~Chapter 115~
Piaje narrowed his eyes and observed the situation. He wanted somehow to get closer to Prince Ruan.
So far, Prince Ruan had behaved just like the closed-off people of the Eastern Empire—cold and distant toward the Westerners. He showed little interest in their words, answered half-heartedly, and gave no impression of wanting to build friendships.
But why is he exchanging words with Delphina?
Piaje did not like this. Delphina’s very existence was an obstacle to his plans.
Delphina only shrugged at Piaje’s words.
“Your Highness, do you dislike talking with me?”
Ruan stared at her. Looking at her sad little face, he almost said, No, that’s not it.
In that moment, he remembered something his father had once told him:
“Whenever Delphina made a pitiful face, I wanted to throw everything away and stay in the Western Empire.”
At the time, Ruan couldn’t understand. How could one abandon both power and responsibility just to remain in the West?
But now, looking at the young lady before him, he understood his father’s words.
And the strange thing is… this girl isn’t even Lady Delphina, but Evelina.
Ruan widened his eyes.
I almost lost control of myself… She’s dangerous.
The Rikeion lady was frighteningly eloquent. Just a little conversation, and she nearly made him lose his senses.
Still, Ruan did not like Prince Piaje either. He would not side with him so easily.
Piaje muttered in annoyance.
“Enough of this. Go speak with the other ladies, or go hunt a rabbit or something.”
Delphina calmly said,
“I came here because I wanted to properly introduce myself to Prince Ruan.”
“Introduce yourself? I already know who you are. The Duke of Rikeion told me—you’re his family.”
Ruan tilted his head.
“Do you know my exact name?”
“Well… Evelina Rikeion, isn’t it?”
Delphina shook her head. Just as she expected.
“No. I am Delphina Rikeion.”
Ruan was startled.
“Wh–what? Who?”
“Delphina Rikeion.”
“Is that really true?”
Ruan turned to Piaje. Piaje tilted his head in confusion.
“Yes… that’s right. Why? Is there a problem?”
But Piaje was also unsettled. The moment he confirmed her name, Ruan’s face brightened.
It was the first genuine smile he had shown since arriving in the Western Empire.
“Delphina Rikeion?”
“Yes, that’s me. And I also want to ask you something.”
“Ask me.”
“Do you know someone named Iska?”
Iska—that was her teacher’s name, the name he had used while wandering.
At her words, Ruan was convinced. She truly was Delphina Rikeion.
How is this possible?
But more important than that, Ruan suddenly took her hand.
“Come with me to the Eastern Empire!”
“…What?”
“Ah—pardon me. That was rude. I was too desperate, too eager.”
“…”
“But I meant what I said. Please, come with me to the East. My father is waiting for you.”
“Your father?”
“My father’s name, when he wandered, was Isthar.”
The sudden commotion drew everyone’s eyes. Those who hadn’t gone to the hunting grounds turned to stare. The banquet hall grew silent as all conversations stopped.
Delphina was just as startled as everyone else.
“Go to the Eastern Empire… with you?”
“Yes. My father wishes to see you, no matter the cost.”
Piaje stammered in shock.
“Wh–what is this? Prince Ruan, surely you’re mistaken. Why would you take Lady Rikeion to the East?”
“I intend to welcome her as an honored guest.”
“What…?”
“This is His Majesty the Emperor’s command.”
The nobles began to whisper.
“Does she really have ties with the Eastern Emperor?”
“I heard even Sir Calix and the Saintess stayed in the North because of Lady Delphina.”
“What in the world is going on?”
Delphina too was shaken. She had thought her teacher might be an Eastern noble—but the Emperor?
So that’s why you left without saying anything…
Now she understood.
It really was because of the civil war.
He could not take her with him. If he had lost, her life would have been in danger.
The lack of letters also made sense—her uncle had deliberately blocked every message sent to her.
So many misfortunes had come together: her teacher leaving, no messages reaching her.
I knew it wasn’t because he hated me.
She had believed there was a reason. But even so, she had resented that he left without a word.
As a lonely child, all she could cling to was his promise to “return someday.”
Even knowing he must have had his reasons, she still felt that emptiness. Since her parents’ deaths, she had rarely felt true safety.
Delphina’s eyes filled with tears as she realized the truth.
<The god Frad comforts his apostle.>
No, these are tears of joy. Thank you, Lord Frad. I’m happy—because now I know my teacher is safe.
Ruan spoke eagerly, almost clumsily:
“My father misses you dearly!”
“I’ll visit someday.”
“Visiting is good, but… moving to the East would not be so bad either.”
“No… one day, I’ll tell him myself. But I cannot go.”
Ruan’s face darkened. He pictured his father, waiting only for Delphina.
Piaje spoke sharply,
“Lady Delphina, is it not rude to reject the Prince of the East without even considering his proposal?”
But Ruan grew angry.
“Enough, Prince Piaje! Whether she accepts or refuses is her choice!”
He glared at Piaje, who frowned. Piaje had spoken in vain, and gained nothing.
Piaje could hardly believe it. Delphina, connected to the Emperor of the East? Was such a thing possible?
This must be the work of the gods!
It felt as if all fortune was drawn to her.
His eyes turned to Delphina. She was chatting with Prince Ruan as if they had been friends for ten years. Her sociability was overwhelming—it was hard to believe she had once been bullied at the Academy.
So this is why talents keep gathering in the North… all because of her.
Even he himself had nearly been bewitched by her “Northern Chicken.”
But now I know the truth.
If Delphina disappeared, everything would be easier.
All of Johannes’s allies were bound together by her: the Grand Duke of the North, Calix, the Saintess… and now even Prince Ruan.
But that will all end with this hunting competition.
Piaje touched the stone hidden in his sleeve. His eyes darkened as he stared at Delphina.
The simplest way to split his brother and the others apart was clear:
Delphina had to disappear.
