Chapter 8 – The Northern Banquet (Part 2)

It was amusing. For the Grand Duke not to be decided by political maneuvering, Tartenon had to become the Grand Duke. In the North, the one with the greatest military strength becomes the Grand Duke. But Viverna didn’t acknowledge that and continued to build her power. The northern nobles who followed her were also a problem.

But now, the Marquis of Istorium was opposing Tartenon’s plan to eliminate all threats to the North.

“At the very least, I hope Your Grace will take a different path from the previous Grand Dukes. There’s no guarantee that the logic of power will always prevail.”

“That’s why.”

“I wish for the North to be eternal.”

Tartenon agreed with the Marquis’s words that eternal North would be difficult under the Freynante Empire. The Freynante royal family was hostile to the Speraum family and was trying to strip the northern title of a ruler and incorporate it into the Freynante Empire. That’s why the support of the Asillious family was needed.

No matter how he thought about it, he was a better match for Reubellina than the incompetent Inferno. It was unfortunate for the Asillious family, who had to share their fate with the North, but it couldn’t be helped. Marriage couldn’t be decided purely on emotions.

Tartenon made a choice for survival, and Reubellina joined hands with him for mutual benefit.

From the moment Inferno’s infidelity was exposed, the Asillious family and the Freynante royal family could no longer be allies. Of course, it was Tartenon who had orchestrated Inferno’s entanglement with Bellaruse, but he thought it was inevitable. If Inferno had truly loved Reubellina, he wouldn’t have turned his eyes towards Bellaruse.

Shallow emotions would eventually leave scars, so it was better to burst the wound early to prevent festering.

Tartenon was confident. He could make Reubellina shine and be happier than anyone else.

“At least it’s fortunate that such a wise person as Her Grace is here in the North.”

“Reubellina can’t be compared to some princess.”

“I’m glad to hear Your Grace, who wasn’t very interested in people, say such things.”

Despite the Marquis’s slightly bitter expression, Tartenon didn’t mind.

“Duke Asillious entrusted her to my care, recognizing her talents, and she has found ways to make money from the North’s resources.”

“Is that so?”

The Marquis’s tone suggested he wasn’t particularly interested but would listen. Tartenon continued speaking, seemingly oblivious.

“She’s from a prestigious ducal family, beautiful and intelligent….”

“My daughter is also quite beautiful.”

“No one can compare to Reubellina.”

Tartenon responded immediately, his face filled with pride.

“I didn’t expect Your Grace to become like this.”

“Neither did I.”

Tartenon’s voice was so low it was barely audible. The Marquis found Tartenon’s somewhat bitter tone puzzling but didn’t ask further. There was no benefit in meddling in a couple’s affairs.

When the Marquis said he would leave, Tartenon responded with a light gesture.

Even after the Marquis left the office, Tartenon couldn’t bring himself to get up. He knew he needed to hurry and prepare for the banquet, but he didn’t feel like moving.

‘Is this okay?’

This marriage that started as a contract.

But he had no regrets. Without the contract, this relationship wouldn’t have even begun. Tartenon couldn’t bear to see Reubellina happy with another man.

‘If that were possible, I would have let her go long ago.’

He wouldn’t have spent so much time and effort to stand by her side.

Tartenon’s blue eyes gleamed. Reubellina might be with him because of the contract now, but it would be different in the end. Her feelings were already starting to shift towards him, and in three years, she would lean even more in his direction.

Tartenon was certain. He could ensure that the contract wouldn’t even be mentioned in three years. No, he vowed to make it so. No one could see the determination in his shining eyes.

Finishing his thoughts, he stood up. As the office door opened, Paddington approached as if he had been waiting.

“You need to change your clothes quickly.”

“I know without being told.”

Seeing Tartenon’s face stiffen after his private conversation with the Marquis, Paddington spoke cautiously, but the response was cold. Thinking Tartenon was angry because of the Marquis, Paddington moved even more carefully to avoid irritating him.

Paddington attached the Speraum insignia to Tartenon’s jacket after he had changed. Confirming that his attire was complete, Tartenon left without looking in the mirror. He wanted to see Reubellina immediately.

‘If it weren’t for the banquet….’

He would have gone to see her right after meeting the Marquis instead of changing clothes.

His steps quickened with regret. Soon, the corridor was filled only with the sound of Tartenon’s footsteps and those of the knights following him.

The servants of the Grand Duke’s household bowed as they passed, but Tartenon didn’t notice them. His mind was filled with thoughts of Reubellina.

Finally, when he stood in front of the dressing room where Reubellina was being adorned, Sandy, who was outside, widened her eyes in surprise. Tartenon’s breathing was not at all disturbed despite his brisk walk.

“Her Grace is still preparing.”

“Still?”

“The banquet hasn’t started yet, Your Grace.”

Paddington informed him of the time.

‘So that’s why the moon isn’t visible yet.’

But what did it matter? It wasn’t a flaw for a groom to want to see his bride a little early.

Tartenon asked Sandy,

“Is she still changing?”

“No, she’s finishing the final touches on the dress.”

“They put an unfinished dress on my bride?”

“It’s a dress that needs to be completed while worn, according to the designer.”

“Designer?”

“Brua is inside.”

Tartenon turned his gaze to Paddington, who flinched under his sharp look and stepped forward.

“A designer from the capital brought the dress personally.”

“I wasn’t informed that she entered the dressing room.”

“I tried to report it, but you were in conversation with the Marquis.”

“Report immediately from now on.”

“Yes.”

Relieved by Tartenon’s mercy, Paddington decided that he would report every detail of Reubellina’s activities in the future, convinced that Tartenon was thoroughly smitten.

“Open the door.”

Sandy had no choice but to open the door under Tartenon’s stern command. As the door opened, Tartenon saw Reubellina standing elegantly.

Seeing her directly, Tartenon’s mind went blank. The word “beautiful” couldn’t fully express his feelings.

“You’re here?”

When Reubellina spoke to him, Tartenon finally managed to respond.

“You’re beautiful.”

“Right? Look at this dress! It’s all hand-made….”

“No, you are beautiful.”

Reubellina’s chatty mouth closed instantly. Tartenon’s gaze remained fixed on her. Brua, noticing Reubellina’s embarrassment under Tartenon’s intense gaze, stepped in.

“Of course! My dress is pretty, but it can’t compare to Her Grace. A beautiful person enhances the dress’s elegance!”

As expected of a designer seasoned in the social world, Brua’s appropriate intervention was supported by the maids and even Paddington. Surrounded by praises of her beauty, Reubellina felt her cheeks heat up. She wanted to hide her face but couldn’t touch her makeup.

Thinking she needed to be more brazen in such situations, Reubellina held her head high.

“Please escort me. We need to go to the banquet hall.”

Reubellina raised her hand imperiously, as if wondering why Tartenon hadn’t yet taken her hand. Tartenon immediately stepped forward, grasped her hand, and led her out of the dressing room. Sandy carefully held the train of Reubellina’s flowing dress to prevent it from sweeping along the corridor.

“The people in the banquet hall will be astonished.” 

“Hm? Oh, because I’m so beautiful?” 

Reubellina tilted her head playfully, but Tartenon was serious.

“Yes.”

Reubellina had intended it as a joke, but Tartenon’s earnest response made her feel a bit embarrassed, and she laughed awkwardly.

“I heard that some uninvited guests will be attending the banquet today.” 

“You’ve already heard?”

“Were you not planning to tell me?”

“Of course not. I intended to tell you on the way.”

“Now?”

“Yes, now.”

“Should I be relieved that you planned to tell me before we entered the banquet hall?” 

Reubellina’s voice turned sharp, causing Tartenon to clear his throat. He muttered something about wanting to tell her earlier, but Reubellina didn’t respond.

She couldn’t forgive him for withholding information about Inferno and Bellaruse. If she had been taken by surprise and made a mistake in front of everyone, it would have been her embarrassment.

“I didn’t want you to know about the Second Prince.”

Reubellina found herself at a loss for words.

“Well, that…”

‘That’s understandable. Yes, it is.’