34. The Most Uncomfortable Meal in the World (2)
The House of Cascata was not only honored with the prestigious title of the Empire’s First Pillar but was also renowned for its abundant water resources and pristine water quality, so much so that its fief was often referred to as the land of waterfalls.
Thanks to this, Cascata-produced potions were famous for their high quality, and the income generated from them was quite substantial.
“Cascata potions really are good, aren’t they?”
“Pretty famous, right?”
Among the carriages that ran at regular intervals from the Academy to each capital, Ivan and Regina sat side by side in the one heading toward Cascata.
‘I should buy some potions and also have a good meal somewhere with a nice atmosphere… Thanks, Liam…’
The age where simply waiting was considered a virtue for young misses had passed, Liam advised her to take the initiative and suggest a date.
While it was uncertain if this advice would actually work, at least it was a good thing that they could sit side by side in the carriage like this.
“I’m glad Ivan’s here; I was wondering how I’d judge the potions.”
“Hahaha…” With an innocent smile, Regina leaned close to Ivan and looked up at him.
It was perfect timing since they were planning to study potion usage next week. Moreover, Ivan had worked at a potion shop before, making this the perfect excuse.
“Since I need to buy them too, it’s convenient.”
“Yeah, I’ll buy Ivan’s as well since I asked.”
“That’s not necessary. I have enough money for that kind of expense.”
Ivan smiled gently at Regina. With his beaming face, Regina felt her cheeks flushing red, so she covered her face and slightly bowed her head.
“What am I going to do… You’re too handsome…”
“By the way, we should also pick something up for Karla.”
Hearing this, Regina’s laughter suddenly halted.
Karla, Karla… It wasn’t a figment of her imagination that mentions of Karla had been increasing lately.
“Uh… Uh… Hey, Ivan.”
“Yeah?”
Hadn’t she asked this before? How had it gone?
Uncertainty bred more uncertainty.
“Ivan, what do you think about Karla?”
“What do I think? She’s a friend, isn’t she?”
That wasn’t what she was asking. That’s not what she meant.
“Um… I mean… Karla, she’s, uh, incredibly, incredibly beautiful, right?”
“Yeah. Karla is beautiful. I was genuinely surprised when I first saw her. She really is stunning.”
“R-really?”
Regina felt deflated. There was no denying that Karla was clearly more beautiful than her in terms of looks.
Still, there was always… well… years of familiarity, right? But Karla had that too. Other than that, she couldn’t really compete.
‘What should I do? Should I have even asked?’
She shouldn’t have asked. She shouldn’t have said anything.
There was no turning back now.
“Regina, is something wrong? Your face is red. Are you running a fever?”
A cold sensation touched Regina’s forehead.
Regaining her senses, she saw Ivan, worried, resting his hand on her forehead.
“I-I am fine, really! I don’t have a cold or anything, so truly, I’m okay!”
“Good thing. Anyway, we should get off now. We’re near the Cascata town square. By the way, since the estate isn’t too far from here, we might run into Karla, won’t we?”
With an awkward smile, Ivan spoke, while Regina, rubbing her forehead where his hand had been, managed a sheepish smile.
His calloused hands weren’t soft, but even so, Regina thought they were ruggedly appealing. Indeed, Ivan was handsome, as usual.
“We’ve arrived. Let’s get off, Regina.”
“Y-yes!”
At the stop, the carriage doors opened. Ivan disembarked first and instinctively offered his hand. Smiling brightly, Regina took it.
The western sky, with its evening glow, was breathtaking. It was also a perfect excuse since dinner time was approaching.
*
The mansion, fitting its name Cascata, had small lightstones embedded in various places, surrounded by a soft golden glow.
The dining hall of the House of Cascata was grand and opulent.
The high ceiling bore a massive crystal chandelier that cast a brilliant light over the dining table, illuminating the silver cutlery which sparkled like jewels.
A luxurious feast was spread across the table.
The crimson pomegranates shone like rubies, and the bunches of grapes exuded a fresh aroma.
On the blue plates rested mouth-watering steaks, accompanied by crunchy vegetables and fragrant herbs.
In front of Karla, an exclusive bottle of wine was placed, a gift from the House of Shaiskeil. The deep ruby-red wine glistened in the elegant glass, and its rich aroma teased Karla’s nose.
But Karla paid no attention to the lavish spread before her.
Her gaze drifted to the window.
The window framed the crimson sunset slowly disappearing over the horizon.
As the western sky bathed in red, Karla surveyed her surroundings and pondered over someone who wasn’t present.
“Fabio?”
“He was asked to stay away. This isn’t an appropriate place for Fabio.”
Enrico answered Karla’s query in clipped tones, then raised his glass.
Following this, both Lucas and Karla also raised their glasses.
“This wine is courtesy of Lord Lucas von Shaiskeil’s family. Please pass along our gratitude to Lord Shaiskeil.”
“Yes, I shall.”
The wine steward approached each of them and filled their glasses. With a gentle sound, the wine was poured — a deep red hue that almost seemed to radiate with the alluring fragrance of grapes.
Karla was forcing a smile despite herself.
Her twisted lips betrayed a mind far from joyful, and her alternating glances at Lucas and Enrico were cold and even harbored a hint of hostility.
Her gaze then fell on Kiara, standing behind Lucas.
Kiara quietly lowered her eyes, appearing as though this was where she belonged, standing like a shadow behind Lucas.
Regardless of whether Karla’s stare reached her or not, Kiara seemed indifferent.
“Well, let’s drink then.”
Enrico gently moved his glass forward as a toast, then sipped his wine before setting it down. Lucas and Karla did the same.
After placing the glass down, Karla slowly smoothed the rim with her finger while regulating her breathing.
Enrico remained expressionless — though his cold demeanor was unchanged.
As the head of the House of Cascata responsible for all decisions and judgments, and as the father of Karla — though technically her older brother — he made the decision to isolate Karla without the slightest flicker of emotion.
His presence, merely sitting at the table, exuded a weighty importance.
“This is interesting. Cascata is known for its great water, but this is extraordinary.”
With a sip of his wine, he took another sip of his pre-dinner drink infused with lemon, then set the glasses down with exaggerated gestures.
Though there was no trace of the famed water here, perhaps it was all there was to commend.
“Besides, I am particularly pleased to be in the company of the beautiful Lady Cascata.”
The upward tone at the end of the sentence made it sound mocking, causing Karla’s brow to twitch.
“…”
Without responding, Karla took another sip of her wine. Her empty glass was quickly refilled by the steward.
“Thank you. If you’re grateful, it would be better to quietly eat and then leave.”
“Karla. What kind of speech habit is that?”
At Enrico’s words, Karla simply snorted with a smirk.
“What do you know? This has nothing to do with me.”
“Ah, is that so?”
Lucas continued his exaggerated gestures.
This time, he placed his elbow on the table, interlaced his fingers, and smiled while looking at Karla over them.
“That hurt, Lady Cascata. Aren’t we soon to be a married couple? You know why I’ve been put into this uncomfortable position. According to the words of your esteemed father, we must abide by it. Surely, we should get along well, don’t you think?”
“Getting along well?”
At these words, Karla raised her gaze and fixed Lucas with a glare.
“You and I, getting along well?”
“Isn’t it natural? We’re soon to be married, are we not?”
Ha — Karla let out a derisive laugh. Watching this, Lucas’s expression gradually stiffened.
“Impossible for me to marry you. I have no intention of that. You’re merely being used by the man over there who claims to be my father.”
Lucas’s face immediately hardened.
He was no fool — at least, the offspring of a great noble house should have a modicum of intelligence.
Still, Karla’s beauty had a potent allure that even Lucas found irresistible. Despite giving ground to a certain extent, it was a beauty worth acquiring.
“Hum-…”
Lucas turned to Enrico, seeking a resolution to the situation.
But before he could finish his sentence, Enrico was actually smiling at the scene!
“…Why are you laughing?”
Karla also questioned Enrico with a puzzled look. It was clearly not a situation where laughter was appropriate.
“The House of Cascata is a great house. The House of Shaiskeil is as well. You both are aware that your backgrounds are different. But, Karla and Lucas — understand that this matter isn’t solely my decision. The House of Shaiskeil shares this sentiment as well.”
Enrico drained the remaining wine from his glass as he spoke.
“This is a matter that’s already decided. Lucas, respect Karla. Karla, the same applies to you. The future of both families depends on this, so mutual respect is necessary.”
Each word from Enrico was as cold and merciless as before. It was then that Karla finally realized.
This evening meal was merely a formal procedure, devoid of emotion — irrelevant whether she hated Lucas to what extent or how worthless Lucas might be.
“Of course, sir. Tonight’s dinner will surely be a pleasant one. As you say, if there is mutual respect.”
Clutching her fists tightly, Karla trembled.
But there was nothing more she could do — silently sitting down and quietly eating was the maximum resistance she could offer.
