~Chapter 38~

Elcayan reached out his hand to Delphina.

“Sir Calyx is reliable in many ways. If it’s just the three of us, we should reach the capital quickly.”

The Grand Madam watched them with a pleased smile.

“There are plenty of excellent maids at the capital townhouse, so don’t worry about the banquet preparations.”

“Banquet preparations?”

“Yes. We’ll make sure everything is perfect.”

She gave a cold, knowing smile.

“The emperor, who loves pomp and pageantry, will surely host another grand banquet.”

Delphina was startled.

‘Can she really say that out loud like it’s nothing?’

But no one else seemed shocked by the Grand Madam’s bluntness.

Delphina thought to herself:

‘This is actually kind of nice…’

She had never been able to speak her mind so openly, so the Grand Madam’s bold attitude was refreshing.

Elcayan added:

“The High Priest is expected to attend the banquet this year.”

“That weak, pathetic man is coming too?”

“Yes. He’s coming to measure the divine power of the children in the temple.”

The Grand Madam clicked her tongue in disapproval.

“The emperor’s people won’t want to send any priests to the North anyway. Do you think any of those kids will actually choose to go there?”

Delphina joined in:

“Divine power measurements… I’ve heard of those.”

The Grand Madam’s expression darkened slightly. Delphina knew why:

‘The North still doesn’t have its own temple.’

To establish a temple, at least one high-ranking priest had to stay in the North. But powerful priests always avoided going there.

‘Even if someone qualifies this year, they probably won’t want to go to the North…’

The Grand Madam turned to Delphina.

“Don’t worry about all that. Just enjoy the banquet.”

Delphina bowed her head, feeling mixed emotions. The Grand Madam burst into hearty laughter.

“Luxury is the emperor’s thing. You should enjoy it freely. Even if we tell him not to spend money, he’ll do it anyway, won’t he?”

“That’s true.”

“You’ll be the star of the banquet. Elcayan—well, I don’t know—but people say he has a good face. You’ll definitely attract more attention than Ivelina and Kasen.”

Delphina smiled faintly. She had never been the center of attention at any banquet.

‘More like an unwanted guest, honestly…’

But just like the Grand Madam said—if she couldn’t avoid it, she might as well enjoy it.

“Yes, I’ll enjoy myself to the fullest.”

“Don’t worry about being judged either. Just by being yourself, everyone will understand. You’re strong enough to lead the North.”

Delphina’s heart pounded at those words. The Grand Madam’s faith in her made her feel warm and proud.

“Show everyone your true self.”

“I’ll come back safely.”

That moment made everything feel real:

‘Even if it’s temporary, I’m leaving this place.’

But she didn’t feel sad.

Sana, Walton, and Alex all waved at her.

“Lady Delphina, have a safe trip!”

“We’ll be waiting for your return!”

She realized just how many people were waiting for her to come back.

✦ ✦ ✦

Delphina and Elcayan boarded the carriage together. Being alone with him in an enclosed space felt unfamiliar.

Even though they were engaged, they still had separate rooms and only met during meals.

‘We’ve gotten a little closer lately, but…’

Especially after he helped her deal with Kasen, she had felt their relationship grow warmer. Still, they were both too busy to spend much time alone.

‘It’s kind of awkward.’

She had always been surrounded by the noisy, warm people of the North. Now that it was just her and Elcayan, the carriage felt too quiet.

‘I thought we were close enough to be comfortable by now…’

Elcayan had always been considerate during her time in the North.

“Are you comfortable?”

“Yes, it’s really nice.”

“The North is harsh. I imagine it wasn’t easy for you.”

“Not at all. Everyone was so kind. I didn’t feel uncomfortable at all.”

She shook her head with a sincere smile. Compared to the capital, the North had been much more welcoming.

“I’m glad to hear that.”

After a brief pause, Elcayan spoke again.

“You don’t need to worry too much about the banquet. If you’d rather not attend, it’s okay.”

Delphina quickly shook her head.

“No. I definitely want to go.”

“Really? I thought you disliked banquets.”

He brought it up because he had heard a little about her difficult time at the academy.

‘I heard she avoided banquets there…’

He just wanted to ease her mind.

“Actually, I… like them.”

“You do?”

“Yes. I always dreamed of dancing with someone I liked.”

“…”

“But at the academy, I never got the chance to dance. Not even once.”

Elcayan’s expression hardened. Delphina smiled quietly.

She had never danced at any banquet at the academy.

‘Kasen always gave the first dance to Ivelina.’

Now that she thought about it, it was kind of ridiculous. What kind of fiancé dances with his fiancée’s cousin instead?

‘Well, it doesn’t matter anymore.’

Elcayan didn’t ask too many questions. He understood now:

‘His silence is out of kindness.’

Delphina softly shared more of her past.

“At every banquet, Kasen would always dance with Ivelina.”

Elcayan’s face stiffened. She hadn’t planned on saying it all out loud—it wasn’t a happy memory.

‘Still… he should know.’

She hadn’t realized it before, but Kasen had been a terribly selfish ex-fiancé.

He still thought Delphina had feelings for him. She didn’t want Elcayan to misunderstand because of Kasen’s arrogance.

“So I’ve never danced with anyone at a banquet. Kasen was possessive… but only when it came to me.”

Meanwhile, Kasen would happily dance with any young noblewoman he liked.

Delphina never understood that double standard.

Elcayan looked at her and said:

“He’s a foolish man.”

“What?”

“Delphina, people always regret things. I’ve had my share of regrets too.”

“…”

“But when it mattered most, I made choices I wouldn’t regret. That’s the difference between me and him.”

Elcayan had made mistakes in his youth—but he knew how to prioritize the important things.

He spoke with confidence:

“Kasen will regret this.”

He would regret letting Delphina go. Seeing her now, beside someone else, would make him feel something he couldn’t ignore.

Delphina smiled faintly.

“You think so?”

“I’m sure of it.”

“But… it doesn’t matter anymore. Kasen isn’t important to me now.”

“That’s… really good to hear.”

“My dream now is to open a restaurant somewhere peaceful. So getting involved with powerful or noble men isn’t a good idea.”

She spoke honestly about her simple dream.

“Oh, and… if a man is too handsome, that’s kind of overwhelming too.”

Sure, it had felt nice when Elcayan outshined Kasen in looks. But that didn’t mean she was attracted to good looks anymore.

‘What matters is the heart, after all.’

No matter how good-looking someone was—if they were like Kasen, she wanted nothing to do with them.

When she said being “too handsome” was a bit much, Elcayan’s lips tightened slightly.