"You don't have to go."
Before, she would have meekly done as she was told, but on this occasion she strangely had the will to argue.
"It would be impolite. The emissaries came for the wedding celebration..."
Kurkan had also sent emissaries, and she was surprised to discover that their King had come with them. She wondered if the man who had spoken so much nonsense in the rainy garden really was the King of Kurkan. Though warnings sounded in her mind at her own dangerous curiosity, she wanted to meet them.
"What will the others think if I don't attend?"
Listening to her persuasion, Blain suddenly grabbed her hand, looking at the ring she wore as he entwined his fingers in hers.
"Do you love me, Leah?"
"I love you," she replied, with the affectionate smile that pleased him. Blain looked intently at her, beautiful in her exquisite dress.
"...Even if she's a shell, she's definitely mine." He murmured softly, and finally agreed to allow her to accompany him. "Let's go together. I think it's all right to show you off in front of them."
Together, they walked into the banquet hall. Night had fallen, but the palace was so brightly lit, it was as if it were day. Though the music from the banquet hall flowed out the doors and windows, it could not diminish the gloomy atmosphere of the palace. The two walked together, trailed by attendants and ladies-and-waiting, down a long, brightly lit corridor until Blain came to an abrupt halt.
At the opposite end of the corridor, a group of strangers appeared. Tall, brown-skinned, and beautiful, they were obviously Kurkan, and led by a man with golden eyes.
When the man stopped, all the Kurkans behind him did the same. Leah stared at him, and he stared right back at her.
Those eyes were so peculiar, just as they had been the first night she saw them. The golden eyes shone as if they were filled with light, drawing people in. Leah gazed into them as if hypnotized, and only shook herself when she felt the eyes of the other Kurkans upon her.
"......"
All of the Kurkans were looking at her, and for some reason there was anxiety in their eyes. Suddenly, she felt uncomfortable, having her arm linked with Blain's.
"Let the light shine upon Estia." The man with the golden eyes said with a deep voice, and his eyes looked only at her. "I'm Ishakan, the King of Kurkan."
At that moment, she had the strongest sense of déjà vu, as if this moment had already happened before.
Just as her lips parted to speak, Blain let go of her arm and caught her by the waist, dragging her toward him so that she staggered, clinging to him.
"Thank you for coming all this way, King of Kurkan!" Kissing her on the cheek, there was a twisted smile on his face as he added, "This is my future wife."
Leah's eyes widened, puzzled at Blain's sudden kiss.
"I didn't expect the King to come personally," Blain said, cocking his head. "We will have an even more magnificent wedding with your presence."
Leah could feel the Kurkans' mood shifting and turning fierce, but Blain was pleased. Her eyes went to the King of Kurkan, and the man called Ishakan answered calmly.
"You really didn't expect it? I'm sure you assumed I would come."
"I thought you wouldn't come because you were much later than I thought," Blain replied. His hand caressed Leah's waist. The man looked pointedly at that hand.
"...I have heard that in Estia, thieves have their hands cut off," he said slowly. "What is the punishment for men who covet other men's wives?"
"Well, I wouldn't know. I've never coveted one." Blain smiled mischievously. "From the beginning, I've only wanted my future wife."
The other man smiled.
"It's the same for me. When a Kurkan.." His golden eyes turned to Leah, who stood like a doll with Blain's arms around her. "...decides upon their mate, they will chase them for the rest of their life."
Leah realized that she had been holding her breath throughout this confrontation. The man bowed his head slightly, ending their conversation.
"We will enjoy the feast you have prepared."
With that, the man left first, followed silently by the other Kurkans, and they soon disappeared in the direction of the banquet hall.
"Arrogant bastard," Blain muttered, cursing. Leah looked down, pretending not to hear the crude words, but he grabbed her chin and lifted her head to look into her eyes.
"......"
He looked at her for a while, as if he were searching for something, and then let go of her chin.
"Come on."
All of it seemed strange to her, but even if she asked, Blain wouldn't tell her anything.
Ishakan. Leah repeated his name in her mind. He hadn't lied to her. And now that she knew he really was the King of Kurkan, she was only more curious about him. If she had a chance, she would have liked to speak to him privately. But she would have to be careful. Blain was extremely jealous; he didn't like Leah speaking to other men at all. If he found out that she had kissed a King from another country, and a man with whom he had an antagonistic relationship...
He would not forgive a mistake like that.
Pretending she didn't know the man was the best choice. Leah suppressed her emotions and followed Blain.
The moment the banquet hall doors opened, her face paled. The air was thick with scent. The smells of cosmetics, food, and alcohol immediately made her feel nauseous. Her corset was too tight and she hadn't eaten recently, so she thought she might faint any second.
Drawing a deep breath, she suppressed the urge to run away instantly. She would endure for a while, and then she could go directly to the lounge.
Both she and Blain received affectionate greetings. The Estian nobles smiled happily, praising the pair, exclaiming over how good together they looked. After they had exchanged greetings, Blain left her to go speak to the emissaries. Leah had wanted to accompany him, but he had refused.
Left behind speaking with some of the ladies, Leah discreetly examined the emissaries.
Unlike the laughing and boisterous Estians, the dignitaries from other nations were more restrained. Their expressions were subtle and they were carefully hiding their emotions. Whenever they made eye contact with Leah, they quickly averted their gaze.
Watching the emissaries, Leah frowned. They seemed strangely uncomfortable in the cheerful and fun atmosphere of the banquet.
In the past, she would have ignored it and thought it insignificant. But today it bothered her. The word why came to mind, making her feel strangely alienated, as if she stood separate from everything, watching puppets put on a show.
"Leah."
A soft voice startled Leah from her thoughts and Cerdina hugged her lightly.
"You look so beautiful. Your gown looks even better with the weight you've lost." Cerdina smiled as she praised her. "Are you drinking medicinal tea?"
Leah had been vomiting up everything she consumed, so the medicinal tea was composting in the garden behind her palace. But Leah only gave a slight smile in response.
"Yes, the ladies-in-waiting at the princess's palace always take good care of me."