Chapter 26

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 26

Chapter Title: Palavi Castle Banquet

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“Marie. Come here.”

“Yes, Madam.”

Agatha boarded the carriage with one of her close maids.

Fernando, who had belatedly noticed the maid and furrowed his brow, quickly schooled his expression. Agatha, seated across from him, was staring with clear displeasure in her eyes.

“You have the floor, Your Highness.”

“Even with just a maid present, you'll speak like that, Agatha?”

“Don't address me by name. I am the Emperor of Great Roxiba's eldest daughter, heiress to the Noblesse Ducal House, matriarch of the Aratus Marquisate, and currently the unofficial envoy representing the Roxiba Empire. I ask that you observe the proper formalities, Your Highness.”

“Tch.”

Fernando had no choice but to acquiesce. In truth, calling her “wife” wasn't so bad—as long as he didn't prepend “Marchioness.”

It felt more intimate than the stiff title of “Your Highness,” almost like addressing his own wife in private.

“...Been well?”

“As you can see. Very.”

“This marriage seemed a bit rushed.”

“You know our empire's affairs quite well, don't you?”

“It's my country.”

“Exactly. Aren't you showing too much interest in your ex-wife's nation?”

“...”

Agatha lightly furrowed her brow as she watched Fernando fall silent. For some reason, her ex-husband was acting like he still harbored lingering feelings for her.

Even while keeping women by his side nonstop, and ultimately bringing in a bastard child.

She couldn't fathom his thoughts. One thing was clear: she and the Mainucor Empire didn't mix.

'Better wrap this up quickly and send him packing.'

Agatha rapped the carriage wall sharply with her fan.

Rumble, rumble—

The carriage picked up speed, and Palavi Castle rapidly drew closer beyond the window.

Fernando twisted his handsome face.

“Agatha...”

“It's Marchioness. And as Your Highness said, I held the wedding a month ago. So.”

Agatha fixed him with a cool gaze.

“Please refrain from any words that might cause misunderstanding, Your Highness. I'll see you at the banquet.”

The moment the carriage stopped, Agatha lifted her chin proudly and alighted with the maid's assistance. Around Palavi Castle, the Mainucor imperial knights and the Aratus knights were guarding in equal measure.

Agatha sought her husband first. Enoch, who had led the procession at the fore, was just dismounting his horse.

“Enoch.”

“Madam.”

For a fleeting instant, his gaze flicked behind her. Agatha turned curiously.

“Enoch?”

“It's nothing. Have you briefed His Highness on the next schedule?”

“Yes. We're to meet at the banquet, so we should head in and prepare.”

Agatha summoned a steward and assigned him to the Mainucor side. Fernando still hadn't emerged from the carriage, but she paid it no mind.

Her sole focus now was her husband.

“Shall we?”

She placed her hand naturally on the arm he offered and looked up at Enoch.

His usual impeccable, cool demeanor showed no difference.

On reflection, there was no reason to feel neglected. Theirs was a political marriage, and Enoch already showed her ample respect while providing full external support.

“Anything happen while greeting them?”

As attention waned, Agatha spoke lightly. The expected reply came.

“Nothing special. His Highness wasn't exactly welcoming toward me, but not enough to disrupt the strategy.”

As expected.

Yet he showed no particular displeasure, suggesting he truly wasn't fazed by meeting his wife's ex-husband.

It was bittersweet, but Agatha decided to view it positively.

Wasn't it better than being grilled over an unavoidable issue?

Her relief curved into a faint smile. Her fine eyes crinkled softly.

“Don't mind His Highness's reaction. He's just regretting it now that the Noblesse heiress slipped away.”

“Is that so.”

“Yes. He might even be using it as leverage to tilt negotiations in his favor. I'm glad you aren't misunderstanding. I never expected Fernando to act like this after ten years apart.”

“...”

Agatha missed the subtle shift as Enoch's steps halted abruptly. First Aide Esel Maso was approaching her.

“Madam.”

“Coming. See you at the banquet.”

Agatha waved brightly and walked away. A fierce ripple stirred in the steadfast man's ash-gray eyes, but no one caught the momentary tremor.

Excepting the guards and patrols left to her husband,

Agatha inspected the banquet hall, received detailed reports on preparations, changed into her dress, freshened up, and kept watch on Mainucor movements.

It was then that an unnecessary escort request arrived from Fernando.

“Tell him I have prior arrangements.”

“Yes, Marchioness.”

As she sent the refusal via servant, Agatha clicked her tongue.

Whether by the Emperor's special orders or genuine lingering attachment, Fernando clearly hadn't given up.

'Hope there are no complications.'

Soaking her slightly swollen feet from the morning's travels in rose water, Agatha looked up at her maid.

“And him?”

“The Marquis finished military drills with the knights and is preparing for the banquet.”

He wasn't one to spend much time on grooming.

Sure enough.

Knock knock—

“Madam. The Marquis has arrived.”

“Show him in.”

The maid swiftly lifted her feet from the rose water.

A soft towel enveloped them.

Soon, the man entered the inner chamber. She was more disheveled than usual.

“Mind waiting a moment? Preparations took longer since we're coordinating for the banquet.”

The maids' hands moved even faster.

Enoch, pausing briefly, dismissed his aide and took a seat behind the screen the maids had prepared.

Jingle—the diamonds strung on gold threads beneath the screen swayed.

“Take your time. No rush.”

“Thank you.”

For this unofficial occasion, light, subtle makeup.

Her loosened hair cascaded silkily over sparkling accessories onto the beautiful satin dress.

Given the political nature, she avoided flashy colors, focusing on fine fabric and jewels.

And solely for warning off Fernando's overtures, the wedding ring on her finger.

Stepping out from behind the screen fully prepared, Agatha smiled with crinkled eyes.

He wore the attire she had selected for him today.

Sleek classic formalwear, cravat matched to her dress color, wedding ring prominent on his left ring finger.

'When we return to the capital, we should get matching outfits.'

She had liked how his shirt matched her dress at the wedding reception.

Though the sudden news of her ex-husband had left no time to think of it.

“Shall we go?”

“...Your hand.”

The man, who had been gazing steadily at her face, slowly extended his hand.

Escorted by Enoch, Agatha happily exited the annex. Retainers and knights waiting in the hall fell in naturally behind them.

Agatha asked,

“The Second Prince?”

“Just left his room. The Mainucor delegation is moving with him.”

“Hm...”

The aide's answer gave her slight pause.

They would meet, wouldn't they?

Her ominous hunch proved right. In the corridor leading to the first-floor banquet hall, Agatha spotted Fernando approaching from the opposite side with his Mainucor entourage.

Of course, it could have been to ensure the delegation heads—and those of roughly equal status—entered together, avoiding political friction.

But the odds were low. Fernando, staring sharply at her hand linked with Enoch's, slowly spoke.

“...Madam.”

His voice dripped with gloom. Tension gripped the arm beneath her hand.

In that instant, glancing unwittingly at Enoch's face, Agatha widened her eyes.

A clear flicker of displeasure.

Even on the man's unchanging visage, a chill hung palpably.

Agatha observed formalities first. Her heart suddenly pounded against her mind.

“Your Highness.”

“Wondered why you refused my escort. To come with the Marquis, I see.”

“I can't impose on Your Highness when I have a proper husband. Please, enter. We've prepared special dishes for tonight's banquet.”

“Indeed. I'll look forward to it.”

Emphasizing each word, Fernando glared at Enoch and entered the banquet hall. Following slowly, Agatha looked up at Enoch.

He appeared unperturbed at a glance.

But his lips were pressed tight, eyes fixed on the Second Prince's retreating back.

Agatha felt a thrilling rush from head to toe.

'So he's not indifferent after all.'

Whether displeasure at her ex-husband or jealousy, it was undoubtedly good news.

Far better for their relationship's progress than indifference or mere duty.