Chapter 94
Caverion entered the reception room and cast a sideways glance at Aiden. Though he had permitted Aiden to stay for the time being, his hostility remained evident.
Caverion sat next to Raylenne and handed over a sheet of paper to both her and Aiden.
“These are the rules you must follow while you are here, Aiden.”
The paper was densely covered with writing. Raylenne wondered when Caverion, who had been so busy lately, had managed to come up with this.
“Aiden, as you requested, you will be staying in the room next to Raylenne’s.”
Aiden had insisted on being close to Raylenne so that she could calm him in case of any emergency.
“However, I will also be using the room next to Raylenne’s.”
Raylenne cleared her throat and looked at Caverion.
“What do you mean by that, Brother?”
“It means exactly what it sounds like, Raylenne. I can’t possibly sleep comfortably with someone like him in the adjacent room. I need to keep an eye on him by staying in the room next to you.”
Originally, Caverion’s and Raylenne’s rooms were quite far apart. While it didn’t matter that he would be in the adjacent room, it did seem a bit excessive.
Raylenne glanced at Aiden. He furrowed his brow slightly but did not say anything further.
Caverion continued.
“And as mentioned before, if you touch Raylenne out of personal feelings or get too close unnecessarily, you will be immediately expelled.”
“…”
“Do you understand?”
“Yes, I understand.”
Aiden barely managed to reply before staring intently at Caverion. Whenever the two of them made eye contact, Raylenne felt an inexplicable tension.
Caverion moved on to the next topic.
“Now, let’s talk briefly about the party that will be held here soon.”
The party was scheduled for next week at the Ergen family’s residence. It was a rare event at the castle, which had not hosted a party in a long time. The previous Duke Ergen had attended social gatherings, but rarely held any at the castle himself. If one were to guess the reason, it was likely due to the lack of a hostess after Nadia’s death, which left the position of Duchess vacant for a long time.
People had questions about the upcoming party. The previous Duke Ergen was imprisoned due to serious crimes, including the murder of his wife. So, how could there be a party in such a climate?
Of course, Caverion was aware that holding a party at this time might seem inappropriate. However, he must have judged that there was no better way to gather everyone and signal a new beginning than with a grand party.
Raylenne agreed with this perspective. Thus, despite the potential criticism, she did not dissuade Caverion from holding the event, believing that people would understand his intention on the day of the party.
“The party will proceed as planned next week. Invitations have been sent to the major nobles, and we’ve received confirmations of their attendance.”
It was likely that people were curious about the current situation of the Ergen family and thus agreed to attend.
However, one question remained.
“Brother, has the Bedeusian family confirmed their attendance?”
The Bedeusian family was known for their animosity toward the Ergen family. Though this party was intended to promote harmony, their true feelings were uncertain.
“They have confirmed their attendance. From the way they readily disclosed their intentions, it seems Damian has realized he is not an Awakened and is starting to gauge our reactions.”
Indeed. Since Damian, whom they had firmly believed in, had not Awakened, they would likely be anxious. Hence, they might be attending the party to explore any new opportunities.
Raylenne nodded in understanding as Caverion continued.
“The party will bring together all the important figures of the Empire. Members of the imperial family are also expected to attend.”
At the mention of the imperial family, Raylenne’s eyes lit up. If they were attending…
“Will Lady Merian be there as well?”
“Yes.”
Raylenne felt a surge of excitement despite it not directly involving her. It would be Aiden’s long-awaited reunion with his birth mother. Although Aiden’s face remained expressionless, Raylenne believed he was inwardly pleased.
“In any case, on that day, in front of everyone, we will sign a peace treaty with the Bedeusian family. Given the occasion, they will have no choice but to accept.”
Despite what Caverion might say, there was a hint of the previous Duke Ergen in his resolve.
“And once everything is settled, Raylenne, I plan to hold a grand birthday party for you.”
A birthday party for me…?
Originally, the Ergen family had not held separate birthday parties. Raylenne tried to recall her memories but found no specific recollections of such celebrations.
“I know your birthday is during the season when the autumn leaves turn red, and I’ve regretted not celebrating it for you before.”
Raylenne realized that her memory was correct. Apart from a very early memory of blowing out candles with Nadia, she had no recollections of celebrating her birthday.
“So, this time, I intend to make it a grand event that everyone in the Empire will know about.”
“Brother, I’m okay with it. You don’t need to worry about such things, especially since you’re so busy.”
Raylenne truly was fine with it. In fact, she found the idea somewhat burdensome.
“No, for this birthday party, I will find you a suitable husband. Therefore, it must be a grand affair to gather all the noble men of the Empire.”
The atmosphere in the reception room grew tense at Caverion’s ambition. Both Raylenne and Aiden stiffened visibly, and it was evident even to an observer.
Raylenne finally managed to speak.
“A suitable husband?”
“It’s time for you to marry, don’t you think?”
“That’s true, but… Isn’t it more appropriate for you to marry first, Brother?”
“I’m fine.”
Caverion briefly directed his gaze toward Aiden.
“Rather, if you find your groom first, I’ll be able to focus on my own matters.”
Caverion was resolute to the point of being overbearing.
Raylenne narrowed her eyes.
‘This is strange…’
She had never been pressed about her marriage before. Though she had been occupied with other matters lately, this felt rather sudden.
Was it because of Aiden?
“Anyway, keep that in mind. I should head to the knights now.”
Caverion stood up from his seat.
“Yes… Brother.”
As Caverion left, Raylenne was left alone with Aiden.
It was awkward.
Aiden hadn’t been very excited when he first heard about her engagement to Crown Prince Harbian. Would he react the same way now?
As Raylenne anxiously fidgeted with her hands in the quiet atmosphere of the reception room, Aiden spoke first.
“Raylenne.”
Raylenne tried to respond smoothly, her voice wavering slightly.
“Yes…?”
Aiden spoke in an unexpectedly calm tone.
“The weather is nice today.”
Raylenne blinked in surprise. She had anticipated he would mention marriage, so his sudden comment about the weather caught her off guard.
‘Well, maybe it’s for the best…’
It wouldn’t be good if Aiden became agitated like last time. Now that he had powerful abilities, an emotional outburst could be dangerous.
Yet, Raylenne felt a bit unsettled by his lack of mention of marriage.
Then Aiden spoke again.
“If you’re not too busy, could you fulfill the wish I mentioned before?”
A wish…?
‘Oh…!’
Raylenne recalled what Aiden had said. Previously, she had asked him what he wanted to do once he left his cell.
Aiden had replied:
[I want to imagine seeing you under the bright sunshine.]
It was a small and modest wish, and he seemed to want nothing more than that. Now that he was out of prison, there was no reason not to grant it.
Raylenne shook off her earlier unease and forced herself to sound upbeat.
“Sure! Let’s go right now.”
However, despite her cheerful tone, Raylenne couldn’t leave immediately. Although the weather was clear for winter, it was still cold, and she needed to dress warmly.
“I think it would be best to change clothes before heading out.”
Raylenne turned to Aiden, but he did not react.
‘Oh no…’
Raylenne realized an important fact: Aiden had no clothes to change into!
Since his release, Aiden had been borrowing clothes from the knights, but he did not have any outerwear.
‘I’ll have to take Aiden to a tailor.’
He needed to be fitted for formal attire for the upcoming party anyway. However, Aiden might find it difficult to control his powers right now, so going out could be a burden for him.
Of course, they could call a designer to the castle, but that would take time. Given that Aiden needed to wear the knights’ clothes for now, it seemed better to stop by a boutique and buy ready-made clothes.
Still, she needed to check with Aiden first.
“Aiden, how about we stop by a boutique in the city while we’re out? If you think it will be too difficult, feel free to say so.”
“I’m fine with it.”
His answer seemed too easy.
“I believe that Raylenne will help me control myself.”
Raylenne felt a bit uneasy.
‘This guy…’
Is he relying too much on me? What if I can’t control him?
As she doubted herself, Aiden added.
“But there is one condition.”
