DEHH 15

Chapter – 15

Kieren’s cheeks reddened slightly, blinking as if flustered at Renève’s words.

“Ah… well… if the Lady wishes it, then I suppose it would be so?”

Renève nodded slightly.

“I look forward to working with you. I will inform His Majesty myself.”

“It is an infinite honor to serve such a distinguished person, my Lady.”

Kieren replied, still bewildered. Working in the imperial palace was already a tremendous opportunity for a commoner, but serving someone of such stature made it all the more significant. The power of the one you served became the power of the maid herself.

“Kieren, after delivering the message, if you have time, could you keep me company for a while?”

“Of course! My Lady.”

Renève spent tea time with Kieren before the scheduled dinner with Icar. The conversation mostly revolved around who currently held influence within the Bashker imperial court. Having held the position of Empress for a long time, Renève knew very well how to survive in the palace. She also knew all too clearly what it meant to remain complacent and fall behind in information.

Upon arriving at the dining room, Renève had to take great care not to gape in awe. The room overflowed with rare treasures, even to someone like her, who had encountered countless precious items as an Empress.

“So it’s true that Bashker’s treasury overflows with wealth.”

The large table, capable of seating dozens, was adorned with gold.

“…Isn’t that an Anghel national treasure?”

Her gaze shifted to the paintings that covered one wall. Though Anghel had long been destroyed, the imperial family had a hobby of collecting its art, owing to the country’s past renown. Nearby stood Lucius. On one occasion, Lucius had purchased a famous painting from Anghel, paying an astronomical sum.

“His Majesty should arrive shortly,” the attendant said as Renève admired the artwork.

“That’s fine. I don’t mind waiting a little,” Renève replied. She had arrived slightly ahead of schedule and used the time to carefully observe the dining room.

The colorful gems decorating the room reflected light brilliantly, sparkling everywhere. By now, expensive jewels seemed almost like ordinary stones scattered across the floor.

“I wonder… what kind of expression will he have?”

Throughout the journey to Bashker, Icar had introduced himself as Drhan. No doubt, Gra would have come up with a plausible explanation without seeming awkward.

As Renève pondered this, Icar entered the dining room.

“…!”

Unlike during the journey, Icar looked immaculate. His dark blue uniform was perfectly crisp, and his neatly combed hair emphasized his striking features. He had always been remarkably handsome, but now he was dazzling.

Renève was momentarily stunned, but quickly composed herself and rose to her feet.

“Seiren’s Renève. I pay my respects to His Majesty, Emperor of Bashker.”

Icar’s eyebrow twitched slightly at her formal greeting. Renève caught the glance, lowering her eyes. Some emperors might interpret prolonged eye contact as a challenge.

Icar waited quietly for her to take her seat. A low voice then came from him:

“Sit.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Seeing Renève sit calmly, Icar felt a twinge of unease. Before this dinner, he had spent longer than usual in front of the mirror, fussing over his appearance. His attendant, who had been fixing his hair, finally spoke:

“Your Majesty, all done.”

“And… how do I appear to you all?” Icar asked.

“With all due respect, Your Majesty’s beauty shines brighter than ever. I fear my eyes may be blinded,” said the attendant, shading his eyes as if to protect them from the sun while jesting.

For cross-verification, Icar glanced at the clothing coordinator.

“With twenty years of experience, I can assure you that this attire suits you perfectly. Any color flatters you, but especially this dark blue—it matches your hair wonderfully.”

“Yes, exactly! Perfect!”

The attendants nodded fervently, lavishing him with praise.

Bane, who had been observing silently, interjected.

“Your Majesty, forgive me, but may I ask—will there be a ball at the palace today?”

Icar examined his reflection and replied promptly:

“No.”

“Then why so meticulous about your appearance, more than usual?”

Before the attendant could respond, another arrived to report:

“Your Majesty, Seiren’s young lady has arrived in the dining room.”

“I see.”

Icar immediately turned and walked toward the corridor. He was naturally fast due to his height, but today his pace quickened further.

Bane, walking alongside Drhan, asked:

“You’ve met that Lady, right?”

Drhan nodded.

“Is she beautiful?”

“Step aside,” Drhan replied dismissively, moving past Bane.

“I asked first,” Bane insisted.

“I don’t know, you can go see for yourself if you’re curious,” Drhan said casually. Then he suddenly shouted:

“No! Absolutely not, don’t go!”

Nonetheless, Bane grabbed Drhan’s arm, pleading.

“It’s better if we go together.”

“You really shouldn’t. It’ll be very troublesome if you go now.”

“Who?”

Drhan ignored Bane’s words and headed to his office. Bane, unwilling to be left behind, followed.

“Who would be troubled, huh?”

During dinner, Icar kept glancing at Renève, though sparingly to avoid drawing attention.

“Did you find the meal satisfactory?” he asked.

Renève, now a guest from Paradium and a symbol of peace, was treated with utmost courtesy.

“Very satisfactory. Thank you again for your hospitality, Your Majesty,” Renève replied with a smile. Her etiquette was flawless, a model of noble elegance.

There was no hint of surprise or warmth—her demeanor suggested the careful distance of someone meeting him for the first time.

“I’m glad to hear that,” Icar said.

The dining room included not just Renève and Icar, but also several senior attendants. A guest’s treatment on the first day often influenced their standing in the palace. Icar treated her with the utmost respect.

“As you may have heard, construction is ongoing, so you’ll stay in temporary lodgings for now. Once completed, you’ll be relocated promptly.”

“The current accommodations are very comfortable, so there’s no rush,” Renève replied with a slight nod.

Icar continued, “But if you require anything…”

Observing her blinking, he shook his head.

“Do not hesitate to ask. During your study period, Bashker will provide you with full support.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty. I have one request.”

“Speak.”

“It concerns the maid Your Majesty sent with a message for me.”

“Why her?”

Renève relaxed her guard slightly, wanting clarity.

“I received the ointment she delivered. Thanks to it, my muscle aches have eased. Your thoughtfulness is much appreciated.”

Renève smiled with her eyes closed, and Icar’s eyes widened slightly.

“I’m glad it helped you.”

“As you said it was for my convenience, may I have that maid as my personal attendant?”

“Anything you wish.”

“Thank you.”

Renève placed her napkin on the table, signaling the end of the meal. Icar did the same.

Afterward, as they naturally walked toward his office, Icar suddenly stopped. The attendants behind him halted as well.

“Your Majesty, why stop?”

“I will retire for the night. You may take your leave.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. Have a restful night.”

Dismissed, Icar headed not to his bedroom but toward the northern section of the palace gardens. He walked alone, reflecting, letting his thoughts settle.

“What is this unease?”

Soon, he encountered the silver-haired figure of a woman walking in the garden.

Meanwhile, Renève strolled through the grand garden, chatting with Kieren.

“So, aside from me, two other guests will be present in the garden?”

“Yes, the Princess of Solti will arrive in a few days.”

Renève nodded lightly, her expression calm, her pace neither fast nor slow, though her mind was actively at work.

“So he was steadily building power from this point…”

Even before returning to the past, Icar had absorbed neighboring countries. Except for a few empires, most had come under his control. But that would happen far in the future.

“Will there be a chance to converse with the other guests?”

“If the Lady wishes, His Majesty has permitted a tea party.”

“A tea party… that sounds pleasant.”

Renève lightly clapped her palms together.

“You must have been taking a walk,” a deep voice rumbled overhead.

Kieren, sensing the newcomer, stepped back and bowed deeply.

Renève bent her knees slightly and greeted Icar.

“Your Majesty, are you out for a walk as well?”

“Something like that.”

Hands clasped behind him, Icar motioned for Kieren to leave. The maid hurriedly stepped back, and Icar suddenly changed his demeanor.

“When did it start?”

His gaze, sharp enough to strip bones clean, made Renève tense her shoulders. Yet she intentionally wore an innocent expression, unwilling to show fear.

“Your Majesty, I don’t understand what you mean.”

“I mean… when did you realize who I truly am?”