* * *
“Are you cold?”
“No, I’m fine. Thanks to Young Master Ronen, who packed everything so well, it’s been very useful.”
As Ed fastened all the buttons, the Grand Duke pulled the hood of Ed’s raincoat over his head.
“Shall we head out, then?”
“Yes.”
When Ed opened the carriage door, the deputy chamberlain they had seen before greeted them enthusiastically, holding an umbrella.
“Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to meet you again!”
“It’s good to see you, too.”
After stepping out of the carriage and offering a short greeting, the Grand Duke surveyed the surroundings.
The deputy chamberlain tried to shield him with the umbrella, but the Grand Duke stopped him, lifting his gaze.
“It seems a barrier has been set up not only around the outdoor hall where the banquet will be held but even here.”
As the Grand Duke appeared to assess something, Ed followed his gaze.
Though he couldn’t discern much, the air felt slightly heavier than usual.
“Yes, the palace magicians insisted on guarding the banquet venue so fervently that even the Emperor couldn’t stop them.”
“I see.”
“Please endure it for a while. I will make a formal suggestion to the Chief Court Magician.”
As the Grand Duke’s gaze fell on Ed, he subtly shook his head.
‘It’s fine, Your Grace. I don’t feel any strain on my body.’
Recognizing Ed’s unspoken reassurance, the Grand Duke pulled out a pocket watch from his coat.
They had arrived neither too early nor too late.
“The banquet begins at 4 p.m., correct?”
“Yes, but before that, His Majesty wishes to see you. I’ll guide you there.”
“Then before that, show me to my accommodations. I’d like to freshen up before meeting the Emperor.”
The deputy chamberlain’s gaze briefly lingered on the Grand Duke’s shoulders, which showed almost no signs of dampness.
“Your Grace, wouldn’t removing your raincoat suffice?”
“As a subject, I cannot neglect proper etiquette. There will be others seeking an audience with His Majesty, so push my turn slightly later. It won’t take long to change clothes.”
“…Understood.”
“In that case, lead the way, Deputy Chamberlain Zollen.”
Sighing softly, the deputy chamberlain reluctantly nodded and guided them forward.
The rain intensified as they made their way to the annex.
Growing anxious, the deputy chamberlain quickened his pace, while the Grand Duke’s party matched his steps leisurely.
Ed’s eyes drifted to the corridor’s windows.
The raindrops falling against the glass fogged up the surface, making it resemble a misty haze.
The deputy chamberlain led them to the largest suite in the annex.
Stopping at the door, he cast a quick glance at Ed, who stood by the Grand Duke.
“Will the servant accompanying Your Grace suffice?”
“Alongside the head of the Northern Knights, he will assist me. The palace need not concern itself further.”
“Understood. This suite has been prepared for Your Grace, and the adjacent rooms are for the knights.”
The deputy chamberlain opened the door to the spacious suite.
Receiving the bag from Irtel, Ed followed the Grand Duke inside.
“Thank you, Deputy Chamberlain.”
“It’s my pleasure.”
“I’ll change clothes and come out shortly. It won’t take long.”
“Of course, we’ll wait outside until you’re ready.”
“Irtel, lead the knights and station two guards outside the suite.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
After bowing, the deputy chamberlain and Irtel exited, leaving the Grand Duke to examine the room.
“I can sense the barrier, but I’m fine. What about you, Ed?”
Now alone with the Grand Duke, Ed finally had the chance to survey the room.
As he removed his raincoat, he glanced around before setting his bag down on the floor.
“I don’t feel confined or weighed down, so there’s no need to worry.”
“Given that the palace barrier is designed for defensive purposes, that makes sense.”
Despite his words, the Grand Duke continued scrutinizing the room, ensuring nothing would happen to Ed while he was away.
Ed, holding a set of clothes he’d retrieved from his bag, hurriedly spoke.
“If you take any longer, the deputy chamberlain might knock on the door, insisting we’re out of time.”
At his urging, the Grand Duke removed his raincoat and changed.
Muttering softly to himself, the Grand Duke sighed.
“…So many things to keep in mind.”
The emperor’s intent in summoning the duke was obvious: a thinly veiled attempt to irritate him and gauge his inner thoughts.
It was a chance to discern what cards the duke held—or if there were any vulnerabilities in his armor.
Aware of the duke’s concerns, Ed spoke up.
“Don’t worry. Even if His Majesty wishes to act against you, the eyes of the other nobles will keep him restrained until the banquet ends.”
“……”
“And besides, you have the protective necklace His Majesty bestowed upon you.”
Ed gestured to his neck with a bright smile.
Though all other weapons and magical artifacts were prohibited, items passed down through the ducal lineage were exceptions—an immunity granted since the reign of the late emperor.
Knowing the necklace was imbued with defensive magic, Ed reassured the duke while straightening his attire.
Taking a step back to appraise him, Ed noted how the black ceremonial attire and white shirt perfectly complemented the duke’s austere features.
Satisfied, Ed smiled, and the tension in the duke’s gaze softened ever so slightly.
“Then, I’ll be going, Ed.”
“Yes.”
“Oh, and—”
Before opening the door, the duke leaned down, pressing his lips to Ed’s.
“In case it might surprise you, I’ll tell you now: if, at the banquet, I should…”
Ed’s eyes widened as he focused on the whispered words tickling his ear.
He snapped his head up to look at the duke, his gaze meeting the unwavering red eyes filled with calm resolve.
Ed shook his head slightly.
“That plan seems far too dangerous.”
The duke had alluded to what might happen when the emperor introduced the future duchess at the banquet.
Taking Ed’s hand, the duke murmured, “That’s why—”
It wasn’t difficult to grasp the unspoken meaning.
Just as he trusted the duke, the duke’s words were rooted in his faith in Ed.
In the end, Ed nodded and pulled him into a tight embrace.
“Please, come back safely.”
“I will. Until I return, don’t overthink things and just rest.”
“Yes, Your Grace.”
As Ed let go of his embrace, the duke opened the door, revealing the attendant waiting for him.
“Your preparation took longer than expected, Your Grace.”
“No matter. Lead the way.”
The attendant, visibly relieved, swiftly turned to guide the duke.
Ed stood in the doorway, watching the duke’s retreating figure for a long while.
Following the attendant, the duke finally spoke, puzzled.
“We’re not heading to the audience chamber to meet His Majesty?”
“No, Your Grace. His Majesty specifically requested an intimate conversation and asked me to escort you to the drawing room.”
The drawing room, into which they stepped, was ostentatiously decorated.
Gold accents adorned every corner, and lavish ornaments were scattered about, flaunting wealth.
The emperor, seated in a chair, looked pale.
When the duke knelt to pay his respects, the emperor, his hand resting on the armrest and his head propped up, smirked crookedly and ordered the attendant.
“I’d like some warm tea today.”
“Right away, Your Majesty.”
The attendant hurriedly retreated, returning with a tea set on a trolley.
Until the clinking sound of cups being placed on the table filled the room, the emperor didn’t bid the duke to rise.
The emperor frowned at the noise, waving his hand irritably.
“Still noisy. How many times must I repeat myself?”
“My apologies, Your Majesty.”
The attendant, now extra cautious, poured the tea and stepped back.
The duke’s eyes lingered on the steam rising from the cup.
“You know,” the emperor began, “I’m so used to seeing your likeness only in the newspapers that I almost greeted your portrait today instead of you.”
“It seems I’ve made it difficult for Your Majesty to see my face. I feel quite ashamed.”
“I wasn’t blaming you.”
“I never said you were, Your Majesty.”
* * *
