The Forgotten Field - Chapter 180

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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 180
After slipping away from the High Priest’s Residence, I led my subordinates directly toward the Castle Gate.
As we crested a gently rolling hill and climbed onto the undulating landscape beyond, the scattered villages of varying sizes surrounding the Castle Walls came into full view.
I began systematically surveying the largest settlement first. On the surface, everything appeared peaceful, yet I could not discern what lay beneath.
Village Administrators and Administrator Officials invariably downplayed the problems occurring within their jurisdictions in their reports, and the security officers similarly tended to overlook minor corruption and crimes within the villages. If heretical ideology had truly begun spreading among the common folk as the High Priest claimed, there was ample possibility it had been concealed until now.
“Seek out those who possess intimate knowledge of each village’s internal affairs and gather intelligence. Dispatch trustworthy investigators separately to thoroughly ascertain the true extent of the heretics’ activities.”
“Do you believe what the High Priest said was truthful?”
Beirov, who had been following quietly, posed the question with careful deliberation.
I swept my contemplative gaze across the wooden structures lining both sides of the broad earthen road and the rectangular plots of cultivated land arranged in neat divisions.
I could sense the farmers pulling weeds from the fields stealing furtive glances in my direction.
It was commonplace for commoners to fear their lord. Yet in their eyes, I detected something far more potent than mere fear—a sharp, guarded wariness.
Feeling a dull throb at my temples as I sensed the peculiar atmosphere pervading the village, I furrowed my brow.
“There may be some exaggeration mixed in. Still, since the High Priest himself raised the matter, it cannot be entirely baseless rumor.”
Even if it were merely the senile ramblings of an elderly man, I had to at least appear to go along with it.
The High Priest of the Eastern Territories was a man of considerable power, managing a diocese so vast that he ranked among the most influential of countless high-ranking clergy.
If that old man were to deliberately accuse the Grand Duchess of heresy, it would not be easy for me to suppress. Moreover, there was the possibility that Gareth might aggressively seize upon Talia’s suspected apostasy. I had to contain this matter before it leaked to the outside world.
“Dispatch additional security officers throughout the villages, and issue a proclamation requiring all gatherings to receive prior authorization.”
I shifted the direction of my remarks and added further instructions.
“I intend to organize a suppression force in the near future and conduct a large-scale search of the region near Kalmor. Issue a summons to the mounted warriors.”
“Understood.”
After surveying even the smallest villages in the Suburban Region, I turned Laedgo Castle toward my destination.
As I crossed the vast hills and fields and approached the fortress surrounded by sand-colored City Walls, the gatekeeper immediately raised the latticed gate.
Passing through the grand arched Castle Gate, I vaulted from the saddle and posed a question to the Soldiers arrayed near the Training Grounds.
“Where is the Grand Duchess?”
One of the guards answered with a crisp, formal tone.
“Her Highness is taking rest in the Garden.”
I tossed the reins to the Elderly Attendant who had entered behind me and immediately crossed the Training Grounds.
Upon passing through the inner Castle Gate, the lush vista of the Garden filled my vision—dense shrubbery and blooming flowers. As I traversed through them at a steady pace, I caught sight of Talia’s figure seated beneath the white Marble Pavilion and came to a halt.
She was, as always, accompanied by that enormous beast.
The woman, who had been chattering softly to the ash-gray creature crouched at her feet, seemed to sense my presence and turned her head.
As I approached to verify the truth of what the High Priest had told me, I suddenly found my words catching in my throat. A smile of genuine welcome had bloomed upon her lips.
“Did your conversation go well?”
Gazing down at that brightly smiling face, I ultimately swallowed the question about the heresy suspicions.
I had no desire to voice such absurd doubts and dampen her spirits.
“There will be no further sermons directed at Your Highness.”
“Was there nothing else discussed?”
She asked while scratching the Wolf Beast’s ear.
Detecting a probing quality in her cautious tone, I narrowed my eyes slightly.
What was she concerned about? As I observed her with suspicious eyes, a low growl suddenly emanated from nearby. Turning my gaze absently, I frowned at the sight of the creature completely surrounded by flowers.
“That won’t do.”
Talia sternly rebuked the Wolf Beast, then added as if gauging his reaction.
“He’s upset because I left him alone all morning. He’s just being petulant—there’s no real threat behind it.”
I said nothing, merely gazing down at the Dire Wolf with an unreadable expression.
The beast wore a floral crown woven from roses and cornflowers, adorned with a necklace of cosmos flowers, and his blue eyes clearly reflected a sense of humiliation.
Seemingly oblivious to this, she stroked the Wolf Beast’s neck and spoke with obvious pride.
“Isn’t he incredibly adorable?”
I noticed the beast’s ears twitching.
With his tail drooping and ears folded back—a stark contrast to how restless he usually was when beside his master—he looked no different from a sulking pet.
Observing this scene, I calmly expressed my agreement.
“Indeed.”
As if understanding my words, the Wolf Beast’s eyes flashed with light. I pretended not to notice and continued.
“If he continues like this, people around him will likely find him far less frightening.”
“Right? I plan to keep decorating him like this from now on.”
While the Wolf Beast’s ears drooped even further, a relieved smile bloomed across her face.
It seemed she had adorned him in this ridiculous manner and waited, all for my sake.
Upon realizing this truth, complex emotions coiled within my chest. She genuinely seemed worried that I might try to forcibly separate her from this beast.
Feeling my mouth turn bitter, I changed the subject.
“Your Highness, there is something I wish to request of you.”
“What is it?”
She asked, her expression growing serious.
After a brief pause, I chose my words with care.
“I’ve heard that barbarian tribes have begun to grow bold around Kalmor. I would ask that you refrain from going out until we’ve eliminated all the raiders.”
“…How long?”
The woman, her shadowed blue eyes fixed upon her Wolf Beast, asked cautiously.
Her arms unconsciously wrapped around the beast’s neck, her body half-buried against his massive frame. After observing her like this, I finally spoke.
“It shouldn’t take long.”
“It can’t exceed two months. Khan grows restless being confined within the castle.”
Whether that beast grew restless or not was of no concern to me. What mattered most to me was her safety.
Yet instead of saying so, I readily expressed my agreement.
“I will see it finished within that time.”
“…And after that, I can take Khan anywhere freely, correct?”
She looked up at me, asking directly.
After a moment’s hesitation, I nodded. At that, a gentle smile graced her lips.
“Then that’s settled.”
Then she added softly.
“I trust you.”
In that instant, it felt as though an icy blade had scraped across my chest.
“I will never trust you again.”
Her words, spoken like a curse long ago, echoed in my ears. As if shaking them off, I averted my gaze and swallowed hard past the tightness in my throat.
Regardless of the turmoil rippling through my chest, my voice emerged with surprising composure.
“Even in early summer, the evening air grows chill. Shall we step inside?”
“…My legs ache. I cannot walk.”
Aria, her lips pressed firmly together as she fidgeted with the hem of her skirt, suddenly pouted the words out.
He stiffened his expression gravely.
“I shall summon the Healer at once.”
He turned to make his way toward the Main Palace when she suddenly seized his sleeve and pulled him back.
When he glanced over his shoulder, her eyes blazed with irritation.
“I do not wish to wait. I want to lie in bed immediately, so you must carry me there.”
He stood rigid, his body tense, as he gazed down at her.
Now he could not possibly interpret her intentions in any other light.
This woman was attempting to seduce him.
But why, precisely?
Had the nobles perhaps pressured him regarding the matter of an heir?
As he constructed this unpleasant hypothesis in his mind, she tugged his sleeve more forcefully.
“What? Do you dislike it?”

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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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