The Forgotten Field - Chapter 95

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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 95
Barcas stared at the fiery crimson jewel for a moment, then approached the merchant and paid the price.
Talia gazed down at the ruby brooch clutched in her hand, overwhelmed by a sense of regret.
Barcas asked in an indifferent tone.
“Anything else?”
It was a casual remark, yet why did it feel as though he were peering into my very soul?
She forcibly restrained her gaze from turning back toward the moonstone.
“I don’t need anything. It’s all just mediocre.”
The merchant’s face twisted slightly. Pretending not to notice, she turned toward the exit, when Barcas followed and wrapped an arm around her waist, as if to steady her whenever she stumbled.
Accepting his touch, which had become familiar by now, she stepped outside the shop and saw other retainers waiting besides Daren Dru Sierkan.
One of them approached and made his report.
“We have completed our inspection of the marketplace. Supply and demand appear stable, and trade in the primary goods seems brisk. However, there have been quite a few complaints regarding somewhat unstable security conditions.”
Barcas, passing through a noticeably emptier corridor, turned to face him.
“Is there some problem with the Security Force?”
“It appears to be less an issue with the Security Force itself, and more a matter of bandit gangs running rampant recently. There have been successive attacks targeting merchants, or so I’ve heard.”
A faint crease formed between Barcas’s brows. The man added cautiously.
“The lord of Dorcaen has requested an audience to discuss this matter. What would you have us do?”
“…Very well. Let us meet with the lord first.”
Barcas, stroking his chin, nodded readily. Talia, stealing a glance at him, turned slightly to look back.
The jewel she had abandoned came into view once more.
She tried to convince herself that a trivial gem like a moonstone was hardly necessary, yet the longing would not fade. By the time she had left the Trading Post and climbed into the carriage stationed along the main road, anxiety had begun to creep in.
Perhaps a jewel of such a hue would never be found again. Sitting in her seat and gazing down at the ruby with dissatisfaction, Talia peered out the window.
Barcas was conferring with his retainers about something. It appeared he was conveying the decision just made to the Knights.
Since they did not seem to be departing immediately, Talia rummaged through the carriage’s storage compartment. After haphazardly searching through Barcas’s belongings, she managed to find a leather purse containing gold coins. She quickly stuffed it into her clothing and carefully stepped outside.
The Soldiers appeared occupied loading wedding gifts from the city’s prominent figures into the carriage. Watching for their attention, Talia soon crossed the main road.
Stepping back into the Trade Exchange, she noticed merchants tidying their shops.
She pulled her hood down deep and pushed through the crowded streets. Whether her hurried movements had strained her, her calf muscles stiffened and pain radiated to her pelvis. Ignoring it, she rushed into the jeweler’s shop and walked toward the display counter.
The jewel that resembled Barcas’s eyes gleamed softly upon the crimson cushion. She picked it up and gazed at it for a long moment, then turned toward the merchant.
“I’ll buy this jewel.”
The man, regarding her with surprise, broke into a broad smile.
“You certainly have a discerning eye. This moonstone is a rare gem with a most distinctive hue and pattern. Ordinarily it would fetch 35 soldem, but for the Grand Duchess, I shall offer it for a special price of 30 soldem.”
Talia listened to the merchant’s prattling half-heartedly and opened the leather purse. At that moment, a blunt voice came from behind her.
“This is pure fraud. What kind of price is thirty gold coins for a single moonstone?”
Talia turned and her eyes widened upon discovering Lucas Laedgo Sierkan.
He looked down at the jewel in her hand and scoffed.
“It’s not even worth five coins.”
“H-how can you say such an absurd thing!”
The man raised his voice indignantly.
“This moonstone is an exceptionally rare item! How often do you find something with such a distinctive hue and pattern?”
“Regardless, it’s not worth 30 soldem.”
“30 soldem is quite reasonable. If we put it up for auction, the price could go even higher…!”
Talia poured gold coins onto the counter before the flushed-faced merchant who was huffing indignantly.
With a jingling sound, Imperial currency stacked thickly upon the display. At first glance, there were easily more than thirty coins.
She stuffed the jewel into her pocket and spoke with arrogance.
“I can’t be bothered to count each one. Take what you need.”
Then she turned and walked out of the shop.
Mounted Knights with stern expressions waited outside the storefront.
Talia passed them with her chin held high. But she had barely taken a few steps before Lucas caught hold of her.
“Listen, you can’t just wander around like that…!”
“Listen?”
When I sent a fierce glare his way, the boy flinched backward and lowered his eyes. It was the fruit of my diligent efforts over the past few days.
The boy corrected himself with an expression of suppressed irritation.
“You shouldn’t wander about without an escort, sister-in-law.”
“I was going to return soon anyway.”
“Still, you should inform us. What if you slip away like that?”
Talia brushed the hand resting on her shoulder away rather roughly.
“I’m not a prisoner of House Sierkan. I have no obligation to report my every move.”
“That’s not what I meant. What if something terrible happens…!”
Talia turned toward the Plaza, ignoring his presumptuous nagging.
By then, the Knights had finished their departure preparations and were all mounted on their horses.
Talia hurried toward the front of the carriage. Then Barcas, who had been conversing with a nearby nobleman, sent her a cold glance.
Talia swallowed hard.
Was he angry that she had disappeared without a word?
Tense with worry, I saw Barcas exhale softly and give a light nod.
“Please board. I must travel on horseback.”
Then he moved toward the Knights. Talia climbed into the carriage with a small sigh of relief.
Shortly after, the stationary carriage began to move along the main road.
Talia withdrew the jewel she had placed inside her coat. The silvery-blue mineral gleamed with a pale light in the dim shadow.
Like someone handling a jewel for the very first time, I gazed at it for a long while before tucking it back into my bosom and looking out the window.
The sky that had shone brightly just hours before was now covered with ashen clouds. The crisp air of late summer carried the scent of withered grass. The humidity in the air suggested rain would come soon.
As I had predicted, when the carriage left the city and passed through the Castle Walls, the thickening clouds began to drizzle.
Talia pressed her cheek against the cold glass window and surveyed the way ahead.
A somewhat crude fortress jutted up over a gentle Hill, shrouded in heavy rain. It seemed that must be Dorcaen Castle.
“Thank you for coming!”
When they arrived at the Castle Gate, a man with a bear pelt draped over his shoulders rushed out from the building. He was a middle-aged man with a thick black beard.
He bowed respectfully toward Barcas, who stood at the front.
“It is an honor to meet you, Grand Duke. I am Uzan Darken, the administrator of this region.”
Barcas leaped down from his horse and accepted the man’s welcoming greeting with an impassive expression.
“I am Barcas Laedgo Sierkan.”
The man, who had been observing his new lord with curious eyes, wore a gentle smile.
“You’ve had quite the journey. Come now, do step inside. I’ve prepared a grand feast in your honor.”
“Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.”
Barcas exchanged the customary pleasantries with practiced courtesy, handing the reins to a servant before approaching her.
Talia had been standing motionless in the drizzle, her shoulders hunched. Barcas unfurled his cloak and fashioned a canopy above her head to shield her from the rain.
The castle lord observed this gesture with keen interest and ventured to speak.
“This lovely lady must be the Grand Duchess herself, I presume. It is my first honor to meet you, Your Highness. Please, call me Uzan Darken.”
Talia answered with a mere nod of her head.
The man, displaying a hint of embarrassment, quickly recovered with a smile and began to flatter.
“It is an infinite honor to receive such distinguished guests. I shall spare no effort to ensure your comfort during your stay.”
“Enough with the pleasantries. Just show us to our chamber. How much longer do you intend to keep us standing in the rain?”
At his curt rebuke, the man hastily scrambled up the steps.
“Oh my, my sincerest apologies, Your Highness. This way, if you please.”
As I followed him into the vast stone building, the scent of burning wood and candle wax assailed my nostrils.
Talia remained pressed against my side as she surveyed the imposing castle, which exuded an ominous atmosphere.
Built in the age of warring kingdoms, the ancient castle’s interior was thick with darkness and permeated by a cloying dampness.
“You may use this chamber.”
The castle lord led us to a room on the second floor—a bedroom that was quite cozily and well-appointed.

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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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