Chapter 34
Even after the main character was gone, the banquet went on.
Because the rampage of the divine beast with its tail broken drew more attention, everyone simply assumed the child had fallen asleep.
Thus, the atmosphere of the banquet remained undisturbed.
Emperor Belgador and Marquis Pascal, holding their glasses of wine, looked down from the upper floor.
At the end of their gaze stood the only remaining member of the royal family among the gathered nobles.
“Look at that dazed face. It seems my son really liked the young lady—what a pity.”
Marquis Pascal didn’t agree with the emperor’s half-joking lament.
He had seen through this man long ago.
Despite his friendly demeanor, he was a dry, unfeeling man, devoid of sympathy or compassion.
If he had truly pitied the crown prince, he wouldn’t have left that young child alone at the banquet like prey in a den of beasts.
“More importantly, Your Majesty, isn’t it strange that the Duchy of Axius suddenly involved itself in this affair for no clear reason?”
As expected, the emperor quickly latched onto the new topic.
“Oh, indeed. They were supposed to remain neutral—why would they act otherwise? Could it be they’re finally aiming for the Empire? How frightening.”
“I doubt that’s the case, Your Majesty.”
“True enough. If they were serious, they wouldn’t have resorted to such a petty ploy as an engagement.”
As the two speculated, the Northern Duchy was not the kind of nation that moved lightly.
Though they seemed like mercenaries who’d do anything for gold, the people of that frozen land possessed immense pride in surviving the harsh North.
For them, conquest and senseless slaughter were meaningless—only overwhelming strength beyond human limits mattered.
Existing as the absolute, unchallenged arbiters of the continent was their way of life.
It was that same strength that had allowed them to gain independence from the Empire over a century ago.
Perhaps that was why the ducal house had used the engagement as the only means to refuse the imperial command—
for even the emperor dared not touch that single independent nation.
“Then, the only remaining possibility is that the duke saw through it.”
“Most likely. Since Diana used the scroll again, there’s no way he’d be fooled twice. All because of the late emperor—he spoiled that pretty little troublemaker so much it’s no wonder she turned out a fool.”
“…Or perhaps the real mistake was entrusting a dying wolf who’d lost his mate with a cub to raise.”
At the marquis’s troubled tone, the emperor chuckled.
“That’s one way to put it. I suppose he was lonely—though I’ll never understand it. Marquis, what became of that young lady anyway?”
“I don’t know. She may have been of humble birth once, but now… she’s beyond our understanding.”
“Beyond understanding, you say…”
“I won’t make excuses. It was one of my men who began the search for an heir.”
“No, no—it’s not your fault. How could you have known? Once the divine beast appeared, the whole charade became the truth. The child’s quite lucky, ha ha.”
The emperor’s tone was light, but he gazed at the golden liquor shimmering in his hand.
Then, dissatisfied, he poured it out onto the floor.
“Why do people drink such unhealthy stuff anyway?”
“……”
“Marquis, before the time comes, we must turn him back into a puppet—so that we can claim the duchy for ourselves.”
“I shall obey, Your Majesty.”
When I opened my eyes, I saw the familiar ceiling of the Ducal residence in the capital.
Just as every morning, the beautiful mural above was there.
Of course—it had all been a dream. A terrible nightmare.
‘…So you’re telling me that the shackled boy was Lord Aster—and my fiancé?’
“Pfft!”
I burst out laughing. Ridiculous.
Had I been neglecting myself that much?
Was that why my overworked subconscious spun such an absurd story?
No—this was far too outrageous, even for a dream.
I sat up, hurried to the mirror, and pointed accusingly at my reflection.
“Subconscious, reflect on your actions. Got it?”
It was a little creepy, sure, but unless I performed this tiny ritual, I’d stay uneasy.
After all, they say that if you hold on to a nightmare, it becomes reality.
Meeting a rude emperor, almost losing my divine beast to his daughter, Princess Georgina,
and then teaching the crown prince how to bully kids—only to have him declare our friendship over.
All that in half a day. What a dreadful dream.
“Right, as if something like that could happen on the day I meet His Majesty!”
I shrugged my shoulders.
“Nonsense! All right, time to get ready for the audience.”
Muttering to myself, I looked around for Lord Juno.
‘He’s always nearby when I wake up—where did he go?’
But something felt strange.
The more I looked around, the darker the room seemed.
The windows that should have been flooded with morning light were black, as if it were midnight.
And then suddenly—the door opened with a click.
No sound of footsteps, no warning.
Click.
I expected to see Linda or Rosy, but the person who entered was a complete stranger.
“Huh? Who are you…?”
A middle-aged man wearing a beret quickly removed it and bowed deeply.
“Oh dear, they said you were asleep—I beg your pardon, my lady. Don’t be startled. I’m Diego, a painter.”
A painter? As in, one who paints?
“Eh? What’s a painter doing here?”
“I’ve come to paint your portrait to be sent to the Axius family. I have the duke’s permission, so if you could spare me a moment, my lady.”
…What? Axius?
Suddenly my ears rang, like water had rushed into them.
The flustered artist kept assuring me it wouldn’t take long—just a bust portrait, he said.
But I didn’t want to hear another word.
Because every one of his words made me more aware—
that my nightmare was becoming real.
Mister, please, don’t say that.
Don’t tell me my nightmare’s real. Please.
But despite my desperate pleading, he smiled kindly and said,
“Please, sit here, my lady. I’ll paint you beautifully—enough to satisfy the recipient.”
That gentle smile terrified me.
I shoved him aside and bolted.
“Out of my way!”
“Ah! M-My lady?”
Thud thud thud!
I ran straight for the duke’s office.
And when I reached the door, I froze in shock.
Light was spilling from underneath.
‘…He’s really back? No, no, maybe someone just left the lamp on?’
Still, I raised my hand to knock—when I heard voices from inside.
“What? The imperial decree was to betroth Airi to the crown prince?”
“Yes.”
“Ha! So that’s why you asked Killian for help. I bet his face was priceless.”
What? A betrothal with the royal family?
The duke’s calm tone.
Master Jeanne’s composed laugh.
They were speaking as if I really had been nearly engaged to the royal heir.
And to refuse it, they’d apparently sought aid from Aster’s father, King Killian.
‘So that’s it… Since I’m just a contractual ward, it would’ve been troublesome if I got tied to the royal family. You had no choice…’
But—what am I thinking?!
No! I refuse to understand!
Duke, you said you were brave for my sake.
Was that courage just the courage to offer me up as a sacrifice?!
Even if the crown prince had been the one to break ties, I wouldn’t have been this shocked!
And you—
how could you make such a decision without even asking me?
Overwhelmed by confusion and anger, I grabbed the doorknob, ready to storm in—
Then—
Snap.
Someone seized my wrist.
That same fierce grip I’d felt once before sent chills down my spine.
Creak, creak—
I forced my stiff neck to turn, bit by bit—
and saw the clear face of the one I’d thought the very cause of my nightmare.
‘A-A-A-Aster… Lord Aster…!’
My mouth opened and closed soundlessly.
The boy frowned slightly, then whispered softly—
“Come with me.”
