The Forgotten Field - Chapter 174

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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 174
Barcas straightened his attire almost unconsciously, then mocked himself for doing so as he walked toward the seat across from her.
The moment he settled onto the velvet sheets, Talia handed him a goblet brimming with wine and broached a formal topic of conversation.
“I’ve heard rumors that the war will end soon. They say a peace treaty is being negotiated?”
“Nothing is certain yet.”
Barcas moistened his throat with wine so sweet it made his tongue tingle, then continued with measured caution.
“The negotiations have only just begun, so we must wait and observe how matters unfold.”
“…If the negotiations go poorly, you’ll have to return to the battlefield?”
He studied her expression intently while bringing the goblet to his lips.
Was it merely his imagination that her complexion darkened for a moment? Barcas swallowed another mouthful of wine down his parched throat and answered calmly.
“Unless a full-scale war erupts, I have no intention of leading another campaign. I cannot leave the Grand Duchy vacant indefinitely.”
“…I see.”
Talia murmured softly, her fingers fidgeting with the pearl ornaments dangling from her skirt. Noticing her anxious movements, he set down his glass and reclined against the chair’s backrest.
The arduous journey had exhausted him completely. He had no desire to squander what remained of his mental strength trying to discern what emotions she harbored regarding his return.
She appeared well now. If that were the case, it was time to end this separation.
He ran his fingers through his still-damp hair and exhaled deeply. Then he redirected the conversation toward the matter she was deliberately ignoring.
“I believe it would be prudent to discuss the matter of that Wolf Beast—Khan.”
“Khan poses no problem whatsoever.”
She immediately bristled.
“I have cared for Khan since he was a tiny creature. Yet I have never once witnessed him harm or attack an innocent person! Everyone simply seizes upon pretexts because Khan is a monster.”
Barcas narrowed his eyes, detecting the subtle nuance woven through her words.
“And those who are not innocent?”
For a moment, turmoil flickered across her pupils.
As if concealing it, she lowered her long, densely-lashed eyelids and offered a cold smile.
“He merely acted somewhat threateningly toward those who displayed hostility toward me. Beyond that, he always behaves obediently. If you remain skeptical, ask my personal handmaidens.”
Barcas, observing her through narrowed eyes, slowly leaned forward.
“Who displayed hostility toward Your Highness?”
She flinched and stiffened, then shrugged her shoulders with an indifferent expression.
“Who else? Your siblings and the retainers of House Sierkan. Oh, and the elderly High Priest of Kalmor as well. That old man seems to regard me as a fallen creature beyond redemption.”
A frigid laugh hung at the corners of her lips.
“Well, it’s hardly surprising. My illegitimate birth alone would be insufficient—I also consort with a creature of demonic origin. The Religious Order must find my very existence intolerable.”
“…Have they ever shown you direct disrespect?”
“They have never openly condemned or insulted me.”
She swirled the wine in her glass as she spoke.
“They merely attack indirectly during sermons, expounding upon the depravity of monsters and how grave a sin it is to defy doctrine.”
“Is that why you have substantially reduced the annual donations to the Grand Cathedral?”
“I was told I possess the authority to make such decisions.”
She shot back defensively.
Barcas let out a dry laugh.
Rather than being cowed by the priests’ petty attacks, she had struck back immediately—that was so like her. There was something almost refreshing about the way she wielded power with such audacious confidence.
“The allocation of the budget may be determined according to your wishes going forward.”
Though it would inevitably bring persistent requests for meetings and continuous letters of protest from the Grand Cathedral, I was prepared to bear such a burden willingly.
However, regarding the matter of keeping that Wolf Beast at my side, I remained skeptical.
Barcas, who had been carefully selecting his words with one hand supporting his chin, cautiously broached the subject.
“Nevertheless, the matter of allowing Khan to continue residing within the castle walls requires further consideration. Is Your Highness not being subjected to unnecessary attacks simply because you harbor a beast?”
“I don’t care what anyone says.”
She lifted her chin defiantly.
“They’re merely gossiping behind my back at worst. I can tolerate that much.”
“A considerable number of beast-type monsters inhabit this region. Each time they cause trouble, many will seize upon your Wolf Beast. Even now….”
Barcas paused briefly, observing her reaction carefully before continuing cautiously.
“I heard you’ve fallen under unwarranted suspicion.”
“If it concerns Maricen… that misunderstanding has already been resolved.”
Talia responded with composure, her agitation subsiding.
“During the time Maricen was missing, Khan spent his time with me at Tiuran’s dwelling. If you don’t trust my word, verify it with Tiuran herself. She will prove Khan’s innocence.”
He furrowed his brow. He could not immediately recall who this Tiuran she spoke of was.
Only after several seconds did he remember that it was the name of the Healer belonging to the Grand Ducal House.
“Why did you visit the Healer’s dwelling?”
“Khan and I often spend time there. Tiuran’s cottage is quiet and peaceful.”
Suddenly, a soft smile graced her lips—a warm and gentle expression I had never witnessed before.
In that moment, a complex emotion washed over me, neither relief nor displeasure.
I could not fathom why such an odd feeling arose. Should I not be pleased that she had found something to cherish?
I struggled to shake off the inexplicable unease and consciously redirected my attention to the conversation.
“Regardless of the truth, many believe that Wolf Beast to be dangerous.”
“Many people like Khan too.”
She countered.
“When I brought him to the Castle Town, everyone cheered.”
“Was he the same size then as he is now?”
When the unfavorable question struck, she averted her gaze from his.
“People are merely wary because Khan suddenly grew so much in a matter of months. In time, they will naturally change their minds.”
Barcas knitted his brows at her more resolute stance than anticipated.
He knew she cherished that beast. Yet he had not realized her attachment was so unyielding as to stubbornly override concerns for her own safety and political standing.
He pressed his throbbing temples firmly.
If that Wolf Beast were truly harmless as she claimed, then people’s complaints could simply be ignored. But if by any chance that creature lost control of its aggression and harmed someone, all the blame would fall upon her.
Was it right to let her bear such a risk?
Noticing his deliberation, she leaned forward and sent him an earnest gaze.
“Your promise to grant whatever I desire… is it no longer valid?”
He stiffened as though his nape had been suddenly bitten. As a sweet fragrance brushed his nostrils, an unwanted sensation crept up his spine.
Barcas abruptly rose and walked toward the window, drawing in the humid air.
Beyond the Garden bathed in white sunlight, the Chapel building came into view. As I recalled the tomb that lay within, the turbulent feeling in my chest rapidly subsided.
Having swiftly composed himself, Barcas turned to face her with a composed expression.
“It is permitted.”
“Then allow me to stay by Khan’s side. If you grant your consent, no one else will dare voice their objections.”
In that moment, something bitter rose in his throat.
This woman had never permitted him to remain at her side. Yet now she clung to him, desperate to be with nothing more than a beast.
Feeling a peculiar hollowness at this realization, he spoke with a heavy, measured tone.
“Very well.”
A bright smile bloomed across her face.
Turning away from it, he added somewhat stiffly.
“However, should that Wolf Beast cause harm to any person, I’m afraid there is nothing I can do.”

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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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