The Villainess Captured The Grand Duke - Chapter 75

Chapter 75

The preparations for the National Foundation Festival kept the royal palace busy. It wasn’t solely due to the festival preparations; it was because the birthday of Prince Silcaro, born just a day after the founding day, coincided. They couldn’t just let the only birthday of the Crown Prince pass by without celebration. Therefore, the National Foundation Festival and his birthday were always celebrated together, making the festivities as extravagant as possible. The grandeur of these events spread through rumors, drawing visitors from other countries who planned their travels to coincide with the continent’s festivals.

Looking at the box sent from the boutique, Scheuer wrinkled her nose.

“[Thanks to you, Scheuer, my daughter has decided to have meals twice a week. As a token of gratitude, I sent many gifts for His Highness the Crown Prince’s birthday. – Gorfel]”

Inside the box was a sparkling brooch in the shape of a sword. It was undoubtedly made of platinum, and aquamarines, tightly embedded, formed the emblem of the Waker Empire.

“Did they really have to…?”

She didn’t particularly want to give Silcaro an extravagant gift. After all, it was obvious that he would receive plenty in Netriga. Of course, there were people causing a fuss because they couldn’t get even this, so it was a bit of an overindulgent complaint.

Scheuer pushed the case towards Raygrain and said,

“Would you like to give this to the Grand Duke?”

“Why?”

“I’ll send it under the name of Blenga. It’s better for the Grand Duke to give it than me.”

She felt ambiguous about giving it to someone else with aquamarines so intricately embedded. Raygrain replied nonchalantly after looking at the box.

“If you say so.”

Listening to his response, Scheuer underlined a note on the paper.

One task was completed.

Observing her busy appearance, Raygrain asked,

“Is there anything else you’re preparing separately?”

“Not exactly. Many people I agreed to meet during the festival, that’s all.”

Since the proclamation, Sevi has been sending letters every three hours.

[“I want to play.”

“I want to go on a trip.”

“Is it wrong to keep Koa in the room?”]

The content was utterly useless. Whenever she saw Koa’s indifferent face now, she felt embarrassed about the letters they exchanged. The letters piled up every night were of a similar context. 

‘There’s a lot of complaining, but surprisingly, work is still getting done. Maybe it’s not to torment him by sending Koa every three hours.’ 

Now when she saw the pile of letters on the table every day, she wondered if the invitations were coming so frequently to make sure she didn’t escape. Recently, she received many invitations, probably because the relationship with the temple and the North seemed good. Looking at the invitations, she felt a growing irritation. 

“Did the Duke send all of these?” 

“No. This one is from Lady Annabelle, that one is from Countess Lotea, and this is from Viscountess Chella…” 

As she rattled off the names, Scheuer’s irritation grew. 

“I’ve had enough of this…!” 

Holding the paper, Scheuer collapsed onto the table. 

“I don’t have time to meet the Duke…” 

As she would be returning to the North later, it was best to build connections as much as possible while in the Central. There was no need for an overly friendly relationship; it just had to be moderate. Not so much that the North seemed dangerous. But to achieve this moderation, Scheuer needed one more body. 

“Your Grace, have you heard from Viscountess Chella recently? Like a greeting or a message?” 

“No.” 

“Why, there’s someone who looks like seaweed.” 

“I don’t remember.” 

Looking at her, who didn’t even twitch, Scheuer focused his eyes with effort. 

“Try to recall even a little. You must have seen her.” 

Finally, it seemed like she knew. 

“I remember.” 

Seeing the unresponsive him, it now felt like he must have seen. Even after the Seokpan disclosure, the invitations kept coming, so she was thankful. But the more invitations that came, the less formal attire she had. Scheuer looked at the paper and asked, 

“Your Grace, do you have time on the first day of the festival in the morning?” 

“There’s an invitation from His Majesty the Emperor.” 

“What about the fourth evening?” 

“Ambassadors are coming from a kingdom on the border. They mentioned some overlapping regions with the North, so we have to see their faces.” 

“Then what time will you be available…” 

“In the afternoon of the third day.” 

The more he talked, the sadder Scheuer’s face became. Yes, Silcaro was indeed the problem. Due to his birthday, there were many ambassadors coming, so it wouldn’t be surprising if he couldn’t even see a strand of Raygrain’s hair.

Scheuer shook the paper and shouted sorrowfully, 

“I had a promise with Lady Anabelle that day! She said she would introduce me to others too!” 

Raygrain stood neatly and watched her like a painting. He still asked in a tone that seemed incomprehensible, 

“It’s fate that everything will be over when you go to the North anyway. Why make such an effort?” 

“So everyone can know how great the Grand Duke is.” 

“I don’t understand what benefit that brings.” 

It was a natural reaction since there hadn’t been any problems so far without such efforts.

Just then, Jess knocked on the door. Unlike usual, he entered without mentioning his business first, and it seemed there was another reason. 

“It’s an investigation into the wounded knights you requested, Your Excellency.” 

“I see.” 

Scheuer’s head perked up at the mention of wounded knights. Jess continued with a subdued voice, 

“It seems they are all younger siblings. Their parents passed away early, and after living as a mercenary, they received a recommendation from a mercenary unit and were given the title of a knight.” 

“What do you mean by younger siblings?” 

“We’re still checking, but it seems they entrusted their titles to another place when they received the title.” 

“And others?” 

“The other two deceased are similar. Most knights in the border areas seem to be similar.”

 They were indeed people without distinctive features. There was also a slight sense of guilt. He wasn’t originally fated to die. ‘Same results… in different places, times, and people…’ He had no connections with any noble in the past, and even when he was in the palace, he was under a completely different knight commander.

“Have you met the mercenary unit?” 

“Naveed is making contact.” 

“Understood.” 

Lately, Naveed’s face had seemed lax, but apparently, he was busy in his own way. After Jess left the room, Raygrain, who followed him, stopped in front of the door for a moment. He looked at Scheuer and asked,

 “What did you say about your schedule?” 

“Like this!” 

Scheuer handed him her schedule. She had prepared words in case Raygrain didn’t feel interested in the festival or couldn’t understand why they needed to meet.

“First, on the first day, it’s related to longevity, wishing for good health. So, it’s good to go on this day.” 

The temple had left, and Raygrain, accused of the demon attack, couldn’t enjoy the festival. More precisely, he couldn’t leave the room until it was proven.

Then there would be no regrets about the festival, but still, she wanted to show him the joy that could only be felt at this time. Perhaps he didn’t know. Would the feeling of joy come back after seeing the festival? Now, in a somewhat ordinary way, he could enjoy the festival. ‘Of course, there are still some uncomfortable parts.’ Was it her earnestness that he felt? Carefully, Raygrain looked at it and then folded it, putting it in his pocket. 

“I’ll contact you if possible.” 

The morning schedule was a visit to the central library with Solle.

“Smile Love”