Chapter 108

The King’s summons came while Evelyn was still being tormented by the maids.

Since dawn, she had been subjected to mud baths, milk baths, and herbal wraps, to the point where she felt as though she might die of exhaustion.

At first, Evelyn had obediently endured, thinking, ‘Baths are nice—massages are nice,’ but as the hours wore on, it became tiring and tedious.

“Miss, please stop moving. Are you uncomfortable?”

“It’s not that I’m uncomfortable, but when will this end?”

“This is just the beginning. If you’re tired, you can sleep.”

What more could they possibly do here?!

Evelyn’s skin, washed and massaged multiple times, was now so soft that even a fly landing on it would slip off. Yet, the maids seemed to know no satisfaction and continued to apply various substances. This time, it was fermented yogurt.

“Anna, you’re not actually cooking me, are you?”

“Pardon?”

“I feel like I’d make a tasty roast if you put me in the oven.”

“What a horrible thing to say.”

The process of soaking her in mud, then milk, and then applying spices felt eerily similar to food preparation, leaving Evelyn uneasy.

“Just bear with it a little longer. Look how calm Boksil is, receiving the same treatment.”

-Coo!-

Boksil, who was also being pampered with the same care, let out a sound of pure joy. Evelyn sighed deeply and let her body go limp.

At that moment, there was a knock at the door, followed by someone entering the bathroom. A familiar voice came from beyond the screen.

“Miss, I apologize for interrupting, but Her Majesty the King has sent an urgent summons for you to enter the palace.”

“Right now?”

“Yes, she has even permitted the use of ‘The Path.’”

Evelyn immediately rose from the treatment bed, prompting the maids to pout in displeasure.

“But we’ve only just begun. Must you go?”

“It’s a royal decree. If Her Majesty is summoning me urgently, it must be important.”

As Evelyn hastened to prepare, the maids reluctantly began rinsing off the yogurt, their faces full of dissatisfaction.

“Her Majesty is truly unreasonable. What could be more important than wedding preparations for someone about to become a bride?”

Unable to endure their dawdling, the head maid interjected.

“Her Majesty is waiting outside. Hurry up.”

The maids, now silent, busily resumed their preparations. Seeing this, Boksil chirped insistently, signaling her desire to follow Evelyn.

“Boksil, you can stay here and continue your pampering.”

-Pook!-

Despite her apparent love for the treatment, Boksil shook her head in refusal. Left with no choice, Evelyn had Boksil prepared to accompany her.

Boksil picked out accessories from the gifts offered by admirers to adorn herself. Today, she chose a yellow hat made by Maria and a green tie given by Seth. Naturally, they suited Boksil perfectly.

“Oh, my darling. You’re just adorable.”

-Coo coo!-

Evelyn praised Boksil while stroking her. Thanks to the care she received, Boksil’s fur was now soft and shiny. Evelyn thought she might need to give the maids a bonus.

‘Though I wish they’d ease up on my treatments…’

The thought of enduring such pampering for an entire month made Evelyn sigh. She resolved to negotiate with the maids upon her return.

***

Using ‘The King’s Path,’ Evelyn and her party arrived at the palace in no time.

Had they traveled by carriage, there would have been time for conversation, which Evelyn regretted.

“Eve? What’s wrong?”

Seth noticed Evelyn’s gaze and smiled warmly. Evelyn replied carefully, trying not to let her feelings show.

“I’m disappointed I won’t have time to talk with you, Seth.”

“Then how about a short walk before we head back?”

“Really?”

Seeing Evelyn’s delight, Seth smiled gently. Yet, for some reason, his serene expression made Evelyn uneasy.

Ever since the runaway pigs returned yesterday, Seth had been unusually calm.

‘I didn’t expect him to lash out…’

Even when the three brown pigs suggested marriage, Seth hadn’t asked any questions, which felt odd—like an air conditioner breaking down without explanation.

-Coo?-

Boksil tilted her head, wondering why Evelyn was standing still.

Realizing she had been staring at Seth absentmindedly, Evelyn quickly composed herself and straightened her posture.

For now, meeting the King safely was the priority.

“Evelyn Hynes greets Her Majesty the King.”

“You’ve arrived?”

The King had summoned them not to the audience hall but to the sunroom.

The sunroom, decorated like a small greenhouse, was the perfect place to lift one’s spirits. The warm light and the scent of herbs wafting from all directions seemed to banish gloom.

However, it seemed to have little effect on the King, who frowned deeply.

“I didn’t summon that one.”

The King directed sharp words at Seth, who had followed Evelyn. Seth, however, remained silent and bowed respectfully.

“Well, fine. Sit down for now.”

Reluctantly offering them seats, the King sighed heavily. Clearly, there was a problem.

“A troublesome figure from the Holy Kingdom has been sent.”

“What?”

“We’ve received information that Leodinas, the Holy Knight Commander, has secretly entered the country. He’s likely concealing his identity and moving covertly.”

Evelyn felt Seth flinch as she tried to recall the details.

The Holy Kingdom was home to the Great Temple of the Earth God. It was also where Seth spent his childhood training to become a Holy Knight.

‘The Holy Knight Commander ranks third in the kingdom’s hierarchy, after the Saintess and the High Priest, right?’

Since Seth was once the next in line for Holy Knight Commander, it was likely he knew Leodinas. Evelyn decided to remember the name.

“His purpose is obvious—to spy on you, the future Duchess, and the Priestess of the Sky God. Though he probably doesn’t yet know they’re the same person.”

The King’s serious tone made Evelyn tense up.

“Is he truly that dangerous?”

“He’s the type who refused the position of Holy Knight Commander to work as an Inquisitor. Does that explain enough?”

Oh, that sounded like someone with a terrifying personality.

“He’s as relentless as a hunting dog and believes the words of the mountain take precedence over everything. It’s best to avoid meeting him entirely.”

Evelyn imagined a man wielding a mace, wandering around asking, ‘Do you know the Way?’—definitely someone she’d rather not encounter.

“So, Evelyn, would you consider going to the North for a while?”

“…Pardon?”

Was this exile following house arrest?

“The North needs someone to oversee and manage the delivery of food supplies. I trust you, Evelyn, to take on this role.”

Fortunately, it seemed to be a business trip rather than exile. Evelyn glanced at Seth, hesitating before she spoke.

“Um, Your Majesty. My wedding is in a month…”

“You can use The King’s Path to ensure you return in time.”

The King authorized the use of The King’s Path for all personnel traveling to the North, as well as the additional food supplies.

“Your Majesty, the King’s Path does not extend fully to the North, as it’s outside the territory of the Ancient United Kingdom. She would have to travel partway by carriage or horseback, and Evelyn’s frail health wouldn’t withstand such a cold journey.”

Seth, who had been quietly listening, voiced his objection.

The King chuckled dryly.

“Then what? Should I throw Evelyn to the hunting dog?”

“….”

“The more you try to protect her, the more relentless he’ll become. Do you think you can kill him this time?”

Seth fell silent, his expression frozen. The King tapped the table with her fingertips.

“There’s no way to hide Evelyn without a valid reason. If you dislike the North, I’ll send her as an envoy to Navarre or Roen. At least she won’t freeze there.”

“Your Majesty, our relations with those places are currently unstable.”

“If you reject every option, there’s no solution. You know I don’t want to send Evelyn away either!”

The King seemed genuinely angry. Startled, Evelyn quickly spoke up.

“Your Majesty! Actually, I’ve been wanting to go to the North!”

“….”

“I’m curious about the food deliveries, and I’ve recently made friends there. I’ll be fine. Don’t worry—I’ll inspect everything thoroughly and return safely.”

So please don’t be angry with Seth.

The King sighed at Evelyn’s pleading gaze and replied.

“Evelyn, I promise to take every precaution to ensure your safety. You just need to visit the North and return unharmed.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

The King assured Evelyn that she would be sent as a representative to express gratitude for the North’s support but emphasized that her role would be purely symbolic. In other words, she was simply going on a vacation.

“The official appointment will be made tomorrow. Prepare accordingly.”

Evelyn thought about packing her belongings, imagining the maids weeping in despair. Still, she was relieved to escape the massages for a while.

“Seth, stay behind for a moment.”

Evelyn had hoped to speak with Seth after leaving the King’s presence, but the unexpected command caught her off guard. Seth hesitated, looking at the King.

“I can see you scheming. Don’t waste your efforts—sit back down.”

Despite the King’s stern words, Seth hesitated to move. Feeling it might be because of her, Evelyn spoke first.

“Seth, I’ll be at the Wardrobe Department. Let’s talk afterward.”

“…Alright.”

Seth responded with a sorrowful look, as though he had been abandoned. But this was a royal decree—why was he looking at Evelyn that way?

Feeling that she wouldn’t be able to leave if she kept watching him, Evelyn quickly exited the room. Outside, Fiona smiled and offered a warning.

“Evelyn, be careful when you visit the Wardrobe Department.”

“Why?”

“Let’s call it the resentment of the abandoned. Everyone’s been waiting for you to show up.”

“What? Abandoned?”

What was she talking about? 

Evelyn had never done such a thing.

Fiona shook her head at Evelyn’s wide-eyed confusion.

“They’re upset because they like you so much. Just accept it.”

“That makes me incredibly anxious.”

“Being popular is always tough.”

Fiona nudged Evelyn forward, urging her to go. Evelyn trudged along, wondering what she could have done to upset the Wardrobe Department.

First, she had started the handkerchief factory. Then the teddy bear factory. After that… nothing.

‘Maybe I’ve been absent a little too often recently…’

But isn’t an absent boss the best kind of boss?

Feeling puzzled, Evelyn arrived at the Wardrobe Department’s waiting room and opened the door wide.

“Everyone, I’m here!”

And a cold wind like the North’s winter storm swept over her.

Maria, who looked like a bride abandoned on her wedding day, spoke icily.

“Bind the traitor.”