Episode 32: The Hampen Kingdom Delegation
Late in the evening, the carriage that left the duke’s residence entered the imperial palace, where an attendant who had been waiting guided the duke personally.
“We have specially prepared the best accommodations for you, Your Grace. I’m sure you will be satisfied.”
As the attendant said, it was clear much care had been taken. The duke’s room, located close to where the Hampen Kingdom’s delegation would be staying, was large and splendid.
“There are no other guests nearby, so you may rest quietly. In addition, a personal attendant will always be on standby, so if you need anything, just pull the bell cord.”
“What about Ella’s room?”
When the duke slumped onto the sofa and asked, the attendant pointed to a detached building across the way.
“The servants’ quarters are prepared separately over there.”
*Bang!*
The duke frowned at his words and slammed the table. Alarmed, the attendant quickly bowed his head, afraid he might anger the duke further.
“Ella entered the palace with me as my aide. Assign her a room as close to mine as possible.”
The attendant hurried to lead Ella to the adjacent room.
“Y-yes, understood. Then I will place the aide in the room next to yours.”
Fortunately, the guest room beside the duke’s was kept empty for nobility, so Ella was able to stay immediately. Once she was placed next door, the duke finally relaxed and changed into comfortable clothes.
The imperial palace was unpredictable. To protect Ella, he needed her within his sight at all times.
—
The day after the duke’s arrival, the delegation of the Hampen Kingdom entered the palace in a long, flashy procession accompanied by loud music. Rumor had it that the prince himself was coming this time, and indeed the delegation entered the palace with more splendor than ever.
The carriage, draped in red cloth, was pulled by six white horses, and as if to display their wealth, dried flower petals were scattered continuously despite the midwinter cold. The emperor and empress frowned at the extravagance, but when the prince stepped down from the carriage, they instantly greeted him with warm smiles.
“Welcome. You must have had a long and tiring journey.”
“Thank you for your hospitality. I am Wensler Ter of the Hampen Kingdom.”
Prince Ter, befitting a prince of a maritime nation, had healthy sun-tanned skin. His sturdy build was wrapped in several thick layers of robes, as if he was unused to the empire’s cold climate.
“Oh—are you the Duke Glois?”
While greeting imperial nobles, Prince Ter stopped before the duke, eyes shining with interest.
“I am Duke Luichen Glois.”
The duke introduced himself briefly with an expressionless face. Despite the duke’s stiff demeanor, the prince smiled unfazed and reached for a handshake.
“I look forward to your acquaintance, Duke.”
“Yes.”
The rumors were true—Duke Glois’s presence was incomparable to the typical imperial nobles. His overwhelming aura, balanced physique, and the calloused strength felt in their handshake revealed how long he had wielded a sword.
Prince Ter gave a meaningful smile as he firmly gripped the duke’s hand.
Once the formal introductions concluded, the group moved to the banquet hall prepared for the delegation.
Unlike last year’s banquet arranged by the princess, the banquet hosted by the Second Prince was extravagant—filled with rare foods made from costly ingredients and dances performed by exotic dancers.
“Oh—aren’t those dancers from Roien?”
“Yes. I spent a great sum to bring them here for you all.”
A Hampen envoy admired the dancers, entranced. Roien dancers were famously stunning and difficult to invite, so the prince answered proudly.
“The dishes are exquisite as well.”
“Haha, they are made with rare, precious ingredients. Please enjoy.”
The delegation, captivated by the luxurious banquet, began to chat naturally with the Second Prince. The emperor watched with satisfaction.
He had worried the delegation might find things awkward since the princess usually handled diplomacy, yet the prince mingled with them with ease.
The empress glanced at the princess with smugness, expecting her to sulk after losing the chance to earn credit. But the princess, unbothered, conversed warmly with envoys she was already acquainted with.
Seeing her cheerful demeanor, the empress felt a growing sense of unease. The princess was not the type to withdraw quietly.
*Strange. Why is she acting so normal?*
She watched carefully for signs of a scheme, but nothing seemed amiss. The banquet flowed smoothly.
*Well, with both Father and I keeping close surveillance on her palace, what could she possibly attempt?*
With confidence in the spies she had planted throughout the palace, the empress watched the princess.
“Now—lastly, we have prepared a special dish for our honored guests!”
Pleased with how the delegation enjoyed the banquet, the Second Prince signaled for the final course.
Two attendants carried in a large tray bearing a thick slab of roasted meat. Even the servants serving the banquet swallowed as the aromatic, exotic scent filled the hall.
It was clearly no ordinary meat—generous spices scented the room richly within moments.
“This is a rare ingredient these days… I spent a great sum to prepare this much for you.”
The final dish was whale meat. In the empire it was so rare that many did not even know it was edible, making it fitting as the grand finale.
The prince believed the dish would greatly impress the delegation. However, the envoys immediately recognized it as whale meat—and their expressions turned icy.
Sensing the shift, the prince asked cautiously:
“Do you… not like the dish I prepared?”
“Your Highness… is this whale meat?”
The delegation pointed to the dish in disbelief.
“Yes! Hahaha, I heard whale meat is considered a delicacy in the Hampen Kingdom. It was difficult to procure!”
“Heavens! Whale meat—truly? Are you mocking the Hampen Kingdom?!”
One envoy burst out angrily. The others murmured in outrage.
Seeing the tension, the empress rushed toward them.
“What matter has caused such anger? The prince merely prepared this banquet with sincerity.”
“In winter—during the *only* whale breeding season—our kingdom forbids the hunting or eating of whales to honor the sea goddess! Good heavens… the goddess will curse us!”
As a maritime nation, the Hampen Kingdom worshiped the sea goddess, who was said to ride on whales. Therefore whales were sacred. During winter, the breeding season, hunting or eating them was strictly forbidden.
Prince Ter stepped forward, calming his envoys.
“We will formally file a complaint upon returning home. And we will depart for our country immediately.”
The emperor shot up in shock. If relations soured, the sea route would close—crippling imperial trade.
“Prince, please calm yourself. There was no intent to disrespect your kingdom. The prince’s eagerness to honor you must have gone too far.”
Seizing the moment, the princess stepped forward, shifting all blame onto the Second Prince. The empress gritted her teeth, glaring at her like she wished to kill her.
“As the Second Prince’s mistake has offended our guests, as apology, I shall personally prepare the grain offerings for next spring’s Festival of the Goddess.”
At her respectful apology and offer, the envoys’ expressions softened. The Hampen Kingdom, comprised largely of islands, relied heavily on grain imports—which made grain costly. Her offer was valuable.
“Since the princess herself has spoken… very well. But see that such a thing never happens again.”
Prince Ter, knowing when to advance and when to retreat, accepted the apology. Despite their naval power, harming relations with the empire was unwise.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“It is nothing.”
With the mood lightened, the emperor once again took his seat.
“However… we will take our leave for today’s banquet.”
The hall had long since fallen silent—the festive music and dancing halted during the commotion, leaving a heavy atmosphere.
