215. The Duke of Ribue, Erbe de Carvellier (4)
Now, it was more like a banquet hall than a meeting. The nobles who were not loyal to the Duke had all left their territories and were retreating, and the guards solemnly protecting this grand hall were the military forces commanded by the Duke’s knights.
And in this hall, alcohol and food were continuously being brought in. The beastman nobility led by Kirhas seemed to have finally relaxed, laughing heartily and sharing drinks, occasionally grabbing food alongside the Duke’s forces.
Kirhas was also laughing with a drink in her hand. The heated diplomatic clashes and talks seemed to have been neatly tucked away in a corner, as she chatted with the Duke, sharing strange stories.
“So, this is really the tobacco leaf from Mount Aseas, Duke?”
“Ah, it’s the finest quality.”
“Duke, you’re such a good person!”
Kirhas laughed like a child, gently touching the well-rolled tea leaves with her fingertips.
Fernandez chuckled at the sight. That was almost the only indulgence she had.
Perhaps it could be considered a newly acquired habit. It was due to the influence of Kadán, who had completely freed himself from Mumto’s dimension.
The talents and fragments that Kirhas had in her “previous life” in Mumto’s dimension had overlapped with Kadán onto Kirhas.
Was it a reaction? In fact, Fernandez couldn’t help but hold Kirhas in high regard. Anyone else in such a situation would have had their personality twisted or their mind shattered.
But Kirhas had adapted surprisingly smoothly, and her smoking was just part of that process.
Fernandez, holding a drink offered by the beastman warriors, gazed at the pitiful beastman girl for a moment.
A woman who could have risen to become a great hero on her own. He had forcibly pruned and nurtured that potential.
The finished product… was nothing more than a replica of the original. No matter how beautifully crafted, it would fall far short of the trials and tribulations of her previous life, where she had risen on her own.
Yet, she had steadfastly grown in the right way. That sight was both grateful and admirable. Fernandez often felt his heart soften when he looked at her.
“Huh? Where are you going?”
“Just stepping out for some fresh air.”
Fernandez declined the warriors’ drinks and headed to the terrace at the corner of the hall.
It was the first banquet in a long time in the declining territory, so the soldiers were in high spirits, and no one paid any attention to Fernandez.
Night. The gentle spring breeze still flowed through the desolate western territory. Fernandez pulled back his hood, brushing his half-gray hair, and leaned on the railing.
Torches flickered along the road. In the distance, beyond the outer walls, the retreating army could be seen. Quite swift. Like rats fleeing a sinking ship.
They had always been ready to leave this territory, and now was just the perfect timing.
-Slurp.
A cold liquid flowed down his throat. Bitter, sweet, and spicy. The strong alcohol hit him, then smoothly flowed down his throat. Good liquor.
The only downside was that Diemonica didn’t get drunk.
“Shall I bring you more wine?”
Diemonica wasn’t so insensitive as to be lost in thought in the quiet.
Fernandez kept his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond the terrace without turning his head.
“No need.”
“Perhaps some snacks…”
“That’s also unnecessary.”
“My apologies. I’ll leave you to it…”
“Thank you for the generous hospitality, Lady of the Duke.”
A woman’s presence stiffened, then a sigh followed. As if deciding not to hide anymore, she clacked her heels and leaned on the railing next to Fernandez.
Soon, her red hair swayed in the night breeze. Fernandez didn’t bother to look at her, but she drank from her cup, loosened her hair, and tilted her head, muttering.
“Strange. My disguise was perfect enough that even the vassals didn’t notice.”
“Either the vassals are dull, or they pretended not to notice.”
“Are you insulting me by calling me stupid?”
“I’m not an Imperial noble. It’s not my hobby to insult people indirectly.”
Fernandez turned his gaze as he spoke. Rene stiffened again upon seeing his face.
From the back and side, she thought he must be middle-aged due to his unkempt hair.
But beneath the half-gray hair was paradoxically the face of a youth who had just reached adulthood.
A strikingly noble appearance, suggesting good lineage. And—
“Your eyes are fascinating.”
Eyes that seemed either enlightened or somewhat gloomy. Rene stared into his blue eyes for a moment.
“Your name?”
“Fernen.”
“Not your real name, I assume.”
“For now, just know it as that.”
“That’s unfair. You know me.”
Rene smiled faintly and raised her cup. Taking a sip, she slowly turned her head to gaze at the torches beyond the outer walls.
“From the East, aren’t you?”
“Dane.”
“You have that regional accent. You must have lived in the Empire for a long time? Your Imperial accent is perfect.”
Almost a lifetime? Fernandez had traveled around the Eastern Kingdom Alliance, but most of his prime was spent near the Empire.
That’s why he clashed with Daryan countless times. But most of his fond memories were in the Imperial cities.
He said nothing, just gazing beyond the terrace. This once barren land now had a gentle, even somewhat humid breeze.
As if turning wasteland into grassland. It was an era of many changes and mixtures.
Fernandez was the Emperor…
