The evening banquet continued until late at night. Even after the arrival of new guests, lengthy conversations persisted. Finally, the Emperor rose from his seat.
“Perhaps it’s due to my age but sitting for too long feels tiring.”
“Now, Your Majesty, it’s time for you to retire.”
“Leave me be and enjoy yourselves. I’ll take my leave first.”
The Empress, too, observed the Emperor with a scrutinizing gaze and offered words to conclude the day to the guests. All the invited guests stood, bowing their heads until the Emperor and Empress disappeared.
It was a long banquet. After the Emperor left, not many lingered to guard the remaining dining tables. Gezell and Ivet promptly stood up and left without hesitation. They didn’t forget to stand side by side, portraying a harmonious couple. At that moment, someone called them from behind.
“Duke Gezell.”
Though he wanted to pretend not to hear and leave, the setting didn’t allow it. Gezell turned around. Under the splendid lights hanging from the wide corridor ceiling, a young man with golden hair, adorned in a red cloak, approached with a smile.
“If it’s alright, could you spare a moment?”
“Not the Duchess but me?”
“If both of you could spare some time, I would appreciate it.”
Ivet’s forehead creased slightly. However, she did not avoid eye contact and stood by Gezell’s side.
Felix walked slowly towards them and stood in front of the two with a still-smiling face. Felix Elbanes, with his ever-present smile seemed like a bright, friendly, and confident young man.
“I’m genuinely pleased to see you two so close. There have been some unfortunate incidents since the wedding, so I’ve been curious about your well-being.”
“It’s hard to understand. There haven’t been any unfortunate incidents.”
In response to Gezell’s blunt answer, Felix raised an eyebrow in a questioning expression. However, he soon smiled as if to say that the just-mentioned story was fine.
“It’s been several years since Duke Gezell succeeded the seat.”
“That’s correct.”
“It’s my first time, so everything feels unfamiliar. After ascending the throne, I found myself reflecting on the responsibilities I knew nothing about during my immature and inexperienced days as a Prince. Duchess Ivet of Aldrant, would you please forgive the many mistakes I made? Since our residences are so far apart, it might be difficult for us to visit each other in the future. When I heard that you were coming to Pheraira, I really wanted to meet you.”
Ivet’s eyes blinked rapidly. Although she didn’t verbally express it, her face seemed to say, ‘What is wrong with this person?’ Nevertheless, she quickly composed herself. Like Felix, she gracefully lowered her smiling face.
“Sibling rivalries are common as we grow up fighting. I believe that if each of us fulfills our roles, that would be the image of the children our late father, the former king, wished for.”
“I appreciate your leniency. If the opportunity arises, I would like to seek forgiveness from Rensley as well.”
Rensley. When Felix mentioned that name first, Ivet’s expression seemed to momentarily stiffen. Felix’s gaze shifted towards Gezell.
“Duke Gezell, during the late king’s reign, there was an inquiry from Aldrant regarding an individual named Rensley Maelrosen who had left for Aldrant.”
“Rensley Maelrosen, you say.”
“There was a question whether Rensley Maelrosen, who had left for Aldrant, returned to Cornia. The late king reportedly replied promptly. The news spread to Cornia, as a significant reward was issued.”
Instead of answering, Gezell stared at him intently. The sudden mention of Rensley Maelrosen’s story in this context was puzzling. Ivet also seemed unsure, her expression indicating confusion. Wanting to end the conversation here, Gezell’s response became more resolute.
“It was just a momentary confusion, nothing more. Sir Maelrosen faithfully serves as a close friend to the Duke of Aldrant.”
“Sir Maelrosen. I see.”
Felix nodded as if finding the title intriguing.
“I have something to say about Sir Maelrosen, Duke Gezell. Sir Maelrosen, like Duchess Ivet here, is of the royal bloodline of the Cornian royal family. I don’t know if you are aware…”
“I am aware.”
“Very well. Then, I believe you’ll understand my request.”
Saying so, Felix looked towards Ivet. A kind, bitter smile appeared in his violet eyes.
“I want to apologize to my half-brother, just as I did to my sister here. Before seriously considering the great responsibility of ruling the country, I wanted to apologize to my siblings first. That seemed like the right order of things.”
“It depends on Sir Maelrosen’s intentions, not me.”
“If you grant the opportunity in the future, Duke Gezell, I won’t forget it. I have many stories I’d like to share with you. I heard you’re an excellent magician. I’m not a natural talent myself, but unlike the late king, I am quite interested in magic.”
We’re sorry for MTLers or people who like using reading mode, but our translations keep getting stolen by aggregators so we’re going to bring back the copy protection. If you need to MTL please retype the gibberish parts.
Having finished speaking, Felix exchanged a glance with a nod. His red cloak swayed slightly. Every movement revealed the smooth tousle of his blond hair.
“I’ve held you both for too long. Excuse me.”
Cornian attendants who had been waiting in the background returned to accompany their king. Felix’s expressed interest in magic seemed more than a polite greeting; among his entourage were individuals who appeared to be magicians. The two observers turned away, but as they took a few steps, Ivet muttered as if unable to contain herself.
“It’s clearly a play. To appear as a benevolent king to the palace people. People can’t change so drastically unless they’re reborn.”
“That could be true.”
“Well, whether it’s acting or not, it’s no longer my concern. It feels strange. Receiving an apology is more refreshing than I thought.”
Regardless of whether it was assumed to be fake, Ivet didn’t seem displeased. They exchanged greetings in front of the bedroom.
“Duke, then I will go in now. Have a good night.”
“Oh, Princess Ivet.”
“Yes?”
Gezell called her as if recalling something forgotten. Ivet, who was about to open the door and enter, turned her head.
“What do you think about bears, the animals?”
“Yes? Suddenly about bears…? Well, I don’t know much about bears, but I think they’re gentle and cute animals.”
“I see. See you tomorrow.”
Having bid her farewell, Gezell ascended to his room on the floor above. As soon as he opened the door, a clear and cool breeze brushed his cheek. Instead of entering immediately, Gezell stood by the door, looking out at the scenery.
The wind was coming in through the open window. Rensley, sitting on the windowsill, didn’t notice Gezell coming in. His pale face, staring into the darkness, had an expression so unfamiliar it seemed devoid of emotion.
“Is there something visible in the darkness outside?”
“Oh, Your Grace! Have you come?”
As soon as Gezell spoke, Rensley quickly stood up and came closer, taking a few swift steps. Gezell couldn’t wait any longer for the fiancé who had left a few steps behind. He embraced him tightly, pressing a kiss to his forehead.
As Gezell held him, a bright smile quickly filled Rensley’s face, as if a light had been switched on in the previously expressionless visage. Every time Gezell touched Rensley’s cheek, he felt a sense of satisfaction, as if all his thirst was quenched, the feeling akin to being purified. Gezell’s voice, asking about his impressions while stroking Rensley’s cheek, naturally softened.
“Did you enjoy the view of the square?”
“It was amazing. I almost went to all the places I wanted to visit. Even though the central district of Molbessa is vast, famous tourist spots are concentrated, making it easy to explore. How was it for you?”
“I found it incredibly tedious. Meeting the Emperor after several years, I expected fewer words. I honestly didn’t anticipate the evening meal lasting this long on the first day.”
Gezell, still wearing his cloak, sat in a comfortable chair. Aside from the lack of a fireplace, it was not much different from his appearance in Aldrant. Rensley sat beside him, smiling.
“You must be tired. Shall I give you a massage?”
“I’ll get a massage from a professional later.”
Gezell gently stroked Rensley’s cheek and ran his fingers through the soft blond hair. Rensley, who had been passively receiving the busy hands, gradually leaned closer to Gezell, his previously amused expression turning into a light chuckle.
“Your hands are quite active today. You seem really tired.”
“Yes, it was dull and irritating, not a very pleasant gathering.”
“I see you’re upset. What happened?”
Gezell looked at Rensley intently before speaking.
“Rensley, don’t be surprised.”
“Yes? Why…”
“The new king of Cornia is here. All thanks to the Emperor allowing the visit without notifying me.”
“Oh, if it’s about that, I’m aware. I saw the delegation from Cornia when I left the castle.”
As if trying to reassure Gezell first, Rensley smiled, his friendly face showing amusement as he casually draped an arm around Gezell’s shoulders.
“It’s okay. This is the imperial palace, and we have the knights with us. At first, I was a little surprised, but what’s the big deal? I don’t mind. The stories I told you are from a long time ago.”
“If you’re concerned, there’s no need for you to participate in knightly duties. You can stay in this room. If you want to go outside, I’ll arrange for an escort then.”
“No. As long as I hold the position of a knight, I don’t want to make various excuses. Besides, with you and the knights around, there’s no need for a separate escort. Your Grace, don’t worry about it. I don’t want us to feel down for something so trivial.”
“…Is that so?”
“If, by any chance, our faces happen to meet, I plan to congratulate him on ascending the throne with a good heart. Actually, I met some Cornian friends at the square tavern, and they mentioned that Felix has changed a lot since becoming king. It might be a lasting change, but… now that he’s already king, I hope those words were true. After all, it’s not uncommon for a vagabond prince to later become a saintly king.”
Having finished speaking, Rensley finally tilted his head curiously.
“But why were you upset? Did that guy provoke you at the banquet, perhaps?”
Gezell’s brow and lips stiffened slightly.
“He mentioned something to me.”
“Ah, that’s a really old story. There’s nothing for Your Grace to be angry about now. Please don’t harbor prejudice against him for no reason. People change, you know.”
“…If Sir Maelrosen wishes it, then so be it.”
Certainly, if they had met without knowing the past, Gezell might have had a favorable impression of him. Felix Elbanes appeared slightly younger than Frida. A young king of similar age. Appealing looks that could win favor from many, an attitude somewhere between arrogance and confidence, a cheerful yet polite way of speaking. Moreover, he showed an interest in magic. If Gezell hadn’t known the truth, he might have considered him a decent conversationalist.
Rensley, with a faint smile, looked at Gezell.
“Do I resemble him?”
“Facially, you do. I was a bit surprised at first.”
“Thanks to that, no one suspected I might not be the king’s biological child. It was convenient in that aspect. Ivet received a lot of mockery for not being the true heir. I told you the reason I would have been the first target for removal if I weren’t the legitimate son, right?”
“I thought he looked like a fake when I saw him first.”
At that, Rensley burst into laughter.
“A fake? Felix was born a few years before me, you know.”
“That doesn’t matter.”
“If I knew this would happen, I wouldn’t have insulted Felix to Your Grace. It’s my mistake.”
Smiling awkwardly, Rensley redirected the conversation.
“But is it okay to call a king from another country without prior notice? Isn’t it disrespectful to Your Grace?”
“He mentioned it’s for the princess’s sake, but I’m aware that there is no affection between the king of Cornia and the remaining siblings. Since a connection has been established between the two countries through marriage, he wants to put me and him side by side and confirm something. Being wary of neighboring kings is the Emperor’s destiny.”
Gezell lifted Rensley and sat him on his lap. In a familiar gesture, Rensley leaned against him, his voice becoming more relaxed.
“What should we do? Is it better to be close to each other or hostile?”
“Keep a reasonable distance. Those in power don’t like it when those they seek to rule cooperate or form alliances. But being overly hostile might eventually turn that enmity toward oneself.”
“That makes sense.”
Rensley nodded. In his short replies and gestures, sincere empathy emerged. Gezell pulled him closer into a hug.
To avoid the eyes of those who desire power, it’s crucial not to become too intimate with unauthorized individuals. Exceptionally talented or not, revealing an overt desire for competition or struggle is not allowed.
Gezell learned such strategies theoretically. Rensley Maelrosen, on the other hand, might have experienced these things firsthand. Looking into the slowly blinking violet eyes, Gezell thought that Rensley was probably not unfamiliar with these situations. Rensley, seemingly lost in thought, suddenly smiled as if he remembered something enjoyable.
“By the way, Your Grace, I have a gift for you.”
“A gift?”
“I found it while wandering around the plaza market. Look at this. With trinkets like these meant for commoners, there shouldn’t be any more misunderstandings, right?”
Rensley took out the bear-shaped brooch he had put in his pocket. Gezell accepted it and turned it around, smiling with his eyes squinted.
“Lord Maelrosen, thank you very much.”
“Isn’t it cute? It’s a bit cheap, but I brought it to explain things more clearly to Your Grace.”
“Misunderstandings were resolved a long time ago, but bringing a gift just for me is thoughtful. I’ll make sure to wear it all the time.”
“You don’t have to. Your Grace, if people see you wearing something from a trinket shop…”
Even with Rensley’s protest, Gezell pinned the brooch to his cape. The somewhat crooked wooden brooch on the luxurious navy fabric didn’t quite match, but Gezell seemed to like it regardless. The Duke’s voice was even softer, expressing his satisfaction with the gift.
“It’s getting late. Shall we call it a night?”
Similar to the lakeside bed, the bedroom bed was adorned with airy curtains. Gezell and Rensley lying side by side swept their fingers over the curtains.
“These kinds of beds were familiar in the past… Now the curtains feel awkward because they’re thin.”
After only leaving for a season, temperatures more extreme than the gentle air all day, and a distinct coldness rather than cool breezes, had become surprisingly familiar. Now Rensley appreciated the warmth that seemed like it could melt flesh, contrasting with the sharp north wind more than the cool breeze. The cold that should exist for the body to appreciate warmth had become known to him.
As anxious as he had been in the unexpected situation, the time holding his lover felt especially comforting. The fatigue he had ignored seemed to dissipate as the two welcomed the long-awaited night together.
* * *
In the morning, Rensley stood in front of the door where Ivet was having her meal, and he briefly listened to the sounds inside. If she was still asleep, he didn’t want to wake her unnecessarily. However, he heard voices inside, as the maids were talking. Knocking on the door, he announced his identity.
“Knight Rensley Maelrosen.”
“Come in.”
The door opened, revealing Ivet. Today, she was wearing a red dress matching her hair color. After finishing her duties, she elegantly dismissed the maids.
“That’s enough; you can leave. I’ll call for you again when I want to eat.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As the maids withdrew and the door closed, Ivet, who had maintained a solemn expression for a while, plopped down on the bed. Rensley chuckled as he watched her playfully shake her legs, the pointed toes of her shoes hanging off.
“Oh, already bored? Why do royalty have to wear such uncomfortable clothes? It’s fun once in a while but wearing dresses every day is truly torture.”
“Just endure a bit. His Grace will surely reward you handsomely later.”
“Fine. Toppling kingdoms is nice, but I need to secure some visa funds this time.”
Ivet’s mood seemed to improve immediately. She giggled as she played with her red bangs, rounding them with her fingers, then asked.
“And His Grace?”
“Summoned by the Emperor to the study. Seems he’s been bored since forever.”
“Understandable. That gentleman talks a lot.”
The Emperor had a penchant for discussing matters of magic and academia whenever they met. He was known to be long-winded, and while Ivet couldn’t hide her boredom, she couldn’t refuse the Emperor’s requests when he wanted to talk. As the Emperor’s topic started, Ivet’s voice rose as if she remembered something from the previous night.
“Oh, by the way, do you know about the palace…?”
“If it’s about Felix, I know. Last night, I met Theo and Noah at the tavern. Do you know them too?”
“Of course! Right, Felix’s arrival means the escort team is here as well.”
Having many bad memories didn’t mean having only bad memories. Ivet, who used to smile at thoughts of her hometown, soon wore a mysterious expression. Her face was that of someone who couldn’t decide what emotion to display, unable to choose among various conflicting feelings.
“Did His Grace say anything else?”
“He seemed a bit upset. I once spoke ill of Felix.”
“He only mentioned being upset?”
“Yeah… Why? Was there something else?”
Ivet tilted her head. She adjusted her shoes and stood up.
“Nothing happened. Rens, isn’t it about time for you to visit the knight’s barracks?”
“Now I should go. I’m glad you look well. I was worried you might be very tired.”
“I’ve stayed up for three days and nights working with goods when I had duties in the upper chambers. I’m not the princess from before. Don’t worry.”
After exchanging morning greetings and shaking hands, Rensley hurriedly descended the stairs. As Ivet had mentioned, he needed to move quickly. Even with just a few words exchanged, busy mornings always felt fleeting.
Entering the barracks assigned to the knights, Rensley squeezed into the formation of the members and stood at attention. The young men who had been lively together until last night now wore disciplined expressions. The leaders hung a diagram showing various locations within the palace and began explaining the day’s tasks.
“Here’s today’s deployment plan. We’ll be changing shifts from two in the afternoon, so make sure you know your positions accurately.”
As Rensley listened to the briefing on escort duties, his eyes were drawn to a flag hanging on the wall. Instead of the familiar flag from the north, the sight of the imperial crest of a phoenix adorned with flames on the wall was unfamiliar.
Thank you!