Chapter 42: The Beginning of Another Encounter part 1
Even if I take their side now, I’ll just get caught up in their plans.
‘No matter how hard I try, it never works. I just want to stop enduring everything. I hate the idea of being bound by my inherent limitations; it’s suffocating and dreadful. Even getting married is this difficult… how much harder will life be after marriage?’
Barbara’s once small dissatisfaction grew the most during the harsh winter, surpassing both summer and autumn.
The reason was obvious.
It was because of Dorothea, who had gone from being a commoner at the monastery to serving as an Eina at the Duke’s residence, and was now acknowledged as Lady Klein.
The story of a Drakan Rider? That was a different matter. She had a unique ability, one she had earned through effort, and Barbara never even had the audacity to compare herself to her.
The fact that Dorothea was a woman didn’t even matter in the face of her status as a mage and a Drakan tamer. What good would it do to be jealous of someone with an innate talent?
But what about her, the one who reclaimed the name Tiana?
‘She was just born with good blood. Sure, she suffered a little in her childhood, but now she has nothing left to do but bask in a glamorous life. She even changed the debutante season just for herself… Ah, I’m so envious.’
Back when the lady played the role of a mere Eina, there were those who belittled her for being a commoner. Yet now, those same people were desperately sending gifts to Duchess Klein, scrambling to stay in her good graces.
Barbara, who had always maintained a prim and proper façade, couldn’t help but find it amusing. If they had just kept to themselves, they wouldn’t have had to go through all this trouble, but their arrogance had ruined everything.
Lady Klein was set to make her debut at the first ball of spring, formally stepping into high society. That made it difficult to even catch a glimpse of her these days.
Ah, I’m jealous. She only has to lift her gaze slightly, and everyone trembles before her. If only she were me. If only I were her. How wonderful that would be.
— — —
While Barbara’s endless fantasies continued somewhere in the capital, another conversation about the Drakan Rider was unfolding elsewhere.
Inside the Imperial Palace, in the office of the Blue Rose Knights’ commander.
“You put me in a difficult position, Sir Raphael, dropping by unannounced like this.”
“Haha, don’t be so stiff with me, Commander of the Blue Rose Knights. After all we’ve been through, drawing such a strict line between us feels a little cold.”
“…”
“Now that you’re a commander, are you going to cast aside our friendship as well?”
Raphael was being even more nonchalant than usual. His speech, which normally had a casual edge, was now overly polite and formal, making it all the more grating. It felt like someone had poured an entire bottle of olive oil straight into his gut.
And thinking of olives reminded him of a particularly unpleasant memory.
“Here, this is a gift to celebrate your appointment as commander.”
Raphael grinned and pulled something out of his pocket – a familiar olive branch. Kassel’s expression darkened.
“If you don’t get rid of that immediately, I’ll toss it into the fireplace.”
“That’s harsh.”
Raphael grumbled but still carefully tucked the fresh branch away.
Was he even aware of the subtle tension brewing within the Imperial Palace?
The Crown Prince wanted the Blue Rose Knights to solidify his faction and tip the balance of power in his favor. There was a high probability that the reason the Lâtel family had so boldly initiated the engagement annulment was because they were connected to the House Orleans.
The conflict with Marquis Hyante needed further investigation, but…
‘I doubt Raphael has any clue about any of this.’
Kassel had been born as the heir of a ducal house, enjoying wealth and prestige without want. But Raphael was on another level. Unlike his family, where children were relatively abundant, the House Orleans had always been scarce in numbers.
Raphael, his father, and even his grandfather were all only children. Though he was a knight, he rarely had reason to leave the capital. His father had been protected in the same way throughout his life, and even if the entire Crow Knights were mobilized, Raphael would likely still remain within the capital’s walls.
That was how precious he was to his family. Despite being the heir, there were no signs of him taking over his family’s affairs anytime soon.
If Kassel were in the position of Duke Orleans, he wouldn’t have told an innocent, sheltered Raphael about any of this, either. If Raphael knew, he would probably slam his spear into the ground in frustration.
Lost in thought, Kassel remained silent, prompting Raphael to lean against the desk with a relaxed posture.
“Commander?”
“…Sir Raphael, enough. We’re not in public, so hearing you call me that is uncomfortable.”
“Hahaha! Are you really telling me that, Young Lord? No need for such humility.”
“That’s enough. If you have business, state it plainly.”
Kassel was busy.
Well, not immediately busy, but the mere presence of Raphael made him think of all the tasks he needed to do, mainly, getting Raphael out of his office as soon as possible.
So, he was blunt. Even if it came across as an outright dismissal, Raphael’s expression remained as bright as a cloudless noon.
“Are you already trying to kick me out? Not even offering me a cup of tea?”
“Sir Raphael…! Sigh. Forget it. I assume you’re on leave, seeing how much time you have to chat despite the demanding schedule of the Crow Knights.”
Even when Kassel showed an opening, Raphael remained unfazed.
“Ah! That reminds me. I went to check on the stables this morning, and Maurice is doing well.”
“…”
Raphael beamed like summer sunshine.
