Chapter 44: The Culprit?
The War Chariot came to a slow stop.
After a moment, the coachman lifted the curtain and, with his head bowed like a servant at a royal gathering, said, “Her Majesty the Queen, please step down.”
Are we here already?
I immediately stood up from my seat and leaped out of the carriage, patted my dress, and raised my eyes to survey the surroundings.
Dusk settled in, painting the sky with a canvas of colors.
The mottled sunset draped the sky in brilliant hues, like a masterpiece on display in a gallery. The orange-red glow cascaded down, illuminating the surrounding golden palaces, transforming them into breathtaking dreams, every detail a showpiece of artistry.
In the spacious square in front of the palace stood a statue of an elder, adorned in splendid attire, brandishing a long sword with fierce determination, as if charging into battle. Various War Chariots were parked fifty meters away at a white stone pavilion, and the distant sound of beastly whinnies echoed in the air.
Elegantly dressed people flowed around me. Upon seeing the stopped War Chariot, some paused in surprise, then beamed eagerly as they approached.
Clop-clop.
Victoria stepped down gracefully from the carriage, her high heels clicking on the ground as she lifted her dress.
“Your Majesty, greetings.”
“Your Majesty, allow me to offer my sincerest blessings. May you have a delightful evening, and may Ethanbel flourish under your rule.”
“Thank you all.”
As Victoria responded, she casually turned her gaze toward me, raising her right hand to her side—
Ah…
I quickly understood and hurried to her side, gently clasping her delicate hand.
“Your Majesty. The banquet has begun; please follow me into the palace.”
A middle-aged knight in silver armor, leading a group of guards, removed his helmet in front of Victoria, gently placing his left hand over his chest and bowing slightly.
Victoria nodded and addressed the crowd, “Please proceed to the Royal Palace; indulge in the feast and fine wine tonight.”
As she spoke, the middle-aged knight gestured to the Royal City guards who had been trailing the carriage, signaling them to line up in the square. Then he led us toward the magnificent palace ahead.
Rect silently followed, like a shadow. I held Victoria’s hand, surrounded by a swarm of nobles, and as we approached the grand entrance, it struck me: ah, this must be the Royal Palace…
Since arriving in Order Royal City, this was my first time setting foot in the palace.
In the past, I had refused to visit Victoria because I disliked her haughty attitude, and Carlos insisted I pay her a visit. I stubbornly declined. Besides, I had overheard the guards saying many negative things about the nobles in the Royal City, leading me to imagine them as a bunch of portly, scheming fat cats. I was even less inclined to engage with them.
And yet, here I am.
Moreover, these nobles didn’t seem as dreadful as I had imagined… at least most of them didn’t look too repulsive.
Dressed in proper attire with shiny hair and charming smiles that appeared while chatting, they exhibited that typical noble-like elegance… they even looked more appealing than the rough folks back in Winter City.
Perhaps this was the cultural depth of a millennium-old kingdom.
Any initial resentment had long faded, and I was feeling a little excited now.
The main reason being…
I had yet to taste the palace’s cake!
It had to be way better than what I’d get from street vendors!
Thinking of this made me salivate with anticipation.
Gliding over the smooth marble floor, we walked through colonnaded arches and entered the banquet hall, stepping onto a magnificent red carpet.
Clap, clap, clap—
My eardrums were instantly drowned in a wave of applause.
In the art-filled inner hall, under the dazzling golden chandeliers, long tables covered with white cloth were filled with a variety of cold dishes, arranged in organized chaos by candlelight. Towering champagne fountains gleamed invitingly.
The young and old nobles, chatting merrily, lit up with joy the moment Victoria arrived, some raising their glasses, others offering the warmest applause, creating an electrifying atmosphere.
“Your Majesty, may your beauty last forever!”
“You are the hero of Ethanbel; we shall always remember you!”
“May the Royal City rise like the sun under your lead!”
Victoria waved her hand, “Everyone, please enjoy at your leisure, and have a pleasant evening.”
Her expression remained as calm as the surface of a pond, but her steps quickened as she pulled me swiftly through the crowd and the banquet table, along the red carpet deeper into the hall.
I occasionally overheard voices saying, “Who is the girl next to Her Majesty?”
“Her black hair… could she be a royal member from the Empire?”
I didn’t have a care in the world; my eyes were glued to the table filled with sumptuous cakes, my nose inhaling the enchanting scent of cream, when suddenly, I found myself sinking down, struggling to move.
Everything looked delicious… I wanted to taste it right away…
Victoria moved ahead a few steps, perhaps feeling the weight on her hand, and turned back with a poker face. Captured by her gaze, I shifted my eyes from a delightful fruit cake to Victoria’s cold expression, blinking innocently.
“I want to eat… that one…”
To my surprise, Victoria even blinked back at me.
“Wait for later.”
Hearing her undeniable tone made me a bit anxious, and with a pitiful face, I gently tugged her hand.
“Just one piece…”
My tone was rather pathetic.
Although I knew people were watching, I truly wanted that cake. Who cares about them…
Then I heard Victoria let out what seemed like a soft sigh.
“Rect, get her two pieces.”
After saying this, she pulled me along and continued forward.
I felt a bit uneasy, glancing back as we walked, only to see Rect indeed approaching the table, picking up a plate piled high with cake, then… hastening back and covering his face with his sleeve.
“It’s not like I want to eat it… how embarrassing…”
But I didn’t care about him; my heart was bursting with happiness, and I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.
We swiftly crossed the hall and arrived in front of the innermost door. The servant at the entrance immediately opened the door, and the knight leading us gestured for us to enter. Victoria and I stepped into the room, and after Rect followed in, the knight closed the door behind us.
What’s going on…?
Looking up, I saw it resembled a conference room. In the center, a round table was filled with people. As we entered, they all stood up and bowed.
“Your Majesty.”
“Congratulations, Your Majesty.”
“Your Majesty, you look radiant tonight! If I were twenty years younger, I’d be your most devoted suitor.”
“Ha-ha!”
Among them was an elderly knight clad in impressive armor, his face breaking into a warm smile as he walked forward.
“Marquis Rekemond.”
Victoria released my hand, raising her palm, and the old knight gently kissed the back of her hand before looking back up.
“Your Majesty, I’ve returned this time representing the Rekemond family to prepare a surprise for you. So tonight… you must let me drink to my heart’s content!”
He had a weathered yet vibrant face, exuding charm. If he shed that powerful armor for some simple clothes, he’d be just like any friendly grandpa next door.
“Not a chance. The marquis should go home early and rest; your health comes first.”
“I’m not unwell!” The old knight thumped his chest, producing a loud sound, “That scoundrel Radell must have been filling your ears with nonsense! I’m in great shape!”
Boring small talk…
I wasn’t particularly interested in their banter; I turned and snatched the plate from Rect’s hands, shoving cake into my mouth.
Munch, munch…
My eyes lit up.
Wow… this taste, so creamy and sweet! So delicious!
I began to devour the cake eagerly, cheeks puffed up, while my eyes darted around, searching for a secluded corner to sit. Suddenly, the world around me dimmed.
“Oh dear, we have a little cake thief here!”
An elder’s voice floated down from above. I stopped chewing and looked up, locking eyes with the old knight’s brown gaze for a moment.
“Little girl, let me guess. You must be the little culprit my grandson dreams about, who got interrupted when his leg got broken?”
