The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 46

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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 46
“Your Majesty is so gracious to regard me this way. I couldn’t be happier.”
Even if I had wounded his feelings, he was showing once again his faithfulness to our arrangement. I responded with equal courtesy and offered a measured smile.
Of course, I already knew what kind of man he was.
I shared the banquet with him without much fuss, played the part of an intimate wife, and made conversation with various guests throughout the evening.
“Atilenta, will you stay here for a moment? I need to speak with some of the other guests.”
Then Henrik brushed my shoulder lightly, twice, as though handling something precious. His voice was soft, a whisper meant only for me so those seated at our table couldn’t hear.
“I’m uneasy about leaving you alone.”
I did as I had done several times before, covering the back of his hand gently with mine.
“Please don’t worry, Your Majesty.”
For just a moment, his hand stiffened as though frozen. Then, as he gazed at me intently, I curved my eyes in a smile.
“With so many people here, what could possibly happen?”
“…Then, come back soon.”
He held my gaze deliberately before rising and departing slowly, and I, having waited for my moment, slipped quietly from my seat.
I discreetly sent a servant to locate Antonio, then made my way toward him with perfect naturalness.
Antonio stood among the delegation from Arad, their long veils trailing behind them.
They carried themselves with impressive solemnity and propriety, speaking only what was necessary, their movements economical.
Antonio recognized me as he spoke with them and gave me a subtle signal. I waited for him in a quiet, secluded corner of the Banquet Hall.
Soon he excused himself from them with such grace that no one could fault him, and approached.
His stride was broad, yet his neat brown hair didn’t flutter at all. Looking directly at him—a man who never lost his elegance wherever he went—I steadied myself.
“Duke, I hear the King of Francia was quite pleased with tonight’s banquet, and that your contribution was significant. As a guest invited from abroad, I wished to offer my thanks as well.”
To my pretense of small talk, Antonio’s spring-water blue eyes curved in a smile without hesitation.
“For you, Your Highness, to call upon me personally and offer such praise—on this blessed evening, there could be no greater honor.”
Antonio spoke very softly.
“Was something lacking there? Hmm?”
I almost frowned, but barely stopped myself. The Banquet Hall was vast, and the corner where I stood was sparsely populated.
Though Antonio’s knights and servants formed a wall around us, I also kept my voice low, lest any disturbance draw attention.
“I told you there was nothing,” I said quietly, Duke.”
Antonio’s shoulders rose in a shrug, his expression tinged with regret.
“Leti, I’ve always wanted you to have only the best. I even wanted to buy you a new mirror to replace that old one. No matter how much you might need it.”
“…What?”
“Because it’s not befitting a woman of your station.”
I had to force myself not to show surprise. Even when I lived with Antonio, I always kept the Mirror hidden, and insisted on using Magic without anyone nearby.
I had no idea how or when he’d learned of it.
One thing was certain: he was now deliberately mentioning my magical Mirror.
I didn’t look away from him.
He exhaled something like a soft laugh.
“I’ve always said your wellbeing is what matters most. From the things you use like that…I know everything.”
Well, he could have simply searched my chambers in secret.
But how did he know, the moment he saw it, that it wasn’t merely a keepsake or an old ornament?
Whatever method he used, I judged it wasn’t related to Faith Magic, so I hadn’t worried greatly and left it be.
Antonio could have destroyed or discarded the Mirror whenever he chose.
To prevent me from using Magic.
My heart beat fiercely.
I covered my mouth, nearly gasping, while Antonio—as always—looked tender and thoughtful, as if concerned for me.
“Leti, you were quite startled. Using a tool other than the Temple’s holy relics or statues…I trusted it wasn’t irreverent.”
I finally understood why he had released me so easily.
The Francian Temple’s Magic must surely have sealed the power of Heresy, preventing it from manifesting properly.
“Did you think I was committing sacrilege? Did you truly believe that?”
I tested him deliberately.
Given his blatant mention of my Magic, there was no need to feign innocence.
“It was harder not to believe it, Leti. I had no choice but to seek the protection of the Goddess Pria. We couldn’t allow unholy power to intrude upon the royal house.”
My teeth clenched of their own accord.
It was clear that even the King and Selena had borrowed that magical power.
Perhaps that was why I had been foolishly deceived all this time.
I swallowed my curses and continued my act as a wounded, heartbroken woman.
“Heresy? You never said such a thing before. What were you just discussing with those people from Arad?”
Antonio looked at me with subdued emotion.
“They are people called Priests, just as we have in Francia. The Arad Religion and the Francian Religion respect one another naturally, thanks to their long histories. This banquet was an excellent occasion for such a meeting.”
As expected, there was a solid pretext for mingling with the Arad Priests.
Yet it was equally clear this couldn’t possibly be the end.
The fierce pounding in her chest had begun to ease.
“……What doctrine do they believe in that makes them so favorable?”
“If you’re curious about Arad Religion or Holy Magic, I can arrange a gathering for you next time. I wanted to ask whether you’d be willing to attend.”
He spoke graciously, as though considering her interests, yet he moved like a hunter reading the reactions of quarry.
“There’d be no problem if you sent an official summons, would there?”
“No. You’ll find it intriguing. You’re exceptionally sharp, and you have remarkable abilities.”
She narrowed her eyes, studying him.
The fact that he—who had chiefly employed her talents on the battlefield—would speak this way……
Was he perhaps preparing some manner of demonstration magic?
Her heart began its rapid beating again: thump, thump, thump.
It was an unforeseen possibility, yet a tingling sense of having grasped a thread coursed through her.
That was when it happened.
“Your Highness. Prince Henrik requests your presence.”
Sir Krakup appeared from nowhere and approached her swiftly, his voice low.
She nodded and gave Antonio one final, unhesitating glance.
“Duke. I must take my leave. I trust you’ll enjoy the blessing of Bwendia.”
“Should we have the honor of sharing another feast with His Highness, it would be a profound joy. Your Highness.”
She followed as Sir Krakup naturally moved ahead to lead her toward the private chamber where Henrik awaited.
“Your Highness, I came upon hearing your summons.”
The chamber on the upper floor of the Banquet Hall was appointed with a quiet elegance, softly lit by gentle lamps.
Henrik sat perched on the edge of a desk, his expression blank as he regarded her. She spoke evenly.
“Your Highness, I believe I was reading some important information. I was in the midst of a significant conversation with Antonio—”
“Ha, important? With that man?”

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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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