In Order to Meet You, Beloved - Chapter 130

EPISODE 130

CHAPTER 19: FESTIVAL

“So, you hid the soldiers there?”  

A few months ago, a kidnapper who had stirred up the capital by abducting women was caught. After a thorough investigation, the place where he had last imprisoned the women was deemed cursed, and people gradually stopped visiting the area.  

Bennett Sephira let out a quiet expression of admiration toward Hamel, who had taken advantage of that fact by stationing soldiers there. Hamel replied calmly.  

“It’ll be safe for a few days. Even the gamekeeper rarely checks there, as it’s considered a cursed place.”  

“True, even if someone wanders around, it would be easy to silence them if it’s only a few.”  

With the crucial moment just around the corner, they diligently rechecked their plan. Since they didn’t have many people at their disposal, not a single mistake could be allowed.  

They had plenty of supplies and weapons, and the shortage of soldiers was filled by hiring mercenaries. They intentionally enlisted a guild near the border that had connections abroad, so the royal family would be less likely to catch on.  

“What about Dolores?”  

“We found a place connected to the sewers near the mansion. On the day of the event, we’ll move through there.”  

Nodding as he reexamined the soldiers’ movements, Hamel noticed Bennett’s unusually somber expression and looked at him curiously.  

“Lord Bennett, why that face?”  

“I wonder if this is alright.”  

“What do you mean?”  

“…His Highness Ian.”  

Hamel’s gaze instantly sharpened. Bennett’s voice dropped even lower, as if concerned someone might overhear.  

“I know it’s irreverent to say this, but I can’t help but feel uneasy about how willingly His Highness is cooperating. He has never been one for ambition…”  

At that, Hamel began to understand what Bennett was trying to convey.  

“Surely you’re not suggesting he has ulterior motives?”  

“His Highness isn’t simply soft-hearted. You know that well.”  

They both recalled Ian Linaen’s personality. He wasn’t entirely without naivety, but as a prince, he was fundamentally calm and composed, sometimes chillingly so.  

“True, but yes, he doesn’t seek conflict. Even if he supports us, he’s not the type to actively voice his opinions. In fact, at first, it seemed like he wanted to dissuade me.”  

Hamel picked up the piece in front of him and placed it on the western side of the map, near the mansion where Ian resided.  

“But he is a compassionate man. Even if he’s reluctant, he can’t abandon his people. That’s something both you and I know well.”  

Knowing this, Hamel had deliberately waited until everything was prepared before approaching him. No matter how well-prepared they were, without a proper justification for their cause, even if they won, they would merely be seen as rebels.  

Until their death, nothing would be over. As long as Ian remained their reason, there would always be a chance to turn the tide.  

They had waited for a long time—for the royal blade that had been sharpened to gradually dull over time.  

Of course, Hamel was concerned about Noah’s ambiguous attitude back then. The precise timing for their operation and the scale of the soldiers they were bringing had been deliberately downplayed for that reason.  

It was, indeed, a ridiculous thought. How could someone who understood what it meant to be in a position of glory endure for long in a place where survival was the only concern? Surely, he must have been fighting a lonely battle just like them.  

Thus, they had to succeed at all costs; they couldn’t let the years spent go to waste.  

“So, you’ve decided to carry out the operation during the upcoming festival?”  

“Yes. With so many people gathering, the soldiers will be busy managing the capital’s inner areas. It’s the perfect opportunity.”  

“That makes sense, but the royal family won’t fail to prepare for such an eventuality.”  

“Of course, but don’t worry. You just need to follow the plan.”  

Bennett nodded along with Hamel’s confident words, fiddling with the sword at his waist.  

The storm was about to begin.

* * *

“Alright, everyone, line up! Plates are here, and rations will be distributed over there!”  

People gathered in front of the loud shouters. Initially, they surged in without order, but upon noticing the fierce soldiers with spears, they quietly accepted their plates and formed a line.  

A stew made from boiled meat and cheap spices filled the plates. The tantalizing aroma wafting from the food brought smiles to the faces of the crowd.  

It was the morning of the festival’s first day.  

Posters announcing the three-day festival were posted everywhere. In the morning, food distribution began in various plazas, including the main palace, and in the afternoon, plays and special events were scheduled.  

As a result of construction that had been ongoing for several days, a tall platform had already been erected in the central square of the capital. Additionally, soldiers would be mobilized as night watchmen to march through the streets with lanterns.  

“The capital’s night will shine brightly for a change.”  

“It must look spectacular from up high.”  

People who moved with lanterns to designated areas would receive food there, which meant countless attendees were eagerly awaiting the evening events.  

Why was such an event being held? Most believed it was simply the royal family’s way of asserting their influence and winning the people’s favor through various festivities. The sheer number of lanterns, capable of dispelling the darkness of the night, promised an awe-inspiring sight.  

Of course, that wasn’t the only reason.  

“Night should indeed be bright. Those who wish to conduct secretive deeds usually wait for the darkness to hide their actions.”  

Irence murmured lightly as he looked out the window and drew the curtains. The king, seated on the sofa, quietly added.

“There shouldn’t be any unusual occurrences.”

“With the king’s grace surrounding us, how could anything bad happen?”  

Franz nodded at the answer, which implied they would handle any situation that arose. Turning to the guard Jerome behind him, he quietly commanded.  

“Proceed as scheduled. Prepare.”  

“Yes.”  

“And Tyrain May.”  

“That man should be moving on his own, I suppose. Oh, by the way, it’s about time.”  

Irence checked the clock on the wall, and before Franz could say anything, the door opened.

“Franz, are you all set?”  

“Jerania?”  

Jerania burst in, grabbing his arm. Stunned, Franz allowed himself to be pulled along by her hand, casting a glare at Irence standing behind. It seemed he had realized who had called for the queen.  

“Minister of Finance.”  

“Is it right for someone to work even during the festival?”  

“I asked for this. Don’t be angry with Irence, and let’s go!”  

Jerania said this with a dry tone that was nonetheless completely reasonable. Franz intended to say something, but his body had already half-exited the door. Jerome, following the two, exchanged a casual glance with Irence before leaving.  

“Well, have a good time.”  

Once the king was gone, Irence’s eyes sharpened as he waved his hand lightly.

* * *

“Wow, there are a lot of people.”  

Cordelia, wearing the hood of her cloak, glanced back at Noah as they slipped among the crowd. Noah, dressed similarly and standing beside her, surveyed their surroundings.  

Most of the people gathered in the square were waiting for the upcoming announcement. There were so many people that the expression ‘too many to count’ didn’t feel like an exaggeration this time.  

“It’s so crowded that we might get trampled if we’re not careful.”  

Noah, who had tightly hugged Cordelia from behind, looked around nervously. Both of them were tall enough to see over the crowd toward the platform.  

“Mother, I can’t see!”  

“Stay still; it’s dangerous!”  

Nearby, a small girl was whining as a shorter woman tried to soothe her. Noticing the tired expression on the woman’s face, which seemed drained just from being surrounded by the throng, Noah and Cordelia exchanged glances.  

“Wow!”  

The girl riding on Noah’s shoulders burst into laughter as her view improved. Noah’s head swayed side to side as the child excitedly grabbed at his hair.  

Was this how his older brother felt when he played with him as a kid?  

Lost in thought, Noah heard the woman, still looking anxious, speak. 

“Are you, um, okay?”  

“Oh, yes. You don’t have to worry; I won’t drop the child.”  

“But the child must be heavy…”  

“Not at all. She feels as light as a feather; I’m worried I might drop her because she’s so light.”

Noah, responding nonchalantly, glanced back at Cordelia behind him. She looked quite happy, holding onto his waist tightly.  

“If you stay back there, you won’t be able to see, are you alright?”  

“Huh? I’m fine. Wow, you have a really strong body.”  

He felt her hand fiddling with the side of his stomach through his clothes. It seemed a bit selfish, but he shrugged it off; it wasn’t a problem.  

After waiting a bit longer, someone finally stepped onto the platform. The noise among the crowd gradually subsided. Then an older man began to speak.  

“Thank you for your patience, everyone. I am Andres Lissen, a chamberlain serving His Majesty the King.”  

His dignified and low voice echoed impressively in their ears. He must have amplified his voice through magic. Even from a distance, it felt remarkably clear rather than simply loud.  

“As previously announced, I will now reveal the details of the special event.”  

With a solemn tone, two attendants on his right brought forward a black board. The geography of the capital was simply drawn in white lines, with dots marked throughout.  

“As you can see, there are seven locations guarded by soldiers in the capital. Each is marked with a red flag, similar to the one I am holding. If you bring the desired items to those locations, the guardians will provide you with special tokens. Gather all seven tokens, and everyone will receive a small prize. The first to arrive will receive a special prize we have prepared.”  

At the mention of prizes, the crowd began to murmur excitedly again. As the rippling wave of chatter swelled, Andres observed the crowd with a gentle gaze and paused for a moment.  

“Now, I will reveal what the prize is.”  

Following his gesture, another attendant climbed onto the platform carrying a square navy box. As the box opened and the contents were revealed, the murmur grew even louder. The chamberlain confidently pointed at the item and announced.

“It is a magical crystal orb that grants wishes!”