The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 23

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————

Atilenta’s Revenge Through Contract Marriage, Episode 023
Henrik had finished his meal at some point and rested his chin on his hand. I didn’t avert my gaze from his.
“I’ll start by searching the jewelers in the Bustling Market District, or perhaps in more remote locations. Your Highness has already made inquiries, I assume.”
“As you say. I’ve already sent knights, but we’ve found nothing so far.”
“Then it hasn’t been sold yet.”
If Henrik’s people had already exhausted all the jewelers near the Royal Palace, I could easily devise alternative approaches.
Clearly, beyond testing me, Henrik’s question had some other specific purpose. When I looked at him directly, he continued his explanation.
“Barsha is about to enter into Marriage, so one must be cautious.”
I understood at once. Barsha’s reputation and honor mattered greatly to her as well.
Servants employed by the Royal House were ultimately under the influence of noble families. Whoever dared steal a princess’s jewel must have had a clear objective in bringing such disgrace upon their own house.
To my mind, understanding *why* the thief acted mattered far more than discovering *who* they were.
It was too significant a crime for mere greed alone. Henrik wouldn’t have involved himself otherwise. Perhaps someone sought to replace Barsha’s lady’s maid for political reasons, or to tarnish her name.
Yet if handling people poorly could damage one’s reputation, handling them well could equally enhance it.
“Your Highness, please tell the princess this: let her hold a grand Banquet in her own name. The Dress Code shall be the jewel itself. Whether the attending nobles, servants, or even the princess and her retinue—all must wear the jewel.”
“A Banquet?”
“Yes, the more splendid and elaborate the better. Beyond the Ring Your Highness gave me, surely Bwendia left behind many more treasures of great beauty. Display them as well. You might even hold an Auction of the Royal House’s treasures. Donate all proceeds to the temples.”
I maintained a calm and measured tone. Henrik’s eyes remained fixed on me.
“You might do this in the prince’s name, or the princess’s name—or both together.”
Of course, the thief would want to keep the stolen jewel hidden. If they hadn’t sold it yet.
But if, for political reasons, they still needed to pose as one of Barsha’s trusted servants, their family would have no choice but to attend the Banquet under their own name. With this in mind, I offered one more suggestion.
“When you present the Dress Code, please add this point as well, Your Highness.”
“Speak, then.”
Henrik’s eyebrows shifted subtly. Trying to gauge what he might be feeling, given no sign of displeasure crossed his features, I continued.
“Since the Banquet has a legitimate purpose, set the Dress Code generously and allow for counterfeits as well. Spread the news primarily through the Bustling Market District and the shops frequented by nobles.”
“Only the wealthy will bring genuine pieces.”
“Indeed. The princess already has a jeweler she employs, doesn’t she? It would be well to bring a gemologist appraiser in advance.”
Henrik, a faint smile playing at the corners of his mouth, spoke with the air of a most cunning man.
“It sounds rather like a Banquet to flaunt wealth.”
“Precisely as you say.”
“Are you planning to display your own abilities?”
“If Your Highness desires it, I shall.”
“You’ve conceived of quite an ambitious undertaking.”
“Surely Your Highness, my master, did not summon me merely hoping for a simple solution.”
Henrik’s lips, a deep crimson, curved unmistakably upward. He smoothed that refined mouth with a swift gesture.
I understood the meaning behind that smile. He knows. The way I regard him is not the gaze of a servant toward her master.
Yet from his position, how easily could I be broken? Even if I were to wield great Magic, I had nothing to present against the authority he commands in this realm.
So he might well laugh at my audacity in secret. In truth, the boldness I displayed before him was no different from reckless presumption.
“Whoever covets the Royal House’s jewels does so because they lack the wealth to possess them, and simultaneously need a place to display their prize. Perhaps desperation or political intrigue is entangled in this. But if they merely meant to keep it hidden away, why take a princess’s jewel in the first place? Better options abound. Especially for someone working in the Royal House.”
Henrik nodded slightly in agreement.
Looking back, there was no flaw in my reasoning. Jewels carry no nameplate, after all. The princess’s jewels may be rare, but anyone of sufficient rank to work here would earn adequate wages. They could simply purchase their own with time and money.
Had it been mere greed alone.
“If they haven’t sold it, they still possess it.”
“If the person you expected to bring a counterfeit brings an authentic piece instead, that would be amusing.”
Henrik spoke genuinely, his voice and expression tinged with laughter.
Yet I did not take comfort thinking I had passed his test once again.
The method I proposed was merely one tactic. The thief might already have sold Barsha’s jewel in secret, or might not bring it to the Banquet at all.
Though Henrik’s knights surveyed the jewelers in the Bustling Market District, their watch might not yet reach the Back Alleys or the Black Market.
To draw one hidden in that darkness into the light, a very brilliant light would be needed.
“If they bring it, their purpose is either mere ostentation or political gain. If they don’t, their aim is to damage the princess’s honor. All the more reason for a grand Banquet. Spread rumors so that those special individuals feel their own worth.”
“In doing so, we would easily ascertain both the financial circumstances of noble families and which groups are entangled in this affair.”
I deliberately glanced toward the window, where snow was falling. The distinctive black walls of Bwendofska, frosted white, reminded me anew of my current position.
“Yes, Your Highness, it’s also important to verify that those you employ are maintaining their Territories properly, is it not? Winter has truly arrived, after all. The princess faces similar concerns.”
“At minimum, if we can distinguish who among them lacks wisdom, that would suffice.”
I nodded slightly as well. Considering Henrik’s ambitions, this was an opportunity to thoroughly examine those he kept close.
“Your Highness speaks rightly.”
Henrik offered that satisfied smile once more.
For me, it felt strangely unfamiliar.
I was growing accustomed enough that a man with such cold features should smile brightly.
Yet it remained foreign to me still. Henrik was the sort of man who seemed capable of punishment while wearing an expressionless face. His reputation was hardly unremarkable. The first impression I formed of him lingered quite persistently within me.
I bowed respectfully before him, accepting his praise as a faithful servant would. There was no need to let unnecessary feelings show before this man.
“Then I shall. Let me have a word with Barsha first.”

* * *
Henrik gazed down from the second-floor balcony, unhurried and observant.
Chandeliers adorned with jewels cast a brilliant glow across the banquet hall, their light joined by the lavish golden candlesticks that burned without restraint.
The music drifting through the air came from the Royal Orchestra, each note elegant and stately beyond measure.
Seated on a plush sofa with a wine glass in hand, Henrik presented the picture of a leisure-minded nobleman savoring the evening’s pleasures.
Yet beneath this facade, he was conducting a meticulous study of every noble in attendance, weighing each one with care.
His true interest lay not merely in the finery and jewels they wore, but in observing which figures gravitated toward one another—in noting the subtle geometries of alliance and faction that the evening revealed.
“Brother. You’re here.”
As the knight standing guard at the balcony door drew it open, Barsha entered with a bright, confident step. In her arms she cradled a cat, her constant companion wherever she went.
“You’re not dancing. There are quite a few people looking for you.”
“The watching itself is entertainment enough for me, Barsha.”
Barsha smiled softly, her laughter light and easy. She gazed down at the cat in her embrace with obvious affection, running her fingers through its lustrous gray fur.
“Ha—well, that’s true. Brother, my cat has caught a mouse.”

—————
This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
—————