TYND 101

Chapter 101

Red flags fluttered across the smooth, weathered castle walls.

The flags of Dopein and the Fire Dragon, symbolizing the capital, waved in the wind as if competing, while relics stored deep underground were placed around the castle as decorations to catch the eyes of the visiting dignitaries.

Unlike the inside of the castle, which looked like a battlefield due to the preparations for the eve festival, the garden where the guests gathered was filled with a warm, cheerful atmosphere.

A large fountain in the center of the garden cast rainbows in every moment, and the first-arriving dignitaries exchanged soft greetings and smiles.

Into this peaceful garden, the star of the day, dressed in elaborate attire, stepped slowly.

“It’s been a long time, Duke Injexon, Duke Jishin. Thank you for coming all this way.”

The Archduchess of Dopein, Narkehatra, greeted the guests with a graceful smile.

Her pure white robe revealed the curves of her body and flowed behind her like butterfly wings with each movement. Her beauty drew quiet admiration, and the dignitaries’ cheeks showed a faint blush.

The Archduke, who had stepped forward to greet the guests, laughed heartily at the reactions on the dignitaries’ faces.

“Well now, those who were indifferent when looking at me suddenly change their manners when facing the Rain.”

“Of course not, Your Excellency. That’s a misunderstanding…!”

“Well, it can’t be helped. The Archduchess becomes more beautiful every day. I’m always moved whenever I see her.”

The dignitaries looked awkward at the mixed responses, but the Archduke ended the uneasy atmosphere with a smile.

“Don’t take it too seriously. Was the journey here difficult?”

“I can’t say it wasn’t, but seeing the majestic Fire Dragon made it all worth it.”

“Even though we see it every day, others are always amazed when they do. If you like, I can show you the walls at sunset so you can see the Fire Dragon up close.”

The dignitaries shook their heads slowly with a mixture of fear and excitement.

“Ha ha. It’s a kind offer, but I heard many guests haven’t arrived yet. Would it be fair for us to enjoy that alone?”

The Archduke glanced at Narkehatra with a quiet look, his cheerful expression from moments ago gone, and spoke softly.

“More guests?”

“Yes. Suddenly, some Empire guests arrived, so we’ve assigned them accommodations separately. And one has yet to arrive.”

“Guests from the Empire?”

“Yes.”

“…That’s unusual.”

The Archduke raised an eyebrow at the unwelcome news.

They had sent invitations to the Empire early, but the reply had said they couldn’t attend. Normally, it would be rude, but since tensions over the Coldstone Mine had been rising, this result was somewhat expected.

But now they were sending envoys at the last minute. It seemed they hurriedly came to save face as a great nation. The Archduke clicked his tongue and changed his tone.

“They’re still doing as they please. Don’t pander too much to the envoys. It’ll only spoil them. And who hasn’t arrived yet?”

“Who else, but the woman who caused this whole mess.”

At the sharp whisper, the Archduke’s eyes narrowed.

He wasn’t upset that the queen hadn’t arrived yet; his gaze seemed to correct his wife for speaking so informally in public.

Narkehatra quickly changed her expression.

“She should be here soon. Her Majesty the Queen is new to Dopein, so perhaps she isn’t familiar with the city.”

In private, the Archduke tolerated her vulgar behavior, but in public, he would get furious if she didn’t act gracefully.

Having seen men of high rank enforce such strict boundaries between public and private behavior, Narkehatra skillfully smiled and tugged at his arm.

Subtly pressing her chest, his sharp gaze softened again. As she tried to please him, murmurs rose from the crowd.

The Archduke noticed a focal point and smiled faintly.

“They say even ghosts will come if you speak of them… looks like the Queen of Parnas has arrived.”

Between the long columns, Lycan soldiers marched in formation.

Unlike the colorful uniforms used by other nations to identify friend or foe, their gray, black, and occasionally silver-tasseled uniforms clearly marked them as Parnas soldiers.

But the most unusual sight was the woman at the front.

She didn’t match the bulky Lycan soldiers. Slender and delicate, she wore a white robe similar to Narkehatra’s, looking fragile with every step.

Her ash-brown hair was twisted up, revealing a long, thin neck, and her large eyes gave her an aura of purity and gentleness.

“Ha.”

The Archduke couldn’t help but smile.

What use is it to have these fierce soldiers if their leader is such a fragile woman? She looked like a deer among predatory beasts.

A sneer escaped him, but when he met her golden eyes staring straight at him, all his thoughts vanished.

“It’s an honor to meet you, Archduke.”

The Queen extended the back of her hand in greeting.

“We met through envoys at the coronation, but this is the first time I meet the ruler of Dopein formally. I am Arsinoe Thea Neoparnas, newly seated on the throne of Parnas.”

Confident, unflinching, her chest open, her eyes fixed on him, her gaze cold and assessing.

She wasn’t a deer at all. She was like standing before a huge snake or tiger, radiating power.

The Archduke, stunned, finally took her hand and kissed it.

The Queen’s cold expression softened into a gentle smile like a late spring breeze.

“I tried to come quickly but was delayed. The climate and scenery were so lovely that I dawdled without realizing. I apologize if this delay caused any trouble.”

She glanced around, smiling awkwardly.

The Archduke wasn’t the only one surprised. The dignitaries, who had stared at her as if hypnotized, quickly composed themselves and greeted her.

“No need to apologize. We just arrived ourselves. It’s an honor to meet you, Your Majesty.”

“Good. And this person?”

“This is Jishin, Regent of Aman. This is Duke Injexon, an ambassador from the Kingdom of Brulin, and this is…”

As the men introduced themselves, the dignitaries approached the Queen and greeted her. The tense atmosphere that had her glancing at Narkehatra vanished, replaced by everyone surrounding and acknowledging the Queen.

The Archduke glanced briefly at Narkehatra, sighed, and looked back at the Queen.

“This is… very different from what I expected. She’s… impressive.”

The Archduke swallowed his words, staring at her intently. Even without studying her in detail, it was clear why everyone couldn’t look away.

He had heard she was of low birth and would not be properly recognized as royal. Yet she held herself on the throne with solemn dignity in every gesture and expression.