“Episode 22”
“That’s… a place where intentions are hard to discern.”
“Is it some kind of maneuver to elevate status by taking a woman who was once an empress consort nominee?”
Patrick always interpreted everything in a self-centered manner. He was convinced that the North was barbaric, always inferior to the Empire, and harbored feelings of inferiority.
“The current Duke is said to be very vigorous. Truly fitting of the epithet ‘Black Beast’.”
Even his mocking tone adhered to the courtly etiquette of the palace.
“Yes, indeed quite barbaric.”
“He seems to aspire to climb even the most treacherous cliffs. He must believe he has enough power to marry the woman that Jim had his eye on.”
It was a thought only Patrick could entertain. His innermost doubts and cunning were reflected in the imaginary Duke he depicted.
“It’s a pity. Still, for a Duke to stoop so low as to pick up a discarded woman.”
Patrick’s gaze shifted to the garden outside. After gazing at the same spot for a while, he pointed with his finger.
“Oh, there, a branch is sticking out.”
It was a very subtle difference, but it did appear protruding when he pointed it out.
“I’ll have it trimmed.”
“Yes.”
Patrick turned around briskly. The white robes of the Emperor, which had always been inseparable from him, gleamed coolly.
“Oh, and remember to trim the branch afterward.”
“Yes? But didn’t you just ask to trim it a moment ago?”
“Hmm? That’s the gardener’s job.”
The soft and gentle tone resonated with dignity.
“Make sure not to forget to trim the branch.”
“Yes…”
“Careful handling of everything is important. Keep an eye on the North’s intentions for a while without looking away.”
“Yes.”
As Patrick’s figure disappeared, Jasang breathed a long sigh. It was uncertain whether Aris’s life, unable to ascend to the position of Empress, would indeed be unhappy.
* * *
Thanks to Ricard’s consideration, Aris could rest comfortably at a place he had prearranged whenever she felt tired or nauseous. Since applying the ointment, the scar had visibly faded, making her beauty stand out even more.
“Duke Ricard seems very kind.”
Veronica’s scar was also fading.
“Perhaps the North isn’t as terrifying as we thought.”
“It might be. The Duchess was also a good person. Surprisingly… the North isn’t as far as I thought.”
Having spent a long time only in the North, the psychological distance and people’s attention had naturally diminished.
“The Duke’s domain was directly above the city of Asa…”
“Has Veronica been to Asa?”
“Yes. She went on a pilgrimage before Her Majesty got married. I never thought that directly above would be the Duke’s domain.”
Aris nodded as well. Prejudice truly blinds people’s eyes.
“We have a little time, would you like to write a letter to the kingdom?”
“No.”
No one in the kingdom was interested in Aris’s marriage. The Queen was openly busy taking care of the Duke of Kaires’ niece.
“I’m determined not to look back now.”
Although her voice was soft, there was an unwavering strength in it. It was hope.
“Since we’re not far from the Grand Duchy, shall we go?”
Aris’s new life was about to begin. A different kind of expectation tinged Aris’s cheeks with vitality.
“They’re passing by, and I heard they’re holding a wedding in the Grand Duchy.”
“Where is the bridal procession now?”
“They’re about to arrive in Asa. But why…”
Patrick flashed a graceful smile.
“Isn’t a wedding a joyful occasion? Moreover, passing through nearby Asa on the way, I thought I might personally bless the Duke.”
“It’s been so long since there was any interaction with the North…”
“That’s why it would be an honor for Jim to step forward and offer his blessings.”
Jasang could no longer interfere. Fortunately, Asa was a neutral territory, but any contact with the Duke was akin to a declaration of war, no matter the pretext.
“In any case, I’ve been eager to see what kind of impressive beast Jim is.”
Patrick smirked.
“We will depart for Asa now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty…”
Several hours later, Patrick’s entourage arrived in Asa. He disregarded the rules of Asa and surveyed the surroundings with a contingent of heavily armed knights.
“Your Majesty, the procession is coming.”
“I have no interest in the bridal procession. Is the Duke’s welcoming party ready?”
“We don’t have that information.”
“Even if they are barbarians, it’s only proper for them to welcome the bride this far.”
Patrick remarked disdainfully.
“Very well. If the bride’s entourage is detained, the Duke will come.”
“As you command, Your Majesty.”
As Patrick arrogantly gestured, the knights watched as the bride’s procession approached.
“It’s the Emperor’s entourage! Halt, everyone!”
The sound of high trumpets was the Emperor’s privilege. The procession rumbled but soon came to a stop.
“The owner of the procession, come out and pay respects to His Majesty!”
A sudden turn of events stirred up murmurs. Conversely, inside the carriage where Aris sat, it became eerily silent. Aris’s blue eyes trembled with fear. Despite her attempts to conceal it, her white fingertips trembled uncontrollably, prompting Ricard to bite his lip firmly.
“Why is the Emperor here?”
Being blocked on their joyous journey by the Emperor was discomforting, but Aris’s condition was more worrying. Aris trembled as if she had seen a ghost.
“You are already my bride. Don’t worry, just wait here.”
Ricard handed Aris the scarf he had momentarily loosened. It was meant to cover her face in case it was needed.
“No one, even the Emperor, can take you away from here.”
The low voice reassured Aris. Whatever had happened, it was clear that Aris was terribly afraid of the Emperor. Ricard found this fact deeply unsettling.
Knock, knock, a knock sounded from outside the carriage.
“I’ll go out.”
Ricard sharpened his resolve, then opened and stepped out of the carriage. The Emperor, mounted on a horse, observed Ricard from afar like a spectator.
“Albertus, Duke of North, greets the Emperor of the Empire.”
The words were polite, but his dark eyes were piercing.
“It’s unexpected for the Duke to come out of a bridal procession.”
Patrick’s skepticism and arrogance turned out to be advantageous for Ricard. Since he didn’t come forward on his own, he probably didn’t know about the venom Ricard was exuding.
“In fact, I came out to greet you after joining the welcoming party.”
“Then the bride must be with you. …Ah, she was originally a candidate for my Empress.”
Ricard remained silent as he looked at the Emperor. Patrick furrowed his brow unconsciously. Indeed, the epithet ‘Black Beast’ was not unfounded.
