Chapter 295
A bright day with petals drifting down like rain.
Philia gazed blankly at the sky, lost in thought. If there really was a heaven, wouldn’t it look something like this? Everywhere sparkled, laughter echoed from all directions, and lively music played without end.
The world was so breathtakingly beautiful that simply existing felt like a miracle. And on top of that, she was with the person she loved.
“Lady Philia.”
“Yes?”
“You’re holding the needle backwards.”
“Oh, thank you.”
Viviana, who had been watching nearby, chuckled softly as she sipped her tea. With her due date approaching, her belly had swollen to an unprecedented size.
“It’s a bit of a shame. It would have been perfect if the child were born on a day when flower petals fall like this. It’s not like this happens regularly, like the New Year. Children born during the festival period will surely receive Bariel’s blessings more strongly.”
Aside from the New Year, how often did one get to witness such a shower of petals? It was a blessing reserved only for those connected to the palace’s history—like during appointments or coronations.
So, many would choose to mark major life events during this time, such as weddings.
“Don’t be sad. When the baby is born, I’ll celebrate and bless with all my heart.”
“Thank you, madam. I’ll do the same.”
But Philia couldn’t join in the celebrations. She had been invited to Jin’s appointment ceremony, after all. More importantly, those she wanted to be with—like Ian—were all too busy. Even the small tavern in the alley was bustling nonstop; the palace must be even more so.
creak
knock knock
“Excuse me, is Madam Viviana here?”
“Yes, who is it?”
Hearing the voice outside the fence, Viviana pulled back her blanket and stood up. Philia did the same, setting aside her knitting and turning her head to follow Viviana.
“I’m from the Magic Department. Lord Ian ordered me to deliver letters to Lady Philia and Lord Romandro to Madam Viviana. They contain instructions and other details for entering the palace on the day of the appointment ceremony.”
“I see. Would you like to come in? Can I offer you some tea?”
“Thank you, but the Cleaford carriage is passing nearby right now. I stepped out briefly while accompanying them, so I must return immediately. Thank you.”
“Thank you. Take care.”
Philia wondered how they had come in with Cleaford, but the letters were welcome news. The two women pushed their teacups aside and unfolded the two letters.
“They say to show these letters when entering the palace and to follow the special guidance. The guards will assist us. Why do we need so many things? Mini!”
“Yes, ma’am!”
As Viviana called her servant to prepare their luggage, Philia traced Ian’s handwriting with tentative fingers. It was neat and precise, and it naturally brought to mind the image of their child.
“What does Lord Ian say?”
“Um…”
—Mother, the weather is getting warmer. Are you not tired? Once the appointment ceremony is over, it would be best to hold the engagement quickly. If it’s delayed, we might miss the right timing. I will ask Lord Romandro to prepare the details.
Viviana hugged Philia tightly, her heart pounding. The joyous day was truly drawing near. Philia smiled in return, but a strange unease lingered in her chest.
“Congratulations, Lady Philia! Let’s tell Lord Nersarn as well.”
“Th-thank you, madam. But… what does it mean to ‘miss the timing’? Isn’t it supposed to be a relief after the appointment ceremony?”
Philia’s puzzled question made Viviana hesitate, then shake her head as if it were nothing.
“I’ve worked in the palace for a long time, but there’s never a single quiet day. All the leaders from various countries gather for the appointment ceremony, right? There will probably be more matters to handle. And above all, it can’t overlap with my delivery date.”
If the baby were born then, not only would the engagement be impossible, but even staying at the mansion as a guest would be difficult. So, as much as it pained her, it was best to finish everything and head down to Hielo.
“That’s probably what Lord Ian meant.”
“Is that so? If that’s the case, I’m relieved.”
“Let’s go look at dresses first. Since it’s festival season, I’m not sure if there will be any left. Custom orders might be safer, but since Lord Ian said to hurry… Oh my, how beautiful will it be? Won’t Lord Nersarn faint standing up?”
Viviana giggled, recalling the banquet night. The warrior’s stunned face upon hearing of Philia’s pregnancy was endlessly amusing.
“Mini! Let’s get ready to leave!”
As Viviana cheerfully called out while entering the mansion, Philia kept fiddling with the edge of the paper. Her heart fluttered strangely, refusing to calm.
Why was that?
Pressing her hands to her chest, Philia caught whispers from outside.
“Did you know? This is the wizard’s house.”
“Really? Then why is it so tiny?”
“They say it’s completely different inside! It’s an illusion.”
“Enough, let’s hurry to the main road. The Cleaford troupe is supposed to be amazing. They dance and sing on horseback with one foot! Vargas is coming soon too, right?”
Philia smiled softly as she peeked outside. A group of seven or eight children were pressed close together, peering inside. Their faces were covered in silly doodles, and they wore strange trinkets dangling everywhere.
“Let’s go!”
“Waaah!”
So Vargas was coming soon as well. Watching the children’s retreating backs, Philia thought of Ian. She hoped he could run and enjoy himself just like them.
“The tribute from Cleaford is as follows: thirty barrels of century-aged wine, ten barrels each of twenty-five varieties of fruit wine, and three platinum Brakui—traditional royal instruments specially made to celebrate the appointment of Prince Jin.”
Unlike Ruswena, Cleaford’s carriage mostly headed straight to the secondary palace. Considering the prince’s condition, the meeting was postponed, but protocol was protocol. Representing Prince Noah, the head of the Mei delegation personally presented the tribute to Jin.
“And these are silks—fifteen bolts—and high-quality dyes prepared in matching quantities.”
“Thank you for your efforts. How is the prince’s condition? You said no doctor was needed, but I’m a bit worried.”
Jin asked cautiously, having heard the situation. It was strange that the prince was too ill to meet him upon arrival, yet no doctor was required.
Having experienced Eriphoni once, Jin no longer took such matters lightly.
“We apologize for causing concern to Your Highness. However, the doctor who has cared for the prince since the kingdom accompanied him, and we felt it would be a burden to summon another upon arrival. Please do not misunderstand.”
Apparently understanding, Mei bowed deeply with utmost courtesy. It was their custom to express gratitude for such consideration. Jin, softened by Mei’s gentle demeanor, stepped back.
“Very well. I will discuss the details with the prince. You may withdraw.”
Mei bowed again and left the reception room.
Since the prince had not appeared, the officials did not gather as before. Only the men remained, exchanging suspicious glances as they questioned Ian.
“Sir Ian, what do you think?”
“It was a long journey; he may have caught a cold.”
The phrase “may have” meant Ian also sensed something suspicious. The servants who carried the luggage were fine, but the prince, who only rode in the carriage, was suddenly ill?
“Could this be a political deception?”
Ian shook his head at Jin’s question. Romandro, tired from traveling back and forth, added his thoughts.
“I don’t think so, Your Highness. He couldn’t even confirm attendance at the banquet. It’s a gathering of the three nations’ leaders; it would be hard to miss without a serious reason.”
It was an extremely important occasion. A celebration of Jin’s appointment, arranged by allied nations. It was practically the reason the three leaders had traveled such a long distance.
“He would come no matter what, even if his limbs were broken. If he’s hesitating, it must be serious.”
“Hmm.”
Jin pondered deeply, letting out a faint groan. But sitting here staring at the prince wasn’t productive. It was better to prepare for other possibilities.
“What would happen if Prince Noah were harmed in the palace?”
The child’s gaze met Ian’s. Such thoroughness in handling matters. Ian smiled in satisfaction.
“I anticipated that and asked the head of the Mei delegation to prepare a certificate regarding the refusal of the palace doctor. We’re also screening and submitting magic stones with recording functions to the Magic Department, so there should be no major issues.”
Without Akorella, the process of submitting and handling magic stones was a bit slower.
Reassured by Ian’s firm answer, Jin leaned back into the sofa.
“I don’t see Beric.”
“I sent someone to check. He should be arriving soon. Do you have any orders?”
“No, I’m just curious.”
Jin hesitated, trailing off. It seemed there was something he wanted to say but found it difficult.
Romandro, watching quietly, clicked his tongue and glared at Ian’s back. See that? It’s obvious Jin is struggling with him! Anyone could tell the prince was uneasy.
“Your Highness, is there something you wish to say?”
Romandro gently placed a hand on Ian’s shoulder and smiled warmly. He was offering help, encouraging Jin to speak freely.
Jin signaled to Xiaoxi to bring something.
swish
“It’s one of the tribute gifts sent up from the provinces.”
It was a small jewelry box, about the size of a palm. When opened, inside lay a gem that looked exactly like Ian’s emerald-green eyes.
“I invited Philia to the appointment ceremony, didn’t I? As a token of thanks and to celebrate, I wanted to give this as a congratulatory gift.”
No matter how hard he tried, the sight of the gem immediately brought to mind those absinthe-colored eyes. Since Philia was having good fortune lately, he wanted to celebrate that by passing this along. It was, in a way, asking for permission.
Romandro clapped his hands exaggeratedly, grabbed Ian’s shoulder, and shook him.
“Oh my, it’s so beautiful, Your Highness. Lady Philia will be overjoyed. Right, Ian?”
Nothing mends fences better than a gift! Romandro gave Jin a thumbs-up and made a big fuss, causing Ian to smile softly. Their intentions were so transparent—it was obvious to Romandro, to Jin, and even to him.
“Yes, Your Highness. Thank you very much. Mother will surely be delighted. To receive a jewel directly from the prince himself will be a great honor for our family.”
Romandro felt like giving a standing ovation. Yes, now that gifts had been exchanged like this, things could go back to how they were before…
Bang! Crash!
Clatter! Clatter!
“Iaaan!”
Before he could even savor the moment, Romandro’s eyes narrowed as he glared toward the door. Such a ruckus in the main palace’s reception room was unacceptable.
“Beric! How many times have I told you! This is—”
“P-Prince of P-P-Podo, it’s a fox!”
“…What?”
“The Fox Prince!”
“…”
Beric’s face was flushed with excitement. Ian, Romandro, Jin, and even Xiaoxi all stared at him expressionlessly. At Romandro’s silent signal, Xiaoxi stepped closer and sniffed.
“…I don’t smell any alcohol.”
Beric tore at his hair in despair, screaming. They were all speaking the same language—why couldn’t they understand him?
“I swear! I saw it! The ears, the ears were p-p-pom! Pom!”