The Forgotten Field - Chapter 224

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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 224
Raina’s body trembled as if she meant to protest, her fists clenching tightly as she bit her lip. She seemed terrified that if she pressed further, her tyrannical brother might overturn her entire engagement.
The girl, her eyes bloodshot with rage, abruptly spun around and stormed through the door.
He picked up the parchment document again as though nothing had happened and signed it with a flourish.
“I intend to keep Raina’s betrothal ceremony as simple as possible. Invite only nobles from prominent houses who can serve as witnesses.”
“Your Grace, is Miss Raina not the sole princess of the Grand Duke’s House? If we conduct such a meager ceremony, it will tarnish the reputation of House Sierkan….”
“The war is not yet over. It is premature to hold lavish festivities.”
Barcas cut short the Steward’s remonstrance and handed over the signed document, adding further words.
“However, I intend to hold the wedding ceremony with great splendor. If any of my retainers voice discontent, make sure they understand this.”
The Butler fell silent, unable to speak further.
After reviewing all remaining official documents, Barcas donned his coat and stepped outside.
She had already finished her walk and moved elsewhere, nowhere to be seen.
Standing in the midst of the Garden, gazing at the flowers she had been admiring, I soon turned my steps toward the Stables. I intended to survey my domain after so long.
I gently coaxed Torque, who was enjoying a rare respite, and led him beyond the Castle.
As I crossed the moat and descended into the Plaza, the prosperous cityscape filled my vision. The city, which had long suffered from the aftermath of Zrami plundering and heretic hunts, now basked in an air of peace as though nothing had occurred.
After surveying the streets teeming with merchants, I urged my horse toward the North Gate. As I passed through the arched Castle Gate, vast Steppe rushed toward me like a tide.
I crossed the expansive Pastureland in one breath and brought my horse to a halt atop a Hill.
The endless sky, the windswept Field, and the palely gleaming Birch Forest filled my vision.
Following the ridge of the Hill to survey the landscape, I soon turned my horse’s head toward the direction of the Pasture.
At that moment, a fierce gust swept across the earth.
Hearing the cry of a beast amid the wailing of the trees, I glanced back with a start.
The white-barked trees thrashed and groaned together. From within them, I felt an uncanny sense of unease, as though something were watching me. I grasped the hilt of my sword.
Yet the chilling presence that had sent shivers down my spine vanished in an instant.
Standing upon the Hill and gazing at the turbulent Forest, I immediately spurred my horse forward.
* * *
Weeks later, Raina’s betrothal ceremony was held in the Chapel of Laedgo Castle.
High-ranking nobles from House of Count Scart and other prominent families who would serve as witnesses filled the Believer’s Seats, while lawyers representing both families’ interests, priests to conduct the ceremony, and retainers of the Grand Ducal House occupied the Upper Dais of the Council Chamber.
The ceremony proceeded in an atmosphere of utmost solemnity.
As the sullen-faced Raina and the tense, rigid-faced Prospective Groom stood facing each other across the Altar, representatives of both families came forward to exchange marriage contracts and impressed their family seals. After handing these to the lawyers, they proceeded with the gift exchange ceremony.
As elegant velvet-wrapped boxes passed back and forth ceaselessly, Scribes recorded the list of exchanged gifts upon parchment. Among them were rings crafted by dwarven artisans.
When the Prospective Groom first took up a ring and placed it upon the Prospective Bride’s hand, Raina likewise placed a ring of her choosing upon her groom’s hand.
The High Priest, witnessing this, stepped forward before the Altar and solemnly proclaimed that the betrothal of both families had been established.
At last, when all procedures were complete, the guests departed the Chapel and made their way to the Banquet Hall.
Within the elaborately decorated Hall, long tables laden with delicacies were arranged in rows. As Servants who had been waiting at the entrance guided the guests to their assigned seats, Barcas raised his cup high to signal the beginning of the feast. Simultaneously, the restrained conversation of the guests burst forth like a flood.
I brought my wine cup to my lips and leisurely surveyed the Banquet Hall.
I caught sight of the sulky-faced Raina stomping up the Staircase. Meanwhile, the Prospective Groom seemed oblivious, his face beaming as he received congratulations from the guests.
A brief cold smile crossed my lips as I observed his foolish expression.
It seemed the woman who would become his wife held no interest for him whatsoever. And why should it? Through this marriage, he would gain vast wealth and lands—why would he concern himself with a difficult Prospective Bride?
I exhaled a quiet sigh and took my seat at the end of the long table. Seeing this, Count Scart approached as if he had been waiting for the moment.
The conversation, which began with light pleasantries, soon shifted to discussion of the political situation ahead.
Barcas, who had been responding halfheartedly to the conversation flowing between sips of wine, felt his body growing increasingly heavy and rose from his seat.
“Forgive me, but I must retire early. I’m not feeling well.”
“Ah, I had heard of your injury. It seems you have not yet fully recovered.”
Count Scart, who had been speaking with youthful vigor, regarded him with concerned eyes.
Barcas offered a formal smile.
“It’s nothing to worry about. But my stamina simply isn’t what it once was.”
“Then you should rest at once.”
The man spoke in an exaggerated tone, as though placating him.
“I am grateful that you have personally overseen the betrothal ceremony despite your injury not being fully healed.”
“The courtesy is unnecessary. It concerns my only sister’s marriage—of course I would attend to it myself.”
Barcas uttered the hollow words without so much as a blink before slipping away from the Banquet Hall.
As he climbed the staircase, he noticed the slanting sunlight through the window painting the City Walls crimson. He gazed at it briefly before turning his attention toward the Separate Building situated in one corner of the Garden.
She had abstained from the betrothal ceremony under the pretense of illness. It was conduct that could prove problematic for a Grand Duchess, yet he had not insisted upon her attendance.
The rumors surrounding her had not yet fully subsided. He had no wish to expose the woman who had only just regained her footing to the scrutinizing gazes of the nobility. Above all, he feared Raina would cause a disturbance.
Barcas exhaled deeply before entering his Chamber. He then collapsed onto the edge of the bed. His limbs felt sluggish and his head heavy, the result of having slept poorly these past several days.
He pressed his heavy eyelids, which felt as though frost had settled upon them, before reaching for a cup on the shelf.
If he did not sleep soon, it would become truly dangerous.
After gulping down the potent spirits, Barcas opened a drawer and retrieved the scented candle the Healer had prepared for him in advance. As he placed it in the Fireplace and lit it, his eyelids grew progressively heavier, and the sharp, piercing sensation in his head gradually dissolved into a hazy fog.
He closed his eyes, resting his head against the pillow.
How long had he remained thus? His consciousness, severed for a moment, returned, and the interior of the Bedroom, surrounded by faint firelight, came into focus on his retinas.
Barcas, who had frowned briefly, caught sight of a small shadow cast before the Fireplace and bolted upright.
Talia, her abundant, voluminous hair braided into a single plait that draped across her shoulder, regarded him with serene eyes.
Though momentarily frozen by what seemed like an apparition, he swung his legs down from the bed.
“What brings you here?”
Even to his own ears, his voice sounded excessively harsh.
It must have sounded even colder to her, for a faint tension rose across her previously calm face.
“I’m sorry for barging in like this. There’s something I wanted to ask of you….”

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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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