~Chapter 112~
Before leaving House Rikeion, Delphina still remembered the words her teacher had said while ruffling her hair.
“I’ll definitely come back, Delphina.”
Ever since he had agreed to teach her cooking, her teacher always spoke informally to her, and Delphina loved the affection in it.
Back then, she had asked him:
“Can’t you take me with you?”
She didn’t think she could survive in House Rikeion without him.
Without her teacher, she had no one on her side.
But he couldn’t give her the answer she wanted.
“I’ll eat less food, I’ll behave, and I’ll practice cooking really hard. Please, just take me with you.”
“…”
“Please… take me with you.”
Delphina thought he was abandoning her. Her uncle always said if she became bothersome, he’d throw her away.
So she believed her teacher was leaving because she had clung to him too much.
Even after her desperate pleading, he didn’t say he would take her.
“I… can’t take you with me. I’m sorry. But I will return quickly. As long as I live, I’ll definitely come back…”
Leaving only those words, her teacher departed.
Even by the time Delphina left for the North, he hadn’t returned.
She hadn’t understood then, but now she did.
‘Soon after he left, the Eastern Empire was thrown into a long civil war.’
That made contact with other nations nearly impossible.
‘I heard that war ended only recently. If that fortune slip was right… maybe I really will see him again.’
Delphina’s face brightened. She might truly meet her teacher once more.
The day of the hunting competition arrived.
“This must have cost an enormous amount of money.”
As expected, Issian—ever the money fiend—checked first how much was spent as soon as they arrived. The venue for the pre-event banquet was lavish.
It was the end of winter, with spring just arriving. Blossoms decorated every corner of the gardens. On the banquet tables, fresh flowers glowed under soft lights.
Issian muttered in awe, “I heard flowers are as expensive as gold these days.”
Sana declared proudly, “We also spent a lot ourselves!”
She was telling the truth.
When attending the competition, Elcayan had ordered them not to be stingy with money, to show how strong the North had become.
Because of that, the Northern knights had all been fitted with brand-new uniforms. They stood out far more than the nobles of the capital.
‘So that’s why people can’t stop staring…’
Delphina glanced at the men beside her.
Then, seeing the system windows above their heads, she understood why they drew so much attention.
<Silent Calix>
Charm +50.
The Empire’s strongest knight looks most attractive when silent.
Be careful—if people don’t know his true self, he could easily become someone’s first love.
<Duke Elcayan of the North>
Universally acknowledged as the Empire’s most handsome man.
Just standing still, he draws every gaze. His charm is so great, there’s no room for it to rise further.
Before coming here, Issian had begged Calix to look dignified.
“Since you’re one of the North’s pillars now, showing a majestic appearance will greatly help our image.”
So Calix was currently holding back his natural instincts as best as he could.
And it worked—his silent, serious face made him even more striking.
Soon nobles began swarming around them.
“Sir Calix, please give me some pointers.”
“Your Grace, please tell us about slaying the Hydra! Whose idea was it to hang its head on the wall?”
“I’ve heard your stern face actually makes Northerners feel safer.”
Elcayan turned to him. “Many wish to speak with you, Sir Calix.”
“You’re the popular one. Go represent the North. I’ll stay right by Lady Delphina’s side.”
Delphina quickly said, “I’m fine—both of you should go.”
So the two men reluctantly went off with the nobles.
“Delphina.”
She turned. Johannes, his face looking worn, stood before her.
“Delphina, that outfit suits you well.”
Delphina smiled faintly. Though Sana nearly cried over it…
She was wearing practical clothing. Since this was a hunting competition, she didn’t know what dangers might arise.
Her attire wasn’t fancy.
“I’m planning to catch a rabbit at least. Thank you, Your Highness.”
“You’ve been searching for someone since earlier, haven’t you?”
“Ah… I heard people from the Eastern Empire arrived.”
“The Emperor said he’d introduce them when they came. You mentioned you were looking for someone…”
Delphina scanned the crowd.
“Where are the Eastern guests?”
“There.”
She followed Johannes’ pointing finger.
Her lips tightened. None of them looked like her teacher.
‘Teacher’s arms were always so strong…’
She remembered his body trained by cooking. Even among hunters, he would stand out easily. Surely his muscles hadn’t disappeared.
‘He’s not here…’
Her head drooped in disappointment.
Maybe that was for the best—if she met him here, it would mean the fortune about danger was true.
Johannes muttered curiously, “Hm? Why are they arguing?”
A commotion had broken out.
Delphina turned toward the noise. At the center stood Alfonso.
“I don’t understand why the guests from the Eastern Empire are suddenly picking a fight with me.”
“I simply don’t like House Rikeion,” one of them said.
“And why is that?”
“I just despise them. I’ve heard many things.”
“What things?”
“Oh, just old matters. That doesn’t matter now. I have a request for you.”
“You pick a fight, then ask me for a favor? You think I’ll agree?”
Alfonso frowned, sensing something off.
“I only recently regained my title as Duke of Rikeion. Why do you hate me?”
Johannes shook his head in disbelief.
“Strange. That Eastern prince isn’t usually this rude.”
“My grandfather wouldn’t normally provoke someone without reason either…”
“Hmm… Alfonso only got his title back recently. So why would an Eastern prince hate him?”
Johannes tilted his head.
Then Piaje appeared.
“Prince Ruan, is something wrong?”
“No.”
“His Majesty will arrive soon. Before the competition starts, it may be good to spend time with me. If you’re displeased, I’ll apologize.”
Johannes clicked his tongue.
“Piaje’s working hard. He knows Father wants ties with the Eastern Empire.”
Delphina looked at Prince Ruan.
‘Hmm…’
It wasn’t her teacher. But his face was oddly familiar.
‘Why does he look familiar?’
She frowned, trying to recall.
And then—
Prince Ruan’s eyes met hers, and his face twisted sharply.
