Interlude: A Curious Girl
- Interlude Part 1
Around three years ago, a grand celebration was hosted by the king of a country bordering both the Ferelden Empire and the Kingdom of Lymore. Dignitaries from each country were in attendance, and Ethelbert attended as the emperor’s representative, albeit reluctantly.
“Aren’t you going to dance? Your Highness, the ladies are fawning over you.”
Brandon asked in jest.
Ethelbert was also aware of the way the high-ranking noblewomen and princesses were looking at him. He found it annoying more than anything else, and had no intention of dancing. Brandon only asked to get a reaction out of him.
“I’m here, aren’t I? What more do they want?”
His brother’s wife, the empress, might enter labor at any moment, so the emperor adamantly said, “I won’t leave her side!” Thus, in exchange for an increase in research funds, Ethelbert attended the celebration.
As it was, he was already sacrificing the time he could use to study magic. He didn’t want to prolong his suffering.
“His and Her Majesty will be disappointed to hear that. Some of the foreign princesses are renowned magicians. Why don’t you try to broaden your knowledge?”
The aforementioned princesses were also staring at Ethelbert with burning passion.
“Do you think those princesses know magic I don’t?”
“Very unlikely.”
Although Brandon had recommended them, he nonchalantly revealed his true feelings.
Ethelbert was the younger brother of the Emperor of the Ferelden Empire, a magical powerhouse. He was also the leading figure in magical research. A princess might be a renowned magician in another country, but she would find herself inferior to common magicians from Ferelden. As such, he didn’t see why he should bother with such individuals.
“If she were worth her salt, we would’ve heard of her a few times by this point.”
Nevertheless, not even once did their names arise in the academic society to which Ethelbert belonged, which was very telling.
“Lord Ethelbert.”
With a wine glass in hand and Brandon as his conversation partner, Ethelbert exuded an untouchable aura to those around him. However, he couldn’t ignore the arrival of the neighboring king.
King Frederick, the hero of the neighboring country who ended tyranny. Despite the improvements, the relationship between the Ferelden Empire and the Kingdom of Lymore could only be described as ‘delicate’, making him difficult to handle.
Personally, Ethelbert was interested in Frederick.
A man who, despite his troubled past, became a king who was adored by his people. He also effortlessly developed one brilliant policy after another.
“It’s been a long time, King Frederick.”
“Indeed. Although, your participation in such an event is quite unexpected.”
“I’m here to represent my brother. My sister-in-law is due soon.”
“I see. Let’s pray that the new star of the empire will be born without incident.”
“Thank you.”
After the formal conversation, Ethelbert glanced at the girl standing by Frederick’s side. She looked just like him.
She, who wore a luxurious dress that was elegant yet unobtrusive, stood there with a refined presence.
What caught Ethelbert’s eye more than anything was her otherworldly beauty.
“I came to introduce our crown princess to you.”
“A pleasure to meet you. I’m Charlotte Callista Reevesmore.”
The girl bowed gracefully, displaying masterful balance.
The crown princess—in other word, Frederick’s first child.
Ethelbert had heard that she took after Frederick in every way, and she certainly did. However, perhaps because she was still a young woman, her demeanor was gentler than Frederick’s.
“Since this is my first time attending a celebration in another country, I’m feeling nervous. I apologize if I offend you for any discourtesy.”
“No, there’s none. Your manners are beautiful.”
It wasn’t mere flattery. For someone debuting at an international party, her manners were impeccable.
“I’m Ethelbert Thaddeus Ferelden, the Imperial Brother of the Ferelden Empire. In the future, I’m sure I’ll have the opportunity to meet the Crown Princess in similar settings. I look forward to meeting you.”
“Thank you very much.”
Taking Charlotte’s hand, he pressed his lips on the back of it, pretending to kiss her.
It was a display of good manners, so there was nothing unusual about it. However, his going out of his way to do it was.
He had succumbed to his male instincts. To put it simply, the face of the girl in front of him was right up his alley.
After that, Frederick and Charlotte went back to making rounds. Ethelbert handed his empty glass to the waiter.
“I’m not sure, but she must be around fifteen. She was calm and incredibly gorgeous.”
“For His Highness to sincerely compliment someone’s appearance…”
“What’s with that look?”
Brandon had expression that read ‘will hell freeze over?’ on his face, earning him a look from Ethelbert.
Then, Ethelbert walked forward with a new bottle of wine in his hand.
“Your Highness?”
“I’d like to take a breath of fresh air.”
“Slacking off, I see. Understood.”
Ethelbert’s eyebrows twitched, but he said nothing and silently headed to the balcony.
After being spoken to by Frederick, others would likely approach. In fact, it was certain. So, he was retreating to protect himself both mentally and physically.
To make sure no one followed, Brandon waited in front of the entryway. Ethelbert absentmindedly stepped out to the balcony where the cool night breeze caressing his skin.
He’d kill some time and then make haste to his room. Having decided that, he began to ponder about magic.
A while later, a girl emerged in the garden below by her lonesome.
Light spilled from the party venue, while moon shone from above, highlighting her visage.
Princess Charlotte…
A beautiful and elegant lady in a gorgeous dress stood in the garden at night, illuminated by gentle light. A sight so majestic, it could only belong in a fairy tale.
Still, how careless of her. What is she doing all by herself?
Just as he was thinking that, several men appeared.
They are…
Appearing were a prince and the son of a duke, someone who also happened to be his cousin. The two hailed from a small kingdom two countries away from Ferelden.
The prince and the son of a duke walked straight towards Charlotte. They had probably been seeking her out from the beginning.
Despite noticing the two, Charlotte took her time turning around.
“We only exchanged a brief greeting earlier. Why is that? Also, stepping outside alone is dangerous, Your Highness.”
“By any chance, are you waiting for someone? Knowing the previous king of Lymore, the apple sure doesn’t fall far from the tree.”
The two men laughed maliciously, not bothering to hide their derision.
Beliving that she was trying to lure a man, they deliberately brought up the licentious tyrant just to take a jab at her.
“The previous king was an epitome of greed, always putting his own desires above everything else. The one before that wasn’t any better. He was a menace to his neighboring countries. How about you? What were you planning to do in this deserted garden?”
How childish.
The relationship between their kingdom and Lymore was finally beginning to improve, and yet they were going out of their way to ruin it.
If the relationship between the two countries collapsed, Lymore wouldn’t be the one to pay for it.
“Your Highness.”
Brandon joined him in the balcony.
“I heard some noise.”
“It’s them.”
Following Ethelbert’s gaze, Brandon also looked down into the garden. He seemed to understand the situation instantly and narrowed his eyes, saying, “What do we have here?”
“Would you like to help her?”
“No…”
As he watched Charlotte, he weighed whether or not he should step in. She didn’t show the slightest hint of intimidation, fear, or confusion. Unfazed, she gazed calmly at the hostile older men.
Then, she slowly began to speak.
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***T/N: Had this been Juliet, would there have been war?
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