Episode 72: How a Mercenary Joins a Court Banquet (2)

As the carriage drew nearer to the building, its wealth showed even more. A glass greenhouse stuck to the building. Keeping a greenhouse warm this high on the mountainside must cost a fortune.

This place was used every year for the Day of Blessing, so the facilities were modern and well kept. Nobles who came for the day had comfortable resting spaces arranged each year.

In fact, the Korota Mountain where the Day of Blessing is held also acts as a protective wall for the palace and the capital.

The steep slopes naturally block enemy invasions. Cutting into the mountainside and building a structure where it touches the palace showed the empire’s power and wealth.

“Let me assist you.”

When the carriage door opened, a waiting servant bowed and offered to guide them. Regina moved closer to Valentin and lightly tapped the round handle.

“If anything becomes a problem, give me any signal. I’ll notice it on my own.”

They first gathered in a large hall.

Rumors in high society spread fast, like three people gossiping in secret. Even secrets meant for the grave drifted from mouth to mouth.

In that wide but narrow social world, former mercenary Regina and the reclusive, mad Valentin were outsiders who had invaded a small island.

All eyes openly fell on the two of them.

But Regina scanned the room without a blink and recognized nobles who quietly placed secret requests with Persona. They already knew she was a Persona mercenary and lowered their eyes slightly. They would probably hide the fact that they knew about her.

Still, the heavy weight of stares did not ease.

She heard that the royal family members who would arrive first would come to this hall.

Valentin was a royal too, but he had left the palace and sworn to protect his land, so his position was different. It was awkward to mingle with the other nobles.

Valentin stared at the empty throne on the stage.

“How can you say you’ll notice any signal so confidently? How would I even send a signal?”

“Just wiggle a finger and I’ll know.”

He tore his eyes away from the distant throne and looked confidently at her.

Just in case, Regina had filled a garter on her thigh with medicine she’d received from Weil. She’d tucked the small vial under her dress.

She didn’t mind if he lost himself in a frenzy in front of her. But she hated imagining nobles pointing and whispering about it.

“Who is this?”

Especially when it was someone who had become an enemy.

“You always keep the look right.”

Shuvel’s gaze rested on Regina’s dress. Like at Julius Castle, it seemed made only for her.

But Regina paid more attention to the eyepatch over one of his eyes.

“What’s with the eyepatch?”

“No idea. Maybe an eye disease.”

Regina covered a smile she didn’t intend to voice. Valentin didn’t even bother to react. Shuvel, who expected more from his taunt, flushed and quickly left the place.

Though big, he melted into the crowd and disappeared.

“What do you think happened?”

“If it’s not illness, who could touch the Empress Dowager’s brother? Even the emperor couldn’t.”

Valentin loosened his tight tie and acted as if he already knew the answer. If Valentin was right, that explained why Shuvel couldn’t finish his sentence and fled.

“Not even to touch his own brother?”

“Even if it were his son, it wouldn’t be much different.”

The deep red velvet of the grand throne made Regina feel oddly uneasy.

“It seems the Empress Dowager will be late. By her order, we’ll proceed and meet at the hunting grounds.”

Valentin snorted.

They were openly pointing out the Empress Dowager’s absence.

Yet no noble spoke up. All of them laughed and smiled like vultures trying to blend into the mood.

Hiding her glance from their laughter, Valentin searched the room for any noble whose face might show displeasure. Such people could prove useful.

“Let’s go change clothes.”

A court maid stepped forward to guide them to the waiting area near the hunting grounds.

There were dozens of tents already set up in the hunting waiting area.

Royal knights took over guests from the maid like relays and guided nobles to tents by assignment. Regina and Valentin entered a large tent just as they were about to grow bored of moving.

‘Oh.’

Inside, it didn’t feel like a tent at all. The space was neat and lavish. Tall pillars held up the coverings. The best furniture filled the place as if someone might live there.

Next door, another tent even had a bathtub. Regina couldn’t help but admire it.

“Madam.”

Eiren and Jane waited for them inside the tent. Only the steward and maids approved for entry could come in; Allen and Thomas had to wait in a separate area.

A few years ago even maids were restricted. At events, nobles expected all needed staff to be provided by the court, and those who liked their own people caused complaints and begged to change the rule.

Because of that, the current thorough checks allowed these maids inside.

Many whispered that the Empress Dowager’s paranoia about maintaining regency caused the heavy measures. After all, nobles wore swords under the claim of hunting.

“I will help you change.”

“Confe the steward has an upset stomach and is in the medical tent. I’ll have to help the duke change…”

Eiren’s hesitant face showed she was annoyed at Confe. Part of serving a lord well on a day like this is keeping your body in order.

Valentin bit back Eiren’s hand. He normally refused help dressing. He didn’t take most attentions. Allen took care of meals, so he didn’t usually accept service at all.

Embarrassed, Eiren bowed and stepped back.

“Partitions hide the prepared clothing. Call me if you need a hand.”

But Valentin didn’t go behind the tall partition. He sat on a sofa positioned where Regina’s hidden partition would not be easily seen.

“Valentin, will you not change?”

Regina asked from behind her screen. Jane and Eiren stripped the heavy dress off and began removing the jeweled pins from her hair.

“Later.”

“Understood.”

He looked like he wanted to rest. Regina noticed he was subtly trying to hide his body.

The Julius family had said they would attend the banquet but not the hunt, so changing clothes wasn’t strictly necessary.

Regina also only needed to make an appearance.

“Oh my, your outfit…”

Eiren gasped at the hunting outfit.

Unlike the dress, Regina had received the hunting suit just before departure from Joy.

Eiren had grumbled that repairs were rushed, but when she saw the garment, her complaints vanished.

The cloth, treated with gold dye, didn’t change color, but it made the fabric look like a jewel. It felt like cloud in the hand and drew the eye.

“So that’s why you were late. Oh, sorry. I’ll help you quickly.”

Eiren stroked the dark blue top like petting a cat, then turned back to help.

‘It’s worth it.’

Regina smiled at the fabric’s feel. Hearing that it had protective properties explained why people were excited.

“All done. Is your hair not uncomfortable?”

“Perfect.”

Regina nodded after testing the high, styled hair.

Many noblewomen refused to give up fancy hair even in hunting clothes, but Regina’s striking features suited a simpler style. So Eiren and Jane greatly reduced the number of jeweled pins.

“You look splendid.”

Valentin spoke as she stepped out behind the partition.

“Thank you.”

“Excuse me.”

A voice came from outside the tent. Regina lifted the cloth and saw a royal knight’s shadow.

Several presences were nearby. Regina’s guard rose slightly as she peered out. Though daytime dangers were rare, she had been on edge since arriving in the capital.

“You have finished dressing.”

Kablen stood before them. A knight beside him must have announced his arrival. Regina hid her rising annoyance and asked calmly,

“What is it?”

“The Empress Dowager wishes to see your face. Come with me.”

Kablen motioned with his eyes toward Valentin behind Regina.