Second Marriage with a Loving Enemy

Posted by Charoline, Released on November 28, 2024

Episode 5

If I had met him as a family member or a friend, even his inscrutable, sly attitude and the bright smile that carried a sense of discomfort might have seemed transparent and lovable.

But we met as enemies—and as representatives of our respective peoples.

I had a country and its citizens to protect, and he had his own people to safeguard.

Because our priorities were fundamentally different, even though we were on friendly terms for now, the balance could shift at any moment. A single clash of interests could bring it all crashing down.

“Then we will take our leave now.”

“I will escort you to the castle gates.”

Lentia offered to guide them herself. It wasn’t because she doubted Kirta would know the way he came.

I’m concerned.

Even if the situation within the palace remained peaceful, there

were no guarantees once they stepped outside and made their way to the gates.

The same logic that prevented nomads from coming into the castle for water applied here. Imperial citizens, who harbored deep resentment toward the nomadic army, were currently within the capital.

If even one of them were to lose control and attack, shouting for revenge, the consequences would be catastrophic.

If I am present, I can at least prevent such incidents.

Lentia believed her presence would help. She couldn’t erase the people’s anger, but she could restrain their actions.

If their empress stands by the nomads, no one would dare act recklessly.

It was a thought rooted in the understanding that she was loved by her people. It wasn’t arrogance but a calculated, objective judgment.

“Very well.”

Kirta smiled again, a gesture that seemed to carry countless hidden meanings. Lentia couldn’t tell if he had read her

intentions and was amused or if smiling was simply his habit.

She and Elise walked ahead, leading Kirta and his men as they left the palace conference room.

The arrangement mirrored their earlier approach: the empress and her maid slightly ahead, with Kirta and his subordinates trailing behind.

As they moved through the palace corridors, several nomadic soldiers couldn’t help but glance around, their curiosity betraying them.

From the opulent portraits adorning the walls to the luxurious silk drapes on the windows, even the porcelain vases in every corner radiated grandeur.

A reluctant admiration crept into their eyes.

Though this empire had been trampled under their horses’ hooves, its level of culture was undeniable.

Kirta noticed his subordinates’ quiet awe and felt no need to admonish them. Instead, he empathized.

Yes, this is what we sought in the first place. This is why we sent the delegation.

Had he been a king content with the present, he would have ignored foreign civilizations. But he wasn’t. He was ambitious for the future, and trade with the empire was the cornerstone of that vision.

Rather than scolding his men for being captivated by the enemy’s culture, he silently encouraged them to observe and admire the palace.

His gaze, however, was not drawn to portraits, draperies, or vases. From start to finish, his focus rested solely on Lentia’s back.

As they exited the palace, the annoyingly bright spring sky came into view once more.

Lentia briefly glanced up at the sky with her usual indifference before turning to face Kirta and his soldiers.

“From here, it would be better to ride horses. Could you wait while my maid retrieves one from the stables?”

“Is that necessary? We have our own horses. We always bring extras in case of unexpected situations.”

Kirta gestured toward where their horses were tied. Lentia paused.

“Your horses are untamed in our hands. Are you sure they will obey a stranger?”

“I’ll lend you a docile one. You won’t have to worry about it misbehaving.”

Lentia hesitated. Elise looked equally uneasy.

It would be a national disgrace if I were to mount a foreign horse and it refused me.

She locked eyes with Kirta, trying to gauge his intent. His pitch-black pupils, surrounded by honey-brown irises, betrayed nothing.

Is he testing me?

If she insisted on using one of the empire’s horses, would she appear narrow-minded or cowardly?

“… Very well, Kirta.”

Lentia accepted the challenge. Kirta smiled, his expression brightening like a mischievous child who had successfully pulled a prank.

“Take this one. She’s gentle and intelligent.”

At his signal, a soldier led forward a chestnut mare with a jet-black mane.

Lentia’s eyes widened slightly.

“Does she have a name?”

The question slipped out before she could stop it. In that moment, she was no longer the empress of Lekeon negotiating with a foreign leader but simply someone captivated by a fine horse.

If the situation had been less tense, Elise might have smiled affectionately.

Yes, this is how Her Majesty should be—unable to resist the sight of a magnificent horse.

Lentia adored animals, particularly horses and dogs. The mare before her was breathtaking, even to Elise, who wasn’t particularly knowledgeable about horses.

“Of course. Her name is Idran.”

Kirta answered, seemingly pleased with the empress’s interest.

“What a beautiful name.”

“It means ‘morning star’ in our language.”

Lentia approached the mare and accepted the reins. As she met the horse’s gaze, she stepped effortlessly into the saddle.

Kirta and his men watched in quiet surprise.

She’s more skilled than I expected.

While his soldiers seemed disappointed that she didn’t need their help, Kirta was entertained.

She keeps defying my expectations. How interesting.

Lentia sat naturally, stroking Idran’s neck. The mare, initially restless, soon calmed under her touch.

“You’re better at riding than I anticipated,” Kirta remarked with a polite smile.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”