The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 49

Chapter 49

“Consider it my mark and appreciate it, please.”

Even with her not-so-apologetic apology, Raygrain responded in his usual blunt manner.

“I can’t appreciate clothes being pretty.”

***

Despite the consecutive banquets, the number of attendees continued to grow. Whether due to visits from the temple or for other reasons, priests were also present in considerable numbers. Jess, who had arrived at the banquet hall with Zelos, proudly displayed his dark circles and inquired of Raygrain.

“Your Highness, it seems many new things have occurred.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. Your collection of accessories has increased.”

Jess, with a disdainful look, carefully examined each piece of jewelry before closing his mouth. Observing this change, Zelos, on behalf of his younger brother, spoke.

“Your Highness, these items were gifts from Lady Vee. They suit you well.”

“The subject of that statement seems to be someone other than me.”

Raygrain glanced at his somewhat cumbersome attire. As long as the clothes met the basic formalities and etiquette, they should suffice. Despite not understanding the need for elaborate and expensive items, he had no choice due to Scheuer constantly trailing him, carrying things around even before they left. There wasn’t much difference even if he wore something more.

Every time she insisted on adding something, Scheuer’s eyes sparkled with admiration, circling around him. Even with items purchased outside with the maids, she managed to carry them all with her petite frame. If the attendants hadn’t stopped her, Raygrain might have been weighed down by numerous items, like a fountain adorned with gifts. Raygrain looked down at his hands, which were usually busy swinging around items and now lay empty.

“Such trouble for just one piece of jewelry.”

“If they hear it, they might be disappointed.”

However, the person who should have been disappointed was not present, as she chose to skip the banquet due to fatigue.

Scheuer, who was busy carrying plaster materials all day, bid him farewell, buried under a pile of gifts. Without her lively presence, the bustling banquet felt oddly empty.

Even Jess, who usually refrained from asking questions, seemed puzzled, as evident by the inquiring look on his face.

“Something seems off.”

“I’ve been wandering around Zelos all day, so it’s only natural.”

“Are you not feeling well?”

“No… Probably not.”

The elongated end of the conversation eventually led to Raygrain’s residence.

Certainly, what a day it had been.

After all, Scheuer’s appearance, which always caused a stir, was nowhere to be seen.

Zelos, examining his sleeves, said as if casually tossing it out.

“It seems you have eyes for Lady Vee. Even places where you have to wait a month for a single purchase.”

“Putting effort into just one piece of jewelry…”

“If Your Highness wishes to avoid disappointment, it’s better to hear the answer.”

Despite being involved in the conversation, Zelos noticed something and softly sighed.

“Your Highness, have you expressed your gratitude?”

Raygrain couldn’t provide an answer. Zelos confidently presented his argument as if he had discovered a precious gem.

“That’s right. Even if you don’t have a wish, after all the trouble she went through, you should express your gratitude.”

“Expressing gratitude…”

Indeed, given Netri’s background, it was natural to think that she would have adorned herself with all sorts of expensive items while in the Southern Region. Since most of the surroundings were knights in training, Raygrain did not consider the need for something special.

Thanks to Scheuer, who always knew how to exchange her items for new ones, he had not felt the need to prepare anything separately. This was a part he had overlooked, as Netri, being from the Southern Region, had likely always dressed up with various expensive items before coming here. Since the majority around were knights in training, Raygrain had not considered the need for something special.

Looking back, Scheuer had consistently demanded something from cameos to engagement rings. “I’ll grant all your requests,” he had promised. Could she have thought he didn’t keep his promise?

Raygrain stared silently at the crumpled sleeve. It was around the time when the banquet was flowing as usual when, unexpectedly, a priest hurriedly entered the banquet hall. His face turned pale, and after firmly closing the door, he briskly crossed the hall.

However, the door, opening with a loud noise, scared everyone as it swung open again. Following the high-ranking priest who entered next, another one exclaimed with a joyful face, 

“Your Excellency, where are you! We found the Tablet, we found the Tablet!”

Simultaneously, the first priest, who entered in haste, turned around anxiously, and with round eyes, stared at him. 

“Uh…?” 

Between the short silence that passed as they locked eyes, a soft melody flowed.

How much time had passed? The belated high-ranking priest, with trembling fingers as if he couldn’t believe it, slowly pointed at him, asking, 

“Could it be… even the priest…?” 

The hall instantly turned into chaos. Some priests clasped their hands and began to pray.

“Oh, Lord Rafael, please guide us in the right direction.” 

The invited Walker Emperor had said that the Tablet would be discovered when the time came. He had called it his trust.

There were rumors among the priests that he had hidden the Tablet by dividing it into five pieces, anticipating significant changes on the continent due to its content. Interpretations of these changes varied, but many considered it to be close to a disaster if the content was concealed to that extent.

However, as the content of the first Tablet turned out to be quite normal, the rumors remained just hypotheses. Some priests couldn’t help but feel uneasy in this situation where the Tablet was suddenly discovered.

Especially now, knowing that the Northern Region was crumbling.

For this reason, some high-ranking priests were nervously questioning the priest who made the discovery.

“Where did you find it?”

“As I was passing through the courtyard, I tripped and fell. When I looked closely, there was something sharp…”

This discovery method was very similar to the first Tablet found in a rural village, lying in a field. Some priests dispersed to find the head priest, and Zelos, leading the group, had no choice but to leave the banquet with a stern face.

Even amidst the chaos, knights who weren’t participating in the banquet, as well as sentinels, were coming forward. People claiming to have discovered the Tablet continued to emerge.

“Those in the hall, please stay here for a moment! Your understanding is appreciated!”

Erina’s clinking voice, commanding the knights, echoed inside the banquet hall. It seemed she was in charge of maintaining order inside the hall because guests were not allowed to carry swords.

Understanding the situation, Jess, who had come over, whispered quietly, 

“How about mobilizing Northern personnel separately?”

“No. We shouldn’t get involved.”

To his resolute answer, Jess lowered his head and continued, 

“The number of discovered Tablets is reported to be more than five.”

“Must be manipulated.”

Officially, the known number of Tablets was five. Since one was already in the temple, there should only be four additional Tablets that could be discovered.

The sudden rush of information before the official announcement of the second Tablet was suspicious in itself. The problem was that the purpose of the manipulation could not be known.

Is it opposition to the temple?

On the day of banquets where nobles, including Raygrain, gathered, the security of the imperial family was naturally enhanced. Even Raygrain had to leave his sword at the entrance. That someone could haphazardly spread forged Tablets in such a high-security event was suspicious.

“Seems like the work of someone inside the Central region.”

Jess’s hushed whisper had a high probability of being accurate. At least, it was the work of someone familiar with the Central region.

Despite the turmoil, the knights who weren’t attending the banquet and the sentinels were stepping forward. People claiming to have discovered the Tablet continued to emerge.

The priest responding didn’t seem to sit well with Sevi. Without hesitation, the man named Sevi furrowed his arrogant brow and pointed a finger at the priest.

“Ever since earlier, your constant jabbering has been irritating my delicate nerves. What do you think you’re doing?”

Even with this blunt observation, the priest called Koa responded with an indifferent expression.

“That’s because you stay up at night and sleep during the day.”

“Fine, you said something sensible. You know I’m awake at night, and yet, last night, you woke me up while I was in bed and moved me to the audience hall?”

“If I didn’t do that, you wouldn’t have announced the Tablets for the rest of your life.”

“Smile Love”