The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 55

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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 055
As I tilted my head slightly to the side, Henrik continued with a more detailed explanation.
“Barsha patronizes several artists, and it so happens an exhibition has opened. She wanted to consult with you and select some paintings to hang at your Banquet. It will be a good experience for you as well.”
“I’m most grateful for your kindness, Your Highness.”
I accepted without protest. I had no doubt that idling about the palace in a manner unbecoming a Princess Consort was a reasonable choice, and besides, with my spirits lately unsettled, a change of scenery would do me good.
“I think it would be quite an enjoyable outing if I went with the princess.”
As for Barsha, she was always kind enough to me, even if it was mere courtesy, so I couldn’t say she was an unpleasant person.
“Go at your leisure. I’ll have a knight accompany you, so there’s nothing to worry about.”
Henrik nodded mildly, a faint smile on his lips. He seemed satisfied with my answer, but there was something nagging at me beneath the surface.
Though I hadn’t intended it, I realized I’d inadvertently suggested that outings with him felt uncomfortable compared to those with Barsha.
But Henrik continued his meal as usual, and I merely glanced at him before looking away.

* * *
The Gallery was enclosed by old stone walls. Its quiet beauty made it stand out distinctly in this bustling district.
“I do hope the works of those I patronize will bring you joy, Your Highness.”
Seeing the Gallery’s garden arranged in a riot of colors, it was clear this was a space Barsha had cultivated.
“From the entrance alone, it’s such a beautiful place. I’m all the more excited, princess.”
“I’m glad to hear it.”
I followed Barsha through the exhibition rooms, smiling as innocently as a girl, and contemplated the paintings at a leisurely pace.
What captured my attention first was a vast, sprawling painting depicting a coastline and harbor.
Against a backdrop where a distant, brilliant blue horizon met a pale sky, ships and people moving through the harbor were rendered with such vibrant life.
Watching the interplay of vast nature and human life, admiration spilled from my lips unbidden.
Though I had only ever engaged with art as a matter of refinement, with no particular passion for it.
“Ah… how beautiful this painting is.”
“Does Your Highness feel the same? It’s also my favorite work. That’s why I hung it here in the center.”
Barsha, standing beside me, offered warm understanding. It was a beautiful and magnificent painting. At the same time, I could sense the passion and purity of the artist who had created this vista.
I felt… envious. Why do I feel such envy at the sight of something so pure?
Others would feel admiration or find inspiration.
Even knowing this wasn’t the time for it, a bitter smile twisted my lips.
The beauty of the sea.
Once, long ago, I had longed for the sea. Innocently and foolishly.
Since coming here, I’d eaten plenty of seafood, yet never once stepped foot in the harbor itself.
I could have asked Henrik for it if I wished, but I hadn’t.
It struck me anew that this place remained foreign to me.
If there was one thing I’d grown accustomed to here, it was only one thing. Henrik, that was. …At least it had been.
“It’s a painting by someone I’ve patronized for a long time. He told me he was happy the whole time he painted it—saying the fishing village of Bretchia Harbor was so charming and full of life.”
“I think I would feel the same. The sea is such a vast place. It seems as though it would embrace all the people there…”
Barsha gently stroked my shoulder as if we were intimate friends sharing secrets.
“I’m truly delighted to see you pleased. I’ll make sure this painting is hung at your Banquet. Hehe.”
I turned to her and smiled warmly without hesitation.
Yet a question lingered. Why had she brought me out deliberately? Given the discernment Barsha had shown thus far, she could surely have arranged the Banquet splendidly on her own.
“If you wish, this place will always be open to you. Please feel free to tell me anything.”
“I can hardly find words adequate to thank you for such thoughtfulness, princess. Is there perhaps some small way in which I might be of service to you?”
“Though I know you and my brother are quite fond of each other, I would be happy if you would occasionally come out with me like this. As you have today.”
“Of course. Thanks to the prince, I live in peace and comfort always, but even now I’m genuinely enjoying myself.”
In the midst of exchanging courteous words with Barsha, a thought suddenly occurred to me.
Could Henrik have orchestrated this?
Had he somehow sensed the turmoil stirring in my heart?
My doubts didn’t linger long before being resolved.

* * *
On the morning of my birthday Banquet, what Henrik said during breakfast was rather surprising.
“Though the hour is early, we should depart soon. It will take considerable time to reach the coast.”
When my eyes widened, Henrik was kind enough to add more.
“Your Banquet will be held there.”
“…I thought it would be held at the Royal Palace, like other Banquets.”
For a Princess Consort’s Banquet, it seemed an unusually extravagant choice of venue, so I tilted my head in confusion.
“It’s a special day, so such things are possible. Barsha obtained the king’s permission directly. She said the two of you saw eye to eye. You were completely captivated by that painting of Bretchia Harbor, weren’t you?”
He spoke with a knowing ease, as if he already knew the answer.
Remembering that pure and passionate painting, I nodded quietly.
What objection could I possibly raise now? I had stood before that painting with Barsha for quite some time that day.
As I climbed into the carriage beside him, I found myself oddly uncomfortable.
Each time the crisp rustle of his pristine lace-trimmed skirts brushed against his firm knee, I would turn my gaze away and stare out the window instead.
“What other paintings have caught your fancy?”
“Most of the ones you recommended have been to my liking.”
“Will you go again?”
“If you’ll permit it… of course.”
A stretch of time followed, during which I answered his scattered questions with carefully chosen words.
Though they may have held meaning for him, they struck me as somehow hollow.
After the carriage had carried us onward for a long while, we arrived at a place where the sharp salt-tinged air mingled with the sea breeze.
Taking Henrik’s warm hand as I descended, I was startled by the sight of the Villa before me.
I had thought the kingdom favored austere black, yet this Villa gleamed in pristine white without a blemish.
And the sheer scale of it—overlooking the entire bay. Heavens, I’d believe it was the Royal Palace itself.
Today, Barsha—unencumbered by her cat—greeted us with open arms.
“Brother, Your Highness! Welcome, welcome! Your Highness, what do you think of this place? Winter does make it somewhat wistful, but… the atmosphere is rather splendid, wouldn’t you say?”
She clearly intended to frame this Banquet as a retreat by the sea, a retreat for leisure and repose.
Brushing my wind-tousled hair behind my ear, I smiled as though savoring the warmth of the winter sun.
“Please, don’t say such things, Princess. The weather is flawless, the Villa is beautiful, and to think my Banquet will be held here… it feels like I’m dreaming a sweet dream. I know I owe it all to you and Henrik.”
Barsha, and Henrik standing beside me, both returned my words with gentle smiles.
“The event will be long, and many well-wishers will arrive. But worry yourself not overmuch. Enjoy and revel in it as you see fit.”

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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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