Sophia looked at Prince Robert and Sir Gareth and spoke.
“My belief is that Oberon was not a mere stepping stone to target Ariel but rather Saturn’s ploy aimed at Uranus itself.”
Sir Gareth replied with a composed demeanor,
“It does seem like quite a leap, but… it is strange how unlucky Philip Wiscombe ended up in this situation, gaining nothing but suspicion. If Saturn intentionally caused Oberon’s failure, the gain would be internal suspicion, division, and chaos within Uranus.”
Looking at Prince Robert, Sir Gareth added,
“Destabilizing the enemy nation and inciting internal strife before engaging in war… It would mean Saturn has prepared thoroughly.”
Prince Robert said,
“The real problem is the lack of evidence. For all the deception they’ve employed to mislead us, the minimal traces they left behind indicate they’ve managed the situation carefully. Not to protect Oberon, but all for Saturn’s benefit.”
Sophia nodded.
“I can’t tell if this was their contingency plan in case Oberon’s actions failed or if it was the original plan all along.”
Sir Gareth regarded Sophia with a curious gaze.
“So Oberon needs fortifications, and… Ariel and Umbriel also need to prepare for Saturn’s invasion. Lady Ariel, the reason you’re explaining the situation so thoroughly is to convince me to go to Ariel, correct?”
“I won’t lie. If you, Sir Gareth, come to Ariel, it would be a tremendous help. What do you think?”
Sir Gareth replied,
“I’ll need to consult with Parma first. The reason I’m here is because of Parma. I’d also like you to come along, Lady Ariel.”
Sophia readily agreed to Sir Gareth’s request, suspecting it was merely an excuse for a private conversation.
Prince Robert easily allowed them to leave together. Watching the two exit his office, Robert reflected.
Since arriving in Oberon, he and Sophia had hardly spoken. This was the first time they had a private conversation, and yet they didn’t exchange a single word about themselves—only concerns about spies and future political developments.
It seemed Sophia had no intention of broaching personal topics with him. For the first time, Prince Robert considered the possibility that Sophia might not be interested in him.
‘Does she see me only in a professional capacity because our agreement has concluded? Not because of Parma?’
As he pondered, the sight of the two leaving continued to linger in his mind. He didn’t intend to stop Sir Gareth from going to Ariel. On the contrary, if Sir Gareth refused, Robert was prepared to persuade him.
In the current climate of Saturn’s looming threat, Sir Gareth was indispensable to Ariel. And if Gareth went to Ariel, he would see for himself.
He would witness how Ariel’s family was willing to risk their lives to defend their lands and the borders. Just as Prince Robert had been moved by their resolve.
‘And he’ll come to understand Sophia Ariel’s worth better than anyone else. Just as I did.’
Robert tried to suppress the unease and jealousy building within him. For a long time, he stared out at the port and the sea.
***
Sir Gareth accompanied Sophia to Parma’s chambers. Upon reaching the corridor where Parma’s room was located, he stopped and turned to face her.
“I have something to say to you, Lady Ariel.”
“Please go ahead.”
“Hmm, according to Parma, you seem to have a keen interest in Oberon. If you deliver a letter of annulment to Prince Robert before heading to Ariel… I’ll ensure Oberon’s port is handed over to you. Judging by how things are unfolding, the issue of Oberon’s lands will likely drag on. However, if Duke Gareth intervenes, Oberon could be integrated into Ariel’s territory.”
Sir Gareth saw a glimmer of ambition in Sophia Ariel’s eyes and continued.
“From what I’ve read in the reports on Oberon, both Ariel and Umbriel have valid claims to its integration. I swear on the name of Gareth to do everything in my power to ensure Ariel takes Oberon.”
Sophia didn’t hesitate.
“Very well. I thank you in advance for your support, Sir Gareth.”
Sir Gareth was momentarily at a loss for words, surprised by Sophia’s firm response. He had anticipated her hesitance or an attempt to prolong the matter by discussing her circumstances or emotions.
Since his confrontation with Philip, Sir Gareth had concluded that Parma stood to gain nothing from Prince Robert maintaining his engagement.
‘The longer Prince Robert delays the annulment, the worse it is for Parma.’
Thus, he had brought up the annulment with Sophia, intending to refuse a trip to Ariel if she hesitated. He had little desire to take Parma to the borders without a clear purpose.
But before he could process his surprise, Sophia added,
“Did you set a deadline before departure because you plan to inform Philip Wiscombe or someone in the capital about the annulment? In that case, we should expedite matters.”
Sir Gareth silently stared at Sophia. After a long pause, he finally said,
“You really did come with your sights set on Oberon. I suppose you’ve already prepared the annulment papers for your engagement as well?”
Rather than answering his question, Sophia addressed the terms.
“If, despite your assurances, Oberon’s port is not transferred to Ariel, I would expect Duke Gareth to provide a corresponding level of military support. Likewise, should the port be integrated into Ariel regardless of Gareth’s efforts, the same applies. Do you agree?”
Sir Gareth, intrigued, nodded.
“Agreed. Then let’s proceed.”
Sophia spoke.
“The deadline is within a year from today. Ariel must secure Oberon’s harbor. Otherwise, I will demand military support—no less than two regiments, including you, Sir Gareth.”
Sir Gareth nodded as he replied, “Very well. Lady Ariel, you’re more thorough than I expected. No pointless hopes, no unnecessary delays.”
“I’m trying,” Sophia answered. “Practicality is better than hope, especially in times like these.”
As they knocked on Parma’s door and waited for it to open, Sir Gareth found himself gazing at Sophia Ariel as though mesmerized. Sophia caught his look and smiled at him.
To herself, she thought, ‘A golden opportunity that once slipped away has returned. He’s truly a blessing. Even in Ariel, there will be plenty for him to accomplish. A man of his caliber will be indispensable, even for the military.’
***
Parma readily agreed to head to Ariel. When Sir Gareth saw how easily Parma accepted, he suggested going to Umbriel instead, almost out of disappointment.
“I think it’s crucial to see how Prince Robert navigates these trying times,” he proposed.
Parma replied, “You’re right, it is crucial. But you also know how insanely busy he’ll be. It’ll be dreadfully boring. I’d much rather go to Ariel! Sure, things will be chaotic there too, but Sophia and Helen are there. It’s better than sticking around Robert, that’s for sure.”
Sir Gareth couldn’t shake the feeling that everything had gone too smoothly in Sophia Ariel’s favor. He even felt a little cheated.
‘Why does it feel like I’m the one losing out here?’ he thought.
Sophia, perceptive as ever, sensed his frustration and kept her distance from him for the remainder of their time in Oberon.
Other auditors were dispatched to continue investigations and oversee unresolved matters in Oberon. Gunther would accompany Sophia, Helen, and their group to Ariel.
***
Sophia discreetly pulled Gunther aside for a private conversation.
“Will Umbriel be all right?” she asked cautiously.
“Everything in Umbriel is progressing well,” Gunther reassured her.
Sophia studied his expression briefly before nodding. “I see. So there’s more to it—something not directed by the Emperor, and something you can’t speak about. Prince Robert must have some plans in motion, doesn’t he?”
Gunther offered no verbal response, only a knowing smile, which was answer enough.
Sophia shifted her focus to her most pressing task. For months, she had prepared herself, emotionally and otherwise. She had even brought the annulment papers to Oberon in case an engagement with Oberon’s lord became necessary. While the circumstances had changed, the annulment now presented an opportunity to secure Oberon.
Gripping the annulment papers tightly, she resolved herself. ‘This was decided long ago. Even if I didn’t expect to deliver it in person.’
***
Prince Robert warmly welcomed Sophia when she returned to see him. She offered an awkward smile in response to his hospitality, then silently extended the annulment papers to him.
Still carrying traces of his initial delight, Robert’s face fell as he read the document. His voice was subdued as he spoke.
“Acel. Leave us for a moment.”
Acel hesitated, ready to protest that his time was stretched too thin, and that he should spend it with Lady Gareth instead of Lady Ariel. But one glance at Prince Robert’s stern expression was enough to silence him, and he quietly exited the room.
Left alone, the room was silent for a long moment. Robert stared at the document before finally breaking the stillness.
“You had this prepared ahead of time.”
Sophia paced in front of the window, gazing out as if avoiding his gaze. “The annulment papers were prepared before I came to Oberon. I resolved to annul our engagement when I left the capital, and now feels like the most appropriate time.”
Sophia lowered her eyes briefly, as though blinded by the blue light of the sea before her.
Robert, watching her back, yearned for her to turn and look at him. “I knew about the Emperor’s gift,” he said, trying to catch her attention. “I understand I can’t hold this against you. From the start, this engagement was meant to be temporary. I trust your judgment, as I’ve trusted it in the past.”
“Your Highness treated me far better than a contract demanded. I was the one who should bring up the annulment. If we end it now, it will minimize any damage to the Gareth family’s reputation, even if you don’t proceed with an engagement to Lady Gareth. I’m sure you understand the importance of appearances.”
Prince Robert interrupted her hastily, “I have no intention of engaging Lady Gareth. As I said, the Gareth family has already pledged their support, marriage or no marriage. You don’t need to concern yourself with Lady Gareth.”
“But I must,” Sophia countered. “Ariel needs the Gareth family. Now more than ever, we need a name we can rely on. Gareth commands the strongest military force in Uranus. Personally, I also wish to protect Lady Gareth. If you trust my judgment, please accept the annulment papers.”
Robert hesitated before responding, his voice tinged with regret. “Aren’t you curious about what I planned to say at the banquet? Even Lady Gareth already knows. I was going to make this engagement real. Let me reiterate: Lady Gareth doesn’t want me either. There will be no other engagement. I’ll handle Sir Gareth’s objections myself, so can’t we just leave things as they are…?”
Sophia interrupted Prince Robert’s words.
“Not being engaged to Parma Gareth doesn’t mean it’s acceptable to remain engaged to me. No, Your Highness, you cannot uphold this engagement with me. No one supports this union, including myself.”
“Why not? Isn’t this a good opportunity for Ariel? As my fiancée, you’d gain more as the Crown Princess and eventually as Empress than you ever could in your current position.”
“Forming an alliance with Ariel through marriage won’t make your path any easier, Your Highness. The positions of Crown Princess and Empress are not ones that can be attained without cost. If not Gareth, then you should use that position to secure support from another influential house, like a marquis or earl—someone necessary to strengthen your power. Not to preserve a sham engagement like this.”
“Sophia Ariel…! Be honest with me! Have you not wavered even a little? Not once felt the urge to turn this false engagement into something real? Someone like you, with your capability, could find a way to overcome any obstacles if you truly had the will to do so—if only you felt the desire.”
“Ariel is—”
“No!” Robert cut her off. “I don’t want to hear about Ariel’s stance. I want to hear your heart, Sophia! I want to know your true feelings!”
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eriann
Isso tá muito bom, mas é angustiante o tempo entre um capítulo e outro. Eu preciso reler o final do anterior para lembrar o que aconteceu para ler o último.
Mesmo assim agradeço a tradução e lançamento. Um dia concluiremos