HRNGDS 85

~Chapter 85~

Above Pepper’s head, the system displayed how much more food he needed to eat before becoming a phoenix.

I can time it to be ready by Kassen’s succession ceremony.

Jerian, Pepper, and the unpredictable Ivelina…
Delphina’s mind worked quickly. She knew Ivelina could put her in danger during the ceremony if she decided to act.

But Delphina had no intention of just letting that happen.

“Pepper, let’s eat a lot of delicious food.”

Pepper flapped his wings excitedly.
Delphina put her hand on her waist—ready to head to the kitchen immediately. She had a lot to do.

Staying at the Fuat estate meant running into Kassen often.
Since he still hadn’t given up on her, he would keep coming around to bother her.

Of course, Elcayan wasn’t the type to just watch that happen. Contrary to Kassen’s expectations, Elcayan stayed by Delphina’s side all day.

Does the Grand Duke have nothing else to do?

It almost felt that way.
He stuck so close that Kassen had no chance to approach her.

But then, surprisingly, Delphina came to find Kassen first—without much greeting, she got straight to the point.

“You know the Saintess and I are close, right?”

Kassen nodded.

“I know. I saw it at the banquet—she seems very fond of you.”

“She said she wants to come visit.”

Kassen’s eyes lit up. This was a rare chance to get close to the Saintess.
He’d heard she almost never left the temple, kept close under the High Priest’s protection, and had captivated everyone there since becoming Saintess.

If she visited the Fuat estate, it would be an excellent opportunity for him—especially if she attended his succession ceremony, letting him show other nobles his good ties with her.

Piaje had already told him to gather as many people as possible for the event.

Delphina’s probably inviting her hoping the Saintess might channel divine power into Jerian.

He thought she might believe the Saintess could heal Jerian—but Kassen smirked.

If the Saintess wanted to save him, she’d have to risk her own life. She won’t be able to.

Feigning nonchalance, he asked,

“How long will she stay?”

“If you allow it, probably until your succession ceremony.”

“If the Saintess is attending my ceremony, I’ll allow it.”

“There’s more—my grandfather wants to come too.”

“The Duke? I thought he wouldn’t attend because of Ivelina.”

“It’s not about Ivelina. He’s coming because I asked.”

Alfonso still held the Rikeion title because Delphina had refused it to return north.

Kassen’s eyes gleamed. With Alfonso as Duke, Delphina could inherit at any time—it was possible for a woman in the Empire.
If she had children, Alfonso could pass the title to them.

“Sir Calix also said he wants to come.”

Kassen’s face brightened.

“If they all come to see my ceremony, it’s an honor. Thank you, Delphina—tell them they’re welcome.”

But Delphina wasn’t done.

“And one more thing—I want to present my food at the ceremony.”

“Your food? That’s a bit… problematic.”

“They only want to come to eat my cooking. If I’m not cooking, they won’t come.”

Kassen narrowed his eyes. He’d heard rumors—people from the temple, Calix, Alfonso—all captivated by Delphina’s food.

He didn’t believe it completely. Powerful, high-ranking people obsessed over mere food? Absurd.

But her condition was tempting.

“So they won’t come without your food?”

“That’s right.”

“Well, I suppose I can’t refuse. Do as you like.”

Kassen sighed. He was reminded again of her connections—the Saintess, the Duke of Rikeion, Calix.

If he could sway those three to Piaje’s side, the Fuat Duchy’s position would strengthen immensely.
And if he could win Delphina over, he’d have all three.

It’s only natural to want her on my side.

He thought, Maybe she’s even reconsidering her feelings—she’s inviting these people and even cooking.

Such a guest list would draw other nobles who hadn’t planned to attend.

Kassen smiled subtly—but Delphina cut him off sharply.

“You’re not thinking I have even the slightest feelings for you just because I invited others, are you?”

Kassen fell silent—she’d hit the mark.

“I’m inviting them entirely because of Jerian. He asked me to. The cooking too—he wanted to eat my food at the ceremony.”

“What, just because Jerian asked? Since when are you close? Weren’t you enemies at the academy?”

“We cleared that up. Jerian only got angry with me because of you. He likes our Grand Duke.”

“Jerian? Liking someone? Stop lying.”

At the mention of Jerian, Kassen’s mouth tightened. His old suspicion stirred.

The previous “affair” scandal had been Ivelina’s doing, but Kassen still didn’t understand why Jerian always criticized him whenever he mistreated Delphina.

Because he was fickle himself, he assumed others were too—and he never stopped suspecting.

Delphina ignored him. Jerian didn’t particularly like Elcayan, but it was true he considered him better than Kassen.

“So you’re really saying you invited them just because Jerian asked? That’s the only reason?”

Delphina nodded.

“He still looks out for you because you’re his brother—unlike you.”

“Delphina, you’re not saying my old suspicions were true, right? You and Jerian—was there something? That’s why he’s always on your side, isn’t it?”

“What are you talking about? He criticizes you because you’re trash—running around with other women.”

Delphina looked at Kassen with open contempt.