The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 33

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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 Contract Marriage for Revenge | Episode 33
Outside, white snow fell from a black sky. With the crackling of flames leaping warmly in the fireplace as a backdrop, he continued with his tale.
“According to the records, long ago, in a season of snow like this, Bwendia offered a prayer to the Divine. For the sake of one human held dear in her heart alone. And from that moment, the history of this nation began.”
Henrik glanced at the snowy landscape beyond the window with an air of indifference.
“So each winter, we too hold banquets and gatherings to seek blessing. As you’ve come to know, the Holy Festival celebrations stretch on for quite some time. Bwendia herself was deeply pleased, it’s said. All those who serve her—they offered sincere prayers throughout that entire period, not merely for a day or two.”
I covered my mouth lest some impulsive sigh escape.
Such earnest and pure devotion. Once, I too had harbored that. Back in the days when I dreamed of achieving a complete family and peace—a dream that now seemed only foolish.
I pressed down on my chest, which had begun to thump irregularly, trying to calm it.
“…So Bwendia held such wishes in great regard.”
If need be, I could simply pray just as fervently. Whether the one I appealed to was a spirit from that distant place, one whose power my mother could borrow, or a dragon of this land I’d never known—it mattered little.
If there existed a transcendent being who could truly help me, then even without genuine faith, I could certainly harbor hope.
My mouth felt strangely dry. I sipped calmly from the tea set before me. Henrik’s expression, as he regarded me, was quite serious.
“That’s a tale almost legendary, yet you seem to have taken it quite to heart. Is it for your Magic?”
“It’s also something I promised to you, Your Highness.”
Henrik took the book I’d been reading and leafed through it briefly.
“As I’ve mentioned before, if you need further explanation, I’ll provide it. Should you have questions, do ask.”
“If you would do so, it would be my greatest honor.”
After offering my thanks, I deliberately paused and posed my question with careful thought.
“Your Highness, while I’m grateful for the Ring you’ve given me, might there be an opportunity to access other Sacred Objects as well?”
“Is it necessary for that ability of yours?”
“Yes, I believe it would help.”
“When you visit the temple in due course, make your request then.”
“Your Highness, I’m grateful for your constant care. I shall repay it as befits my station.”
Though my request was framed as supplication, by mentioning appropriate compensation first, my heart felt considerably lighter. My lips curved upward of their own accord.
Henrik, who had been watching me quietly, tapped the book’s spine.
“As it happens, quite soon my elder brother Lesitcha will be hosting the Sword Dance Tournament.”
I responded without hesitation.
“So weapons will be brought into the hall. Shall I read them with Magic, Your Highness?”
Even if I had to push myself somewhat, reading ahead with Magic would allow me to offer him appropriate compensation in return.
Of course, I hadn’t managed to read Antonio’s situation properly of late, but I acted as though nothing were amiss.
A Sword Dance Tournament hosted by the Royal House—I’d never experienced such a thing in the Francia Kingdom, and it even felt refreshingly novel.
“A good approach, but that’s not what I meant to say.”
I tilted my head slightly.
“Then, what command are you about to give?”
“That day, I won’t be able to remain constantly at your side. My elder brother may approach you while you’re alone. He’ll want to probe you, so be cautious.”
“I understand. I’ll be careful so nothing like what happened at the last banquet occurs.”
Henrik seemed still preoccupied with the previous occasion, when I’d been alone with Antonio. It was a natural caution.
My Magic was already a peculiar ability, and keeping it hidden from political enemies was common sense.
Satisfied with my swift reply, Henrik said nothing more.

* * *
The Sword Dance Tournament was held in a different palace from where royal banquets were usually held. This venue too was remarkably spacious, and with its great chandelier and beautiful candelabras casting their light, it was no less magnificent.
I took a seat at the high table reserved for members of the Royal House. Before me lay fine tableware, fresh fruits, and delicacies arranged in elegant array.
Glancing around, I saw only princes and princesses as before. There seemed to be no one new with whom I particularly needed to acquaint myself.
“I do hope you’ll enjoy yourself fully, Princess.”
Barsha, holding that familiar cat and seated beside Henrik, offered a bright smile, and I duly returned the courtesy.
Just then, female dancers adorned in colorful fabric draped like shawls, each of striking beauty, came out in succession and took the stage.
The assembled royalty and nobles at once offered elegant applause. I too, following their lead, gazed down at the stage and scanned it quickly.
Were they performing Sword Dance? Among all the knights I’d seen since arriving in this country, there had been no women.
Curiosity welling up in me, I leaned forward slightly.
Henrik, who had drawn close to me, whispered softly.
“That one standing on the left is my elder brother Lesitcha’s betrothed.”
What? I opened my eyes wide and looked at Henrik.
“Her name is Kirchia.”
I hurried to search my memory. Until now, I had never encountered this woman at any official gathering. The newspapers that were delivered to me daily had never even introduced her.
So she must be someone rather inconspicuous in society?
Henrik spoke in the smallest of voices, but Barsha, who seemed to have her attention turned this way, promptly and gently continued the explanation.
“The dancers belonging to Bwendia Temple are kept separate. They are traditionally prepared for the holy celebrations, Your Highness. Though they have not taken the Priestly Oath.”
I understood at once. Both brothers had brought to me, in their own political interests, women of strategic importance.
Lesitcha with an eye to history and tradition; Henrik with an eye to the battlefield. Even as half-brothers, it seemed to underscore that they were indeed brethren.
My gaze drifted past Henrik and Barsha, landing almost unbidden on Lesitcha, who sat beyond them.
He wore a smile painted with an artist’s careful hand.
“You haven’t introduced her to me yet, have you, brother?” Barsha asked in her guileless tone.
Lesitcha, his platinum hair cascading like honeyed silk as always, answered with fluid grace. “The opportunity simply hadn’t presented itself until now. Fortunately, my brother has brought such a beautiful lady to grace this occasion.”
A beautiful lady? That was hardly—
I caught my furrowing brow before it deepened and summoned forth a smile to match Lesitcha’s own.
There was no way rumors of my beauty had spread. This society still brimmed with women like Tatra.
At Barsha’s tea party the other evening, there had been several striking beauties—even a daughter of the Iasha family, perfectly suited to Tatra’s company.
Even if such whispers about me were circulating, what could possibly be Lesitcha’s purpose in mentioning it? It was certainly no mere compliment.
His betrothed wasn’t brought here because she remains unwed, so embarrassment couldn’t be his true intention either.
While I puzzled over his meaning, the dancers on stage—moving in elegant choreography with slender silver blades that gleamed like mercury—scarcely registered in my awareness.
When the performance concluded, applause and cheers erupted in steady rhythm, as expected. I joined in outwardly, though my mind was elsewhere entirely.
Next to take the stage were knights clad in black armor, their bearing grave and solemn.
“Atilenta, would you wait here a moment? I have words for the knights.” Henrik rose from his seat.
“Of course, Your Highness. Please go as you wish.”
Henrik descended toward the stage, as he’d mentioned beforehand. It seemed there was a formal moment set aside for him to address his own knights.
Several other nobles besides Henrik made their way down to the stage. I watched them, taking in the wider scene.
In that moment, Lesitcha called to me.
“You’ve attended quite a number of gatherings recently, haven’t you? Things must be rather different from your homeland. How do you find it all, now that you’re here?”
I wondered why Lesitcha hadn’t descended like Henrik, but I masked my curiosity beneath a gracious reply.
“Everything is so splendid and dazzling that I’ve been doing nothing but marvel at it all. I’m truly grateful to have been invited to such an honored gathering, Your Highness.”
Behind his spectacles, Lesitcha’s amethyst eyes crinkled ever so slightly.
“I’m glad to hear it. An equestrian tournament is being planned for the near future. I do hope you’ll attend.”

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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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