Capitulo 60
Chapter 60
From early morning, the Grand Duke’s castle was teeming with life.
Servants were moving about; people were gathering in groups, chatting noisily; nobles were arriving to celebrate the grand finale.
Even the little birds that embroidered the branches seemed to flutter with the rare vitality of the morning.
The laughter and merriment that blossomed that morning unmistakably signaled the impending climax of the Grand Duke’s betrothal.
Perhaps that was why the Grand Duke had hastily summoned the heads of the houses to meet the prevailing fervor.
Moreover, this betrothal of his youngest daughter probably marked the last such event in his era, indicating a hiatus of about a decade for the greatest festival of the Northern kingdom.
As a result, the Northerners looked forward to it all the more eagerly.
Standing by the bedroom window, watching the hectic scene outside, I had a strange feeling.
It had been a fortnight.
To say I had not been anxious would be lying.
After acquiring the treaty, I hadn’t worried too much, but I was slightly uneasy that Logan’s soon return might ruin everything unexpectedly.
Fortunately, it seemed that the escape of a mere retiree didn’t bother him too much.
Watching the Heroine sink into misery had not been a pleasant experience.
While this might have been the consequence of my actions, I wasn’t cruel enough to take pleasure in someone else’s tears.
All I could do was hope that Deron Caelid would grovel long enough for Lermian.
So it would help mend his heart a little.
«Rendler, is everything ready?»
«Yes, My Lord.»
The servants had thoroughly cleaned the annex.
I even helped them a little.
Just so I could send the servants to the mansion right away, but after talking with Rendler a bit, I decided to delay their departure so they could watch the Grand Ducal Betrothal parade.
As for their destination, upon arrival at the Raphelion estate, they would receive modest compensation and go on with their lives.
There would be only a minimum of staff employed to manage the estate, and Rondel, appointed by Rendler would take over.
Given my absence as the last living Raphelion, they wouldn’t have much to do.
It might prove to be the best working environment, and although I suggested that Rendler spend his last years comfortably on the estate, he stubbornly refused, leaving me no choice but to comply with his wishes.
《My Lord, from now on you are the Head of Household of House Raphelion, as your chief steward, I must be at your side.》
《……There is no need for you to accompany me, Rendler, I could go monster hunting. That would be a tiring thing to do, especially in your old age.》
《As your chief butler, it is my duty to help you on your way. Besides, what else could I do in an empty mansion?
Well, that’s true.
Given Rendler’s stubbornness, I finally gave in and allowed him to come too.
After all, his words made sense.
Thus, Ariel, Rachel and Rendler would accompany me on my Culinary Journey.
Ariel had originally agreed to accompany me only as far as the Duchy of Lundgren.
Of course, the Culinary Journey would not begin until after the Monster Cooking Festival.
In the meantime, we planned to scour the festival to recruit chefs for the Culinary Journey or, consequently, meet them in the Duchy of Lundgren, famous for its street food specializing in monster meat.
«So, let’s go.»
The parade would begin at noon, the brightest hour of the day.
Soon, the morning was drawing to a close, and I made my way to the central square with Rachel and Rendler for the parade announcement.
And,
«Elden!»
I was able to run into Ariel, who had recovered from her hangover.
She had arrived early and had saved us a good spot.
«Are you feeling better now?»
«Yes! After drinking the honey water that the gentlewoman Rachel had recommended, I was completely cured!».
«Glad to hear it.»
«Heh, how could I miss the Grand Parade? No way would I miss this…»
The «Grand Parade» was said to be the most spectacular parade in the Kingdom, so the excitement was to be expected.
I looked around me,
The square was full of the nobles visiting the Grand Duchy, it was almost crowded.
People of all ages had gathered to witness the biggest festival in the North.
Naturally, only «nobles» were allowed to enter the square where the parade was to begin, and along the path that led from the south gate of the Grand Duke’s castle to the central square of the city, commoners lined up in rows.
Honestly, I would have liked to watch the parade from the front row, but I refrained from doing so, lest I somehow displease the Grand Duke.
With the End of the Esponsals, my freedom was at hand, so it was best to play it safe for now.
A moment later.
«His Highness, the Grand Duke, Logan Winterfell…!»
The Grand Duke stepped onto the raised platform, followed by Deron Caelid.
I’m not sure how he won, but Blund’s absence suggested that the conclusion was not so amicable.
Of course, with the Grand Duke and Duke Caelid breathing down his neck, all Deron could do was repent and reflect.
The fact that Deron’s father also boldly took the stage meant that they had come to some sort of agreement.
Besides, now that Deron’s father and the Duke know his dirty side, Deron is on the verge of total disgrace at the hands of Lermian.
As I reflected on the unfolding events, I looked at the Grand Duke who placed the Family sword on Deron’s shoulder and recited something.
Then, after receiving the sword, Deron raised it to the sky, and a huge cheer erupted.
«Whoooooaaaaaahhhh-!!! Deron-!! Deron-!!!!! Deron-!!!!»
The crowd chanted his name.
Heh-. This guy’s future is not going to be easy.
It’s going to be tough from here on out, buddy.
As a husband, you’re going to have to work hard to heal Lermian’s wounds.
I hope you will reflect on your past actions during your future trials.
But, when the protagonist of this engagement took the stage, everyone fell silent.
She looked simply stunning.
Her pure white gown had a translucent veil with a small crown placed on her head.
Lermian beauty was so absurd that even Helen of Troy would be jealous.
Fortunately, her expression, vaguely visible through the veil, was neither mournful nor hollow.
She looked serene.
I sincerely hoped that this serenity was her way of accepting fate and moving on to a better future.
Once again, I had to endure the cheers and applause.
«The Duchess is so beautiful…!»
«Kyaaaaaa-!!! They are the perfect couple!»
At first glance, they looked like a splendid couple.
Of course, knowing what I knew, I simply could not admire this scene.
The Grand Duke’s expression was not happy either.
For there were still remnants of the past that had not been resolved, and were only now beginning to be dealt with.
In any case, the ceremony of the bride and groom must go on.
Lermian and Deron bowed to each other and Deron lifted her veil.
Then, kneeling, he slipped the ring on her finger as the intensity of the ceremony reached its climax.
Soon after,
The speaker announced the conclusion of the Grand Ducal Engagement and then began the Parade that the couple would undertake together.
«With this~!!! Deron Caelid and His Highness, Lermian Winterfell will march as one~!!!»
From here to the city’s central square stretched a tall platform as tall as an adult’s height, and they walked upon it, stepping over petals strewn by boys and girls.
Below the platform, a band played beautiful melodies as they followed the couple.
Behind Lermian and Deron, magicians created brilliant demonstrations, while acrobats performed.
And,
as they walked along the platform, Deron and Lermian waved to people on either side.
Since all I could do for her now was pray, I burned this show into my memory.
But,
«……»
When we looked into each other’s eyes, Lermian’s smile became incredibly more beautiful and warm, before fading.
What could that mean?
Was he, like me, praying for my happiness?
The meaning of her smile was unclear.
It was a fleeting moment, impossible to interpret.
So I continued to send my prayers and my support to the Lermian figure, who was walking away.
I watched them until they were out of sight, and when they disappeared, I did too.
I hoped that those white winter petals scattered in their wake would keep their glow.
As one who must now depart, all I had left were my hopes and prayers.
Therefore,
I,
quietly slipped out of the Grand Duke’s castle.
(thanks to Joshua for his donation)