DEHH 14

Chapter – 14

“Do you have something to tell me?”

“No, it’s nothing like that. I just thought you’ve been through a lot, that’s all.”

At that moment, Icarus’ firm voice was heard as he left the dining room first.

“Since the road ahead is long, we should be on our way.”

“Yes.”

Renev followed Icarus and Dehan.

However, despite saying she wasn’t feeling well, Selma was waiting at the castle gate. Moreover, she had dyed her hair silver.

“Did you have a good meal?”

“Yes, thanks to you. I heard you weren’t feeling well, though. Are you sure it’s alright for you to be out like this?”

Renev asked, concerned. Selma avoided her gaze and replied,

“It’s nothing significant. Thank you for worrying.”

Her reaction was sharper than yesterday. At that moment, the steward standing beside her interjected.

“I’ve informed the master of your visit, but it seems returning today will be difficult…”

Both Bain and Dehan were close aides to the Emperor.

By chance, they visited the Marquisate of Julesvern. For the Marquis, this was a golden opportunity.

Establishing a relationship with the Emperor’s closest aides could bring substantial advantages—political connections, business favors. Meanwhile, the person who introduced himself as Dehan didn’t even realize he was speaking with the Emperor himself.

Perhaps this is why Icarus was keen to leave the place as soon as possible.

“Convey that His Majesty has received ample assistance from the Marquisate of Julesvern,” Icarus said casually, and Selma bowed in relief.

After leaving the Marquisate of Julesvern and riding for quite some time, the distant castle walls came into view.

Villages were lined up around the strong fortress walls.

“We should arrive at the palace in three to four hours.”

Dehan said this after watering the horses and returning.

“That is truly delightful news,” Renev nodded, rubbing her sore hips, lower back, and thighs from the long ride.

Icarus stared intently at Dehan and Renev.

“Why are you looking at me, Lord Dehan?”

Dehan asked with a grin, causing one of Icarus’ eyebrows to twitch.

“Do you have something to say?”

Dehan immediately clasped his hands politely. Icarus glanced at Renev and Dehan with a somewhat displeased look, then spoke.

“I have another stop to make, so it’s best if we part ways here. Lord Bain, escort Lady Siren safely to the palace.”

“Yes, do not worry,” Dehan replied with a bow.

Icarus, who had been quietly observing Dehan, suddenly leapt onto his horse.

“May you remain safe until we meet again.”

“Thank you for escorting me, Lord Dehan.”

Icarus nodded slightly and turned his horse, quickly disappearing into the distance. Renev looked at his retreating figure, then turned to Dehan.

“Lord Bain, shall we depart now?”

“Yes. It would be best to reach the palace before sunset.”

“Agreed.”

Following Dehan’s advice, they rode for another three to four hours before finally arriving at the Bashker Imperial Palace.

‘So that’s why they produce so many jewels…’

Renev’s jaw dropped as she looked around the palace corridors. The rumors were true—there was not a single lie in them.

Its scale was slightly smaller than the Paradium Palace, yet its grandeur could not be compared.

As Renev marveled at the Bashker Palace, Dehan kept apologizing.

“My apologies. We had intended to complete renovations on the guest rooms before your arrival, but delays in materials have caused setbacks…”

Renev was already aware. That was why she would be staying in the garden for a while.

“If you’re truly apologetic, I hope the construction ends soon,” Renev said lightly.

Dehan, walking beside her, had already pulled his robe up over his head before entering the palace, which looked suspicious.

Yet no one stopped him. It seemed he was worried that if someone recognized him, Icarus’ deception would be revealed.

Renev looked at Dehan with a sympathetic gaze.

“You must be tired too. Thank you for escorting me all the way here.”

“It’s nothing. I also regret that your journey hasn’t been more comfortable,” Dehan replied, bowing slightly.

Official arrangements would have made travel to Bashker more comfortable. However, moving according to the official schedule might have exposed them to interference from the Siren men and Lucius and the Empress.

“Don’t mention it. The construction will be finished soon, and I’ve arrived safely,” Renev said, smiling faintly.

Dehan instructed the maids to take good care of Lady Renev and bowed.

“Please rest comfortably.”

“You’ve done well too, Lord Bain.”

Renev watched Dehan leave for a moment before opening the bedroom door assigned to her.

Sunlight poured through the wide window, illuminating white-toned walls and ceiling, with matching furniture.

Although she had seen many precious items as an Empress, Renev couldn’t help but be amazed.

She understood why Dehan had been apologetic—the bedroom was spacious and luxurious enough to rival the chamber she had in the past.

Her eyes fell on a sofa placed by the wide window. Sitting on the soft sofa and closing her eyes, she was startled by a knock on the door.

A maid, bowing, handed Renev something.

“His Majesty the Emperor sent this to you, my lady.”

Renev looked at the round tin case and asked,

“What is this?”

“I’m merely the messenger and do not know its contents,” the maid replied.

Renev hesitated to take it and the maid continued,

“Oh, if you’re worried about its contents, I can open it for you.”

“That would be helpful, thank you.”

The maid opened the tin, releasing a refreshing mint scent.

‘Is it an ointment?’

The scent was pleasant, almost lifting her spirits, yet she remained cautious. A small, careless action could have massive repercussions in the palace.

In the current situation, it was not wise to accept something from an unknown source—even if it seemed to come from Icarus.

Most foreign guests staying in the palace were technically hostages to ensure peace, so their safety inside was guaranteed. Outside, however, things were different. Bashker nobles might react with suspicion.

Previous Bashker Emperors had kept visiting governments in the garden. Icarus’ approach was different, but some might still suspect foul play.

If the sender of the ointment wasn’t truly Icarus, who knew what it could contain?

The maid asked cautiously,

“Does the scent not please you, my lady?”

Renev blinked at the unexpected comment. The maid continued,

“I heard you’ve been riding for a long time, and His Majesty sent this for your sore muscles. The scent also has a calming effect.”

The maid went on to boast about His Majesty’s thoughtfulness.

“Please tell His Majesty that I’m grateful. Thank you for bringing it,” Renev said.

“I’ll tell him that it pleased you, my lady,” the maid said, bowing and leaving. Renev felt a little dazed.

…When was she ever truly pleased?

Later, the maids visited Renev to help with her bath.

She sent them all away. Even the charismatic, cold Icarus would ensure her safety.

Yet, no matter how capable he was, one could never know the intentions of others.

If a foreign guest were harmed inside the palace, the peace agreement would be jeopardized.

Though the garden seemed well-guarded, she could not let her guard down.

After finishing her bath and drying her wet hair, Renev noticed the dress placed on the sofa.

‘They must have brought it while I was bathing.’

Perhaps due to the slightly higher temperature than Paradium, the dress was thin and light.

It seemed possible to put it on alone.

Renev changed into the prepared dress and stood before the mirror.

The blue dress, slightly covering the shoulders but revealing the collarbone and chest, fit her perfectly, as if tailored for her.

The design was slightly unusual, but not unlike what she had worn in spring and summer in Paradium.

“It is quite pretty,” she murmured.

At that moment, a knock came, followed by a voice.

“My lady, excuse me.”

Standing outside was the maid who had delivered Icarus’ gift.

“What is it?”

“His Majesty wishes to have dinner with you.”

Renev’s eyes sharpened. At first, she naturally thought of Icarus when she heard “His Majesty.”

But she quickly realized that she didn’t yet fully understand the Bashker imperial family.

Even after the birth of Kael, Icarus had never had a partner. Perhaps he had loved someone in the past who had died young.

That might explain why he had never married, though he didn’t appear the type to be sentimental.

“Did His Majesty say so?”

“Yes, my lady.”

The maid, tilting her head innocently, added as if realizing something:

“Currently, His Majesty the Emperor is the only person referred to as ‘His Majesty’ in the Bashker imperial family.”

Renev was slightly surprised. The maid must have worked at the palace for a long time; her perceptiveness was impressive.

“Thank you for your kind explanation. Please tell His Majesty I will attend his dinner invitation.”

Renev stopped the maid as she turned to leave.

“Wait a moment. May I know your name?”

“My name is Kieren.”

“So you will be my personal attendant from now on?”