Alex eventually returned to his office and reported, “We’ve decided for them to depart in five days.”
Sophia asked, “Were they curious about how things would unfold? Did Shadow really kill someone?”
Gunther gave a wry smile. “There was a sharp cracking sound from a single kick… and then… well…”
Sophia commented, “When we asked if the horse we bought was a mule, maybe Sir Gareth wasn’t joking. It’s almost like the horse is a weapon, isn’t it?”
Gunther chuckled awkwardly. “Honestly, I don’t think Sir Gareth even needs a weapon, judging by the way he fights.”
Everyone stared at Gunther, silently asking for more details. He continued, “In the blink of an eye, he subdued five armed men barehanded. Sir Gareth is… well, after witnessing that, the soldiers practically see him as a guardian deity. It’s a good thing, really.”
The Marquis of Ariel, Alex, and John, who hadn’t witnessed the scene, regretted missing it. Jack remarked, “So, when Sir Gareth said he was holding back during sparring with the trainee knights, he wasn’t lying? I thought it was all just bravado, but I guess he was telling the truth.”
Sophia added, “The issue is his personality… but I doubt that’s going to change. Now I understand why the heir of the Duke of Gareth isn’t kept in the capital.”
The Marquis of Ariel nodded in agreement. Sir Gareth’s boastful demeanor and actions often overshadowed his diligence. Even during his stay in Ariel, he remained consistent with his training—both for himself and the soldiers.
It seemed everyone shared the sentiment when the Marquis commented, “I think it’s truly a stroke of luck that Sir Gareth is here in Ariel.”
***
Sir Gareth’s feats even reached the ears of the two Saturnian envoys. Observing Gareth training soldiers from the castle walls, Sir Enceladus remarked, “I can’t tell if these rumors were deliberately spread for us to hear or if they’re genuine.”
Sir Dione replied, “They’re probably morale-boosting tales for Ariel. In any case, Gareth isn’t going to single-handedly fight all of Saturn. Still, the attack failed, didn’t it?”
“It was meant to fail from the start.”
Dione nodded. “Yes, it was a planned failure. So why does it feel like it failed worse than expected?”
Enceladus agreed. It was supposed to be a calculated failure, but it kept going awry in unexpected ways.
“A landslide, the black warhorse, and Sir Gareth—each one is practically a force of nature.”
Enceladus stared intently at Gareth. Dione teased, “Thinking of sparring with him?”
“No. Our goal is to inspire complacency through perceived incompetence. Sparring would ruin that.”
Just then, Alex appeared behind them. “I suggest you step down from the walls.”
Dione, irritated by Alex’s sudden appearance, retorted, “We’ve already delayed our departure to accommodate Ariel’s situation. At least let us breathe.”
Alex smiled. “Ah, you misunderstand. You have a visitor.”
Enceladus turned and asked, “A guest we’re permitted to meet?”
Alex replied nonchalantly, “Prince Robert is here. Before heading to Umbriel, he wanted to meet with Saturn’s envoys and pay a visit.”
Enceladus remained calm as he said, “In that case, a final exchange of greetings might indeed be meaningful.”
***
At the same time, when Prince Frederick saw Prince Robert, he greeted him indifferently.
“Did you come all this way because you don’t trust me?”
Prince Robert, equally indifferent, replied, “No. I wanted to meet Saturn’s envoys again, discuss some matters with the Marquis of Ariel before heading to Umbriel, and, well, I also have something to say to you.”
“Then say it briefly and leave.”
“A few days ago, I heard you were attacked. I was told it was quite a shock for you,” Robert said.
Frederick spread his arms wide and asked, “Who said that?”
“The Empress,” Robert replied.
Frederick dropped his arms weakly and sighed. “So, she must have something she wants or something she plans to do. What is it?”
“The Emperor told me to ask you directly: are you alright?”
Frederick hesitated to answer. He knew that the Emperors’s concern was merely a ploy to gain favor for Cressida’s requests. He couldn’t simply feign ignorance.
Robert waited patiently as Frederick paused to consider. After a long silence, Frederick finally replied, uncharacteristically polite, “Well, I’m alright for now, but it doesn’t mean I’m unaffected.”
Robert stood up and remarked, “That’s a good answer—vague enough to allow for multiple interpretations. I’ll relay that to the Emperor.”
Frederick regretted his response.
‘I should have brought Sir Federico. Considering how accurately he predicted the actions and reactions of the Saturn envoys, he would probably know how to handle this too.’
***
Sir Enceladus and Sir Dione entered the drawing room, where Ariel’s representatives were gathered.
“To think both esteemed princes are present in Ariel… Ariel must hold considerable importance,” Enceladus remarked.
The Marquis of Ariel responded courteously, “It is an honor for Ariel. We will forever remember the immense grace of Prince Robert and Prince Frederick.”
As Dione smirked and seemed about to speak, Sophia interjected, “Sir Dione, I suggest you watch your words. Remember, you are in the presence of Uranus’ princes.”
Dione bowed his head and stepped back at Sophia’s rebuke. Just then, Princes Frederick and Robert entered the drawing room. Robert spoke, “It seems something has happened.”
Sophia and Alex smiled silently. Frederick glanced at the three of them, prompting Alex to explain, “A few days ago, Sir Dione made a joke—an exceptionally shocking one. He claimed the reason Saturn is at war with Uranus is…”
Dione interrupted, shouting, “It was a remark so inappropriate that it shouldn’t be repeated. I hope for your generosity in letting it go.”
Frederick smirked mischievously. “Let’s hear it first. Then I’ll decide if it’s worth letting go.”
Alex politely continued, “He claimed Saturn’s king is waging war to find a handsome man. He said so the moment he saw me.”
Dione protested in an indignant tone, “That’s not true. I was merely complimenting Lord Ariel’s beauty, and I misspoke.”
Robert sneered. “For an envoy to insult someone and disgrace his own king in the process… This is a disgraceful lapse in decorum. Such a failure lowers Saturn’s standing. Sir Enceladus, it seems Sir Dione’s lack of propriety as an envoy warrants disciplinary action.”
Gareth stepped forward, scrutinizing Dione from head to toe. “With such a feeble body, you dare to loiter around my sister? Hearing that Saturn’s king favors handsome men, it’s hard to overlook how Sir Dione, at such a young age, managed to become a deputy officer. Just my observation, of course.”
Dione, furious at Gareth’s ridicule, retorted, “That ill-tempered, sharp-tongued woman isn’t to my taste anyway.”
Sophia remarked, “And yet, you went out of your way to bother her. It seems seducing the duke’s daughter is part of Saturn’s strategy. How impressive.”
The disdain in everyone’s eyes was unmistakable.
The Marquis of Ariel sighed. “Such is war.”
Sir Enceladus, his expression stiff, replied, “It seems the atmosphere toward the envoys is growing increasingly hostile. I regret delaying our departure.”
John suggested, “Then why not leave tomorrow?”
Enceladus retorted, “Ah, so you planned to hold us only until today, waiting for Prince Robert to arrive?”
Robert, exchanging a subtle glance with Sophia, stepped forward. “Not me. You were waiting for the Emperor’s inspector. An attack on royalty halts all departures from the estate while investigations are conducted. The inspector has concluded his inquiry. The masked attackers claimed they merely wanted to steal the black warhorse. We pressed them to confess if they were Saturnian soldiers, but they denied it to the end.”
Enceladus no longer hid his displeasure. “So now that we’re cleared of suspicion, you’re letting us go?”
Robert smirked. “You’re more suspicious than ever. That’s why we’re sending you off.”
Sir Enceladus spoke.
“You plan to send us back to Saturn and then frame us as the culprits. Such a despicable…”
Prince Robert, maintaining a calm demeanor, looked at Sir Enceladus and said, “Since they insist they aren’t from Saturn, you needn’t worry. After all, they would never admit to being Saturnian themselves, would they?”
Prince Frederick turned to Robert and asked, “Are you saying you truly don’t know who sent them?”
Robert leaned closer to Frederick and whispered, “Is there really a need to find out? Do you truly intend to conduct an investigation?”
Frederick hesitated to respond to Robert’s question. The suspicion that Cressida might be involved made it difficult for him to speak.
Seeing Frederick’s hesitation, Robert concluded that the matter would not escalate further. Satisfied with that, Robert turned to the two Saturn envoys and asked, “Do you feel wronged?”
Sir Enceladus, maintaining a composed tone, replied, “Prince Robert, do you harbor personal grievances against Saturn? It seems proper dialogue is impossible.”
Gareth interjected, “Perhaps we should personally escort the Saturnian envoys. Shall we sneak off together under the cover of night?”
Sir Dione glanced around at those surrounding them and said, “Enough. Ariel’s attitude will severely damage relations between our two nations.”
Robert sneered. “Relations between our nations? That’s not something for someone like you to worry about. A man who uses his own king as the subject of jokes dares to lecture us?”
Dione fell silent. Sir Enceladus spoke, “We will take our leave. At least I’m relieved this is our last day here.”
Robert replied, “The feeling is mutual.”
As soon as the Saturnian envoys left the drawing room, Robert’s sharp expression and demeanor softened almost immediately. He approached Sophia and said politely, “I’m parched from the hurried trip here. Might I trouble you for a cup of tea?”
Robert’s unusually easygoing manner surprised not only Sophia but everyone else present.
Frederick scoffed and left the room, thinking, If Robert still has feelings for an Ariel woman, that’s all the better for me.
Sophia moved to prepare tea, but Robert said, “While the tea is being prepared, I’d like to visit the greenhouse. I want to see how it’s being maintained.”
Sophia nodded and led Robert to the greenhouse. Jack quickly arranged for the tea to be brought there.
Back in the drawing room, Gareth commented, “Hmm… Prince Robert isn’t quite what I expected.”
No one replied. The Marquis of Ariel and Alex exchanged glances but quickly looked away, unsure of how to handle the situation between Sophia and Robert.
Gunther wrestled with whether to report what he had observed or turn a blind eye.
***
Although Robert claimed to want to see the greenhouse, his gaze lingered on Sophia instead. After a moment of awkward silence, Robert finally spoke.
“It’s evident that Ariel has been preparing diligently. I’m confident Ariel will handle the war with Saturn successfully.”
Sophia smiled and replied, “I wish you good fortune as well, Prince Robert. More than anything, I hope you seize this opportunity.”
Robert fully intended to make the most of this opportunity. He had found a way to keep Cressida and Wiscombe, his biggest obstacles to becoming crown prince, in check. He would also earn merit through the war with Saturn.
Pausing, Robert carefully chose his words. Sophia, sensing the awkward silence, smiled in an attempt to ease it. After clearing his throat a few times, Robert finally spoke.
“During my time in the capital, I met many people and dealt with many matters. Yet… I couldn’t stop thinking about you, Sophia.”
Sophia took a deep breath before replying, “Prince Robert, I…”
Robert gently interrupted her. “Sophia Ariel. I need you, and I want you. So before you give me an answer or speak about the situation, please hear me out. I will do my utmost in this war with Saturn. I trust you’ll do your best as well. In the meantime, think of me—even if only occasionally. But don’t worry about me. Now… please, speak.”
Sophia took a deep breath and said, “Above all, stay safe. That’s all I have to say.”
Robert saw in Sophia’s eyes that she still had feelings for him. That alone was enough to make him happy.
Jack cleared his throat and set the tea tray on the greenhouse table. “I thought this would be a more comfortable spot for you. I’ll leave you to it.”
Prince Robert took note of Jack, who moved with keen awareness despite not being given explicit instructions.
Good. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen someone this perceptive. Such handling… Have I been working with Mav for too long?
****
That afternoon, Lord Cressida, the Count’s son arrived in Ariel. Upon meeting Prince Frederick, Lord Cressida inspected him carefully and exclaimed loudly, “It’s such a relief that nothing happened!”
Prince Frederick’s attendants and the emperor’s auditors exchanged meaningful glances as they observed Lord Cressida. He leaned in to whisper to Frederick, “Ariel is Prince Robert’s domain, so I couldn’t help but be cautious…”
Frederick gave a wry smile, interpreting his uncle’s actions and words as less about concern for his safety and more about provoking Robert.
If even I can see through it, surely others can as well.
***
Meanwhile, Saturn’s situation remained peaceful—for the most part.
Priest Methone set down a document and rubbed his temples. His adjutant, wearing a worried expression, said, “Failing an ambush isn’t the worst outcome. But this… This isn’t acceptable. I know Sir Dione and Sir Enceladus have their grievances about the war, but…”
The adjutant had been persistently trying to undermine Dione and Enceladus. He assumed Methone’s furrowed brow indicated shared disdain for the two.
But this was entirely his misunderstanding.
Methone waved a hand dismissively and said, “If you bring them up one more time, you can consider yourself no longer my adjutant.”
The adjutant fell silent. He was well aware of Methone’s character.
As someone who valued words deeply, Methone always honored his promises. For him, keeping his word was both a sacred duty and a given.
Methone asked, “They haven’t crossed Titania yet, have they?”
“They are still in Ariel. They’re expected to cross by tomorrow.”
“I instructed that all their demands be met. Was this done?”
“Yes, of course. No matter how dissatisfied I am with them, I wouldn’t sabotage the plan.”
Methone smiled faintly. “We act for the glory of His Majesty and Saturn. Since you doubt them, I trust you’ll work even harder to compensate.”
“Of course. My heart always moves for Saturn.”
Methone nodded and dismissed him. After the adjutant left, Methone smirked and muttered to himself, “That wretched fool. Stuffing his own pockets like that? Well, let him fill them up. I’ll take everything soon enough.”
Methone fully intended to keep his word. As he always had.
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eriann
Continuo lendo porque não dá pra desistir. Isso é muito bom, a autora é muito inteligente e tem uma capacidade de dissipar de forma comum cada núcleo, personagem e história pessoal. Parabéns, e parabéns também a tradutora que escolheu tão bem essa obra e a traduz tão expressivamente. Obrigada!