The Wind Calms the Fire - Chapter 32

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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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Episode 32
Carrion’s private estate, the Birch Garden, lay to the north of the capital’s outer districts.
Densely planted birches cast cool shadows even in broad daylight.
Though the master had been away for a long time, the grounds remained immaculate, not a single weed in sight.
That very tidiness made it feel desolate.
The estate was silent.
It seemed no one lived here permanently—only staff came periodically to maintain it.
He wandered through the rooms like a first-time visitor, moving slowly, taking everything in.
Finally, he entered his own chamber.
The fireplace bore no signs of recent use, only soot stains darkening the stone.
A memory surfaced—himself at ten years old, consumed by rage, staring only at the flames.
He’d buried that memory for so long. Why did it feel so vivid now?
“Ugh.”
A sudden tightness seized his chest, and he gripped it hard.
He couldn’t breathe properly.
The sensation faded quickly, but his face twisted with irritation.
‘What’s wrong with you now?’
He cursed at the unwelcome presence inside his own body.
Lately, he’d been talking to himself like a madman.
Carrion pushed his tousled hair back, his mind turning to the princess.
He seemed to be calming down—until her face appeared behind his closed eyelids, lips slightly parted, and he quickly shook his head.
That did nothing to calm him. Not in the way he needed.
* * *
Orbin, intelligence officer and head of the Information Department under the Northeast Command Headquarters, was a man of exceptional competence in his field.
From classified secrets to idle gossip circulating in the world, there was little about information that escaped his knowledge.
Yet he’d received an absurd directive that now left him deep in thought.
‘How am I supposed to know a good tailor for noble ladies’ gowns?’
He’d been away from the capital for so long, and besides, it wasn’t his area of interest.
He sighed heavily and left his residence with obvious reluctance.
He made his way to another mansion in District 3.
Orbin lingered uncertainly at the gate, his expression troubled.
He couldn’t quite find the courage to call for someone.
After a long moment of hesitation—
“Who is it?”
A man emerged, guarded expression on his face, but recognition immediately softened his features.
“Oh! Please wait just a moment, sir.”
The man hurried inside, and shortly afterward, a middle-aged gentleman came out beaming with a warm smile.
“Young master! Why haven’t you come in at once?”
“Butler, I’ve told you not to call me that. How old do you think I am now? ……Is Mother home?”
“The mistress is away on business. I cannot presume to take her place, but I would be honored to offer you tea.”
Orbin released a relieved breath and, feigning reluctance, followed the Butler inside.
Seated in the parlor, sipping the tea the Butler had brought, Orbin asked a question.
“You know I’ve come?”
The Butler smiled and answered gently.
“News that Black Star has arrived has reached even my ears. How could the mistress not know?”
“……Is she very angry?”
This time, the Butler merely smiled without answering.
Orbin could only purse his lips.
The Butler had never been one for empty words.
Orbin Droen.
He was the son of the patriarch of Droen, one of the largest merchant houses in the Empire.
From childhood, he had been brilliant and sharp, bearing all the family’s hopes on his shoulders alone.
He was meant to inherit the company his family had passed down for generations.
Then, in a single moment, he changed the entire direction of his life.
He had entered the service of the Fourth Prince, becoming an aide to the Northeast Commander.
Of course, his mother had given him no permission.
He’d left the capital with nothing but a single letter.
Orbin could easily imagine what his hot-tempered mother’s reaction must have been after he departed.
“Young master. The mistress would welcome you at any time.”
“Never mind. That’s not why I’m here. Butler—help me out.”
“If there’s anything I can do to help, I’m at your service.”
Orbin’s decision to seek out my family estate proved sound.
The capable Butler had selected from among the Capital’s most reputable tailors one known for discretion, and made the introduction.
He’d mentioned that even with connections, one typically needed to book a month in advance to secure an appointment.
Thanks to his special channels, Orbin was able to bring the tailor directly to the manor without delay.
He’d given Mariel her instructions inside the carriage.
“The most important thing is absolute confidentiality. Show no curiosity whatsoever about who you’re about to meet.”
“Of course not.”
Mariel, a skilled dressmaker who moved in Imperial High Society circles, received commissions like this one regularly.
Most often they involved someone’s mistress or illegitimate child wishing to avoid public scrutiny.
Still, the fact that the Fourth Prince himself was the client—that was intriguing.
‘He can’t have taken a mistress the moment he returned to the Capital. Did he bring someone with him?’
“But I’ll need you to tell me beforehand what sort of wardrobe you’re envisioning. Which season the clothes are for, and what occasions they’re meant for.”
“All of them.”
“Pardon?”
“Everything. Undergarments to everyday wear, going-out dresses, gowns for balls. Shoes, bags, hats—all the accessories. Enough for her to dress properly through all four seasons without want.”
“My goodness.”
“And I must remind you—confidentiality……”
“Don’t worry about that.”
Watching Mariel smile with such easy assurance, Orbin swallowed a sigh.
He might as well accept that the secret would leak.
His own lips would be itching if he were in her position. The intrigue of it all.
It was more than enough fodder for days of excited gossip.
‘What on earth is His Highness thinking?’
As compensation for the surrender documents brought by the Zephyros delegation, it seemed too personal; as a gift, it seemed too extravagant.
He couldn’t quite believe that such an ostentatious remark—the sort a parvenu’s son might make—had come from his lord’s lips.
‘Though now that I think of it, something did feel off.’
Every evening on the journey to the Capital, the Prince had spent time alone with the princess at Heukseong. What had they been doing?
‘Route information?’
He wasn’t fool enough to believe that was the only reason.
Orbin held back a sigh that threatened to escape.
While waiting in the reception room, Mariel’s eyes darted about with keen interest.
The interior of the Fourth Prince’s residence was fascinating—a sight few people in the Capital had ever witnessed.
She was likely among a handful who’d ever crossed this threshold.
When she turned at the sound of approaching footsteps, Mariel’s eyes widened.
She quickly composed her expression and bowed her head.
Lea greeted her.
“How lovely to meet you. Thank you so much for coming.”
Mariel smiled warmly in return. “It’s my honor to be of service.”
“It’s my honor to be of service.”
‘Goodness, who is this beauty? Her eyes shine so brightly. I know most of the notable young ladies in the Capital, yet I’ve never seen her before. The Fourth Prince certainly has discerning taste.’
“I apologize for summoning you here, but I’d like to postpone the actual tailoring for now. What I need urgently is a couple of ready-to-wear day dresses. I’m hoping to purchase something suitable from among the clothes of—well, from someone else’s wardrobe.”
This was entirely different from what she’d been told.
When Mariel glanced at Orbin, he merely blinked in confusion.
“Even so, I’ll need to take your measurements first. Now then, if the gentleman would step outside?”
Mariel handled the situation with practiced ease.
“I’ve come without an assistant today, so I wonder if I might borrow a hand?”
When Mariel looked toward Penny, Lea consented readily.
“Of course. Penny, would you help?”
“Yes, miss.”
As Mariel took Lea’s measurements, she spoke in a melodious voice without pause, her words flowing endlessly.
“You know, many young ladies don’t think to correct their posture until just before their Society Debut. But you already know how to carry yourself properly. Your shoulders are perfectly squared, and your neck line is beautifully long—jewelry will suit you wonderfully. For such a slender frame, your bosom is quite full; I’ll need to give the bodice generous allowance. And that waist! So perfectly cinched. Such proportions are a true joy for a dressmaker to work with. And this golden hair—it must gleam like honey in sunlight. There isn’t a fabric in the world that wouldn’t become you.”
Mariel’s way with words was masterful.
She navigated the subtle line between embarrassing flattery and genuine admiration with remarkable dexterity.
Her voice was soft and measured, never hollow or silent, yet never harsh or intrusive.
High Society in Zephyros operated differently from the Empire.
There were fewer nobles, and everyone was connected through extended family ties.
Social gatherings resembled family reunions more than formal society.
Everyone spoke without artifice, and no one spoke the way Mariel did.
Lea, unaccustomed to such polish, found herself entranced by Mariel’s words and lost her concentration.
She couldn’t bring herself to ask why Mariel was taking measurements of her neck, wrists, ankles, and head circumference when they weren’t tailoring clothes from scratch.
After Mariel completed the task of acquiring measurements from head to toe, she spoke to Lea.
“You mentioned needing an outfit for outings, didn’t you? I’ll select something versatile, have it tailored to fit you perfectly, and send it right away. It should take about two days.”
“Thank you. Please send the bill along with the dress.”
“Of course, I will.”

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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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