(81) First Party (3)
Wiona's stomach was seething.
Before Ariana came to Dongryung, the most precious young lady in this East was Wiona.
Although there was Isabelle of the White family, she was ultimately the daughter of a Count. Furthermore, her temperament was boisterous and eccentric, so other young ladies of her age disliked her.
Until today, when she is 19 years old, Wiona has lived as a Princess among the young ladies and has been the subject of many men's attention.
But now, a more precious young lady than Wiona had appeared in this same place. Ariana, who was even more beautiful, was a disaster for Wiona.
Wiona was aiming for a seat next to Averaster, and Ariana, Averaster's close cousin, was unlikely to be involved with him. However, Wiona didn't like the fact that the other young men's eyes were always on Ariana.
Her father had told her to get along well with the Princess, and she also felt it would be beneficial for her to become friendly with Ariana. So, she invited her to the gathering with kind words, but she didn't expect her to reject the invitation, citing lizards and dragons.
It was the first time Wiona had ever been treated like that.
Wiona's stomach was seething.
Before Ariana came to Dongryung, the most precious young lady in this East was Wiona.
Although there was Isabelle of the White family, she was ultimately the daughter of a Count. Furthermore, her temperament was boisterous and eccentric, so other young ladies of her age disliked her.
Until today, when she is 19 years old, Wiona has lived as a Princess among the young ladies and has been the subject of many men's attention.
But now, a more precious young lady than Wiona had appeared in this same place. Ariana, who was even more beautiful, was a disaster for Wiona.
Wiona was aiming for a seat next to Averaster, and Ariana, Averaster's close cousin, was unlikely to be involved with him. However, Wiona didn't like the fact that the other young men's eyes were always on Ariana.
Her father had told her to get along well with the Princess, and she also felt it would be beneficial for her to become friendly with Ariana. So, she invited her to the gathering with kind words, but she didn't expect her to reject the invitation, citing lizards and dragons.
It was the first time Wiona had ever been treated like that.
"Where on earth did you learn to dance? I heard you didn't learn anything."
She prayed that Ariana would trip and fall while dancing with Averaster, but Ariana's dancing skills were so amazing that she couldn't help but be amazed.
With every smooth movement, as if riding the wind, her skirt, like the night sky, fluttered. The illuminated diamonds sparkled, making Ariana look like a fairy soaring through the light.
'You dance really well.'
Only when one song ended did Wiona realize that she had been absentmindedly admiring Ariana's dancing, and she became even more annoyed.
-“The Princess needs to be careful with her words.”
The strong voice that came close and whispered was vivid in her ears.
-“Get rid of those obscene fantasies in your head and act properly.”
Even the cool eyes when giving orders that sound like advice.
'It's annoying.'
Wiona barely suppressed her outward anger and smiled brightly at the eldest son of the Count, who had come to ask her to dance.
***
Geor stood quietly by the door, observing the party hall. Several young nobles approached him, but he responded absentmindedly, never taking his eyes off his older brother, Piersin.
'The Duke didn't come.'
The Duke of Obelius did not attend the party, which made things even more unsettling.
'Averaster is doing well.'
Piersin was looking for an opportunity to approach Ariana, but he couldn't approach her rashly because Averaster and Isabelle were right next to her.
Wiona, who had failed to turn Ariana's stomach, smiled brightly as always and danced with the young nobles and chatted with the young ladies.
'Am I worrying too much?'
Duke Obelius failed once yesterday.
Even though he knew that, given his personality, he would never try again, Geor still felt uneasy.
'As long as Ariana is in the same class, I'll have to keep being nervous like this.'
He wishes Ariana had some evil intentions, so he could kick her out for good reason.
He couldn't sleep at night thinking about the punishment that would befall the Obelius family if Duke Obelius's plot to harm Ariana was revealed.
'The Duke is greedy. He's too greedy.'
Until Ariana appeared in the East, Duke Obelius was satisfied with the fact that his own son had become the Eastern Lord.
With the return of the only daughter of the Lord of the East and the position of her adopted son, Geor, in jeopardy, it was clear that Duke Obelius was hatching various plans to satisfy his greed.
Grandfather Theodore began dancing with Ariana. Geor paused for a moment, watching them dance.
He couldn't take his eyes off Ariana's hair, which swayed with every movement. Ariana chuckled softly, as if Theodore had said something funny.
Her eyes, folded into a crescent shape, were beautiful. Her flushed cheeks and her moist lips looked sweet.
'Once it becomes clear that the Princess has no ulterior motives and is not after the throne, Duke Obelius will likely become quiet. Then, he will undoubtedly plan the marriage between Piersin and Ariana.'
Piersin had several lovers, but no fiancé yet.
'That might be better. Duke Obelius wouldn't try to kill his daughter-in-law.'
Geor was so lost in thought that he didn't even realize the song was over. It wasn't until he saw Ariana let go of Theodore's hand and walk towards him that he realized it was over.
For some reason, the image of Ariana walking slowly was so vivid.
Everything else around her became a blurry background, and it felt like only Ariana existed.
Soon, a pleasant scent emanated from Ariana, who stood before him. A dizzyingly strong lavender scent.
"Lavender...."
Ariana tilted her head to the side as he muttered something without realizing it.
“I put lavender petals in the bathtub today. Is the smell too strong?”
"No."
It was too strong.
“It should all be gone by now.”
Ariana grabbed the end of her hair and pulled it under her nose. Geor couldn't figure out why he felt the urge to grab that end and pull it.
“Are you enjoying the party?”
“Thanks. I like the shoes. They’re comfortable.”
"That's fortunate. Should we say a prayer of thanks to God for helping us choose such nice shoes?"
Ariana smiled brightly. It was nice to see her.
“Later. Little Lord doesn’t look happy today.”
"I don't like parties. Grandma asked me to choose a swordsmanship instructor for the Princess. Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?"
“Someday, when the sword of the Little Lord shines before me, I will be able to try to block it.”
Geor laughed cheerfully.
The people nearby turned around at the refreshing sound of laughter.
“That’s a great resolution.”
“Do you have a good teacher?”
In response to Ariana's question, Geor pointed to himself with his index finger.
It was an impulsive action that even he couldn't understand.
“Is it Little Lord?”
"There's no one in this realm who has greater swordsmanship than I do. And if you want to block my sword, wouldn't it be better to learn from me?"
“That’s true, but Little Lord is busy.”
“Time for the Princess is the most important.”
Ariana lowered her eyes, wondering if it was right to make Geor her swordsmanship teacher.
While Ariana was thinking, Geor stared at her long eyelashes with a strange nervousness.
Finally, Ariana met his gaze and spoke.
“Please take good care of me, teacher.”
Teacher.
That word was so sweet.
Next to the office window stood a white table. On it sat a large glass bowl filled with bright red cherries.
The cherries grown in Beon City in the north, famous for its fruit, were gathered from the largest and juiciest ones, but Cyrus' expression was not good as he ate them.
Cyrus was looking out the window, mechanically putting cherries into his mouth one by one.
The peak of Mount Graten, visible beyond the Maho Castle in the north, was covered in eternal snow and shining white, but as it descended, the snow began to melt, and green buds began to sprout from each tree branch.
Due to the cold climate of the Northern Territory, snow began to melt in May, and spring didn't truly arrive until July. Soon, the area around Maho Castle would be awash in spring flowers.
As the long winter ended and everyone was happily preparing for spring, Cyrus' expression was not good.
Duke Tessio Hern and Marquis Hymel Brown, who had come to the office to discuss the festival to be held in early July, were too concerned about Cyrus's reaction to even get to the main topic.
Marquis Brown, a long-time friend of the Duke of Hern, asked in a small voice.
"His Excellency, you've been feeling unwell lately. Is it because of the attack by the Pagans on your way to the North?"
“That’s true too....”
Duke Hern suspected that Cyrus wasn't the only one who seemed so offended by that issue. Cyrus wasn't the type of lord to show his displeasure over such matters.
“I think it’s because of the Princess.”
“Ah... I also heard from Noah that His Excellency is deeply in love with the Princess of the East?”
“I don’t think it’s just a normal level of obsession.”
Duke Hern remembered the change in Cyrus's expression when he told him Ariana had only sent the telegram to Isaac.
The Marquis of Brown smiled happily.
“Is His Excellency finally in love?”
“What’s the point of doing that? It seems like you don’t even know it.”
"He must have lived such a hard life that he didn't have the leisure to reflect on such feelings. When His Excellency comes to the North, spring will finally come to the North."
“That would be nice, but....”
Duke Hern remembered what he had heard from Noah.
-“I can clearly see my lord’s feelings without even hearing them... but I can’t understand the mistress's feelings at all. Of course, no woman would dislike someone like him, but when I look at her, she seems to find him very annoying.”
He wondered if there was any woman who would not adore our Excellency, who was as beautiful as an ice flower, but now Ariana's actions as the Princess of the same age were on his mind.
‘If His Excellency likes her, then she must be no ordinary woman/.’
If she weren't an ordinary woman, her eyes on men might not be ordinary either.
"Ah. But even if you look at it with extraordinary eyes, isn't our Excellency perfect?"
While the Duke of Hern was worried, the Marquis of Brown said.
"When the body grows distant, the heart grows distant too. If you're so worried, why not suggest His Excellency visit the East? With you and me both here, we should be able to manage things for a while."
It was a good idea, but it was unclear whether workaholic Cyrus would accept the invitation to go to the East.
As if aware of Duke Hern's concerns, Marquis Brown added.
“If our relationship with the Eastern Lord has improved thanks to helping the Princess of the East, it would be a good idea to discuss the issue of His Excellency the Northern Lord.”
That was it.
Duke Hern patted Marquis Brown on the shoulder and then approached Cyrus. Cyrus, his red eyes still fixed on the window, was picking up cherries one by one and putting them in his mouth.
"Your Excellency."
Cyrus stopped reaching for the bowl and turned to Duke Hern. His expression seemed to indicate he had only just noticed his presence.
“Please go to the East.”
“Why should I do that?”
Cyrus narrowed his eyes slightly and picked up the cherry. Watching Cyrus roll the red cherry in his hand, Duke Hern continued speaking.
"Your Excellency, it wasn't a problem for you to be away from Maho Castle for two or three months due to the war, so a visit to the East for a while won't make a big difference. Improving relations with your fellow feudal lords is also a crucial matter."
“Hmm.”
Cyrus placed the cherries he had been rolling in his palm onto the tray. Duke Hern stood politely, waiting for Cyrus to make a decision.
Finally, Cyrus spoke.
“We leave tomorrow.”
He couldn't sleep at night thinking about the punishment that would befall the Obelius family if Duke Obelius's plot to harm Ariana was revealed.
'The Duke is greedy. He's too greedy.'
Until Ariana appeared in the East, Duke Obelius was satisfied with the fact that his own son had become the Eastern Lord.
With the return of the only daughter of the Lord of the East and the position of her adopted son, Geor, in jeopardy, it was clear that Duke Obelius was hatching various plans to satisfy his greed.
Grandfather Theodore began dancing with Ariana. Geor paused for a moment, watching them dance.
He couldn't take his eyes off Ariana's hair, which swayed with every movement. Ariana chuckled softly, as if Theodore had said something funny.
Her eyes, folded into a crescent shape, were beautiful. Her flushed cheeks and her moist lips looked sweet.
'Once it becomes clear that the Princess has no ulterior motives and is not after the throne, Duke Obelius will likely become quiet. Then, he will undoubtedly plan the marriage between Piersin and Ariana.'
Piersin had several lovers, but no fiancé yet.
'That might be better. Duke Obelius wouldn't try to kill his daughter-in-law.'
Geor was so lost in thought that he didn't even realize the song was over. It wasn't until he saw Ariana let go of Theodore's hand and walk towards him that he realized it was over.
For some reason, the image of Ariana walking slowly was so vivid.
Everything else around her became a blurry background, and it felt like only Ariana existed.
Soon, a pleasant scent emanated from Ariana, who stood before him. A dizzyingly strong lavender scent.
"Lavender...."
Ariana tilted her head to the side as he muttered something without realizing it.
“I put lavender petals in the bathtub today. Is the smell too strong?”
"No."
It was too strong.
“It should all be gone by now.”
Ariana grabbed the end of her hair and pulled it under her nose. Geor couldn't figure out why he felt the urge to grab that end and pull it.
“Are you enjoying the party?”
“Thanks. I like the shoes. They’re comfortable.”
"That's fortunate. Should we say a prayer of thanks to God for helping us choose such nice shoes?"
Ariana smiled brightly. It was nice to see her.
“Later. Little Lord doesn’t look happy today.”
"I don't like parties. Grandma asked me to choose a swordsmanship instructor for the Princess. Why do you want to learn swordsmanship?"
“Someday, when the sword of the Little Lord shines before me, I will be able to try to block it.”
Geor laughed cheerfully.
The people nearby turned around at the refreshing sound of laughter.
“That’s a great resolution.”
“Do you have a good teacher?”
In response to Ariana's question, Geor pointed to himself with his index finger.
It was an impulsive action that even he couldn't understand.
“Is it Little Lord?”
"There's no one in this realm who has greater swordsmanship than I do. And if you want to block my sword, wouldn't it be better to learn from me?"
“That’s true, but Little Lord is busy.”
“Time for the Princess is the most important.”
Ariana lowered her eyes, wondering if it was right to make Geor her swordsmanship teacher.
While Ariana was thinking, Geor stared at her long eyelashes with a strange nervousness.
Finally, Ariana met his gaze and spoke.
“Please take good care of me, teacher.”
Teacher.
That word was so sweet.
***
Next to the office window stood a white table. On it sat a large glass bowl filled with bright red cherries.
The cherries grown in Beon City in the north, famous for its fruit, were gathered from the largest and juiciest ones, but Cyrus' expression was not good as he ate them.
Cyrus was looking out the window, mechanically putting cherries into his mouth one by one.
The peak of Mount Graten, visible beyond the Maho Castle in the north, was covered in eternal snow and shining white, but as it descended, the snow began to melt, and green buds began to sprout from each tree branch.
Due to the cold climate of the Northern Territory, snow began to melt in May, and spring didn't truly arrive until July. Soon, the area around Maho Castle would be awash in spring flowers.
As the long winter ended and everyone was happily preparing for spring, Cyrus' expression was not good.
Duke Tessio Hern and Marquis Hymel Brown, who had come to the office to discuss the festival to be held in early July, were too concerned about Cyrus's reaction to even get to the main topic.
Marquis Brown, a long-time friend of the Duke of Hern, asked in a small voice.
"His Excellency, you've been feeling unwell lately. Is it because of the attack by the Pagans on your way to the North?"
“That’s true too....”
Duke Hern suspected that Cyrus wasn't the only one who seemed so offended by that issue. Cyrus wasn't the type of lord to show his displeasure over such matters.
“I think it’s because of the Princess.”
“Ah... I also heard from Noah that His Excellency is deeply in love with the Princess of the East?”
“I don’t think it’s just a normal level of obsession.”
Duke Hern remembered the change in Cyrus's expression when he told him Ariana had only sent the telegram to Isaac.
The Marquis of Brown smiled happily.
“Is His Excellency finally in love?”
“What’s the point of doing that? It seems like you don’t even know it.”
"He must have lived such a hard life that he didn't have the leisure to reflect on such feelings. When His Excellency comes to the North, spring will finally come to the North."
“That would be nice, but....”
Duke Hern remembered what he had heard from Noah.
-“I can clearly see my lord’s feelings without even hearing them... but I can’t understand the mistress's feelings at all. Of course, no woman would dislike someone like him, but when I look at her, she seems to find him very annoying.”
He wondered if there was any woman who would not adore our Excellency, who was as beautiful as an ice flower, but now Ariana's actions as the Princess of the same age were on his mind.
‘If His Excellency likes her, then she must be no ordinary woman/.’
If she weren't an ordinary woman, her eyes on men might not be ordinary either.
"Ah. But even if you look at it with extraordinary eyes, isn't our Excellency perfect?"
While the Duke of Hern was worried, the Marquis of Brown said.
"When the body grows distant, the heart grows distant too. If you're so worried, why not suggest His Excellency visit the East? With you and me both here, we should be able to manage things for a while."
It was a good idea, but it was unclear whether workaholic Cyrus would accept the invitation to go to the East.
As if aware of Duke Hern's concerns, Marquis Brown added.
“If our relationship with the Eastern Lord has improved thanks to helping the Princess of the East, it would be a good idea to discuss the issue of His Excellency the Northern Lord.”
That was it.
Duke Hern patted Marquis Brown on the shoulder and then approached Cyrus. Cyrus, his red eyes still fixed on the window, was picking up cherries one by one and putting them in his mouth.
"Your Excellency."
Cyrus stopped reaching for the bowl and turned to Duke Hern. His expression seemed to indicate he had only just noticed his presence.
“Please go to the East.”
“Why should I do that?”
“Wouldn't you like to have a word with the Eastern Lord?”
"Your Excellency, it wasn't a problem for you to be away from Maho Castle for two or three months due to the war, so a visit to the East for a while won't make a big difference. Improving relations with your fellow feudal lords is also a crucial matter."
“Hmm.”
Cyrus placed the cherries he had been rolling in his palm onto the tray. Duke Hern stood politely, waiting for Cyrus to make a decision.
Finally, Cyrus spoke.
“We leave tomorrow.”
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