The Contract Marriage for Attilenta's Revenge - Chapter 69

—————
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 a Contract Marriage: Episode 69
“Your Highness Henrik, Princess. Did you sleep well last night?”
Knights stood in formation as rigid and elegant as the dark stone ramparts themselves, their numbers far more visible than before.
“This way, if you please, Princess.”
Courteous greetings continued, but I could scarcely recognize a familiar face among them.
“……Sir Krakup, Sir Kobel, and, yes, and…….”
“The Princess need not trouble herself to remember each of us, or even our names.”
The knight’s unflinching response left me with nothing but a nod.
The escort had been increased.
The moment that realization struck me, these words tumbled out of their own accord.
“Sir Kobel. Today I’d like to learn a different Self-Defense Technique.”
Without hesitation, Kobel adjusted his grip on his sword and demonstrated. I watched intently, then stepped closer to examine his hand and footwork in detail.
In that instant, Henrik—who had been sparring with the knights in the distance—approached.
“I shall take my leave now.”
Though Henrik gave no command, Kobel suddenly sheathed his sword, bowed formally, and withdrew.
It was utterly strange. My eyes widened, and I looked between the two of them in turn.
“What is……this about? Is there something you wish to tell me, Your Highness?”
The knight had departed so swiftly that I turned instead to Henrik and asked his intention directly. He simply took my hand in his.
“……I’ll teach you.”
After a brief silence, his voice emerged slowly.
“Pardon? You’ve been so busy lately. And the Birthday Celebration hasn’t even truly begun yet.”
When I replied without thinking, Henrik shook his head.
“Your words are true, but I think it’s better if I do this now.”
In that moment, I understood the reason for this peculiar turn of events.
He was jealous.
No matter that I had asked it of him, no matter that he was a trusted knight—the thought of another man standing close beside me was something he simply could not bear.
“……I’m truly honored and grateful to learn from Your Highness. Oh, the sunlight……will we have time to finish before it becomes any more intense than this?”
I blamed the warming weather and fanned my flushed cheeks with my hand. Henrik, who had been watching me intently, silently gave his assent.

* * *
Henrik’s Birthday Celebration, prepared diligently by all the Royal Palace, was to span several days.
The first day unfolded as though Bwendia itself—so revered by the people here—had bestowed a blessing, the weather proving exceptionally fine.
It was neither oppressively hot nor cold, and the warm, gentle sunlight and breeze filled the banquet hall.
In one corner of the hall, the royal orchestra was performing a stately composition.
“……Thus, I hope that all of you will fully enjoy and celebrate today for Prince Henrik’s sake. May the grace of Bwendia shine upon us.”
As the King concluded his congratulatory speech with composure and benevolence, Henrik ascended the platform shortly after.
I did not stand beside him on the platform, but rather took a place below it where I could observe him.
At the same time, I remained aware of those around me.
The plan we had prepared together for today was simple when reduced to words.
We were to identify and capture Resicha’s spy—one hiding here as an ordinary servant.
Henrik’s speech was the beginning of that scheme.
“With Bwendia and the King bestowing such blessings upon this day, no amount of grateful words would suffice.”
Henrik gestured, and servants emerged, placing gifts one by one on the tables below the platform before the honored guests. They were selections from among all the gifts he had received, chosen by his own hand.
“So I shall not belabor the point.”
Jewels that sparkled like the fragments of light falling from the chandeliers illuminating the hall, fine silk, and the finest wines besides.
“Since these are such precious gifts, I believe it only fitting to share them, and I hope you will accept them graciously.”
Without anyone needing to lead, a loud voice rang out from the center of the hall.
“To the blessing of Bwendia!”
I deliberately fixed my gaze on the wine bottle that had been placed directly above the table where the royal family sat.
Within it lay poison—sent by Resicha through the name of the House of Libiu, concealed within the gift.
“Bwendia herself would surely be pleased.”
After I voiced my agreement to Henrik as he descended from the platform, I finally looked around at my surroundings.
Our seats were beside Barsha and Resicha, and as always, the King was with us, his elegant purple cloak draped behind him.
“Shall we share in it as well? The King, Father, Elder Brother, and the Princess too……for all of us to be together on such a meaningful day.”
When Barsha gestured, the King’s attendant began to pour wine into the glasses placed before us.
I had not wished to take a prominent role in this matter, so I was relieved. I answered Barsha’s proposal with a smile.
“Wise words indeed. There could surely be no greater honor than this.”
They say it was a specialty of the Libiu region, and truly the wine was transparent with no hint of cloudiness, its bittersweet aroma drifting subtly.
And then, I saw it.
The servant standing behind Resicha—his expression darkened.
Henrik, standing so close to me, would have noticed it easily enough.
Resicha had prepared thoroughly for this visit in his own way, yet I never imagined he would hide someone right behind him like this.
It was as though Resicha had laid a trap and dangled bait to lure him in.
Henrik walked into that snare without hesitation.
“The wine sent from Libiu, so you must be quite familiar with it already, brother.”
“Indeed, thanks to your generosity, I’m delighted to share something so precious with the whole family.”
Resicha, as always, wore his sharp features with composure, his tone measured and gentle.
“What a pity Kirchia couldn’t join us.”
Barsha let a hint of regret slip into her expression.
“The Temple keeps her busy, I’m sure. But I’ll see your sentiments reach her.”
Amid the warmth and harmony that lingered at the table, the King raised his glass for a toast.
“Come then, let us drink. May Bwendofska know peace always.”
At this table, where the most noble members of the royal household had gathered, no one should dare cause a disturbance.
The glass touched my lips. Just before I could drink, I deliberately hesitated.
“Your Highness Henrik, I sense a different fragrance…….”
And I whispered it in a very small voice. Yet everyone at this table would have heard.
“Hmm? Is that so?”
Henrik neither confirmed nor denied it. Resicha added his own remark.
“I didn’t know you were such a connoisseur of wine.”
I withdrew the glass from my lips and answered respectfully.
“Only because Your Highness has been so generous, allowing me to enjoy it freely of late.”
“And how does it seem to you, brother?”
Resicha answered Henrik’s question with eloquent pronunciation and a smooth voice.
“There’s hardly any fragrance lingering in this place at all.”
I stared directly at him as he gently suggested my mistake, then deliberately took a sip of wine.
And in that instant.
“Oh, Your Highness Henrik…….”
I deliberately crossed my feet and twisted my body, falling against Henrik as though I’d lost my balance.

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