CH 91

In a corner far away from the raucous party, Herwin, dressed in a tailcoat, stood frowning.

His gaze was fixed on a baby monster locked in a large cage.

“Damned bastards. Do they think monsters are some kind of toy, I’ve told them so many times they’re dangerous…….”

The knights standing guard nearby gulped.

A fearsome red auror rose faintly from Herwin’s body.

It was enough to make the howling, rampaging hatchling monster tremble.

Herwin sighed heavily, trying to control the rage that boiled inside him.

‘What’s the matter with the orc cub.’

Orcs were the monsters that had been terrorizing the nearby forest for the past month. One of the most intelligent of the humanoid monsters.

In the past, when he had exterminated monsters in the north, he remembered struggling with orcs leading other monsters and making a mess of things.

Orcs are also known for their quick minds and cruel tempers.

‘Fortunately, they don’t form a group, and they seem to be moving only with females and young, but… … .’

Orcs with young are also very vicious. The last time he caught an orc with a cub, he was simply lucky.

Up until now, the monster’s habitat has been limited to the northern part of the country, so it’s been rare to see one in the capital or elsewhere.

That’s why even the imperial family didn’t kill the baby orc right away.

“We should have just killed it on the spot.”

Even though the creature was now trembling and looking terrified, Herwin knew all too well what lay beneath the surface. 

Why would a monster be a monster?

Apparently, they were going to kill a baby orc in front of everyone as an example for tomorrow’s hunting festival.

He wondered if anything would happen before then.

His head began to throb, and he turned away.

“Never go near the cage, just in case, and make sure there are at least five men on guard. Even if it’s just a cub, it has the strength of a general.”

“Yes, sir, as you command!”

The knights stood stiffly, taking Herwin’s words to heart. Despite his lack of reassurance, Herwin continued on his way.

* * *

“Lucia.”

“Ah, Bern. Are you finished with your work?”

Bern, who had been away for a while, having a good time with his friends, returned. He greeted Lucia’s friends and took her hand.

“Yes, thankfully, I was able to finish the job well.”

“I see. Just let me know if you’re uncomfortable in your seat. We can go somewhere else.”

Lucia whispered cautiously, not wanting to make Bern uncomfortable in the presence of her friends.

“I don’t mind, and this is a great opportunity to get to know your friends better.”

As always, Bern said it was fine and smiled. 

Thanks to this, their friends could see Lucia and Bern whispering affectionately in full view.

Christine, who had been encouraged by Lucia to announce her intention to get engaged, looked on enviously.

“You two have such a great relationship, I wish I could have a fiancé like you two.”

“What? Ahahaha, that’s very flattering.”

For a moment, Bern was taken aback by the unexpected compliment, but then he broke into a cheerful smile.

“Come to think of it, you two were dressed to match today, and now that I look at you, you look very much alike.”

Arista glanced at Lucia and Bern’s clothes; she was right, they were dressed to match.

They were dressed in cool, pale green colors for the summer, matching each other’s tones.

They were wearing the same yellow topaz earrings and brooch they’d matched earlier.

Lucia smiled and fiddled with the hem of her dress. 

‘This is pretty, but…….’

Herwin’s dress looked better on me. 

Sean had told her to wear it to the summer festival, saying it would be a waste to let such a pretty dress go to waste, but Lucia had no intention of wearing it.

‘I mustn’t give Herwin any room.’

She couldn’t show up to a party in front of her fiancé wearing something another man had given her.

Lucia was glad Herwin wasn’t here right now.

“I see. You two are dressed alike.”

A familiar voice came from behind her, almost frighteningly familiar. Lucia stiffened and turned around. There stood Herwin, handsomely dressed in a tailcoat.

He looked between Bern and Lucia with an expressionless face, then smiled softly when he made eye contact with Lucia.

Feeling unnecessarily uncomfortable and apologetic, Lucia fidgeted with her hands.

“It’s been a long time, Marquis Casper.”

“Yes, it has been a long time since we last dined together, hasn’t it?”

For some reason, Herwin greeted Bern first, and Bern grasped his hand in return.

It was a far cry from the time when he’d been unpleasant to look at. 

“I’ve heard that monsters have been appearing near the capital lately, and from what I’ve heard, you’re taking the lead in capturing them. Is it true?”

“Yes, it is. You’re very quick with the news.”

“It’s a public rumor, so it’s great that you’re capturing monsters. I’m just jealous because I don’t get to do much physical work.”

“It’s no wonder, monsters are still rampant in the north.”

Lucia watched their conversation with some trepidation. So far, there hadn’t been any chi fights or nasty words.

She’d thought Herwin would be warier of Bern than before, given that he’d said he liked her, but he seemed to accept him as he was.

She was glad it didn’t get awkward, but she couldn’t figure out what he was thinking.

Bam, bam, bam, bam!

At that moment, the sound of musical instruments, starting with trumpets, rang out loudly. Everyone turned their gazes forward to see the emperor and the rest of the imperial family.

“Thank you all for attending even though it’s a hot summer. This summer festival will…….”

The Emperor had given a short speech, announcing the start of the Summer Festival. While everyone was focused on him, Herwin sneaked up on Lucia and whispered to her.

“How did you like the gift I sent you the other day?”

“……Yes, it was pretty.”

“Really? I’m glad. I bought it because I thought it would look good on you. I think you look better in the one I got you than in that one…….”

At a glance, Herwin’s face was gently loosened.

“You’ll wear it tomorrow, won’t you?”

“I can’t ……, I already have something else in mind.”

“That’s a shame.”

She didn’t hear the disappointment in his tone. He had given her a gift, but he didn’t expect her to wear it.

The short conversation ended, and so did the Emperor’s speech. The band began to play, and the crown prince and his wife danced first, then the princess and Ares.

Soon, one by one, each with a partner, they stepped out onto the dance floor and began to dance.

“Lucia.”

Naturally, Bern held out his hand to Lucia, her fiancée. Lucia took it and moved forward with Bern. 

Still, she couldn’t help but feel bad for Herwin, and when she glanced back, he was staring at Bern and her, his red eyes glowing serenely.

Lucia shuddered at the chilling sensation.

Herwin watched as Lucia and Bern danced in the distance, looking like a picture of beauty. Then Arista sneaked up beside him and whispered.

“Are you all right like this?”

“What?”

“You made it clear the other day that you like Lucia, and I was wondering if it’s okay to keep it that way.”

Herwin raised the corner of his mouth.

“Of course, I don’t intend to stay put, and as much as I’d love to be Lucia’s first dance partner, I can’t because she’s still engaged to the Marquis, and people would look at her funny if she danced with someone other than her fiancé.”

“So you’re holding back out of consideration for Lucia?”

“Well, yes, and before I didn’t like the Marquis of Casper for no good reason, but now that I know I like Lucia, I can’t act as childish as before. I’m still going to get Lucia, though, one of these days.”

“……said you were more reserved than usual.”

Arista, who was looking at Herwin with a look that said so, shook her head. When she pulled away from him and looked around, her other friends had long since disappeared.

Ethan was asking the woman he had his eye on to dance. Brian and Christine were at….…

“Huh?”

Before she knew it, they were out on the dance floor, dancing together.

She thought for sure they’d picked their partners, but when they were dancing together, Arista was taken aback.

Herwin didn’t realize it, as he was only looking at Lucia.

“Oh, isn’t that Princess Lydia, I see she’s also here.”

The voice came out of nowhere. Arista frowned reflexively. 

She spun around to see Becky appear with Lucas, looking cheerful.

Lucas stiffened at the sight of Herwin.

“I see ……The young lady is here too.”

“It’s summer, how could I miss it? By the way, is the gentleman next to you… someone, you said you had your eye on?”

With his dark hair and red eyes, it should have been obvious that he was a member of House Phoenaeus, and that Becky was deliberately offending Arista’s feelings. 

However, it was Herwin and Lucas who were taken aback by her words.

“That’s Herwin, Becky. Even if the two of them are close, they are not in that kind of relationship.”

Lucas explained to Becky on behalf of Arista and Herwin. Herwin didn’t hide his displeasure and whispered to Arista.

“Who is she, and why is she with your brother, Lucas?”

“She’s ……brother’s girlfriend.”

“His girlfriend? Is that who he used to date?”

He couldn’t even remember if he had a girlfriend because he changed every time.

“Oh, wasn’t he? I’m so sorry about that. I thought you two looked so good together, I thought you must be lovers.”

Becky apologized for her mistake, but somehow it didn’t seem sincere in Herwin’s eyes.

“I have someone else on my mind, so let’s not make assumptions at first.”

Honestly, if it weren’t because she’s Lucas’ girlfriend, he might not have let her off the hook.

‘Why does he have a girlfriend like that?’

For the first time, Herwin realized that Lucas’ taste was not good.

When he turned to Lucas, he realized he was looking at him, too, and their eyes met. Lucas looked away immediately, but for a split second, Herwin saw the way his eyes fluttered.

He couldn’t help but notice that Lucas was being awkward with him, given how badly they’d parted ways last time. Maybe he hadn’t forgiven himself yet.

Nevertheless, Herwin would use this opportunity to get closer to Lucas again.

“Brother, it’s been a while, how have you been?”

“Huh? Uh… okay… And you? I heard you were sick…….”

Lucas didn’t make eye contact, but he didn’t expect him to bring up Herwin’s illness first. 

He had been as close to Lucas as he had been to Lucia over the years, and he could see that Lucas was trying to repair their relationship, however awkwardly.

Herwin laughed softly.

“Yeah, it’s okay, I’m fine now, thanks for the concern.”

Lucas’ shoulders slumped in gratitude. Guilt washed over him, knowing full well that he was the cause of Herwin’s illness.

He wanted to say I’m sorry, but he couldn’t say anything, as if there were thorns in his throat. As he pursed his lips, his eyes met Arista’s beside him.

Her soft violet eyes soothed Lucas’ anxiety.

It’s okay.

Arista’s mouth twitched. 

Understanding what he was feeling, she gave him a supportive smile. Encouraged, Lucas met Herwin’s gaze.

“I’m sorry for what I did before. I shouldn’t have gotten so emotional about it… I have nothing to say. Really, I’m sorry.”

Lucas bowed his head and apologized, causing Herwin and Becky, who knew nothing of the situation, to stare in confusion. 

Only Arista smiled deeply, silently cheering Lucas on for his courage.