CHAPTER 27……………………………….
As she tried to figure out how to explain things so that Karina would understand, evening had already arrived before she realized it.
There was a knock at the door, followed by Arsen’s voice.
“Ibelina, it’s me.”
“Ah, yes.”
Ibelina quickly stood up and checked her face in the mirror.
The traces of her crying had faded a little, but her eyes were still slightly swollen.
Even when she pressed on them with her palms, the puffiness wouldn’t go down.
Feeling awkward but unable to keep Arsen waiting, she finally opened the door carefully.
Arsen looked at her with concern.
“Are you all right? If you’re not feeling well, there’s no need to come down.”
“I’m fine. There’s something I need to tell Mother anyway.”
Ibelina gave him a small smile.
He never could win against her when she looked like that.
“Just don’t push yourself too hard.”
“Yes, Arsen.”
Ibelina’s expression told him not to worry so much.
When they entered the dining room, Karina was already seated.
“Mother, I’m sorry I’m late.”
“It’s all right, dear. I just arrived myself.”
Karina smiled kindly and gestured for her to sit.
Then, noticing traces of tears on Ibelina’s face, she seemed about to say something—until she caught Arsen subtly shaking his head.
So Karina held her tongue and waited for Ibelina to speak first.
It wasn’t until the meal was over and tea was served that Ibelina finally opened her mouth.
“Um… Mother.”
“Yes, dear?”
Even though Karina’s voice was gentle, Ibelina lowered her gaze and hesitated.
Karina didn’t rush her—she simply waited.
The words she was about to say weren’t easy, and fear held her back.
But when she met Karina’s calm, reassuring eyes, she took a breath and spoke.
“For the wedding… I don’t want to invite Father or my brother.”
After she finished, Ibelina exhaled quietly.
She had already decided—no matter how improper or disrespectful it sounded, she would stand by it this time.
Karina, who had been watching her silently, smiled faintly.
“All right. Do as you wish.”
“…What?”
Startled by the unexpected answer, Ibelina looked up in disbelief.
“You really don’t mind?”
“Of course not. You should do as you want. May I ask why, though?”
At that gentle question, her pounding heart began to calm.
With a quiet but sorrowful voice, Ibelina answered.
“Father and my brother… they said they’ve never once thought of me as family.”
“…”
“And I, foolishly, only realized that today.”
Her voice was filled with loneliness.
“I must be such an idiot. How could I not have noticed until now…?”
She thought she’d cried all her tears already, but as soon as she spoke, they came back.
Not wanting to make a scene, she hurried to wipe them away.
Even though Karina was kind, surely she wouldn’t like seeing someone cry at the dinner table.
Then, to Ibelina’s surprise, Karina spoke softly:
“You must have suffered a lot.”
“…”
“Don’t waste any more feelings on trash like them. You have a new family now, don’t you?”
With teary eyes, Ibelina looked up at Karina.
“From now on, we’ll be your family. No matter what happens, we’ll stay by your side for life.”
“…”
“So don’t cry too much, all right?”
Karina gently took her hand and patted it.
It was meant to comfort her, but that tenderness only made her cry harder.
She hadn’t realized until now how easily she cried.
Karina said nothing more—she simply held her hand until the tears stopped.
Before long, the day came for them to return to the North.
Ibelina had decided to leave earlier than planned—she no longer wanted to stay in the capital.
Watching Berry pack their belongings, she asked,
“Berry, aren’t you sad to leave?”
“Huh? No, not at all! Thanks to you, I got to see the Founding Festival and had so much fun! If it weren’t for you, I’d probably never have even come to the capital, let alone seen the festival!”
Berry shook her head with a cheerful grin.
Ibelina smiled warmly.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. Let’s come again next time.”
“Yes, my lady!”
With her usual skill, Berry finished packing quickly and hoisted the large luggage with ease.
“Then I’ll take the bags outside! Please come out slowly, Your Grace!”
“All right. Be careful not to trip.”
Berry bowed and hurried out of the room.
It was always amazing how such strength came from such a small body.
Arsen had said he’d come to pick her up soon, so Ibelina carefully adjusted her outfit.
Even if she didn’t care what others thought, she always wanted to look neat and beautiful in front of him.
A knock sounded—Arsen had arrived.
She rushed to the door, and as expected, he stood there.
“How are you feeling today?”
“Good. Maybe because breakfast was delicious.”
Knowing it was her last meal in the capital, the head chef had poured his heart into it.
Thanks to that, she’d eaten well before leaving for the North.
“I’m glad to hear that. A carriage to the Imperial Palace is ready outside. Mother is waiting there too.”
“Really? You and Mother always move so fast.”
“I couldn’t possibly keep you waiting alone.”
He said it as if it were obvious and offered his arm.
Ibelina looped her arm through his and they descended the stairs together.
“When would you like to start your lessons again?”
“Maybe in a week.”
“I’ll inform Marquis Veloce.”
Talking idly, they stepped outside and saw Karina waiting by the carriage.
Ibelina quickened her pace, and Arsen matched her stride.
“Mother!”
“You’re here.”
Karina snapped her fan shut with a crisp sound and looked up.
“I’m sorry for keeping you waiting.”
“It’s only been five minutes. I’m simply quick to get ready—don’t worry about it.”
“Yes.”
Ibelina nodded, though she silently resolved to prepare faster next time.
Sensing her thought, Karina decided she’d take her time next time instead.
Once they boarded, the carriage rattled off toward the Imperial Palace.
It wasn’t far, so they arrived quickly.
Ibelina couldn’t wait to return to the North.
She hadn’t lived there long, but it already felt more like home than the capital.
“Be careful getting down. You might trip.”
“Ah, yes.”
His grip was so firm that falling seemed impossible anyway.
Still, she stepped down cautiously.
“This way.”
Following Arsen’s lead toward the teleportation chamber, she noticed someone waiting by the door.
As they got closer, she realized it was Jonas.
Surprised, Ibelina quickly bowed.
“I greet the Sun of the Empire.”
Arsen and Karina also offered polite bows, though Arsen’s face was clearly displeased.
If Ibelina hadn’t been there, he might’ve bluntly told Jonas to leave.
Jonas seemed to know it too, his expression far more cheerful than usual.
Before he could speak to Ibelina, Arsen stepped in coldly.
“You must be busy with state affairs, Your Majesty. What brings you here?”
The implication was clear: Don’t you have work to do instead of loitering here?
Jonas understood perfectly but pretended not to.
“I was taking a short break when I remembered I hadn’t congratulated you on your wedding. So I thought I’d do that before you left.”
He turned his gaze from Arsen to Ibelina.
“Congratulations on your marriage, Lady.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“Even during the Founding Festival, I thought you looked more beautiful without the veil. I’m glad my eye for beauty is still sharp.”
It was, in other words, a compliment on her appearance.
Since removing her veil, it was the first time anyone had said such a thing to her.
Puzzled for a moment, she realized what he meant and smiled brightly, her eyes curving like crescent moons.
“Thank you for the kind words, Your Majesty.”
Jonas blinked, momentarily lost in her smile—until he felt a burning stare pierce him.
He turned to find Arsen glaring daggers at him, utterly unamused.
Startled, Jonas coughed and quickly changed the subject.
“As my only brother, I’d like to attend your wedding, but I won’t have the time. I’ll send a gift instead—please accept it.”
“Your thoughts alone are more than enough.”
Jonas patted Arsen’s shoulder.
“Then take care, brother.”
“Be grateful you’re the Emperor, Your Majesty.”
“Ha… ha…”
Arsen whispered so low that only Jonas could hear.
The chill in his voice made Jonas’ smile stiffen as he withdrew his hand.
Muttering something about unfinished work, he hurried away.
Watching him leave so abruptly, Ibelina tilted her head in confusion, but Arsen gently wrapped an arm around her shoulders.
“Let’s return to the North.”
“Ah, yes.”
Snapping out of it, she followed him inside.
Just like before, a large teleportation circle covered the floor, with a mage waiting beside it.
As they stepped into the circle, the mage began the incantation, and light enveloped them.
A few seconds later, when Ibelina opened her eyes, the cold, stark scenery of the northern temple stretched before her.
At last, she had returned from the capital to the North.
