The Forgotten Field - Chapter 147

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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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Chapter 147
The man who had been glaring at her with an expression of utter disbelief soon released a sigh of resignation.
“Your Highness remains unchanged, I see.”
At the bitter undertone in his voice, Talia’s eyes narrowed sharply.
“What exactly are you implying by that….”
“Your Highness!”
Just as Talia was about to reprimand the knight’s insolent demeanor severely, Barcas’s clumsy attendant came rushing toward her in a panic.
The boy’s face had turned as pale as flour dough, clearly startled by what he believed he had witnessed me tumble before his very eyes.
“Are you—are you unharmed? Is there any injury to your person….”
“I’m perfectly fine.”
Even at her firm reassurance, the attendant’s anxiety remained unassuaged, his worried gaze searching her face before he abruptly spun around.
“Still, to be safe, I shall summon the Healer at once. Please wait just a moment!”
And with that, he bolted down the Corridor before she could stop him.
Watching his retreating figure with a frown, Talia turned her attention back to the knight. He too wore an expression of concern, his gaze flickering toward her swollen belly. Suddenly uncomfortable, Talia discreetly drew her outer robe across herself.
“You said you’d explain your purpose here—so stop standing there like a fool and speak.”
“First, it would be best if you were seated.”
“Never mind. There’s no need for that….”
Talia had begun to refuse habitually when she felt a slight tightness in her lower abdomen, and her words caught in her throat. The thought occurred to her that perhaps the child within had been startled.
She gestured with her chin toward the Reception Room situated across from the staircase.
“Fine. Follow me.”
Crossing the thickly carpeted Corridor and passing through the arched entrance, she entered a cozily appointed space. She approached the Fireplace where embers still glowed and carefully settled into a chair.
The man who had been standing at the entrance, looking about uncertainly, soon took a seat across from her. His earlier boldness had vanished entirely, replaced by visible awkwardness.
Talia pressed the uncomfortable knight with urgent questions.
“Now then, speak. Who sent you?”
“I was sent by Lord Laorik Alderheim, the current Commander of the Imperial Knight Order.”
At this unexpected answer, Talia raised one eyebrow.
“The Commander of the Imperial Knight Order sent you? For what reason?”
The man hesitated for a long moment before finally speaking.
“Recently, suspicious movements have been detected in the Northern Region. Upon learning of this, His Imperial Majesty has ordered military forces to be concentrated in areas adjacent to Balto to monitor the North. His Majesty desires the Eastern Territories to participate actively in this endeavor as well.”
Talia’s body went rigid. A chill ran down her spine, and every hair on her body stood on end.
“Does that mean… war will break out?”
“No!”
The knight hastily waved his hand.
“His Majesty does not desire direct conflict. At present, the evidence of treason remains insufficient… He merely intends to strengthen vigilance toward Balto as an implicit warning.”
“The Northern Region could interpret the Imperial warning as a threat and respond more aggressively.”
Talia challenged him sharply.
“The Northern Noble Alliance, surrounded by Imperial forces, will be seized by acute panic. Having been exposed in their treachery, they will believe the Imperial Family will never allow them to live, and they may act recklessly.”
The knight blinked blankly at her observation.
Talia shot back at his dull expression with evident frustration.
“If His Majesty truly wishes to avoid war, he should not openly display military might to pressure them, but rather secretly gather evidence of treason. The safer approach would be to secure decisive proof so conclusive that no noble could defend them, and then launch a surprise arrest of the leader of the Northern Noble Alliance!”
“Your Highness raises a valid point, but if the Northern Region moves first before we gather decisive evidence, we’ll face a situation beyond our control. His Majesty the Emperor has determined it necessary to consolidate the military forces to prepare for the worst-case scenario.”
Talia furrowed her brow. The Emperor’s response seemed far too half-hearted.
If military pressure was to be applied, wouldn’t a preemptive strike be far more effective?
Dispatching troops to the border regions near Balto could merely encourage the Northern Region to strengthen its military forces further.
Just as Talia was about to voice these objections, she reconsidered and held her tongue.
Edrick Lubon was merely a messenger sent to deliver the Emperor’s orders. Arguing with this man would change nothing.
Talia, biting her lip anxiously, soon redirected her thoughts toward a more optimistic perspective.
Perhaps witnessing the overwhelming military might of the Imperial Family with their own eyes would spark division within Balto itself. How many would willingly throw away their lives in a war they were certain to lose?
If some of Balto’s nobility turned to the Imperial side, the flames of war would be extinguished swiftly.
“So, what did Barcas say?”
“He said he would dispatch cavalry units to the regions adjacent to Balto, as Your Majesty instructed.”
Talia released a sigh of relief without realizing it. Only then did she become aware that she had been worried about Barcas leaving her side.
His presence was better than his absence.
She tried to justify it that way internally, but the explanation fell woefully short of accounting for the fear she felt.
Talia pushed aside the bitter realization that she remained obsessed with him and forced herself to concentrate on the conversation before her.
“Then you’ll need to return to the Imperial Palace with a response?”
“Yes, I’m scheduled to depart immediately today.”
The man shifted his gaze toward the window as he spoke.
Talia’s expression registered surprise.
“Already?”
“Given the gravity of the situation, I cannot afford to delay even a moment.”
The man rubbed the back of his neck and offered a thin smile.
“In truth, I should have left at dawn, but I delayed somewhat to see Your Highness.”
“Why me?”
Talia’s gaze turned guarded once more.
Seeing her expression, the man scratched the back of his head awkwardly before finally speaking.
“Since returning from the pilgrimage, I haven’t had the opportunity to see Your Highness. I was curious whether your health had recovered.”
At his unexpected words, Talia’s eyes widened.
The man, offering an embarrassed smile, continued gently.
“I’m relieved to see you looking healthier than when we last met. The handmaidens say that Grand Duke Sierkan holds the Princess in great affection. I was reassured to see you faring well.”
“Why?”
Talia stared at him, seized by pure curiosity.
“Why do you care whether I’m doing well?”
The smile that had graced his lips faded slightly. The man, his face flustered and stammering, soon revealed his feelings with blunt honesty.
“I was Your Highness’s Guard Knight. I’ve carried a heavy heart all this time, believing that your injuries were my responsibility.”
“So in the end, you wanted to see me just to ease your own conscience?”
Talia spoke with deliberate spite.
The man flinched as if struck by a blade, then readily admitted it.
“That may well be the case.”
He then released a sigh tinged with self-mockery.
Talia’s brows drew together. She had never encountered a person so candid about their own feelings.
Suddenly, this bumbling man began to genuinely concern her.
“…With a personality like that, you won’t last long in the Imperial Palace.”
“People around me say the same thing quite often.”
The man exaggerated his distress as if attempting to lighten the mood.
“My prospects are already looking rather bleak.”
Though his words seemed spoken in jest, Talia felt a heaviness settle in her chest.
Perhaps he had been relegated to messenger duty because he had fallen out of the Crown Prince’s favor?
Talia, her expression softening with sympathy, spoke as though offering charity.
“If you’re truly uncertain about your future, come to the Grand Duke’s Estate. I’ll ask Barcas to consider employing you.”
“Edrick Lubon is one of the elite knights of the Roem Knights.”
A cool voice cut through the air. Talia turned her head and her eyes widened upon discovering Barcas standing at the entrance to the reception room. He strode across the chamber with somewhat disheveled appearance, as though he had hurried here, his tone blunt as he continued.
“It would be unconscionable to allow talent destined to become the Emperor’s personal guard to languish in such a remote region.”
“…I had no idea Your Grace held me in such high regard.”
Edrick Lubon murmured with evident amusement. Barcas cast a frigid gaze upon the knight.
“I hear you assisted my wife when she nearly suffered a grave accident. I offer my gratitude.”
“Not at all. Rather, I nearly caused a disaster by startling her.”
Talia glared at the knight with exasperation. Did he truly not comprehend that such thoughtless candor was precisely what obstructed his advancement?
Suppressing the urge to click her tongue in disapproval, she suddenly felt Barcas bend forward, sliding one arm beneath her knees while his other hand wrapped firmly around her back. With careful deliberation, he lifted her to her feet.

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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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