Living as a Butler to the Northern Duke chapter 62

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The hunting festival created the perfect setting for excitement.

In such a lively atmosphere, any attention on Ronen would likely fade quickly.

It seemed that the emperor opted for the hunting festival as a welcome event for the Grand Duke and Ronen, rather than a formal ceremony.

Earlier, Marquess Sohoan had arrived with dirt still clinging to his boots for the same reason.

The emperor must have delayed preparations, only assigning someone to guide the Grand Duke upon his arrival at the palace.

A young noble from the hunting party had hurriedly escorted the Grand Duke on horseback.

It now made sense why Marquess Sohoan had seemed so flustered, darting his gaze around without fully grasping the emperor’s intentions.

The Grand Duke was certainly aware of Ed’s observations.

Since their departure from the palace, the carriage had been silent.

As they approached a clearing in the forest, the carriage gradually slowed.

When the base camp came into view, marked by the golden dragon’s flag, the chief attendant dismounted.

“Your Grace, we must proceed on foot from here.”

Standing before the Grand Duke’s carriage, the chief attendant announced, and the Grand Duke looked at Ronen, who was stirring awake with a nervous expression.

He brushed back Ronen’s hair with a gentle smile.

“No need to be tense, Ronen.”

Ronen met the Grand Duke’s eyes and nodded.

“Yes, Brother.”

As they exited the carriage, they saw a tent adorned with a large, fluttering black dragon flag. It appeared to be the Grand Duke’s temporary quarters.

Following Ronen, Ed also stepped out of the carriage and surveyed the surroundings.

“Please follow me, Your Grace,” said the chief attendant, leading the way.

The Grand Duke took Ronen’s hand and walked ahead.

Irtel and Tens followed behind, with Jaynon, who had become uncharacteristically quiet, walking with Ed at the back.

The chief attendant guided the group toward a platform prepared for their arrival.

The path to the platform was lined with a red carpet, leading up three steps decorated with flowers and ornaments.

A crowd had already gathered there.

Nobles in elegant hunting attire and graceful dresses moved in a refined, orderly manner.

The grandeur of the event was palpable.

Ed quietly followed behind the Grand Duke.

“The Emperor approaches!”

A conch shell blew, followed by a loud announcement.

The crowd lowered their heads in a bow as the Emperor, treading upon the red carpet, advanced.

Standing confidently on the platform, the Emperor swept his gaze over the crowd with a triumphant smile.

“It is a pleasure to see the hunting festival commence smoothly once again this year.”

The Emperor, in his late thirties, exuded a relaxed demeanor.

“Last night, there was a report of the celestial bird’s appearance, but it seems it had no intention of spoiling our festivities. It quickly fled, no doubt sensing it would not be welcome here.”

Laughter rippled through the crowd.

Ed, unable to align himself with the atmosphere, kept his head lowered, listening to the Emperor’s words.

“In fact, had it not been for the celestial bird, we would have celebrated the Grand Duke’s reunion with his younger brother at the palace, then moved to the hunting grounds. However, I am pleased that Duke Asnel Linden and his younger brother are here with us today. Let me introduce Ronenkeaz Linden, come forward.”

The Emperor, standing on the platform, fixed his gaze on Ronen.

The Grand Duke narrowed his eyes but quickly composed himself.

He met Ronen’s eyes and gave him a reassuring nod before taking Ronen’s hand and leading him to the steps.

Ronen carefully ascended the stairs and bowed.

“I greet Your Majesty, the Sun of the Empire Ainde.”

With a hearty laugh, the Emperor spoke.

“Here is Ronenkeaz Linden, cousin of His Majesty and younger brother of the northern commander, Duke Asnel Linden.”

The crowd’s gaze focused on the platform.

“It seems he’s been through a lot. I recall him from before—a fair-skinned beauty back then.”

The Emperor paused, a sly smile appearing on his face.

“Now, he looks like he’s been through quite a bit of dust.”

His voice dripped with a taunting derision.

“Back then, his silken black hair and striking red eyes made him look like a doll, but now…”

Jaynon ground his teeth audibly. Ed kept his narrowed gaze fixed on the ground.

The evening light stretched shadows across the earth as the crimson sunset deepened in the sky.

“Wasn’t that so, Duke Asnel?”

The Emperor’s eyes glinted with arrogance as he looked down at Asnel from the platform.

After the Grand Duke cast a spell of protection on Ronen, his originally black hair had turned to a shade of gray, and his red eyes shifted to a deep indigo.

While the transformation hadn’t completed, his hair and eye color had been slowly returning to their original hues since reuniting with the Grand Duke, signifying his heart’s growing calm.

The Emperor, however, must have noticed this change, choosing now to provoke the Grand Duke and wound Ronen, aiming to fuel doubts among nearby nobles about Ronen’s true kinship with the Grand Duke.

It was clear why the Emperor, who despised the attention drawn to the Duke’s family, had introduced Ronen before such an audience…

He had launched a petty assault in front of a young man.

Ed clenched his jaw.

He wished to leave this place soon so the Grand Duke and Ronen could have a moment of respite.

The Emperor’s remark about Ronen looking dusty was also strange.

The strands of black emerging amidst Ronen’s gray hair only heightened his unique allure.

His violet eyes, gradually darkening to a shade of amethyst, held an enigmatic charm.

It was the reason people gazing at Ronen couldn’t help but feel a mix of curiosity and admiration.

The Grand Duke met Ronen’s gaze, reassuring him:

“Ronen, trust yourself.”

“Ronen, you are undoubtedly my blood sibling. Believe in the blood of our parents that flows within you.”

“No matter what happens, I’ll protect you. So, don’t worry.”

Knowing that only good things lie ahead would be wonderful, yet the Grand Duke had long accepted this wasn’t possible.

He often reminded Ronen of this, hoping to keep him from falling victim to the Emperor’s schemes or doubting their brotherly bond.

And he encouraged Ronen to believe in him and to look forward.

Ronen, who had looked disheartened, steadied himself under the Duke’s gaze.

His previously clouded eyes regained their clarity.

Seeing this, the Duke turned to answer the Emperor.

“It is deeply humbling, Your Majesty, that you should remember even the minor concerns of a servant charged with defending the distant borders.”

“Ha-ha, since when were the Grand Duke of Asnel and Ronenkeaz mere border guardians to me? I was so worried when I heard that a fire had broken out in the northern castle and that Ronenkeaz was lost.”

The Emperor tilted his head slightly and continued.

“Humility is indeed a virtue, but too much of it might come off as insincere. So, let’s put that aside. How have you been? I’ve invited you to join the Hunting Festival many times, yet seeing you in person is no small feat.”

Despite the Emperor’s rebuke, the Duke’s expression didn’t falter.

“Your Majesty’s radiance, as the Sun of the Empire, graces even the northern frontiers, and it is always a source of honor. However, the frequent appearance of monsters in the north has kept me from fully responding to Your Majesty’s noble summons, for which I am always regretful.”

The Emperor gave a faint laugh and turned his head, addressing the gathered guests.

“I’m in a very good mood today. So much so that I’m letting my personal feelings show at a formal event.”

His brown eyes swept across the people, his lips forming a smirk.

“I know my speeches at events like this can be unbearably dull, but bear with me. Achieving what the Grand Duke of Asnel has longed for is, to me, like finding a long-lost kin. I am so overjoyed that I feel like hosting a celebration right now.”

Everyone’s attention was rapt as they looked up at the Emperor on the platform, holding their breath.

“However, the Hunting Festival is held annually to honor the Empire’s founding and the achievements of the first Emperor, Etroril Neitron. It’s not something that can be postponed for personal sentiments.”

The Emperor’s voice resonated powerfully.

“So let us all revel in the festivities of the Imperial Year 487 Hunting Festival Eve!”

Cheers erupted, reverberating across the mountains.

Nobles and commoners alike raised their voices in exhilaration.

The Emperor, smiling broadly, continued.

“With such dear ones present, I have no doubt this Hunting Festival will be especially enjoyable. Compete fiercely and run freely! We’ve prepared splendid prizes, so may it be a joyful time for all!”

Another cheer echoed through the area.

The Hunting Festival had begun.

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