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Chapter : 25
Agatha quickly assigned tasks after checking the banquet hall, the second floor, and even the kitchen.
“Lord Huber, please check the castle’s security with the knights. Also, make sure the soldiers inside are properly positioned before my husband arrives.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“While the knights check the safety, the rest of you handle the prince’s room and the banquet hall. Steward, has the cargo arrived at the harbor?”
“Yes. It’s been unloaded and distributed between the third floor and the storage rooms.”
“Let’s start by bringing my chef into the kitchen. Have them take stock of the ingredients, check what dishes will be served, review the dishes currently being prepared, and prepare a menu with the cooking order.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Jessie, Marie, take the servants and bring over any curtains, banners, carpets, and candlesticks that are still in good condition. We need to start decorating the banquet hall.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Steward! Where is the furniture? We need to replace the table and sofa in the room where the Second Prince will stay.”
“Th-these way, ma’am.”
Agatha changed as much as she could within the time allowed.
She pulled down the dark curtains covering all four sides of the grand banquet hall, layered translucent black and blue banners over the windows, and loosely tied them with gold thread.
Between the windows, she placed vases with beautiful fresh flowers on the walls.
Even the round tables in the hall got clean white tablecloths with lace edging.
“Ma’am, we’re short on gold candlesticks.”
“Then place gold candlesticks only in the center, and use silver ones elsewhere. That carpet over there looks off—”
“I’ll fix it immediately.”
While Agatha was turning the castle upside down, a knight approached and reported Enoch’s arrival.
“Ma’am, the Marquis has arrived at the castle entrance.”
“Is that so?”
Having been moving busily, Agatha’s previously emotional mind had now regained its composure.
After all, she had kissed him on the cheek and ran off without a word—he must have been a little flustered too.
She hesitated for a moment.
But Agatha decided to act boldly. She left her closest maids in charge and went alone to the first-floor hall to greet Enoch.
He had just entered the castle.
“You’ve come?”
“……”
Enoch was silent for a moment. Outwardly calm, but Agatha felt a flutter of anxiety inside.
Had the kiss seemed too emotional?
That was exactly what she had intended, but now that it had happened, her mouth went dry.
After staring at her for a while, he slowly lowered his head.
Smooch—
“Welcome back.”
“……!”
The warmth rose to her cheeks where his lips had brushed.
Although their arranged marriage had been remarkably affectionate by royal standards, exchanging greetings with a kiss while coming to meet him made her heart flutter.
Agatha smiled widely without realizing it. For a moment, Enoch’s eyes twitched slightly.
“You must be tired. If you rest in your room, the meal will be ready soon. Tonight’s dinner mixes Meinucor and Roxbard cuisine—”
Enoch stood quietly, listening to her chatter.
“By the way, I’ll guide you to your room. I think we’ll need to share the bedroom. Is that okay, or would you prefer I prepare one of the rooms for direct heirs?”
He instinctively reached out to Agatha.
The moment her slender fingers touched his firm palm,
Enoch spoke gently, as he always had.
“If it’s not inconvenient for you, I don’t mind sharing the bedroom. It might even be safer that way.”
“Then I’ll tell the butler to arrange it.”
Agatha led Enoch to the lord’s chambers on the fifth floor, then summoned her vassals for a meeting.
With only three days left before the Meinucor delegation arrived, they needed to report the current status of Palavi Island and discuss how to receive the delegation.
It was a relief that Enoch would handle the escort, military command, and greeting the delegation.
The meeting continued even during dinner.
“Although they are unofficial envoys, royal family members are included, so formal hospitality is necessary.”
“We should improve the harbor facilities. Adding carvings to the stairs and laying a red carpet will be the minimum standard.”
“How many Eastern dishes should we include while the Second Prince stays?”
Even after the banquet, the meeting seemed endless.
They had to prepare the second floor for the delegation, distinguish between official and unofficial schedules, confirm negotiation conditions, and plan daily banquets.
By the time the outline was complete, her son-in-law had grown dark with fatigue.
“Let’s take a short break. Resume in ten minutes.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Agatha briefly went to the bedroom.
As she suspected,
The bedroom, entered without knocking, was brightly lit. Enoch was sitting on the sofa, studying a map of Palavi Island.
Agatha smiled awkwardly.
“Sorry, Enoch. I should’ve sent word that I’d be late.”
They had briefly met during dinner, but only to exchange glances while eating.
“I waited by choice, so there’s no need for you to apologize. Is the meeting over?”
“No. I need to go right away. You go rest first. If I’m not there in the morning, start breakfast without me, okay?”
Agatha kissed Enoch lightly on the cheek and left the room. She was happy he had waited, but there was too much to do.
‘I have to wrap things up carefully; Ferdinand might try to find fault.’
Even if Enoch seemed unfazed by meeting his ex-husband, it wouldn’t hurt to be cautious.
Agatha hurried back to the meeting room.
Behind the closed bedroom door,
Enoch sank into the sofa and let out a long breath. His handsome face bore a complex expression.
The bright bedroom lights remained on for a while.
Three days passed. Aside from sleeping hours, Agatha had spent all her time preparing the island and the delegation’s reception, and her efforts paid off perfectly.
In that short time, she had placed carvings on the bridge, laid red silk carpets, surveyed Palavi Island, and finalized the delegation’s accommodations, meals, and schedule.
Enoch led the Nobillis and Eastern Imperial Navy to meet the delegation from the Meinucor Empire.
In the distance, they could see the fleet of the Roxbard Empire and Nobillis family warships escorting them.
“Ma’am.”
“I see it.”
The sleek sailing ship, characteristic of Meinucor Empire’s sharp lines, bore the flag of the Mainconti royal family, approaching quickly.
‘I should have gone along after all.’
Agatha briefly regretted leaving the coordination with the navy entirely to her husband.
It was natural that he, as head of the Marquis of Aratus, would handle the knights and military,
but she couldn’t help being curious about how Enoch would greet his ex-husband.
‘…Though he seems completely unconcerned.’
As the naval ships withdrew, only the Meinucor ship and warships entered the harbor.
Even amidst the bustling Meinucor crowd, Enoch’s face seemed unchanged.
Was it really fine not to worry?
Agatha straightened her posture despite the fleeting doubt.
At the top of the high staircase,
The protagonist who had stirred the entire island for nearly a month appeared.
Silver hair, spotless.
Red eyes like a rose.
Even after ten years, the dashing flirt descended the stairs with a bright smile.
“Agatha!”
Memories of the distant past flashed through her mind.
She had once thought he was alright just by his looks.
Of course, that notion shattered the day after the wedding.
“Your Highness, Second Prince of the Meinucor Empire.”
Agatha offered the greeting as the representative.
The key was to achieve results that would satisfy the emperor.
Feelings could be set aside for now; the goal had to be reached quickly.
Ferdinand, momentarily flustered, hurried over with a hand wave.
“My apologies for my rudeness in my excitement. Thank you for your hospitality… Madam.”
Agatha didn’t notice, but Enoch, standing with the knights between her and Ferdinand, twitched slightly at the brow.
Ferdinand spoke in a gentle, almost cooing tone.
“How have you been? You’ve grown into a proper lady, madam.”
“Ten years have passed since the divorce, of course I have. You must be tired from the journey. Tonight, enjoy dinner and rest in the castle. From tomorrow, I suggest touring Palavi Island before beginning formal negotiations, Your Highness.”
“Yes. I shall follow your advice, Madam.”
Agatha accepted Ferdinand’s escort and subtly observed Enoch.
He gave orders to the knights, keeping watch and protection around.
‘Right. He really has no reason to worry.’
Slightly disappointed, Agatha decided to focus on hosting the delegation. She greeted the Meinucor officials and signaled the steward to summon the horses and carriages quickly.
The carriage for the Second Prince of the Mainconti royal family was ready first, and as Ferdinand was about to board, he looked back.
“How will you be traveling, Madam?”
“My carriage is ready as well.”
“Let’s go together. It’s been a long time; we can talk a bit on the way. I also have questions about this negotiation.”
“……”
Agatha really didn’t want to ride with him.
But duty prevailed, and she moved slowly. The last glance at her husband showed him turned away, so she couldn’t see his expression.
Probably the same indifferent look as before.
