Chapter 28 — A Political Celebration
It wasn’t just their attire that had become more extravagant—the Count Barrett family’s wealth was also steadily growing.
By investing in a business venture proposed by the Grand Duke, they earned a profit of three thousand gold in just the first month.
When word spread, the nobles were desperate to get involved. More and more people clung to the Barretts, hoping to obtain some information somehow.
“Evelyn, we’re building your foundation.”
Countess Barrett swept through the banquet hall with a radiant smile.
“Congratulations on your marriage, my lady—or rather, I should call you Grand Duchess now.”
Princess Isabelle appeared more dazzling than the bride herself, wearing a brilliant dress adorned with sparkling jewelry.
“Thank you for attending the wedding. I also received your generous gift.”
Evelyn forced a smile to avoid giving the princess anything to criticize.
From a distance, her brother signaled with his eyes: Should I help? Evelyn subtly shook her head, declining.
She needed to handle this much on her own.
“This is the most magnificent wedding I’ve ever seen. Certainly the grandest among recent ones.”
“His Majesty kindly offered the best hall, and we did our utmost to avoid causing offense.”
Not the response the princess had hoped for, as her expression stiffened slightly.
“All thanks to His Majesty’s grace, of course,”
Elliot added with a faint smile as they shared congratulations.
“Isabelle, are you pestering the Grand Duke again?”
The crown prince, who had offered his congratulations earlier, approached with a teasing tone toward his sister.
“Of course not. How could I ruin such a joyous day?”
Isabelle widened her eyes and glared at her brother. Since the Emperor had left right after offering a blessing, the crown prince and crown princess remained to represent the imperial family.
“To think I could attend the Grand Duke’s wedding. Isn’t it a moving occasion?”
He joked that he once feared the Graham family line would end entirely.
“It wasn’t quite that bad.”
“It’s a major event for the Empire. I trust no one would be foolish enough to cause trouble today.”
His tone was mock-stern, but he winked, prompting laughter from the nobles.
“We recognize the North’s efforts for the Empire. This might be a good opportunity for others to experience its hardships.”
“How could anyone possibly compare to the strength of the North?”
One noble spoke up in alarm, worried the prince might suddenly send them north as reinforcements.
The crown prince acted as if he had received instructions from the Emperor. Rumor had it that support troops would be sent to the North—it seemed plans were finally in motion.
“Haven’t the Grahams shouldered the burden of the North alone for too long? Isn’t it time other regions stopped relying so heavily on them?”
“That’s not entirely fair. We do contribute to the North’s development fund.”
“There’s much to be said about that, but what I mean is this: to strengthen the Empire’s military, training is essential.”
Out of nowhere?
The nobles stared blankly at the crown prince, confused by his sudden speech about national strength—at a wedding.
“Are we going to war or something?”
“Who said anything about war? I’m just saying we shouldn’t grow complacent in times of peace. Hmm.”
The prince really wasn’t good at acting. Even the crown princess seemed embarrassed, hiding her face behind a fan.
Evelyn struggled to suppress her laughter.
It looked like the Emperor had given the crown prince a task under the Grand Duke’s influence, but he wasn’t carrying it out naturally at all.
“An excellent plan. We, too, have felt a lack in that area.”
Elliot finally spoke, having listened silently to the crown prince’s words. Once the Grand Duke expressed agreement, the nobles’ eyes widened.
Is something truly happening?
“Oh, are you planning something in the North?”
Count Barrett, who had been chatting nearby, approached with a curious expression.
“We must always prepare for the worst. I intend to propose knight training.”
“Of course, we hope it never comes to that. But training in the North? Fascinating.”
As the head of one of the Empire’s most renowned martial families, Count Barrett showed confidence.
Graham and Barrett working together? Did they have a secret conversation? The nobles eyed the two men with suspicion.
“To be able to showcase our knights’ skills is an honor. You won’t be disappointed. Hahaha.”
“Do you think only your knights are exceptional? If our order gets to train in the North, we’ll outperform yours for sure.”
A noble who frequently competed with Count Barrett jumped in, clearly unable to bear the thought of Barrett boasting about his knights’ rising skill.
“Oh? I didn’t realize everyone was so eager to become stronger.”
“If permitted, we’ll schedule training sessions for each family’s knightly orders.”
Not missing the opportunity, both the crown prince and Elliot chimed in. The atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted, as glances were exchanged.
Some faces showed frustration, torn between reluctance and the fear of falling behind.
“To think everyone is so devoted to improving the Empire—I’m moved. I’ll speak to His Majesty immediately and arrange northern training. Naturally, the royal knights and soldiers will attend as well.”
Before any family head could object, the crown prince effectively sealed the deal. No one dared protest openly against his satisfied expression.
Everyone nodded with forced smiles.
Those who disagreed planned to play along for now and vote against it later in council.
“Seeking strength is truly admirable. Grand Duke, is the North filled with such strong warriors? Will we get to see the knight training?”
“Of course, Your Highness the Crown Princess. I used to think we were fighting alone. It’s reassuring to receive such interest.”
The crown princess expertly shifted the topic. As the conversation flowed naturally, Evelyn kept her mouth shut.
Better to stay quiet than risk stirring up controversy by interjecting.
As Elliot conversed with the crown prince and princess, he turned his gaze.
“Tired?”
The sudden attention startled Evelyn, and she quickly shook her head.
“I’m fine.”
Though she hadn’t participated in the conversation, just observing was fascinating and fun.
She hadn’t attended noble councils with her father, and at social events people often avoided her. She never got to join in real conversations.
“To think we’ve been so focused on the North’s troubles and neglected the bride.”
The crown princess gave a warm, apologetic smile.
“Not at all. I’ve been enjoying listening.”
“What did you think of the North, Grand Duchess?”
“It was beautiful and warm.”
Evelyn’s answer made the crown princess widen her eyes.
“I’ve heard the snowfields in the North are breathtaking. The white snow is said to be stunning, isn’t it?”
“Yes, just as the rumors said—it was impossible to look away. Since it hardly ever snows in the capital, I feel like I saw all the snow I’ll ever see in my life.”
As Evelyn spoke, she could feel Elliot’s gaze lingering on her cheek. She wasn’t lying—the snowfields truly were beautiful.
The towering, sky-high snowy mountains looked like scenes from a grand painting.
“Won’t that cursed young lady bring ruin to the North if she goes there?”
A faint whisper reached Evelyn’s ears.
“Ahem. But he’s a sword master, isn’t he? He’ll overcome any curse.”
Elliot turned toward the murmuring voices, trying to identify the family.
“I heard your family trains in the sword. I’m curious about your skills too.”
The crown princess, who lacked the physique of a knight, smiled graciously, seemingly unaware of the whispers about the bride.
Or did she hear them and choose to ignore them?
Evelyn blinked at the curious expression, and the crown princess returned a subtle smile.
“If I get the chance, I’d be happy to demonstrate for you both.”
“Truly?! I’ve only heard rumors of how amazing the Barrett family’s swordsmanship is—I’m so excited. It’ll be a great asset to the Empire.”
The crown princess smiled elegantly.
“My skills are modest, but I’ll do my best.”
“Your Highness, I believe we’ve kept the couple to ourselves for too long.”
Satisfied with Evelyn’s reply, the crown princess nodded and gave her a warm nod before pulling the crown prince away to another group.
As the royal couple left, the nobles began flocking toward the newlyweds to make their impressions.
Many sought to curry favor, hoping to secure cheaper access to the North’s magic stones and high-quality iron.
