with caution.”

“Don’t worry. They are different from the man who sold the kingdom.”

These were those who still retained their loyalty to the kingdom. Because of that, even though they escaped the purge, they were in difficult situations in many ways, but now was not the time to discriminate against people. They had to somehow recruit more collaborators and increase their numbers.

“What will the new emperor do from now on?”

The Duke who loved Luana. Now that he had become the new emperor, many things might change. They also had to be well prepared to avoid being swept away by the wind.

“Maybe it will work in our favor, maybe it won’t, Luana…”

Cain paused for a moment. It was because she suddenly remembered her innocent love of cooking.

“She is the princess of a fallen country, so she is not suitable to be the emperor’s mate. Still, if he wants to make her the empress, there is no third way. Either another power will support her by sending her in as the adopted daughter of a strong noble, or else he will have to revive the kingdom. If he seat Luana on the vacant throne, it will be beneficial in many ways. He can keep his loved ones by his side, and the kingdom can be completely absorbed into the empire.”

Of course, the kingdom was still in the hands of the empire, but there were people who resisted, those who lost their lord and land.

Among them, there would be people who would turn around if Luana, who is of royal blood, becomes the queen. After hearing Cain’s words, Ingrid was lost in thought for a moment.

Her youngest sister, abandoned by their father, was pitiful.

That’s why she tried to treat her better, but what if she became the queen?

Even then, will she be able to bless her younger sister and wish her happiness? She asked herself a question and thought about the answer. And it wasn’t long before she came to a conclusion.

‘no.’

Ingrid did not want the kingdom to fall into the hands of the empire like that. If Luana becomes queen, the next great king will be one of Luana’s children. A child who carries on the blood of the empire. Or it could be incorporated as part of the empire. Either way, it was an unwanted ending.

“That’s troublesome.”

Ingrid clearly expressed her opinion.

“The kingdom must not fall into the hands of the empire.”

So Luana should not become queen. In the worst case, she might have to kill Luana. Thinking about that, she got goosebumps all over her body. But her head was talking to Ingrid.

‘Don’t hand over the throne to Luana.’

“Please continue to gather information and when you hear any news, please let me know as soon as possible when you arrive.”

“I will do that.”

Cain answered with a stern face. He also seemed to sense Ingrid’s feelings.

Would the face of someone thinking about harming their only remaining blood look ugly?

Ingrid smiled bitterly. Still, she couldn’t stop here. No matter what he thought, she had to move forward. Because it was the only way to achieve her wish. She clenched her fists and made up her mind.

Every day was a busy day. He busily moved his body to contact the people of the kingdom who were hiding here and there. Meanwhile, information continued to come in.

“Luana joined the Marquis as his adoptive daughter?”

“Yes, it looks like she has no intention of becoming queen. That’s good.”

Ingrid felt relieved at Cain’s words. At least, she didn’t have to hurt her younger sister. That’s what she thought.

Still, it seemed like the heavens had not completely abandoned her. The good news didn’t stop there.

As more and more people gathered, her power grew. Having a followers walking the same path gave Ingrid a sense of stability.

Of course, she knew that even if she gathered people like this, dealing with the empire wouldn’t not be easy. It might be hitting a rock with an egg. Still, Ingrid couldn’t give up.

Because she wanted to bring back the palace where she had lived since she was born and the people who smiled at her.

“So, let’s cheer up a little.”

“Can I cheer up with you too?”

As Cain responded to the words she had spoken without realizing it, he felt ashamed.

“Did you hear that?”

“I will be right next door.”

She would pretend not to know. She wouldn’t even notice. Still, the reason she didn’t find Cain obnoxious was because she knew his dedication.

If she were to choose the person she could trust the most in her current situation, she would say his name without hesitation. To the extent that, he became a precious person.

“Is it so? Let’s cheer up together, for the rebuilding of the kingdom!”

“For the rebuilding of the kingdom!”

Cain laughed, copying Ingrid’s words. She didn’t know where the laughter came from, but his smile wasn’t bad. Ingrid smiled and leaned back in her chair, tilting her head back.

Even if the road ahead is thorny, Ingrid would not stop. Because that was the path she had to take. And Cain would always be by her side, that was it.

Afterwards, news of her younger sister Luana’s marriage was heard. Since she was in the kingdom at the time, she couldn’t visit in person, but she gave her blessing from afar. If she continued to live like this, she might become enemies with Luana one day, but still…

She wanted to wish her happiness for just a moment.

“Be happy, Luana.”

Because she would also find her own happiness.

Time passed like that, and a princess was born in the empire. This time, Ingrid gave her blessing to Luana’s child from inside the small hut. After the short prayer, Cain spoke as if he had been waiting.

“It’s time.”

“is it so.”

Ingrid got up and opened the cabin door. Outside, many people were standing and looking only at her. When she saw that, her heart was pounding. The time has finally come. It’s time to get moving again!

“For the rebuilding of the kingdom!”

After shouting that, Ingrid took a step forward. It was not yet known whether it would disappear from history like this or whether it would survive. Still, today she moves forward.

 

 

***

TL:

That’s the end.

Thank you all for reading.

See you in another novel ❤️

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