The creak of the old door accompanied its hesitant opening. The father appeared and looked down at the floor when he saw Diego, who was as tall as the door, grinning from ear to ear.
With an impassive expression, Lotan, who had been observing the scene, nodded and indicated a seat.
Please, sit here.
The spot was between Lotan and Diego, with Lotan having moved slightly to make room. Of course, this gesture wasn't made out of consideration.
Across the table, Michelle rested her chin on her hand, casting a sharp glance. Senon, seated beside her, remained silent, but his subtle disdain and discomfort were evident in his expression.
'They weren't like that.'
The knights always despised Eileen's father. Not even her mother was particularly well-liked, but, as the Prince's nanny, she was always treated with respect.
However, since their mother's death, animosity towards their father had gradually grown, reaching its peak recently. As former servants of the Crown Prince, they were well aware of past events.
The fact that Eileen was almost sold to a foreign country…
The more she thought about it, the more foolish she felt for having worried about her father's meal. Even if no one said anything, how much must they despise him?
'But he's still my father.'
Regardless of her hatred and contempt, how could she simply sever ties with her own blood? Eileen fiddled distractedly with her fork, lost in thought.
Then Senon, sitting closer to Eileen, soon smiled again when he noticed her gaze. She couldn't allow the atmosphere to turn gloomy after inviting the others.
Are you hungry? Let's eat.
Thank you for the wonderful meal.
With words of gratitude, the formal dinner truly began. There was chicken in wine sauce, venison well seasoned with spices, partridge stuffed with rice, dishes with herring and trout, various seafood stews…
If it were a stately banquet, they would be bound by complex etiquette. But among friends, they ate freely, without formalities.
While everyone else enjoyed their food with ease, Senon maintained his refined posture. Despite his years as a soldier, his demeanor remained that of a nobleman.
Amidst the laughter and conversation around the lavish table, the feast continued, with only one person seeming out of place.
Eileen's father seemed hesitant, his face showing insecurity as he awkwardly handled the silverware. Whenever his elbow brushed against the men beside him, he would bow and apologize immediately.
— I-I'm sorry.
Please enjoy your meal. You need to eat to stay active.
Diego's tone was ambiguous, leaving it unclear whether he was encouraging or mocking. But, noticing Eileen's gaze, he seemed to correct himself.
— Please eat plenty, Baron.
The baron chewed slowly, growing paler with each passing day. But as the knights did not pressure him, he relaxed and handled the cutlery more naturally.
It seemed the tension was easing—perhaps the effect of the alcohol. Eileen's father, who had already drunk quite a bit, suddenly asked, upon tasting the fried squid in tomato sauce:
Did you do this?
When Eileen answered affirmatively, he clicked his tongue.
— Somehow… it doesn't seem to be so bo-
Before she could finish speaking, a loud bang echoed like thunder. Michelle slammed her fist on the table, startling the baron as he dropped his silverware.
— This is divine! Baron, do you want me to send you to heaven to learn how to savor food properly? Do you?
Michelle.
Lotan's stern voice cut through the tension. Senon also held Michelle's arm firmly.
Oh, sorry.
She apologized without remorse. Lotan preferred not to insist.
Even after her outburst, Michelle muttered hesitantly:
Well, everyone has their own taste… To me, it's delicious.
Observing the situation, it became clear that the best thing would be for the baron to leave immediately. Calmly, Eileen spoke to her anxious father, as if he were standing on thorns.
— By the way, didn't you say you had an appointment today?
— Oh, that's right! An appointment.
The father stood up quickly, almost knocking the chair over. Lotan and Diego held it from both sides.
— Thank you. Thank you very much for the meal. I have an appointment, so I must go…
He said his goodbyes hurriedly and ran out. As he left the brick house, the atmosphere became lighter.
After the meal and some drinks, the group chatted casually, avoiding war-related topics. The news that Diego would be adopting a stray cat made the atmosphere even lighter.
— Miss Eileen.
Lotan's serious voice cut through the air, silencing everyone.
His Majesty the Emperor wishes to meet her.
Eileen froze for a moment before reacting, startled.
— Oh, the Emperor!?
Yes. He wants a private meeting, without informing the Archduke.
Lotan calmly explained that the Emperor had made the request personally and in secret. Michelle, listening silently, suddenly raised her hand.
Wait a minute. If His Majesty wanted secrecy, why is he telling us too?
Lotan answered frankly:
— Because I refuse to be the only one reprimanded by His Grace, the Archduke.
The other three riders reacted with a collective whimper. Michelle grabbed Lotan by the collar:
— You cunning wretch…!
Unable to swear in front of Eileen, she could only give him a death stare. Diego clenched his fist in the air and Senon sighed, running a hand over his forehead.
While the knights grappled with their emotions, Eileen struggled to comprehend the weight of that news.
'It was inevitable, I suppose.'
Even though he nearly fainted from fright, he felt it was inevitable. He had already met Leone, Cesare's brother, several times. Frequent visitors to the palace, it was only natural to run into him as well.
Although Leone and Cesare were twins, they were quite different. While Cesare had sharp features, Leone was gentler, with a kind gaze and a slimmer physique. In terms of personality, Cesare was rational and calm, while Leone was emotional and delicate.
Sometimes, during their meetings at the palace, Leone would offer Eileen sweets and play with her.
But they hadn't seen each other since the Emperor's death and the struggle for the throne. If they were to meet now, it would be a significant reunion.
And the reason for the secret meeting was probably…
'Marriage to the Archduke, of course.'
Eileen swallowed hard, feeling her heart racing.
The emperor liked her as a child, but only as a "beloved child ." She didn't know if he would maintain the same kindness now that she would be Cesare's "wife."
But he could not refuse the Emperor's summons. With a heavy heart, he replied:
— I will go, Mr. Lotan.
When she entered the palace for the victory celebration, it was night. That time, she was too nervous to notice her surroundings.
Nothing much had changed since then, and Eileen followed Lotan like a puppet.
He led her through restricted areas, avoiding other nobles. After walking through long corridors, they arrived at the audience chamber.
We've arrived…
She wished the journey would never end, but it went by too quickly.
When the door opened, a man bathed in sunlight turned around. He looked apprehensive, but upon seeing Eileen, he smiled warmly.
— Miss Elrod.
The door closed behind them. Now alone with the Emperor, Eileen mentally recited court etiquette.
— I salute the Emperor.
Her voice trembled with nervousness, but it was correct. Leone laughed softly.
There's no need to be afraid. Please sit down.
But as soon as she settled down, Leone touched on a subject that heightened her anxiety.
Do you harbor any resentment against the Traon Empire?
Before she could answer, he asked another question:
— Have you already asked Caesar to kill half the citizens of the Empire?
- … What?!
To be continued…