Chapter 24: I don’t know love part 2
To Kassel, Dorothea—more accurately, Dottricia—was an unsettling presence. The thorough investigation he had done in the area had yielded little information, making her even more ominous.
‘I expected this, but no one in the capital or nearby has heard of the name Dottricia. Does that mean she’s from far away, or is she not even from the Empire? What’s her real identity?’
Kassel’s deep thoughts were interrupted by the Duchess.
“I’ve heard that both Queen Rania and Prince Astein will be attending the festival. It feels strange, knowing that they’ll be representing the royal family after the Empress’s passing.”
“Mother.”
Though Kassel remained wary of Dorothea, this time, the Duchess wasn’t backing down either.
“Staying informed about the political landscape is essential for an Eina, Kassel. Even if you take on some of His Excellency’s responsibilities, the role of the Lady of the house is still mine.”
She planned to train Dorothea well and use her in various ways.
Kassel immediately adopted a compliant attitude.
“I would never encroach on my parents’ domain.”
“Good.”
The Duchess, who loved both her son and power, smiled contentedly, and they set off for the palace under Kassel’s careful escort.
— — —
The opening ceremony of the festival ended smoothly.
Specialty goods and hunting trophies from each territory were piled high as proof of a prosperous year. As Kassel watched quietly, Raphael approached him.
“Lord Kassel, can we assume you’ve fully settled into the capital now?”
“Why does everyone ask me that first when they see me? No, not yet.”
“Hmm.”
Raphael, the only son of Duke Orleans and a member of the Imperial Crow Knights, had become somewhat familiar with Kassel, as they often crossed paths due to their similar status. While Kassel was always reserved, Raphael’s attitude was warm. Despite not being close friends, they frequently interacted.
As usual, Raphael took the initiative to break the silence.
“Well, if you ever decide to switch armors and join a different order, I’ll be looking forward to it.”
“Looking forward?”
Raphael nudged Kassel’s arm playfully with his elbow.
“There’s no knight in the Crow Order with your stature. If you ever feel inclined, you’re welcome to join us. You could even aim for the vice-captain or captain’s position soon enough. The noblewomen frequenting the palace would certainly be pleased.”
“What does my stature have to do with this?”
Seeing Kassel’s confusion, Raphael smiled.
For a knight with such exceptional strength and seriousness, it was amusing that he didn’t pick up on this kind of talk.
All the better.
Raphael thought it would be great if Kassel joined the Crow Knights while he was still in the capital.
“For now, just hear this.”
“Hmm?”
Raphael pulled out an olive branch he had picked up along the way. Kassel, not understanding the gesture, accepted it awkwardly, and Raphael made an exaggerated bow.
“See? We should bring you a mirror. Just holding this olive branch, you look like a god of beauty, wisdom, and healing.”
“….”
“With looks like that, you’d be perfect as the Crow Knights’ most elegant knight. Don’t let that beauty go to waste—use it while you’re still young!”
‘He’s mocking me.’
Kassel finally realized and threw the olive branch aside. Raphael feigned disappointment.
“What, are you going to discard my feelings, too? I put a lot of thought into picking out that branch, you know.”
“…Lord Raphael!”
Raphael leaned in, ready to continue with more nonsense.
“Before you get engaged or anything like that, you should spread your reputation and beauty throughout the capital…”
“Hold on.”
Kassel unconsciously turned his gaze, then quickly covered his mouth in shock.
“Hmm? What is it?” Raphael asked.
“…Sir Raphael, let’s continue this conversation later. The mock battle seems about to begin. How about we meet after?”
“Sure, let’s do that.”
Satisfied with how thoroughly he had teased Kassel, Raphael returned to his seat without hesitation. After all, as Kassel had pointed out, the Emperor, the Queen, and the Crown Prince were about to make their appearance.
Kassel’s pupils, however, were trembling, focused on one place.
‘Fay…? Why on earth are you here…!’
That summer day—one of his few cherished and precious memories. The magician Fay, whom he had personally taken to the Magic Tower, was standing right there!
At first, he thought he might have been mistaken, blinking several times, but it was undoubtedly Fay. Her long, light pink hair, easily visible even from afar, was tied in a single knot under a black hood, completely capturing his attention. She stood there alone, without anyone by her side.
‘What seat is that?’
The mock battle of the Harvest Festival wasn’t really about determining which house or order was superior; rather, it was an event meant to promote harmony and cooperation. As such, only those with verified status could attend to prevent any unfortunate incidents.
After quickly scanning the area, Kassel noticed that Fay wasn’t affiliated with any family and was standing at the far edge where the Crow Knights were stationed.
‘What’s going on? Why is Miss Fay standing with the Crow Knights?’
Was she here as part of some cooperation with that order? Should I send Raphael back to ask about it?
However, his curiosity about Fay outweighed his awkwardness. Worry slowly crept into his thoughts, binding itself to his hesitation—after all, Fay had seemed much happier since entering the Magic Tower. Wouldn’t it be difficult for her to be here in the palace?
……
T/N: Bro, you’re looking at your sister, and by the looks of it, you have the tendency to become an overprotective brother 🤔)
