Kays Translations

Chapter 233: The Duke of the North

Our carriage arrived safely at the royal castle. Brother Alex presented the invitation to the knight at the gate, and after a brief security inspection, we were allowed through.

“I see you brought several potions, Julius.”

“We cannot know what might happen. I always carry a full selection for emergencies, although it earned me a few questions at the gate.”

The guards discovered the potions during the inspection and asked what they were. Fortunately, I was a magic pharmacist formally recognised by His Majesty, so my gold pass settled the matter.

“It is wise to be prepared. That puts my mind at ease.”

Brother Alex said that, though the royal castle was surely well stocked with potions. Perhaps he was more concerned about their taste. If so, I understood completely.

The carriage followed a different route from usual. After crossing a cobbled drive, we entered a courtyard where several carriages were already waiting. Ours let us out and moved on to the carriage stand. The space was smaller than I had expected.

“I am going to collect Daniela. What will the rest of you do?”

“We will come with you.”

I answered immediately. Being abandoned alone in a place like this would be dreadful. Guests were arriving one after another, and I did not want anyone picking a quarrel with us. Remaining in the carriage might have been safer, but it had already disappeared.

Axel and Ijidol silently agreed. We followed Brother Alex into the royal castle, and Princess Daniela was already waiting at the appointed place.

Dressed for the evening party, Princess Daniela looked even lovelier than usual. I was not the only one captivated; Axel and Ijidol stared as though their souls had left their bodies.

“You look wonderful, Princess Daniela. Like a fairy of the forest.”

“Thank you, Lord Alex. You look splendid as well—like a knight of ice.”

A forest fairy and an ice knight made an excellent pair. The rest of us were merely the small animals decorating the scene. We had already displayed our clothes at the tea party, so no one needed to inspect us again.

Once we had joined Princess Daniela, we headed to the building where the evening party would be held. The ballroom was already crowded. A murmur spread when we entered; both those who knew of the engagement and those hearing of it for the first time seemed excited.

The orchestra began to play, signalling the start of the evening party. Guests collected drinks and moved freely between tables laden with food, fluttering about the standing buffet like butterflies.

When the music paused, the host appeared on the gallery above: Duke Hayden, the Duke of the North.

“Thank you for attending my gathering tonight. Please enjoy yourselves. As some of you may already have noticed, a very distinguished guest is present. I regret that I cannot introduce her publicly, but I trust everyone will conduct themselves appropriately.”

He finished with a wink, and applause filled the hall. He seemed an amiable man, though his pallor concerned me. Was he ill? The distinguished guest was surely Princess Daniela. I braced myself.

I followed Brother Alex as we greeted the guests. He and Princess Daniela handled most of the conversation, so I only had to stand nearby and smile. Even so, I tensed whenever Brother Alex introduced me. Then someone called my name.

“Well, well. Lord Julius, how have you been?”

“Commander Giovanni! Good evening. What brings you here?”

“What a question. This is the Duke of the North’s gathering. How could I fail to attend? Look over there—the commanders of the Royal Knight Order and the Royal Mage Corps are present as well.”

Following Commander Giovanni's gesture, I spotted both commanders in formal dress. Only then did I fully appreciate the importance of this gathering. I had spent so much time around His Majesty and Her Majesty that my sense of status had become numb.

I needed to brace myself. I could not embarrass Brother Alex or Princess Daniela. Axel and Ijidol had gone pale. Perhaps I had too.

There was something I wanted to confirm with Commander Giovanni.

“Commander Giovanni, your Appraisal skill is among the finest in the kingdom, is it not?”

“Lord Julius… Where did you hear that?”

He glanced around, bent closer and whispered into my ear. Apparently, the information was confidential. Fortunately, no one else was near us.

“His Majesty told me. That is why you and the other royal magic pharmacists never doubted the potions I made.”

“That is not quite right. We could all see at a glance that your potions were magnificent, Lord Julius. I merely appraised them afterwards and offered thanks to God.”

“I see.”

That explained Commander Giovanni's almost excessive enthusiasm. While I was considering it, a stir rose around us.

“Princess Daniela, it has been nearly three years since I last saw you in person. I am delighted to find you well.”

“Duke Hayden, it has indeed been a long time. Thank you for inviting me this evening.”

The speaker was Duke Hayden, our host.

Princess Daniela gave a graceful curtsy, and we followed her example. His rank exceeded that of House Heine, so we could not address him first. The host, however, was free to approach us.

“You must be the young lord of House Heine. Raise your head. I have heard much of your ability. To become the future husband of a princess is an enviable honour.”

“You are too kind, Your Grace. House Heine is always indebted to you.”

“Our obligations are mutual. Knowing Margrave Heine guards the border allows me to act with confidence.”

He laughed heartily, and at that moment I noticed something important.

Duke Hayden was suffering from lung disease. Appraisal made it unmistakable. But how could I tell him without revealing that I had examined him?

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