Chapter 8 – The Northern Banquet (Part 4)

When the nobles who had presented their gifts gathered on the right, the only ones left on the left were Inferno and Bellaruse. The nobles began whispering as they confirmed who was left.

“As they are royalty, they must have prepared an incredible gift.”

“Oh, but there’s no paper left in the steward’s hands.”

“Surely, they didn’t attend the banquet without a gift?”

With the last noble’s words, the banquet hall fell silent. The curious glances directed at Inferno and Bellaruse began to turn into anger.

Tartenon was the ruler and Grand Duke of the North. Coming to him without a proper gift was a blatant disregard for the North.

Although the northern nobles hadn’t fully submitted to Tartenon, that was an internal matter among the northerners. The fact that the royals from the capital were disrespecting Tartenon was tantamount to looking down on all northerners.

“Is there really no paper left?”

The absence of remaining paper meant the gift list was finished. Deliberately confirming it once more with Paddington, Tartenon announced the start of the banquet.

“Start the banquet.”

Despite Tartenon’s command, no one moved. They just stared at Inferno and Bellaruse.

“How shameless.”

“They must think so little of the North.”

“Even as royals, they wouldn’t be able to handle all those monsters without the northern region.”

“Indeed.”

The Marquis of Istorium added. The nobles looked at him in surprise, as the Marquis, who always remained neutral, spoke up.

Only then did they realize. The Marquis of Istorium had decided to side with Tartenon.

Quick-witted nobles hurriedly called their servants to relay this information. Survival depended on information. Especially the nobles who were eyeing an alliance with Viverna moved the fastest.

Reubellina, of course, noticed their swift movements. She subtly glanced around, observing people’s faces.

Despite the music flowing in the banquet hall per Tartenon’s order, no one moved. Everyone was criticizing Inferno for being rude and ungentlemanly.

‘Hmm.’

The situation wasn’t bad, but if it continued, it wouldn’t be good for the northerners. After assessing the situation, Reubellina extended her hand to Tartenon.

“Shall we dance?”

Tartenon, staring at her white hand, leaned toward her and whispered in a low voice.

“It might be better not to ask me to dance in this situation.”

“Can’t you see I’m saving the North right now?”

“Saving the North?”

“Of course.”

When Tartenon took Reubellina’s hand and moved to the center of the banquet hall, the nobles made way. The northerners, Inferno, and Bellaruse, who were on opposite sides, naturally mingled.

As the music played, Tartenon, with graceful movements, danced with Reubellina.

“See? It’s a bit better now, right?”

“Indeed.”

Only then did Tartenon understand Reubellina’s true intention. If rumors spread that the northern nobles shunned and mistreated the royal Inferno, the emperor in the capital wouldn’t remain idle. The emperor likely knew this and sent Inferno.

Inferno, notorious for his arrogance, had been sent to the North, probably because of this.

Reubellina was sure of it. The Inferno she knew was full of pride and lived in the arrogance of being royalty.

“No need to give them any reason.”

“I have a wise wife.”

“Now that you know, do better.”

Reubellina whispered in his ear. As her warm breath brushed past his ear, Tartenon felt his body stiffen. Smiling, Reubellina spun away from him. Then Tartenon pulled her back with strong force.

The dress, which Brua had painstakingly crafted, spread out elegantly, and the noblewomen and young ladies exclaimed. It was a beautiful dress. The fabric attached to the white dress shone under the lights. As the light hit different parts, the skirt emitted various hues, making it look as if opals were embedded on the fabric.

“I thought I was doing well so far.”

“Do you really think so?”

Reubellina, with her back against Tartenon, whispered. Her hands, holding the skirt, extended perfectly as she turned toward Tartenon. Her spinning movements were precise, like those in an etiquette book.

“Oh my!”

The noblewomen, realizing this, exclaimed. They had heard she was a lady from the capital, but they had thought she was just a rich upstart. Yet here she was, displaying perfect manners.

“As expected of someone once destined to be a princess.”

“Indeed. Compared to her…”

“I don’t understand what he saw in that woman to choose her.”

“She must have some other impressive qualities we don’t know about.”

Bellaruse wanted to shut the mouths of the noblewomen praising Reubellina. She also wanted to hit the young ladies making disparaging remarks with her fan.

‘I should be in that position!’

Yes, the position of the Grand Duchess was originally Bellaruse’s. But it was taken by Reubellina, and she ended up beside Inferno, a useless royal. It was all Reubellina’s fault for taking her place. Reubellina stole her fortune.

She should have been standing next to Tartenon, not Inferno. 

‘It’s all because of that b*tch.’

Bellaruse’s eyes burned with anger as she glared at Reubellina.

However, she couldn’t act immediately. Bellaruse took a deep breath.

This wasn’t the capital where Inferno’s influence reached.She saw the sharp gazes directed at her earlier. She clearly remembered the hostile looks of the northern nobles.

They were antagonistic towards her. She didn’t know what Reubellina had said, but she knew her reputation in the North was bad. That made her despise Reubellina even more.

‘I’ll wait for my chance.’

She could wait as long as needed. She had waited by Tartenon’s side and then taken her place by Inferno. Bellaruse was confident. She could turn the situation around at any moment. As soon as she saw an opening, she would seize it. Bellaruse’s eyes gleamed.

Of course, Reubellina immediately noticed Bellaruse’s gaze. She wasn’t the only one who noticed. Tartenon did too.

He whispered to Reubellina as he held her hand.

“My senses stings.”

“Well, it’s nothing compared to mine.”

“We should be careful, even if nothing happens in the North.”

Tartenon’s worried words made Reubellina laugh. Her graceful movements spun her around. When she got close to Tartenon again, she rested her face on his chest.

“Who would dare touch me when I’m the second most powerful person in the North now?”

“…That’s true.”

As the music ended with a soft harp sound, Tartenon and Reubellina bowed to each other. Reubellina, escorted by Tartenon, approached the nobles conversing in the hall.

“Oh my. Thank you for coming today as well, Marquis of Istorium.”

“You look beautiful as always, Your Grace.”

Starting a conversation with the Marquis of Istorium, Reubellina tried to let go of Tartenon’s hand. But Tartenon, not wanting to part from her, gripped her hand tighter. However, under Reubellina’s sharp gaze, he had to let go, clearing his throat awkwardly.

The Marquis of Istorium, witnessing this, added a word.

“My, it seems the Grand Duke cherishes the Grand Duchess very much.”

It was a remark to shield Reubellina, who had the disadvantage of being a duchess from the capital. Tartenon’s affection for Reubellina was a form of power. Reubellina slightly bowed her head towards the Marquis, acknowledging this.

“Your Grace, your dress today is stunning. Is it from Scheh Boutique?”

The Marchioness of Istorium approached and spoke to her. As the Marchioness approached, Tartenon naturally stepped back, and the noblewomen and young ladies, who had been watching, flocked to Reubellina.

“Hello, Your Grace. I am…”

“Your Grace, I am from the Count of Basilian……”

Reubellina responded with a gentle smile, listening attentively to the noisy chatter of the young ladies and noblewomen. Bellaruse, seeing her smile, felt her expression twist, but she couldn’t easily approach. The young ladies and noblewomen intentionally blocked her path.

The sound of loud laughter echoed. Surrounded by noblewomen and young ladies, Reubellina seemed to be having an endless good time. Bellaruse was the only one unable to join in. Being royalty, Inferno conversed with the northern nobles.

Left alone by the wall, Bellaruse narrowed her eyes. She looked for a young lady she could easily approach, but the northerners were never favorable to her. They were the same when she was once engaged to Tartenon.

Reubellina called out to the quietly standing Bellaruse.

“Lady Zeraon, why don’t you come over here and have a glass of wine with us?”

At Reubellina’s words, the eyes of the young ladies and noblewomen turned to Bellaruse. Refusing Reubellina’s invitation would mean never being accepted in northern society.

‘It would have been different in the capital’s social circles!’

Bellaruse grumbled inwardly, but didn’t forget to add an innocent smile on her face. As she slowly walked over, Reubellina handed her a wine glass. At that moment, a clever idea popped into Bellaruse’s mind.

‘Alright, let’s try that method.’

Bellaruse took the wine glass from Reubellina and spoke.

“Thank you for your kindness.”

“Oh my! Your speech is a bit short, isn’t it?”

The young lady from the Count of Basilian added, noting that Bellaruse had omitted the honorific “Your Grace” that should have followed. Reubellina opened her fan, signaling her displeasure.