Chapter 91
In a corner far from the noisy party hall, Herwin stood in a tuxedo, frowning.
His gaze was fixed on a baby monster trapped inside a large iron cage.
“Damn fools. Do they think monsters are toys? How many times do I have to tell them they’re dangerous…?”
The knights standing guard nearby swallowed nervously.
A faint, ominous red aura radiated from Herwin’s body.
It was strong enough to make the baby monster, which had been screaming and thrashing just moments ago, tremble in fear.
Suppressing the boiling anger within him, Herwin let out a deep sigh.
‘Of all things, it had to be an orc baby.’
The monster that had terrorized people in the nearby forest for almost a month was an orc—a humanoid monster known for its intelligence.
He recalled past hunts in the north, where orcs led other monsters and laid waste to the area, causing him no small amount of trouble.
Orcs were known for their cunning and brutal temperaments.
‘Fortunately, it’s not a group—seems to be moving only with a female and its offspring…’
Even an orc with offspring was extremely dangerous. Catching a baby orc last time had been pure luck.
Until now, monsters were mostly confined to the north, so it was extremely rare for them to appear in the capital or other regions.
Perhaps for that reason, the royal family had not immediately killed the captured baby orc.
“They should have just killed it on the spot when they caught it.”
Although it trembled in fear now, Herwin knew all too well the nature hidden beneath that appearance.
Why are monsters monsters, after all?
He had heard that during tomorrow’s hunting festival, they planned to kill the baby orc as a demonstration in front of everyone.
He wondered if nothing untoward would happen before then.
A headache began to throb, so Herwin turned back.
“Just in case, do not approach the cage. Make sure at least five guards are posted at a time. Even a baby has the strength of a grown man.”
“Yes, sir!”
The knights stood straight, taking Herwin’s words to heart. Though reassured only slightly, he forced himself to take measured steps away.
“Lucia.”
“Ah, Bern. Are you done with your work?”
Bern, who had stepped away briefly while Lucia was enjoying time with her friends, returned. He greeted her friends and took hold of Lucia’s hand.
“Yes, fortunately, I was able to finish everything well.”
“I see. If you feel uncomfortable here, please let me know. We can go somewhere else.”
Since her friends were here, Lucia whispered cautiously, worried Bern might feel awkward.
“I’m fine. This is a good chance to become closer with your friends.”
As always, Bern simply smiled, saying he was fine.
Thanks to that, her friends could see Lucia and Bern whispering closely.
Stimulated by the sight, Christine, who had confessed her engagement earlier, looked at them with envy.
“You two really have a great relationship. I want to have an engaged partner as close as you two.”
“Huh? Ahahaha… you flatter us.”
Bern was momentarily embarrassed by the unexpected compliment, but soon smiled cheerfully.
“By the way, you two coordinated your outfits today, right? You look very similar like this.”
Arista, observant as always, had noticed Lucia and Bern’s coordinated outfits. Indeed, they had matched their clothing tones—a light green, suitable for summer.
Adding the yellow topaz earrings and brooches they had purchased previously made the matching even more striking.
Lucia gave a slight smile, fidgeting with the hem of her dress.
‘This is pretty too, but…’
The dress Herwin had gifted her suited her better.
Though Sein insisted she wear such a pretty dress for the summer festival, Lucia had no intention of wearing it.
‘I can’t give Herwin the chance.’
She could not appear at the party in a dress given by another man while her fiancé was present.
Lucia felt relieved that Herwin was not in the room.
“Indeed. Your outfits are similar.”
Before she could feel completely at ease, a familiar voice spoke from behind. Startled, Lucia turned to see Herwin, looking sharp in his tuxedo.
His expression neutral, he observed Bern and Lucia, then softened into a gentle smile when their eyes met.
Feeling unnecessarily awkward and guilty, Lucia fidgeted with her hands.
“Long time no see, Marquis Casper.”
“Yes, it has been a while. Since our last dinner together, correct?”
Unexpectedly, Herwin greeted Bern first, who happily took his hand.
He looked markedly different from before, when he seemed displeased at Bern.
“I’ve heard news of monsters appearing near the capital. I heard the prince himself has taken the lead in capturing them. Is that true?”
“Yes, that’s correct. You get news quickly.”
“It’s public gossip. Impressive—capturing monsters. I’m not suited for physical work, so I envy you.”
“They’re still rampant in the north, so it’s only natural.”
Lucia watched their conversation nervously. So far, no verbal sparring or irritating comments had occurred.
She expected Herwin to be more cautious of Bern, but instead, he seemed to accept him as he was.
Though the atmosphere remained comfortable, she had no idea what Herwin was thinking.
Ba-dum! Ba-dum-bum!
At that moment, the trumpets sounded, followed by other instruments. Everyone turned their attention forward, including the emperor and the royal family.
“Thank you all for attending this summer festival despite the heat. This year’s festival…”
The emperor gave a short speech announcing the start of the summer festival. While everyone focused on him, Herwin quietly approached Lucia and whispered.
“Did you like the gift I sent you?”
“…Yes, it was pretty.”
“Good. I thought it would suit you. I think it looks better on you than that other outfit….”
Glancing at him, Lucia noticed Herwin’s expression had softened.
“You’ll wear it tomorrow, right?”
“…I won’t. I already have a set outfit.”
“What a shame.”
Despite his words, his tone didn’t carry disappointment. He apparently did not expect her to wear the gift.
As their brief conversation ended, the emperor’s speech concluded, and the orchestra began to play. The crown prince and his wife, as well as the princess and Ares, started dancing first.
Soon, others followed, pairing up and entering the dance hall.
“Lucia.”
Naturally, Bern extended his hand to his fiancée, Lucia. She took his hand, stepping forward with him.
Yet, glancing back at Herwin, she saw his red eyes calmly watching them, unwavering.
A shiver ran through her.
Herwin kept his eyes fixed on the beautiful tableau of Lucia and Bern dancing. Arista quietly approached him.
“Are you okay with this?”
“Why?”
“You said you liked Lucia. Are you just going to stand there?”
Herwin smirked.
“Of course I won’t just stand here. Ideally, I’d be her first dance partner, but since she’s engaged to the marquis, I can’t. People would find it strange if she danced with another man.”
“You’re holding back out of consideration for Lucia?”
“Exactly. And before, I didn’t even know why I disliked Marquis Casper, but now that I acknowledge my feelings for Lucia, I can’t act recklessly like before. Still, someday, I will take her.”
“…No wonder you seem calmer than usual.”
Arista shook her head, satisfied with her observation. When she looked around, she noticed other friends had disappeared.
Ethan was inviting the woman he liked to dance. Brian and Christine…
“Huh?”
Had also gone out into the dance hall together. Arista was somewhat surprised.
Herwin, focused solely on Lucia, didn’t notice.
“Oh, Princess Lydia, isn’t it? What a surprise to see you here.”
A sweet voice reached them. Arista frowned reflexively.
Becky appeared, triumphant, alongside Lucas.
Lucas tensed upon seeing Herwin.
“…You’re here too, my lady.”
“It’s a summer festival, I couldn’t miss it. Is the person next to you… the one you fancy?”
Becky, aware that he was from the Feneus family with black hair and red eyes, deliberately provoked Arista.
However, Becky’s words flustered both Herwin and Lucas.
“Becky, that’s Herwin. Even if they’re close, it’s not like that.”
Lucas clarified on behalf of Arista and Herwin. Herwin whispered to Arista, clearly annoyed.
“Who is that woman, speaking so suddenly? Why is she with Lucas?”
“…My brother’s girlfriend.”
“Girlfriend? Were they originally dating?”
Herwin couldn’t even remember if Lucas had a girlfriend before.
“Oh, I see. I apologize. I thought you two were a couple because you looked so close.”
Becky’s apology seemed insincere to Herwin.
“I have someone else in my heart. So please refrain from baseless assumptions upon first meeting.”
If not for Lucas’s girlfriend, he might have scolded her.
‘Why does he have someone like her as a girlfriend?’
For the first time, Herwin thought Lucas’s taste was questionable.
When he looked at Lucas, their eyes met. Lucas quickly looked away, but in that brief instant, Herwin noticed his pupils tremble uncertainly.
Their last unpleasant parting explained Lucas’s awkwardness. Perhaps he still hadn’t forgiven him.
Nevertheless, Herwin planned to use this opportunity to grow closer to Lucas again.
“Brother, long time no see. How have you been?”
“Uh… I’ve been okay… and you? I heard you were sick…”
He hadn’t expected Lucas to bring up Herwin’s illness first.
Having been close to Lucas for a long time, Herwin could see him trying to awkwardly restore their relationship.
Herwin smiled gently.
“I’m fine now. No more pain. Thank you for worrying.”
Lucas hunched his shoulders at the thanks, guilt washing over him, knowing Herwin’s prior illness was partly his fault.
He wanted to apologize but couldn’t speak, only moving his lips. Arista, standing beside Herwin, met his eyes.
Her gentle violet gaze comforted Lucas’s uneasy heart.
It’s okay.
Arista mouthed softly, giving him a supportive smile. Encouraged, Lucas no longer avoided Herwin’s gaze.
“I’m sorry for before. No matter how intense my feelings were, I shouldn’t have acted emotionally… I have nothing to say, even if I had ten mouths. Truly, I’m sorry.”
Lucas bowed, apologizing, leaving both Herwin and Becky, unaware of the circumstances, surprised. Only Arista smiled warmly, quietly cheering Lucas’s courage.
