Chapter 5 – Issen (Part 8)

“Everyone, please be seated.”

How long do you intend to stand? 

The Empress urged with a smile. Jared pulled out his chair and sat down. To the right of the head seat, facing Bryant.

After the Duke took his seat, the two men and women across from him also sat down. Evelyn clasped her hands together under the table. Her fingers inside the white gloves were numb. Not only her fingers but her entire body felt frozen. The relationship between Bryant and the Empress no longer mattered. Whether cousins or uncle and niece, what did that have to do with her?

The problem Evelyn faced was that man. Jared Glenn.

“This meeting was not planned, but I arranged it at my discretion. I wanted to introduce you.”

Listening to the Empress, Evelyn lowered her eyes. To appear elegant and courteous. Not to reveal the tension that felt like it would explode.

“The Duke of Windberg rarely comes to the capital due to the distance, and Miss Howle, residing in Kingston, also finds it difficult to come. It’s not easy for you two to meet like this, so I’m glad the timing worked out.”

Jared did not add to the conversation. He listened quietly with his eyes half-lowered. So Evelyn still couldn’t deduce the full story of this situation or any hidden motives.

“Do you plan to stay in Issen until the festival, Duke?”

“Yes, Your Majesty. There are only a few days left until the banquet.”

“Ah, right. There are less than two weeks until the Sun Festival. It feels like just yesterday we finished the New Year’s banquet, and now March is already upon us.”

Time flies so fast. 

The Empress sighed lightly and continued.

“The Duke of Windberg has a great interest in literature. He is also engaged in supporting the activities of writers. Have you heard of Trissen’s ‘Artists’ Village,’ Miss Howle?”

The question was clearly directed at her. Evelyn immediately raised her eyes to meet the gaze of the woman at the head seat.

“No, Your Majesty. I’m sorry, but I haven’t heard of it.”

“There is nothing to apologize for. You’ve been abroad for a while, so it’s understandable.”

The Empress smiled gently as she looked at Evelyn. Her gaze openly revealed deep goodwill and interest. It was indeed an overwhelming reception, but Evelyn now felt a bit uneasy about the Empress’s interest in her.

“The Artists’ Village is a project supported by the Duke of Windberg. Its location is…”

“Chester.”

Jared, who had been listening quietly, spoke. Evelyn shifted her gaze to him. Chester. A place-name that was all too familiar.

‘Let’s go to Chester right after we get married. As soon as the transfer process is complete.’

How could she forget that name?

Jared looked at no one. Not even the Empress. He simply sat with impeccable posture, looking down at the table as he continued.

“A small barony.”

“That is overly modest. A city with a population of over 100,000 is not small.”

“I am honored.”

“How many writers are staying at the Artists’ Village?”

“I was last informed at the end of last year that there were fifty-five. There should be a few more now.”

“Wonderful.”

The Empress expressed admiration. Her intention to elevate him was evident. It slightly heightened Evelyn’s anxiety.

“The Duke of Windberg provides them with writing spaces. He takes care of their accommodation and meals, and supports publication once their works are completed. It is an unprecedented literary support project in Trissen.”

“…”

“I hope you will visit there, Miss Howle.”

Evelyn suppressed the urge to close her eyes tightly.

What is all this about? 

But she could not know the circumstances entangled in places she couldn’t see. All Evelyn could see was this very moment, the conversation among the four men and women seated in the audience chamber, and the intentions hidden within it.

The most evident of these was the Empress’s intention, which was displayed openly.

“It would be a good trip. Visiting Chester, that is.”

The Empress wanted Evelyn to visit the Artists’ Village.

“Come back and tell me about it. I want to hear what impression you get.”

The Empress wanted to meet with Evelyn once more.

“Since the Duke is staying until the Sun Festival, how about he guides you personally? It might be beneficial for both of you to form a connection.”

The Empress also wished for Evelyn to become closer to Jared Glenn.

That was as far as the clearly visible facts went. However, Evelyn couldn’t even begin to guess what might be hidden in places she couldn’t see. Unlike characters in novels, the people in reality did not show her everything. In this complex situation she was experiencing for the first time in years, Evelyn felt a sense of crisis and frustration.

Characters in novels move according to their desires. Every desire inevitably has its own circumstances. Therefore, the most important question a writer must know when constructing a character is this:

Why?

Why does this character want that?

“I will gladly do so.”

Jared responded immediately to the Empress’s words. There wasn’t even a hint of hesitation or deliberation. Evelyn watched as he slowly lifted his lowered eyes. Then, meeting the gaze of the man looking at her, she asked herself internally.

Why?

“Miss Howle. Will you accompany me to Chester?”

Why, indeed, does this person…

“If a distinguished novelist visits, it would bring great joy to the writers in the Artists’ Village.”

“…”

“Of course, it would also be a very joyful and welcome event for me.”

That was the extent of the invitation. Jared now closed his mouth and looked at the woman’s face. Everyone in the room was quietly waiting for her answer. So she needed to speak quickly, but Evelyn couldn’t part her lips. She wanted to refuse. She wanted to politely but firmly decline, saying that while she appreciated the invitation, she couldn’t go. If that were possible.

No, if there were more options available, she actually wanted to question him. 

What do you want from me? Why now, appearing so unreasonably, and why are you putting on this kind of play?

What do you gain by putting me in this predicament?

Evelyn simply looked at Jared’s face with her mouth closed. A face from which she couldn’t discern any ulterior motives. As if staring intently at that face would yield answers.

During this prolonged silence, Evelyn grew anxious. She couldn’t say she would go, nor could she say she wouldn’t.

Just as the atmosphere in the audience chamber was about to become slightly awkward,

“The Artists’ Village. It sounds intriguing.”

Bryant, who had been quietly listening, spoke up.

“If the Duke personally invites us, how could we possibly refuse? It would be an honor for us.”

His tone was polite and clear. Evelyn saw Jared’s gaze shift to her side. After silently looking at Bryant for a moment, he replied briefly with a face that didn’t look particularly pleased.

“I am glad you accepted.”

“How far is Chester from here? We don’t plan to stay in Trissen long, so if it’s too far, it might be challenging to schedule.”

“It’s not far. It takes four hours by train from here.”

“Four hours. Good. When will we depart?”

“I’ll inform you of the details soon. Where are you staying?”

Jared shifted his gaze back to Evelyn. But once again, the answer came from Bryant.

“We’re on Linden Street.”

“…”

“I’ll provide the address today. I assume you’re at Glanz Court, Duke.”

“Yes. I have a townhouse there.”

“I’ll send a telegram there.”

“Please do.”

Evelyn listened to the conversation between the two men with a sense of unease. On the surface, it sounded calm and amicable, but beneath it was a tension that neither side would yield. This made Evelyn even more anxious. She worried that the man sitting next to her might have sensed something. He was a perceptive and quick-witted person. He might find her behavior unusual compared to usual.

And that was the last thing Evelyn wanted.

“Miss Howle.”

So Evelyn tried to smile while looking at Jared. She felt insulted every time he called her “Miss Howle,” but she couldn’t afford to harden up any further. As naturally as possible. Kindly and politely, as if meeting the Duke for the first time. In a manner befitting Evelyn Dale.

“Is this your first visit to the Imperial Palace?”

“Of course, it’s my first time. You may not know, Duke, but such an honorable event doesn’t happen often for someone like me.”

The attempt to act “befitting Evelyn Dale” hit the mark. The Empress, who had been listening, laughed softly, and Bryant smiled.

“I see.”

Even Jared showed a slight smile, regardless of his true feelings.

“You must have been very surprised.”

“…In many ways, yes.”

“I can imagine. The inner castle of Issen is a very special place.”

Jared lowered his gaze and nodded lightly. Then he looked at the woman again. An expression that revealed no ulterior motives. Eyes that conveyed nothing.

A dry smile at the corner of his lips.

“If it’s all right, Your Majesty, may I take Miss Howle for a brief tour of the palace?”

Turning his gaze to the Empress, he continued speaking.

“It must have been a while since you met your uncle, so I’m sure you have much to catch up on. While you both have a comfortable chat, I’ll show Miss Howle around the garden.”

Maintaining a faint smile, Evelyn gently bit the inside of her lip.

“I also seem to have some urgent matters to discuss with the writer.”

As he spoke, Jared looked at her again. Evelyn met his gaze without dropping her smile. She still couldn’t see what he wanted or what his hidden intentions were. But one thing was certain.

He knew about this meeting in advance and had come prepared.

“That sounds like a good idea. Please do.”

The Empress granted permission. The Duke rose from his seat as if he had been waiting. Evelyn looked at the slender, long ceremonial sword hanging at his waist. Bryant, sitting beside her, said nothing. Therefore, there was no other choice for Evelyn but to rise and follow the Duke without further comment.