The Eldest Daughter Walks Down The Flower Path - Chapter 52
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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The Eldest Daughter Walks the Path of Flowers Episode 52
That night, snow fell.
Since snow rarely fell in the South, this was the first time Radis had seen such a scene.
The snowflakes falling from the black sky were like stardust.
Radis, who had been watching the snow fall through the window, slipped out of the estate and climbed up to a hill overlooking Duras and Ellarion.
The night view of the two most prosperous cities in the Empire was breathtakingly beautiful.
Radis stood on the high hill, looking down at the city where heavy snow was falling.
It felt as if her chest was opening up.
‘My life is mine.’
She had forgotten this while being so desperate to escape House of Tilrod.
Hadn’t she resolved at the end of her previous life, as if coughing up blood?
That if given one more chance, she would live for herself.
‘What do I want to do?’
Radis raised both hands and drew out mana.
She could see red energy gathering in her palms.
It had no form.
It was up to her to decide what it would become.
It would be good to live a peaceful life cultivating a small farm in the Pioneer Settlement as she had first dreamed.
Becoming a knight as Eve suggested didn’t seem bad either.
It was different from her past life when she hunted magical beasts under David’s name.
Back then, she was always anxious about her identity being discovered, but now there was no need for that.
She could stand proudly before others.
Whatever path she chose, she could take any of them.
Because she was free.
Radis clenched both hands tightly.
The formless mana burst out between her fingers and scattered like flower petals.
It was the first time she felt anticipation for a future that hadn’t yet come.
It was the first time she felt such an overwhelming emotion.
How much time had passed?
The eastern sky began to turn bluish.
The first sun of the new year was rising over the eastern mountain peaks.
Though it was dazzling, Radis continued to gaze at the sun.
She endlessly captured that overwhelming, majestic light in her heart.
The New Year’s gathering to commemorate the start of the new year was one of the Imperial Court’s biggest annual events.
What signals the start of the New Year’s gathering is the first parade of the new year by the White Crane Knight Order, the Imperial Court’s knight order.
At noon, there is a blessing ceremony at the Grand Shrine attended only by the Emperor’s direct imperial family, and in the afternoon, a grand banquet is held.
“I wanted to see the parade too…”
Inside the carriage heading to the Imperial Palace, Radis couldn’t hide her dejected expression.
“Sorry. I didn’t even think of it.”
Eve, dressed in black formal wear, still looked haggard even after coming to the Capital.
“I’ve seen the parade so many times I’m completely sick of it. And the Imperial Palace Courtyard where they hold the parade is so empty and cold. The North is already cold enough, but there’s nothing to block the wind. I always get sick after watching the parade.”
“Oh my.”
Radis sighed in disappointment but didn’t bring up the parade topic anymore.
Because Eve looked too exhausted.
She had barely seen her rest properly for almost a month in Luart, and it seemed like more work had piled up when they came up to the North.
Even though her eyes were covered by her bangs, the dark circles extending down to her cheeks were visible.
If she left Eve standing in such cold weather, she would definitely get seriously ill.
“After the New Year’s gathering ends, I’m going to rest the whole time before we return to the South.”
Eve said with a determined voice.
“Really, I’m not going to leave my bed.”
“Please do that.”
“Ha, just thinking about it is thrilling.”
Perhaps energized by just the thought of resting, Eve crossed her legs and straightened her back.
“So today I have to work hard. You too, Radis!”
“What am I supposed to…”
Eve Russel leaned forward and moved closer to Radis, who was sitting across from her in the carriage.
“What do you mean what? But for someone pretending not to know, you’re dressed quite enthusiastically, Lady?”
“…”
Radis’s cheeks turned bright red.
The dress she wore was one ordered from 【Chaperon】.
The clear violet velvet dress, reminiscent of someone’s eyes, showed a subtle reddish-purple hue depending on the viewing angle, matching well with Radis’s red hair.
The white lace decorating the chest area and bell-shaped sleeves was embedded with small gems that sparkled silver whenever light touched them.
The design was overall classic, but the designer’s wit shone through here and there.
The upper body was tightly wrapped in stretchy fabric, revealing the contours of her well-trained, firm body.
The skirt part created elegant and lovely lines with gentle pleats starting from the hips below her slender waist, not too excessive.
Eve leaned against the carriage window while looking at Radis and smiled slyly.
“Radis, you’re really beautiful.”
Her ears tingled.
She couldn’t tell if it was because of his low voice echoing in the narrow carriage, or because of the ticklish compliment about being beautiful.
“The 3rd Prince will be surprised when he sees you too, won’t he?”
“…”
Radis, who was vulnerable to compliments, stuck out her lips like a duck’s bill and couldn’t say anything.
However, inside she was thinking that maybe that could be true.
Because the dress was really beautiful.
It seemed the effort of carefully taking measurements wasn’t in vain.
Just then, the Coachman announced that they had arrived at the Imperial Capital.
Radis captured the sight of the Imperial Capital through the carriage window.
The Imperial Capital, surrounded by layers of castle walls, was like a huge city in itself.
Even after passing through several gates and crossing the vast courtyard, the road continued for quite a while.
It was a scale that made one realize the Empire’s majesty.
The carriage stopped in front of the Massive Building at the Center of the Imperial Capital.
Radis, who got out of the carriage, was mesmerized by its splendor.
At the top of the building, a dizzyingly high clock tower looked down from above, and the walls were filled with decorative pillars, bronze sculptures, and large windows.
From those arched stained glass windows, colorful light was pouring out through the colored glass.
Eve lightly kissed the back of her hand and said.
“Shall we go, Lady?”
Radis entered the hall where the banquet was in full swing, escorted by Eve Russel.
A dazzling galaxy poured down over her head as she looked around in fascination.
When she looked up, she saw a huge chandelier above her head.
The number of candles was countless, and countless crystals broke that light into smaller pieces, filling the hall with dazzling light.
People in beautiful attire were gliding gracefully through that light.
Radis followed Eve’s lead, moving around and greeting so many people that she couldn’t even remember them all.
A man wearing a king’s crown on his head, dressed as splendidly as a peacock, spread both arms to welcome them.
“Lord Russel! It’s been a long time.”
“Lord Runtier.”
“Hahaha, hermit life is comfortable, but the Capital is still the best. Seeing young people grow makes me feel young too.”
“Your Lordship, you are still young yourself.”
“Kahahaha! I’m still active indeed!”
The elegant white-haired Lady of Bayard Viscount opened her eyes wide and called Eve and Radis over.
“Lord Russel, have you finally found a partner?”
Eve kissed the Duchess’s wrinkled cheek, then spoke with an elegant smile.
“I’m not sure where my partner is yet, but I should introduce this young lady here. She’s the eldest daughter of House Tilrod, whom I sponsor.”
Radis greeted the Duchess with the utmost courtesy.
“I am Radis Tillord.”
“Oh, Miss Radis. This old woman got carried away in her eagerness and acted foolishly without meaning to. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“The honor is mine to meet you.”
Though she was pretending to be calm, Radis felt like her eyes were spinning.
This was only the second time she had attended a banquet.
However, the Imperial New Year’s gathering felt completely different from Olivier’s birthday banquet held at Lord Russel’s Estate.
The hall was filled with Imperial royalty, foreign royalty, Imperial nobles, and great nobles of the Empire.
She felt like a shepherd who had mistakenly stepped into a banquet of the gods.
Golden shadows surrounded her, moving slowly as if dancing.
She felt nauseous in a way she hadn’t even experienced when using the Gate.
Her chest gradually felt tight and her head grew dizzy.
Then Eve’s hand wrapped around her shoulder.
“Radis.”
“Hm?”
She saw Eve chuckle softly.
“Overwhelming, isn’t it? You should rest for a moment.”
Eve took her hand and went up to the third floor of the banquet hall.
Radis pointed to the second floor and said.
“I think the lounge is over there?”
Eve smiled with satisfaction.
“There’s a premium seat.”
While there were still people on the second floor, there was no one on the third floor.
With cold air coming in from the passage connected to the rooftop, it didn’t seem like a good place to rest.
But Radis could understand why Eve called this place a premium seat.
The chandelier connected to the ceiling was spread out right before her eyes.
“It’s beautiful…”
Radis stared blankly at the chandelier.
Every time the wind blew, the candle flames flickered and the crystals swayed.
It felt like standing in the middle of a sea of stars sparkling brilliantly in gold and silver.
Then Eve took off his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
The inside of the coat was warm.
Eve’s warmth remained in it.
It wasn’t just warmth.
The clothes were infused with a warm and sweet fragrance.
It was Eve’s scent.
Radis turned her head to look at Eve.
Eve, who had been smiling faintly, took on a mischievous expression when their eyes met.
Just as he was about to open his mouth, Radis spoke.
“Don’t fall for me?”
“How did you know?”
Radis burst into laughter.
It was a smile so bright it made the chandelier’s light pale in comparison.
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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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