The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 29

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Atilenta’s Revenge Through Contract Marriage — Episode 029
We had always shared the bed, but we’d never actually slept close to each other. Most nights, he remained seated on the sofa, working even after midnight.
Since I usually fell asleep first, the feeling of “sleeping together” had rarely crossed my mind.
Even if we did sleep in the same bed, it didn’t matter. I could never have mistaken this relationship for genuine companionship.
His interest in me stemmed purely from my role as a useful tool, so he had no reason to act toward me in any personal capacity.
The First Night, honestly… had been unexpected, but after that day, such things had ceased to happen, and I’d simply let it fade from memory.
“……Your Majesty.”
“It’s time to sleep. Is there still work to be done?”
Something in his calm demeanor set off a quiet alarm in me. I wouldn’t be able to rest easily tonight, it seemed. My head was already aching from everything that had happened at the banquet, and now this.
I curled my hands into fists inside the loose sleeves of my nightgown.
“Your Majesty, I thought you would be taking the outer side of the bed as you usually do.”
Since even his sleeping arrangements were his own choice and I had no authority to dictate, I took care not to sound presumptuous.
Henrik smiled very faintly.
“Atilenta. Are you very uncomfortable?”
I hesitated, uncertain whether to admit the truth or maintain courteous denial. His voice echoed quietly through the bedchamber.
“I myself was not in good spirits today—because of your actions.”
“……I understood what you were saying, Your Majesty.”
His mood seemed far more wounded than I’d anticipated. Even if I’d approached Antonio without drawing anyone’s notice, as he had suggested, Henrik had learned of it nonetheless.
How much more must it have vexed him—a warrior who had never known failure, who had never bent his will to circumstance, who would have simply forged ahead on his own path regardless of obstacles.
For some reason, I licked my dry lips with my tongue. I would have given anything for a cool drink of water.
“But as I said, there was nothing to warrant such concern—no breaking of the promise I made to you.”
“There’s nothing amiss now. You.”
He was right, and so was I. If I acted strangely now, I’d only appear to be a woman making a scene over nothing.
In the end, I lay down quietly beside him.
His breathing remained as calm as ever.
Being pressed this close to him was, in truth, the first time since that night. The distance between us had vanished so completely that I could feel the warmth mingling with his breath, the subtle fragrance that clung to him.
Unsettled by the proximity, I turned my body away, feigning restlessness as though tossing in sleep.
He seemed to continue watching me—my restless silhouette in the darkness.
“You have a pleasant scent.”
It was clear he knew I wasn’t yet asleep. I tried to match his composure in my reply.
“It’s a perfumed oil Poznan recommended.”
My heart, however, remained far from at ease. Wasn’t that the same oil everyone in the Royal Palace used? Could there be something he wanted to gain by praising me in this atmosphere?
“I see.”
He said nothing further.
That night, I found sleep elusive as I spent the hours before dawn trying to discern the true intentions of a traitor and the designs of an ally. It was a peculiar night indeed.

* * *
“Your Grace, the princess has sent you an invitation to a tea party,” Poznan announced, presenting me with a gilt-edged invitation card in her usual composed manner.

“I seem to have had no days to rest lately.”
The grand banquet at which Antonio had appeared felt as though it had ended only moments ago, yet my schedule was already filling again.
“That is understandable, Your Grace. I’ve arranged several important events for the coming season—celebrations like Lord Brwendia’s birthday banquet. Winter will keep you quite occupied.”
“I see. Poznan, you mentioned before that there would be a gathering at the Temple as well.”
“Yes, Your Grace. It will be one of the most significant events of this Winter Season, with all members of the Royal Family in attendance. Among the ladies who will gather at the princess’s tea party are some of the most prominent figures in society.”
As I listened to Poznan’s explanation, I opened the invitation and read it through. A tea party in the middle of this bitter cold—held in the greenhouse that the princess maintains, it seemed.
If this were the Royal Palace’s greenhouse, it would surely be a symbol of wealth itself. True to her character, Barsha had written in neat, spirited script:
Do join me for a delightful gathering, Your Grace.
I narrowed my eyes slightly. If the daughters of all the influential noble houses were to attend, Tatra would certainly be among them.
Nothing about that prospect seemed remotely enjoyable.
“Understood. Please see to my appearance on that day as well, Poznan.”
I had no real choice in the matter—especially not where the princess’s affairs were concerned, given how close she was to Henrik.
“I shall, Your Grace. You may count on me.”
That evening, during an ordinary dinner with Henrik, I explained the situation, and he offered this counsel:
“……So I have decided to attend the princess’s tea party, though I don’t foresee any need to employ my abilities.”
The dining hall held only myself, Henrik, and Krakup, the knight who commanded his trust. With only so few present these days, I could mention Magic without hesitation.
The report was a formality for Henrik’s sake, but I genuinely saw no need to use Magic. It would be a waste of what little I could muster on any trivial conflict.
Besides, if something troublesome did arise that day, I felt confident I could handle it on my own. I had come to understand Tatra’s nature well enough by now.
“As you wish.”
Henrik spoke the words in a measured tone.
“Only I would add this—if you wish to get along with Barsha, cultivate a friendship with Mari.”
“I saw from the start that cats are important to Your Highness. I shall remember your words well.”
Henrik drew his smooth lips upward into the faintest smile.
“I thought as much of you. We’ll speak of it when I return that day, then.”

* * *
The day of the tea party had arrived. Poznan had taken considerable care—every piece of jewelry I wore, every detail, struck the perfect note. As I followed the servant into the Greenhouse, Barsha was the first to greet me.
She stood among her cats.
“Your Highness, how wonderful that you’ve come. I’ve been thrilled all day at the prospect of showing you my Greenhouse.”
The Greenhouse held not only Mari, the grey-furred cat with those peculiar eyes whom I’d met before, but several others besides.
The cats roamed freely about the space without constraint, resting in patches of sunlight.
“Thank you for the invitation, Your Highness.”
Barsha led me to a table laid with refreshments and laughed softly, with practiced grace.
“If Your Highness wishes, you’re welcome to hold one of the cats. I have some particularly gentle ones.”
Then Barsha leaned closer and whispered.
“I have a way of judging people, you see. I watch to see which cats approach them. They’re docile creatures, yet discerning.”
I found it an amusing method.
Some say that those who are kind to animals possess good hearts. Perhaps that was her logic.
Or perhaps—
Like Henrik, Barsha might have been wielding Magic all along.
I nodded quietly, giving my assent. Barsha continued stroking Mari, whom she held in her lap.
“My brother loves this cat most of all.”
Her voice remained soft and low, audible only to me.
“Your Highness, I heard you’d become acquainted with the Duke who attended the last reception.”
I neither altered my expression nor hastened to speak. As the Princess Barsha, she would easily have learned that I’d divorced. But as I sat composed, Barsha continued, as if to reassure me.
“Of course, I’ll keep it secret. My brother has so much on his mind already… I wouldn’t wish to burden him with such matters.”
I felt I was confirming what I’d already suspected. The bond between these siblings ran deep.
“So please, Your Highness, know that I mean to get along well with you. Do enjoy yourself today and relax.”
“I’m grateful for your consideration. The Greenhouse is so lovely and splendid—I’m quite amazed by the unusual landscape. Princess.”
I maintained an air of propriety while offering a few compliments on the riot of colors blooming throughout the space and the exotic trees that gave the Greenhouse its distinctive atmosphere.
I was in the midst of this easy conversation with the smiling Barsha when—
“Your Highness, there you are. I am the daughter of House Biauvi, come to pay my respects. I’ve been eager to resolve any misunderstanding from before, and so I wished to see you at last.”
Tatra approached, her golden hair flowing as beautifully as the Greenhouse’s largest blooms.
“Lady Biauvi. Have you been well?”
But inside, different words burned. As if there were any misunderstanding—I knew your strategy was only ever meant to make me feel inferior.

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