Chapter 97
In front of the crowd, Caverion began to speak slowly.
“First, I want to express my deep gratitude to everyone here for attending this party, despite the current turmoil in the empire.”
The party hall was packed with people. Raylenne had heard that none of the invited guests had refused the invitation. This demonstrated the significant interest in the current affairs of the Ergen Duchy within the empire.
“As many of you may have anticipated, this gathering is to announce the new direction of the Ergen Duchy.”
The previously bustling room fell silent, becoming so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.
“To address some of the questions you might have, the reason for my father’s sudden resignation as the head of the house is as you all know. He committed a great sin in the past and is now paying for it.”
Caverion’s calm voice echoed through the hall.
“Beyond that, my father has committed many wrongs. He intensified the feud with the Bedeusian family, freezing the empire’s atmosphere and waging wars that led to the deaths of many knights. Of course, this wasn’t only my father’s doing; all previous heads of the Ergen Duchy have done the same.”
Caverion’s gaze scanned the crowd before stopping at the Duke of Bedeusian.
“However, I intend to clear this long-standing debt.”
The shocking statement caused a stir among the attendees. When Caverion looked at his steward, the steward brought out a paper filled with writing. Taking the paper, Caverion raised his voice.
“I wish to draft a peace treaty with the Duke of Bedeusian here, with all of you as witnesses.”
The crowd’s attention now turned to the Duke of Bedeusian. There was no way he could refuse in such a public setting. The ongoing feud between the two houses had put the empire in a tense state, with many walking on eggshells. Thus, Caverion’s declaration to end the cold war was like rain on parched ground for the people present. Even without the hopeful eyes on him, the Duke of Bedeusian was no longer in a position to dismiss the Ergen Duchy. Without Damian being an awakened one, they had no leverage against Caverion. The proposal felt somewhat insulting, almost like blackmail, but the Duke of Bedeusian kept a composed facade.
“Hmm, if the new head of the Ergen family insists, it seems I have no choice.”
“Do you accept my proposal?”
The Duke of Bedeusian barely nodded stiffly.
“Given that it’s for the empire’s benefit, I must accept.”
For the empire’s benefit, my foot, Raylenne thought, mocking the Duke internally. He was just trying to preserve the last of his pride.
“Then, as promised, let’s make peace before everyone here.”
As Caverion presented the peace treaty and pen, the Duke of Bedeusian signed without protest. Although this single document wouldn’t immediately heal the rift between the Ergen and Bedeusian families, it would at least prevent any unnecessary conflicts.
As the steward took the paper away, Caverion added, “Additionally, we will release Aiden, whom we’ve held captive.”
“That’s only natural,” replied the Duke of Bedeusian, with brazen confidence. He had never made a formal request to the Ergen family to release Aiden, not even when he had met with the previous Duke of Ergen to ask for Aiden’s release, without offering any terms in exchange.
‘He even accelerated the timeline for Aiden’s potential execution by provoking the Duke of Ergen,’ Raylenne thought. For the Duke of Bedeusian, retrieving Aiden had never been an urgent concern.
“However, Aiden will remain with us for the time being.”
Caverion’s words made the Duke of Bedeusian’s face contort.
“What do you mean by that? If he’s staying with the Ergen family, he’s not a captive; what do you call that?”
Despite the Duke’s sharp tone, Caverion remained unperturbed. He lowered his gaze slightly and spoke.
“There is something I haven’t told you.”
“What is it?”
Caverion briefly glanced at Aiden.
“A few days ago, Aiden awakened.”
The news sent shockwaves through the attendees. The most shocked, of course, was the Duke of Bedeusian.
“What did you say…?”
“Just as I said. The awakened one foretold by the prophecy is Aiden.”
The Duke of Bedeusian appeared to be in great shock. It was understandable; he had long since treated Aiden with indifference, knowing he was not the awakened one. The harsh treatment he had subjected Aiden to likely flashed through his mind.
Caverion continued calmly, as if it were no big deal.
“Aiden cannot yet fully control his powers, so I plan to keep him close and teach him.”
In truth, Aiden needed to stay because of Raylenne, but Caverion cleverly concealed this fact. Revealing it would only spark unnecessary rumors about Aiden and Raylenne.
The Duke of Bedeusian, his mouth dry, finally managed to speak.
“Aiden could… we could take him and teach him…”
“Aiden has agreed to this.”
Caverion cut him off.
“How… how could he… No matter how disappointed he is with me… To stay with the Ergen family even after being freed from captivity…”
The Duke of Bedeusian, looking around frantically, found Aiden amidst the crowd. He hurriedly approached and grabbed Aiden by the shoulders.
“Aiden, you don’t mean it, do you?”
“…”
“I was wrong…! Honestly, I never wanted to send you to the war…! I was just… under the influence of that vile woman!”
The Duke gestured towards his wife, who stood awkwardly nearby. Watching this, Raylenne clicked her tongue.
‘Now he’s pretending to care.’
As soon as she entered the hall, Aiden’s mother, Merian, had sought him out. In contrast, the Duke of Bedeusian had not immediately sought out Aiden. This small but significant difference showed where each person’s priorities lay. Raylenne had hoped Aiden would coldly reject the Duke, but Aiden had mentioned that he intended to inherit the Duke of Bedeusian’s title. So, for now, it would be difficult for Aiden to turn away from the Duke completely.
“As soon as I adapt to my newly awakened powers, I will return to the Bedeusian family,” he said, seemingly trying to appease the Duke of Bedeusian.
The Duke nodded so vigorously that his head looked as if it might fall off. “Yes, no matter what, the Bedeusian family is your home. The family can’t thrive properly without the eldest son back. I’ll make sure to get rid of that woman who’s been making your life difficult.”
The “woman” the Duke referred to was his current wife, the Duchess, who had indeed been the main instigator of Aiden’s troubles. However, it was equally true that the Duke had acted on her words, making him just as responsible.
Raylenne found the scene too unbearable to watch and turned her face away, fearing she might impulsively grab Aiden’s wrist and storm out of the party.
At that moment, Caverion ignored the confused Duke and announced the official start of the party. “The emergence of another awakened individual in our empire is something to celebrate. I hope you all enjoy the party and the many reasons we have to celebrate today.”
With Caverion’s words, the band resumed playing their instruments. As the beautiful melodies filled the hall, the crowd’s attention gradually shifted away from the Duke and Aiden.
Now alone, Raylenne hesitated, unsure of what to do next. ‘I’d like to converse with others, but…’ she thought, though she still felt a sort of invisible barrier preventing people from approaching her easily. As a result, she found herself awkwardly wandering around the party hall. She couldn’t leave, as she wanted to be present in case Aiden had any trouble controlling his powers.
Just then, someone approached and spoke to her.
“Miss Raylenne.”
The voice, warm yet unfamiliar, was striking enough to leave a deep impression, though not a positive one. When Raylenne turned around, as expected, it was someone she was not pleased to see.
“Hello, Your Highness,” she greeted with a neutral expression.
“It’s been a while,” Crown Prince Harbian said, smiling as he always did.
“You’ve become even more beautiful,” he complimented her.
“Thank you,” Raylenne replied, though she didn’t feel like returning the compliment. She was simply relieved that Lavita hadn’t attended the party today.
“I like that you’re so straightforward, Miss Raylenne. It makes you all the more charming,” Harbian said, with a hint of what Raylenne considered a perverse appreciation. Despite her obvious disdain, he seemed to enjoy it.
Raylenne sighed. “You may find this rude, but I don’t wish to engage in a long conversation with Your Highness. Frankly, we don’t really have that kind of relationship, do we?”
Harbian kept smiling. “Indeed, we’re not quite on those terms, but—”
“Raylenne,” came Caverion’s voice, interrupting Harbian mid-sentence. He walked briskly over to Raylenne and stood beside her, speaking with concern.
“Didn’t you say your feet were hurting earlier? It would be best to sit down and rest for a while.”
Raylenne was initially puzzled by Caverion’s sudden statement but quickly understood his intent. “I’m sorry to interrupt our conversation, Your Highness. May I excuse myself?”
Caverion’s gaze towards Harbian was icy. It seemed he wanted to use any excuse to end their conversation, wary of Harbian’s notorious past and his attempts to engage with Raylenne. Caverion was naturally protective, especially wary of someone like Harbian, who had a scandalous history and now tried to reconnect.
Harbian, unbothered by Caverion’s cold demeanor, replied leisurely, “Of course. I was so glad to see Miss Raylenne again that I didn’t notice her condition.”
“Crown Prince, please come with me. There are many people eager to greet you,” Caverion suggested.
“Let’s do that,” Harbian agreed, smiling as he followed Caverion away. Before leaving, he glanced back at Raylenne. It was a brief moment, but in the bright lights, his golden eyes seemed almost dark.
Raylenne thought to herself, ‘What an unsettling person…’
