Chapter 90: Flames of a Summer Night
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 90: Flames of a Summer Night
By the time the two of them stepped out into the backyard, night had completely fallen. However, lamps placed here and there chased away the darkness, creating a cozy atmosphere.
As they followed the path, the boisterous noise of a gathering grew steadily louder.
At the end of the path, the entire household of Delmark was gathered, having already finished preparing for a garden party. Not only the servants but even the knights were present.
"You've arrived at the perfect time," Mason said. "The meat has just finished roasting."
He guided the two of them to the center of the gathering.
There, a massive, roaring fire was roasting venison. The sight of it made Blair freeze in her tracks.
Even though she had fully recovered her memories of the accident, her fear of fire remained. A blaze this large—incomparable to the candlelight she had been practicing with—triggered a much deeper dread.
Noticing Blair frozen with her eyes glued to the flames, Herdin waved a hand in front of her face, breaking her trance.
"It's alright."
His low voice drifted into her ear as a large hand clasped hers.
Blair slowly raised her head and met his lake-blue eyes. As she looked into them, the tension in her body miraculously began to melt away.
Just then, Ruth approached, holding a skewer of meat.
"Your Grace, Madam! Please, try some. The first bite must go to the two of you, of course."
Only then did Blair realize why the knights had been staring at them with eyes flashing like hungry beasts, and she burst into laughter.
"Thank you for being so thoughtful."
"You could have started eating without us," Herdin remarked dryly. "It's not poisoned, is it?"
"Shall I taste it for you, then, Your Grace?" Caligo suddenly chimed in with a teasing grin.
Blair was inwardly startled by his appearance but kept her composure. In this life, he was a loyal knight of Delmark who had done nothing wrong to her.
"Give it here."
Herdin took the skewer from Ruth and bit into the meat.
Ordinarily, nobles insisted on using cutlery to maintain their dignity, but the Knights of Delmark had spent long periods on battlefields and subjugating magical beasts. Roasting and eating meat straight from a skewer was far more familiar to them. The skewers were a remnant of that custom.
The other knights swallowed hard as they watched Herdin.
"How is it?"
Instead of answering, Herdin called for Mason, who was waiting nearby.
"Mason."
"Yes, Your Grace."
"Take everyone and bring out the drinks."
Those words were permission to drink. Realizing this, the knights erupted in cheers.
Whistling and chatting boisterously, they followed Mason back to the mansion to fetch the alcohol. The remaining servants began receiving their portions of meat under Ruth's direction.
As Blair stood dazed by the whirlwind of excitement, a meat skewer was thrust toward her.
"Eat," Herdin said. "It doesn't seem to be poisoned."
Blair took the skewer. The golden-brown, perfectly roasted meat looked mouthwatering. She had worried the baby might make her reject it, but perhaps because the father’s sincerity was in the offering, the smell didn't make her feel nauseous.
She took a bite. The smoky flavor and rich juices spread through her mouth, whetting her appetite.
As she diligently chewed and swallowed, Blair felt a gaze on her. She looked up and met Herdin's eyes, which were watching her intently. Knowing he was waiting for her reaction, she spoke.
"It's delicious. Thank you, Herdin."
When Blair smiled, Herdin finally let out a soft chuckle and gently wiped a speck of ash from the corner of her mouth with his index finger.
By the time Blair finished her skewer, the knights returned from the mansion, each carrying an oak keg on his shoulder.
"Infinite loyalty to Delmark!"
The excited knights poured alcohol, shouting oaths of loyalty as they went. Filled cups were distributed in an orderly fashion to everyone gathered.
Just then, Caligo approached Blair with a broad, affable smile and handed her a brimming cup.
"Please accept a glass, Madam. This is in return for the delicious sandwiches you brought us last time."
Blair hesitated, unable to accept the cup.
First, it was unsettling to be approached so familiarly by the man who, despite a mastermind’s influence, had killed her in her past life. Second, she couldn't drink alcohol because of the child in her womb.
She was unsure how to refuse in such a festive atmosphere, but Herdin suddenly intervened, snatching the cup from her hand.
"Don't offer alcohol to someone who isn't feeling well."
"Oh, are you unwell, Madam?" Caligo asked, concerned.
"Ah… It's not that, I'm just a little tired," Blair said, going along with Herdin's lie.
At that, Caligo brought over another meat skewer. "Then please eat plenty today. There's nothing like meat to restore your strength."
This time, Herdin didn't stop him. Though slightly bewildered, Blair accepted the skewer.
"Thank you. I'll enjoy it."
As Caligo beamed proudly, the voices of other knights called for him. The group he joined was already in a raucous mood, with everyone exchanging drinks. Seeing that Lina had somehow joined them, Blair let out a quiet laugh.
The Imperial Palace where she grew up had always been quiet. Katrina had always insisted on drawing a clear line between herself and the lower classes, frowning upon Blair getting close to the maids. Because of that, Blair’s social life had been limited to quiet tea times with her cousin Rachel or other noble ladies, and at most, handing out snacks to the maids.
But this lively, bustling atmosphere where everyone gathered together wasn't bad at all.
No, actually… I think it's much more fun.
Blair wiggled her hand, still held in Herdin's, and glanced up at him before shifting her gaze back to the blazing fire. More precisely, she looked at the peaceful scene of the early summer night created by the large fire.
It's beautiful.
At that moment, for the first time in her life, she thought of fire as beautiful rather than terrifying.
A smile on her face, Blair quietly took in the scene for a long while.
A final memory to take with her when she left this mansion.
* * *
The Delmark carriage passed through the main gates of the Imperial Palace.
Blair swallowed a sigh as she looked at the palace building, now visible in the distance.
The last banquet she had attended was at the House of Esel. That day, she had heard the rumors about the incident from ten years ago, and since she had fled without responding, everyone's eyes would be on her tonight. They would all be trying to gauge whether the discord between the Imperial Family and Delmark was real. And if it was, they would be trying to figure out whether she sided with the Imperial Family or with Delmark.
But what she feared more than their gazes was…
…Mother.
If she went to the banquet today, she would have to face Katrina. It would be the first time she had seen her since the kidnapping.
Fidgeting with her fingertips, Blair watched the approaching palace and turned to her husband sitting across from her.
"Herdin."
His gaze, which had been lost in thought as he looked out the window, turned to her.
Blair carefully broached the subject. "Is there still no evidence?"
The day he had promised to allow her to go out was the day after the Foundation Festival banquet ended. She didn't know why it had to be tomorrow, but she felt there must be a reason. Perhaps he expected to find some clue by today.
However, his answer was not what she had hoped for.
"We are still searching. Since it's an incident from ten years ago, it won't be easy."
His voice was more subdued than usual, his eyes heavy as he answered with a low sigh.
After all, Herdin must be the one who wants to clear the Empress's name more than anyone else.
Feeling guilty for rushing him, Blair fell silent.
Before long, the carriage came to a halt.
Thinking of the countless eyes that would soon be on her and her upcoming meeting with Katrina, Blair took a deep breath. Then, taking Herdin's offered hand, she stepped out of the carriage.
"Announcing Their Graces, the Duke and Duchess of Delmark!"
As the two entered the banquet hall, the gazes of the nobles already gathered naturally gravitated toward them under the bright light of the chandeliers. Just as she had expected, she could hear the whispers rippling through the crowd.
Her heart pounded with tension. Perhaps because of the stress, her stomach, which had been constantly nauseous lately, began to churn.
It's fine. I am not the person they say I am.
She hadn't sold out her mother because she was infatuated with a man. She had only wanted to reveal a truth that deserved to be brought to light. No matter what anyone whispered, her conscience was clear.
Blair calmed herself with those thoughts.
The attention focused on her was divided when Katrina and Ivan made their entrance.
"Announcing Their Majesties, the Emperor and the Grand Empress Dowager!"
Beside Ivan, who stood at the top of the stairs overlooking the hall, stood a young woman. Blair recognized her at a glance from the memories of her past life.
Loen of the House of Vilhern.
She was the woman who would be announced as Ivan's fiancée here today. She had to be from the family Katrina had chosen after much deliberation—the one that would bring the greatest benefit to the Imperial Family and to herself.
After finishing his customary congratulatory speech, Ivan introduced his fiancée.
"This beautiful lady, whom I'm sure you are all curious about, is my fiancée, Lady Loen Vilhern."
Ivan's fiancée stepped closer to his side with a gentle smile.
"Having felt lonely after sending my only sister off in marriage, I am now welcoming a new member to our family. Please, give us your blessings."
Amidst the applause and congratulations of the nobles, the Foundation Festival speech and the announcement of the Emperor's fiancée came to a close.
So, is the discord between the Imperial Family and Delmark true?
Just as that curiosity began to gather once again on Blair and Herdin, an attendant approached.
"His Majesty requests your presence."