Chapter 75

75.

The sixth and final day of the grand festival dawned.

The bustling energy of the capital subsided as if someone had poured cold water over it.

The sixth day, unlike the previous days, proceeded in a notably subdued atmosphere.

Though the northeast and Ruben were places where the festivities might be less formal and more boisterous, in the capital city of Palamtiar, things were quieter.

As the day flowed peacefully, the schedule at the Imperial Palace wasn’t very busy.

Today’s largest event was to honor the Founding Ceremony, a remembrance of Eternal Duke, and offer prayers of gratitude.

The event venue would be the Training Grounds of the Imperial Palace. Under the direction of the Holy Maiden, the nobles and bureaucrats held a modest ceremony of remembrance and prayer at the training grounds.

In contrast, the capital’s residents, led by the priests of the cathedral and high-ranking officials in each district’s main plaza, performed simple prayers and received a distribution of bread with cheese and apple drinks before dispersing.

The distribution of food, which takes place only during the anniversary of the Founding, offers what the late Eternal Duke and the Founding Ancestor enjoyed eating and loved the most.

Even after 500 years, the stories of these two individuals were deeply embedded in the Empire.

“Perhaps fairy tales also played a part.”

The story about the silver girl and the young knight, the tale that I’d read a few times due to incessant requests from the younger ones.

According to Rani, who had managed to get her hands on the book, the life stories of these two were slightly altered by the troubadours and spread across the empire in various forms.

Among all those tales, this particular fairy tale was said to be the most credible by the book seller. And the fact that the Altain Royal Court hadn’t raised any issues with it made it seem like a trustworthy account.

For various reasons, the main focus was on the remembrance and prayers for these two late individuals.

It was scheduled to take place in the afternoon, but with lunch just finished, there was about two hours of free time.

Whenever there is spare time, one must take care of minor matters, as it ensures greater ease later on.

Hollowly.

As always, I was sipping the absolutely dreadful-tasting black tea while reviewing reports.

The refreshing sensation that settled my insides matched the invigorating contents of the report submitted by Andre.

“Max has been captured. We ambushed him fleeing west…”

Max suffered severe blood loss during capture and after emergency treatment, he is locked up in the basement of the palace.

Jimmy Soilens, the Director of Investigation Division 1, is also in custody, and it seems most of the subsequent cleaning up of those involved with the two is almost complete.

In just five days since I assigned Andre with Charles, this has happened.

“Feels good, doesn’t it?”

Is this what automated hunting feels like?

I obtained an unexpectedly exceptional talent.

Charles’ final assessment has passed as well. There was a slight issue regarding his physical aspect, but Andre’s private opinion indicated that with personal guidance from me, it would suffice.

It seems Andre plans to teach assassin skills rather than traditional sword or spear techniques. Considering the characteristics of the intelligence department, this seems appropriate.

“Director of the intelligence department will be Andre for now. Until he grows enough, we’ll let the director position of Investigation Division 2 manage it temporarily.”

Since the external activities of the intelligence department are somewhat required, it’s necessary at this moment for a noble to hold that position.

Andre is still a commoner at this point, hence placing the deputy head of Investigation Division 2, Retina Florens, in charge for now will prevent any significant backlash.

Since this restructuring of the intelligence bureau and the spy purge were conducted unofficially, it wouldn’t look good to arbitrarily grant a title.

At some point, an appropriate opportunity will arise to formally promote him, so let’s wait until then.

“Retina Florens wants it if I can manage it.”

According to Charles, Andre made quite bold claims.

I’m unsure of the details, but something positive seems to be happening.

Andre has already proved his capabilities over these five days. I trust placing this responsibility in his hands will yield good results.

Since my concerns have decreased, I feel a bit more at ease.

“The number of intelligence department personnel decreased as expected, so as soon as internal management wraps up, we must issue orders prioritizing manpower.”

Operating an intelligence agency, Alberto or the Black Raven knows more about this. Perhaps it’s best if I simply support them from behind.

While skimming through the report and contemplating these matters, a voice called out.

“Cain.”

“Yes, Iris.”

I quickly turned my head, and Iris seemed to shiver a little.

“Do you have any orders?”

Shaking her head lightly at the question, she smiled. However, her gaze remained fixed on the tea cup in my hand.

“Are you interested in it?”

Since I’ve been drinking nothing but this black tea since Nia prescribed Rubiniellaasis.

Nia instructed me to keep drinking it to ensure my soul and body fully stabilize. I diligently follow this three times a day—at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

The red leaves, when brewed, give off a rather sweet fragrance.

Iris likes sweets, so it seems this tea has piqued her interest.

“Would you like to try it?”

I extended the tea cup, but she quietly shook her head.

“Hmm.”

Unthinkingly, I offered her my cup of tea.

Even among spouses, this might feel a little off-putting.

After setting down the report and the tea cup, I stood up.

I received enough leaves, and brewing this tea just requires hot water, so making more is not difficult.

“I’ll make you a fresh cup. It might be a little sweet, so keep that in mind.”

As I turned around after telling her to wait a moment, Iris suddenly spoke up.

“No, Cain, it’s fine. It’s not that.”

“Are you curious about the tea’s taste? It won’t take long.”

“It’s not that. Just… What kind of tea leaves are they?”

Ah, if that’s the case.

I retrieved the leaves stored in my desk drawer and moved to Iris’s desk, the teapot in hand.

“Primarily found in the deserts of Sylvester, these flowers with ruby-like red leaves are called Rubiniellaasis in that area.”

“Rubiniellas…”

Muttering quietly, she bowed her head as I handed her the red leaves.

“I met a magician at the Hyewol Palace when I consulted about my poor health, and he prepared this for me.”

As I explained while putting the leaves into the teapot and pouring hot water,

The particular sweet aroma spread throughout the chamber.

Gradually filling a new tea cup with the dark liquid, I placed it on Iris’ desk.

“The color might be a bit dull, but its sweetness makes it quite pleasant.”

It has a unique taste, so it might not suit your palette.

I observed her complexion while muttering this, when—

Iris picked up the tea cup gingerly, but her expression wasn’t good.

Her gaze was distant, as if retracing memories. And it seemed these memories weren’t pleasant.

Since her demeanor was odd even when she was handling the leaf earlier, does she have any memories associated with Rubiniellaasis?

“Iris?”

“A.”

She snapped out of her thoughts and looked up suddenly.

“Anything wrong?”

Her expression darkened at my question.

Without a word, she lifted the tea cup, stared at the black liquid for a while, and then slowly shook her head.

“Nothing is wrong.”

Blowing gently on the hot tea, she took a small sip and murmured softly, “Sweet,” before standing up.

Setting down the tea cup with a quiet clatter, she remarked gently and—

“I’ll change my clothes and return.”

Still holding the doorknob of the chamber, she turned her head slightly to say:

“The commemorative ceremony’s coming soon, right? Understood.”

“Then….”

Click.

Thud.

When Iris left, the door closing softly behind her brought silence to the chamber.

“Nothing’s wrong, huh.”

She might think she hid her emotions perfectly,

But her eyes, tightly gripping the teacup, were full of sadness.

It seems to be the first time I’ve seen such negative emotions since she arrived at the palace. Yet, her expression felt oddly familiar.

The graves of the Macbilian couple.

It’s similar to the younger siblings’ expressions when trying not to cry.

“Is this related to the late king and queen?”

With that thought, I quickly consumed the tea she left behind in one gulp.

The tea wasn’t hot; the dark liquid, slightly cooled, slid down my throat, and immediately afterward, the cloying sweetness made me frown.

I also have to change my attire for the memorial ceremony.

After tidying up the teapot, I exited the chamber.

“Long ago, amidst the chaotic continent, humanity was liberated from oppression through the pacification…”

The memorial ceremony commenced with Hofnagel’s representative’s lengthy speech in a solemn atmosphere.

Myna, who took over the speech next, talked not about hope or the future but simply expressed gratitude for efforts and hard work.

Generally, the atmosphere was rather downbeat. The participants’ clothing dominated by somber tones, and the training ground seemed unusually subdued for what should be a festival.

As for Iris, continuing her speech from the podium,

“…Continuing the legacy of the two souls, we will robustly lead towards a great and lofty Empire. Furthermore…”

She calmly narrated the carefully practiced lines just like always.

Outwardly, she appeared her usual self.

However, as her husband and personal knight, there’s no way I could miss what her eyes reflected—she’s feeling sorrowful.

“Hmm.”

The ceremonial attire she wore for the memorial was even duller than her usual working formal outfit, with no decoration and plain design. The lone emblem of the Falenberg House on her collar stood out starkly.

Though she scanned the crowd calmly and continued her speech, her gaze was distant.

Objectively too, this isn’t her regular state by far.

“I should ask her once we return to the Audience Chamber.”

Even if we don’t talk,

Certain actions must be taken. That’s my responsibility.

Completing my thoughts, I moved toward the podium to take over her speech.

With that, the commemorative ceremony was wrapped up as quickly as possible.

It was after all the festival period, and it was only self-restraint out of respect for their anniversary.

When the ceremony ended, the people tried to lighten the subdued atmosphere with small conversations, and soon enough, the training ground and the entire capital began to bustle again.

After changing our clothes, Iris and I returned to the Audience Chamber.

“…”

“…”

Walking into the chamber side by side, her gaze lingered briefly on me.

The eye contact was brief. She turned her body immediately and headed toward her desk.

There remained stacks of various documents on the desk.

Though the workload was reduced by half during the festival, plenty still needed to be addressed as the head of a nation.

Iris remained silent. She must be trying to focus on her work to dispel her gloomy mood, I surmised.

“Calmly.”

Calling her name steadily, her body froze.

Our eyes met—her violet gaze meeting mine.

Swish.

Gazing into Iris’ eyes, I quietly opened my arms.

“…?”

I didn’t speak.

Sometimes, actions reach the heart more than words.

Her wide eyes scrutinized me in puzzlement.

After a moment, when I gestured gently with my hands, she slightly bowed her head.

Then she slowly moved toward me and embraced me.

“Cain.”

“Yes.”

“… It’s nothing. Just for a moment.”

Iris mumbled vaguely and snuggled closer.

Given the height difference, her petite frame fit perfectly within my embrace. Gently encircling her slim figure, I cautiously wrapped her in my arms.

“Perhaps, you were reminded of the late king and queen.”

Iris didn’t mention anything particularly. Neither did I push for reasons, instead gently brushing her back.

She tightened her grip on the collar of my robe. Regrettably, all I can do at this moment is this.

But we have time ahead.

“I’ll make you happy.”

Pledging silently, I shared quiet warmth with her.