A magnificent procession stood in a long line, consisting of dozens of warhorses bearing the imperial insignia, guards, and even the retinues of nobles. Instead of riding in a carriage, Calix was riding at the very front with an unwavering expression.
"Your Majesty, did you really have to take them with you?"
"If they want to, I should let them see it for themselves."
His voice as he answered the aide was calm yet sharp.
"Let them see just how far that widow from the frontier they speak of has escalated the situation. If that fuels the nobles' anxiety, let them see it with their own eyes."
The nobles following behind whispered to one another, unable to conceal their dissatisfaction. To think the Emperor himself is going out to restrain a widow...
However, no one could openly object any longer. Calix's logic and dignity had long since silenced their mouths in the meeting hall.
***
The area in front of Talamand's castle gate was already packed with people.
Not only the villagers but also the merchants of the port city and even the representatives of the new trading companies that had just settled in were all gathered below the city walls, waiting for the Emperor's procession.
As the gate opened, the Emperor's banner was the first to appear. The imperial insignia, embroidered in red and gold, fluttered in the wind, followed by the procession approaching with disciplined footsteps. The crowd held their breath with every hoof that climbed the stone path.
"His Majesty is arriving!"
As the messenger's shout rang out, those gathered in front of the city gate knelt in unison.
At that moment, a woman came down from the top of the castle gate.
Odelia, who commands Talamand in the body of a woman.
As she slowly descended the gate steps and stopped in front of the wall, all the people bowed their heads in unison without exception.
Calix stopped speaking and slowly stepped down. His black cloak, embroidered with golden light, spread out across the ground as if flowing. His eyes turned toward Odelia.
It was a brief silence, a moment when even the wind seemed to have stopped.
"Your Majesty, Odelia welcomes the Imperial family in Talamand."
Calix looked at her slowly, then answered in a solemn voice.
“Raise your head.”
As Odelia raised her head, the two people's gazes met in the air. It was a fleeting moment, but the meaning contained within it was clear.
However, none of the crowd watching this scene could have guessed what was contained in those eyes.
***
That night, a banquet was held at the grand banquet hall of Talamand to celebrate the Emperor's visit.
Luxurious curtains and newly imported foreign lighting brightly illuminated the ceiling, and the marble floor bustled with the footsteps of merchant guild representatives, nobles, and local influential figures. This banquet hall, decorated to rival the imperial palace, truly no longer suited the description of a 'foreign territory.'
Calix took his seat in the center of the banquet hall and raised his glass. The nobles who had accompanied him were seated around him, but even they were watching the scene of Odelia and the merchant guild representatives conversing with wary eyes.
"Your Majesty. I didn't know Talamand was this powerful."
"To think they have gathered this much force... If left unchecked, they might grow into a formidable power."
Calix put down his glass and turned his gaze to Odelia.
The way she calmly conversed with the merchant guild representatives made her look very dignified as the owner of this land. The ministers who witnessed this firsthand could no longer grumble about Odelia.
They came all the way here just to see that.
To verify the true nature that can never be known through armchair theorizing.
A moment later, Odelia walked to the center of the banquet hall. With everyone's eyes focused on her, Odelia raised her glass high.
"All these changes in Talamand were made possible by the tolerance and wisdom of the Imperial Family. His Majesty’s personal visit today signifies that the pulse of this land is no longer merely a trembling on the periphery, but is rising and spreading to the heart of the Empire."
Odelia shouted in a steady voice and lightly scanned the banquet hall. Her eyes met those of the merchant guild representatives, the nobles, and once again, Calix. Odelia raised her glass a little higher.
"For the prosperity of His Majesty and the Empire, and for the efforts of everyone present here, Talamand pledges to always stand with their will."
"To His Majesty and the Empire!"
The sound of glasses clinking together with cheers echoed through the marble hall.
Calix raised his glass as well. Although they were too far apart to clink glasses, their eyes met instead.
It was Odelia who averted her gaze first.
***
Talaband's banquet was a feast of luxury rarely seen even in the imperial palace.
"The banquet here seems more extravagant than the imperial palace banquet."
"They say this is Isis's wine. It is quite a delicacy. Have a try."
Everyone's faces were already flushed red.
As the merchant guild leaders and nobles mingled together, clinking glasses and laughing, the banquet hall was filled with energy and excitement. Some danced joyfully, while others calculated profits and losses with foreign merchants and made deals.
As Odelia slowly strolled through the banquet hall and greeted the nobles, she heard a familiar voice.
“Odelia!”
As I turned my head, Cedric was pushing his way through the crowd. Without the slightest hesitation, he tightly embraced Odelia.
"C-Cedric?"
Odelia opened her eyes wide at the sudden hug.
At that, Cedric hurriedly let go of her as if realizing his mistake. Judith, who was standing beside him, raised her eyebrows and reprimanded him in a cold voice.
"Cedric, do you want to die?"
"Oh, sorry! I'm really sorry. I said it because I was just so, so happy to see you, I really was happy to see you! Odelia. You know that, too. That wasn't my intention!"
"Ms. Odelia, it's been a really long time. I hope you've been well."
It was Cedric, who was fidgeting nervously, and Judith, who would act sharply toward Cedric but then smile sweetly the moment her eyes met Odelia's. They were just as they always were.
Odelia couldn't help but chuckle at the sight. It felt as if a warm feeling she had forgotten for a while was seeping in.
"Did the two of you also come here following His Majesty?"
"That's right. Hearing that he was going to Talamand, I immediately tagged along."
"I kept hearing news about you, Odelia. To be honest... I was very worried. But seeing you prosper like this puts my mind at ease."
"Exactly! To think you turned Talamand into this. You're truly amazing."
"I'm also glad to see the two of you again. I'm happy."
Odelia smiled brightly as she gazed at their faces for a moment. Then, suddenly, Odelia’s eyes widened as she looked at Judith.
"...No way."
Judith clasped her hands together in front of her stomach with a slightly flustered expression. Only then did Cedric notice, scratch his head, and giggle.
"Ah, well, that's how it turned out for you."
"I intended to tell you sooner, but I couldn't find the right timing."
As Judith added with a flushed face, Cedric nodded, looking even more embarrassed for no reason.
Odelia put her hands together and smiled broadly.
"Wow, congratulations!"
While warm congratulations and brief greetings were exchanged for a while, the aide cautiously approached and whispered something into Odelia's ear. Odelia nodded to listen to the story and then asked for understanding from Cedric and Judith.
"For a moment."
She put down her cup and stepped out into the hallway, where Philip was already waiting. After giving Odelia a brief bow, Philip immediately began to continue his report.
"We have detected traces of an intruder on the outskirts. Their identity is still unclear, but we are currently tracking them. We have increased security personnel, so we expect results soon."
"Then, what about the western dock?"
"We've increased patrols in that area as well. We have the guys who set the fire the other day in custody, but they won't open their mouths. Well, it's obvious who did it... Wait, you seem to have had a lot to drink."
"Really? I'm not drunk."
"Your face is a little redder than usual. Your hair clip has slipped down."
Philip took a step closer and tidied the hair that had fallen beside her ear. The hairpin clicked into place.
"You have become much weaker compared to before? You used to eat by the crate. That's what the merchant group leaders said. They said the spirit of the first day is gone."
"I said, stop teasing me."
Odelia lightly slapped his back.
As Philip laughed in disbelief, Odelia pretended not to hear and walked away first. Watching her retreating figure, Philip also shook his head and turned to leave.
Just as Odelia was heading back to the banquet hall, someone suddenly grabbed her wrist and dragged her away.
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