Chapter 17 – The Siren Family That Followed

If Renéve’s role was to act as an obstacle to the protagonists’ romance, Icarus served as the stepping stone that helped Lucius grow.

The Empress sought to place Lucius on the throne in order to wield great power herself. For that to happen, Lucius’s abilities had to surpass those of the other princes to a degree that would impress even the Emperor.

Fortunately, Lucius grew exactly as the Empress had hoped. In Paradium, no one could match him.

But perhaps, to the Empress, even such a son seemed like a frog in a well. She set her sights on Icarus, Prince of Bashker, as the next point of comparison for Lucius.

It was, without a doubt, a very harsh way to educate someone, but the Empress seemed to understand Lucius’s temperament well. Proud as he was, Lucius took the Empress’s intentions to heart, competing against Icarus and honing himself day after day.

By the time this discipline had become habitual, Icarus had died before reaching adulthood.

Yet, why was it that Icarus was alive and well both during Renéve’s first life and after her regression?

There were other questions as well.

From Bashker’s perspective, the western region of Paradium was a strategically crucial point. If Icarus had intended to seize Paradium, he would have first invaded the Siren Marquessate in the west. Using the Siren Marquessate as a base to expand his territory would have made the campaign much easier.

If Bashker and Paradium had clashed head-on, the outcome would have been obvious given Bashker’s ability to traverse the distance in half a month. Of course, it was precisely because Icarus didn’t act this way that Renéve was able to survive longer.

It was at that moment, as Renéve was contemplating this, that someone appeared from the opposite side.

“Keanen, who is that?”

“She is the daughter of the Asilly Marquess,” Keanen replied.

By the time he said that, the distance to the young lady of the Asilly household had closed. She lightly bent her knees in a respectful greeting toward Renéve.

“You must be the ‘person’ who is staying in the garden?”

‘That person’?

Renéve didn’t fully understand the meaning behind the words, but it seemed the girl already knew who she was. Renéve responded with a slight bow.

“Nice to meet you. Since the guest rooms are still under construction, I’ve been staying in the garden.”

The Asilly Marquess’s daughter studied Renéve intently, as if observing her.

“Since you are a foreigner, you may not know much about this place, so I thought I’d explain a little about the garden.”

“….”

“The garden has traditionally been the residence of the Emperor’s consorts.”

Whether she intended to inform Renéve or assert her authority was unclear, but Renéve merely nodded politely.

“I am aware of how the garden was used previously.”

“You knew?”

Her expression subtly shifted at Renéve’s reply.

“Yes. But I’ve heard that the current Emperor does not have a separate consort. So the garden no longer serves the same function.”

Renéve stated it firmly, hoping the young lady wouldn’t misinterpret her words.

“I’m glad you knew. I only mentioned it because I was worried you might misunderstand. Well then, until next time, I wish you peace.”

With that, the Asilly Marquess’s daughter passed by Renéve, her expression somehow lighter.

Renéve watched her retreating figure for a moment before turning to Keanen.

“By the way, is there any marriage negotiation between the Asilly family and His Majesty the Emperor?”

“I’m sorry, Lady, but I don’t know much about such important matters…”

Keanen shook his head apologetically.

Still, Renéve could easily imagine that many noble families would hope for a match with the young Emperor. Noble marriages were generally arranged early, and royal marriages even earlier.

In her previous life, Renéve had married at sixteen and Lucius at eighteen, which had been considered relatively late.

“Keanen, the Emperor is turning twenty this year, correct?”

“Yes.”

Although he had been busy with state affairs shortly after ascending the throne, Icarus’s marriage had indeed been delayed.

“I see,” Renéve murmured, stroking her chin. Just then, a young attendant approached, bowing deeply.

“A guest has come to see you, Lady.”

Returning to the garden immediately, Renéve’s jaw dropped.

The sofa, which had been spacious enough for her alone, now seemed cramped with two burly men squeezing themselves in.

“Daughter!”

“Renéve!”

The two men from the Siren family shouted at once upon seeing her. Renéve quickly covered her ears.

Contrary to her expectations of a verbal onslaught, the men merely scowled, keeping their mouths firmly shut.

But the moment Renéve slightly lowered her hands, a booming voice rang out.

“How can you be so heartless!”

“Leaving without a word—are you out of your mind?”

Keanen trembled in fear at their intensity.

“Phew…”

After sending Keanen away, Renéve braced herself for a lengthy family lecture. If her mother were still alive, she imagined she would have been spanked multiple times.

“Are you finally calm?”

It wasn’t until their voices had noticeably softened that Renéve spoke.

To the two still-scowling men, she described the comfort of her surroundings.

“I promise, there’s no injury at all. I even feel healthier than before.”

The Marquess of Siren and Patrick finally glanced around the reception room.

“Indeed… it doesn’t seem like you’ve been mistreated… hmm.”

Patrick fiddled with a nearby ornament. Renéve nearly added that it was all jewels but decided to change the topic.

“While you’re both here, what about the western marquessate?”

The Siren Marquess let out a heavy sigh, and Patrick answered after stealing a glance at him.

“Bashker sent a pledge that they won’t approach the western border. For the three years you remain here, at least.”

A memory from her past flickered through Renéve’s mind. That had been the time when internal conflict over the Paradium throne had peaked—before Bashker’s pressure—and resolved when the first princess returned to Paradium and Lucius ascended the throne.

“How is the situation at the imperial palace now?”

The Siren Marquess’s eyes widened slightly. Renéve had shown no interest in this domain during her previous life, so it was understandable.

Renéve quickly added:

“I’m a little worried this incident might escalate the conflict between Her Majesty the Empress and the Empress Consort.”

With a knowing expression, the Siren Marquess replied:

“Actually, the first prince has fallen ill, so the Empress is extremely concerned.”

Renéve’s eyes widened. In her previous life, the first prince had also died of illness, though this would happen a bit further in the future this time.

As Renéve lowered her gaze, lost in thought, Patrick spoke cautiously:

“Renéve, are you alright?”

“Hmm? Yes. But I didn’t expect His Majesty the Emperor of Bashker to permit my brother and father to enter the country.”

The two men exchanged glances at Renéve’s remark.

“Ha… I wonder if we should even tell you this…” Patrick began. The Siren Marquess cut him off:

“Renéve, let’s return to the Siren Marquessate today itself.”

“Huh?”

Though taken aback by the proposal, Renéve calmly attempted to persuade them:

“Father, His Majesty always keeps his word. He promised that in three years, I’d be able to return safely to my homeland.”

“….”

“I’m doing well, so please don’t worry too much, Father.”

Renéve smiled faintly, but the two men remained displeased.

She switched topics.

“By the way, Father, Patrick doesn’t have a fiancée yet, does he?”

Startled, Patrick jumped.

“W-what are you talking about, Renéve? A fiancée?”

“Yes, Patrick. It’s about time you think of marriage.”

After discussing Patrick’s engagement briefly, the two men finally stood.

“If anything happens, send a letter immediately. Always remember that the Siren Marquessate stands behind you.”

“Yes. Renéve, the moment you say you don’t want to stay here, we’ll come for you.”

“Thank you, Father. Patrick.”

Renéve’s chest tightened at the genuine concern of her family.

The Siren Marquess, having patted her back, added as if remembering something:

“Oh, right, Renéve. Amber came along.”

“Amber?”

Renéve’s eyes widened.

Amber, the maid who had served Renéve at the Siren Marquessate, had a sick mother and a younger sibling to care for, which was why she hadn’t been brought this far.

Having heard her name, Amber came running from the next room and dove into Renéve’s arms.

“Milady! You left without a word! I was so worried! Look at your wrist—it’s as dry as kindling…”

Amber clasped Renéve’s hand tightly, chattering nonstop.

“Calling it kindling seems a bit harsh, doesn’t it?” Keanen muttered, glaring at Amber. But Amber didn’t even glance at him.

During her absence, Keanen had tended to Renéve, and Amber seemed to take his service as insufficient care for her lady.

Renéve knew Amber’s scolding came from genuine concern, so Keanen didn’t raise his voice.

“I’ve been eating well.”

“Still…”

Renéve reassured her a few more times, but Amber’s worry was evident.

Though slightly bothered, Renéve didn’t mind Amber’s fuss.

Amber was affectionate and mature beyond her years. Despite being younger than Renéve, having cared for her sick mother and younger sibling, she had grown up quickly.

Renéve’s thoughts drifted naturally to Kael as she observed Amber. Her expression darkened slightly.