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Chapter : 76
“Will it really be alright?”
“Once we pacify the area around the territory this time, no one will dare lay a hand on you. It would be good to finish it together as well.”
Most of the relatives who had been aggressively attempting assassinations were already gone.
As long as the territory itself was safe, the journey there, and even within the territory, would pose little danger.
Agasa couldn’t hide her joy and lowered her gaze. Her fingers fiddled with the edge of his cloak.
“It’s been such a long time since I last visited the territory.”
The last time was when she had just come of age at sixteen, seven years ago.
Even then, she had only stayed briefly, since she went merely to inspect the territory as the official heir of the Nobilis family.
“The south has mild winter weather, so it should be pleasant to stay there.”
Enoch whispered softly, pressing his lips against her hair.
“Now that I think about it, I haven’t been to the Aratus territory in quite some time either.”
“Then after the Nobilis matter is settled, we shall visit the Aratus territory as well.”
“Let’s do that.”
Until just a little while ago, her worries had been overwhelming.
Though concern and unease still lingered, happiness now filled a definite corner of her heart.
“I’ll wait for you in the capital. You’ll write me again, won’t you?”
“Of course, Agasa. It’s good to see you happy. I must secure the enemies’ surrender as soon as possible.”
With preparations complete, Enoch left the inner quarters with Agasa.
Upon arriving at the vast training grounds, the knights were lined up just as they had been that summer.
Under the cool air and the morning star.
“Depart.”
The Aratus Knights set out toward the Nobilis territory.
Having sent her husband to the battlefield twice in one year, Agasa no longer secluded herself in the mansion.
The social season hadn’t ended yet, and remaining in isolation could give rise to unfavorable rumors about the family.
So Agasa attended social gatherings more actively than usual and hosted salons herself.
Today was a day of luncheon hosted by the Empress.
“Lady Agasa, welcome.”
“Greetings to Your Majesty, the Empress. I hope you have been in good health.”
“I am always the same. Now, please, sit here.”
Agasa’s seat was the one of honor, directly beside the Empress.
To avoid the increasingly cold weather, the luncheon was held in the Empress’s greenhouse.
Once all seats were filled, the Empress began with a smile:
“Today, we have prepared roasted lamb chops. I hope they suit your tastes.”
“Lamb chops are a dish everyone enjoys. I’m sure all will be pleased, Your Majesty.”
“Haha. Then let us begin.”
About twenty guests gathered around the long table to start the luncheon.
Each dish, from flavor to plating, was perfect—revealing the care and skill of the palace kitchen for today.
As a series of exquisite hors d’oeuvres were served, conversations flowed across the table.
“Countess Cephania, was that necklace a birthday gift?”
“Yes, hohoho. My husband had been sourcing the gemstone since last year and prepared it.”
“Your husband really took care in choosing it.”
“It is truly a memorable gift.”
The most talked-about item was the new necklace of Countess Cephania, who had recently celebrated her birthday.
The unusually large yellow diamond drew attention, and the Countess couldn’t help but smile delightedly under the attention.
Agasa joined in the conversation:
“I heard a good diamond mine was discovered in the Cephania family’s territory?”
“Oh my, Marchioness of Aratus, you’ve heard of it? Indeed, by chance we explored the area, and it turned out that diamonds were hidden in the mountains behind the estate.”
“Really! Is that true, Countess?”
Even the Empress showed interest in the topic Agasa brought up.
Meanwhile, the main course arrived: tender meat served with mint pudding.
Followed by ice cream for dessert, completing an excellent luncheon.
“It was truly a wonderful luncheon, Your Majesty. My palate is very pleased.”
“I am glad to hear that. Next time, we might take turns hosting the table.”
“An excellent idea, Your Majesty. How about hosting the next luncheon at my mansion?”
“Countess Cephania was quite the center of attention today.”
The next Empress’s salon might well be held at the Cephania estate.
Among the nobles eager to bid farewell, Agasa, showing proper etiquette, left the palace.
Although Enoch was absent, unlike the previous summer’s territory campaign, unfavorable rumors were almost nonexistent.
This time, it wasn’t just five collateral families but four direct-line families and one collateral family—a formidable war—yet the main talk was when the Marquess of Aratus would return with news of victory.
“Milady.”
At the palace entrance, First Deputy Leon Takran bowed respectfully.
“Are your matters concluded?”
“Yes. Let’s return to the mansion.”
The day’s social engagements were over. She planned to return home, rest, and prepare for tomorrow.
As the carriage, guarded by a tight escort, left the palace and crossed the avenue, its speed gradually slowed. A moment later, a knock sounded against the carriage wall.
“Milady.”
“What is it?”
Agasa drew back the curtain. Behind the slightly troubled expression of Leon stood a slightly familiar-looking servant.
“Ah…?”
“It’s been a long time, Marchioness of Aratus.”
It was someone from her fifth former husband, Marquess Leonard Shinjerr.
“What brings you here?”
“The Marquess wishes to see you briefly.”
“Leonard?”
“It’s a matter of importance.”
Leonard Shinjerr had been the safest and most stable of Agasa’s former husbands.
He was not the type to speak frivolously.
After a moment’s thought, Agasa nodded.
“Let’s go. Show me to your master.”
Escorted by Leon, Agasa stepped down from the carriage. The guards split to flank her.
Leonard stood in front of a merchant building, listening seriously to someone’s report.
“Marquess Shinjerr.”
“Marchioness of Aratus. You’ve come.”
Leonard relaxed slightly, gesturing for the person behind him to step back. Judging by the attire, it seemed they were a Shinjerr family knight.
“I was just about to visit, and then your carriage passed right in front of me.”
Agasa lightly nodded, averting her gaze.
“I wondered why the carriage had stopped.”
Still escorted by Leon and keeping a small distance, Agasa walked along the street.
The early autumn air was cool and slightly brisk.
Leonard spoke first.
“How have you been?”
“As you can see. Neither good nor bad.”
The territory campaign had only just begun. Enoch, traversing the Imperial domain, would appear unexpectedly to crush the enemies.
Even in the capital, rumors about the Aratus Marquess’ whereabouts—unseen anywhere—had begun to spread, including Agasa’s early morning breakfast with the Emperor.
“I heard about the territory campaign. Five families near the Nobilis territory have allied, correct?”
“Yes.”
Still, Leonard probably didn’t stop the carriage just to talk about the campaign.
At that moment, he mentioned a name Agasa had nearly forgotten.
“Have you checked on Henry Incidio recently?”
“No. I haven’t thought of him since he was exiled. Did he do something?”
Henry Incidio had been exiled to the north for crimes against the throne.
Unless the Emperor released him, he could not leave.
Since both the current Emperor and the heir favored Agasa, it seemed impossible for Henry Incidio to escape his exile.
“I don’t have exact evidence. But there have been reports that someone has been frequently visiting his place, which is unusual.”
Though the Incidio family had survived, it was suspicious for her fourth ex-husband to keep bringing outsiders into his northern exile residence.
“I thought it best that you be aware.”
“You’re right. Thank you.”
Agasa expressed gratitude to the Marquess. Even small precautions were worthwhile with the territory campaign underway.
“Of course. From the moment I held your hand, matters concerning him have never been unrelated to me.”
It had been Leonard Shinjerr who eliminated Henry, who had tried to kill Agasa and seize everything, and helped her divorce without incident.
Even if it was a contractual arrangement, he had essentially tied himself to Henry Incidio.
After the divorce, he continued to watch Henry for several years and ensured everything was handled perfectly—clearly out of his own goodwill.
“Ed Shinjerr, wasn’t it? Once the campaign ends, I’d like to invite you and your heir to my mansion. How about a dinner together?”
“A good proposal. I would gladly accept.”
With a small smile, he bowed one final time.
“Then, Marchioness of Aratus, may everything go well, including this territory campaign.”
“Yes. I hope only good things come your way as well, Marquess Shinjerr.”
