DD 59

Chapter 59

“Rather than Lady Agnes, we’ll probably be the first to be devoured.”

She spoke cheerfully about something not remotely funny. I didn’t respond. Moreover, what had been slightly irritating before was now clear. Right now, the problem isn’t the people of Devine—it’s those quietly approaching me at my side. The sense of distance is off. No matter how much one forgets manners, basic common sense exists in every country. They act familiar from the start, yet show no personal interest in me. Those close to Branzio would have, willingly or not, heard of my dealings with Roden Node at the banquet. Yet they show no curiosity. Surely, it’s unlikely—but did Jordan relay the message?

“…….”

No, that couldn’t be. He basically acts only out of self-interest. Just look at how he handled things with Marilian and Luyan. Jordan knew everything yet remained silent. Decades of friendship collapsed in an instant. The tiny sapling of hope was crushed by the storm. I believed I wasn’t alone—but I was. Imagination collided with reality and shattered. Icilia bore everything herself. Now, he won’t truly care for me. It was wrong from the start. As always, I don’t trust. This will probably be just another frivolous social event. The threats and warnings I gave Jordan are like grains of sand to him.

“Pleased to meet you. I’m Icilia von Agnes.”

Golden hair, golden eyes. Facing people who resembled me in color, Icilia spoke. Her slightly bowed head let her hair fall loosely. She could only see the feet of those in her lowered line of sight. Shoes were gathered in clusters. Only now did she notice they wore white robes reaching their ankles. She lifted her head and smiled at the middle-aged man who had met her gaze. The faint wrinkles around his eyes softened his expression. Thanks to her conversation with Sir Carter, he felt less unfamiliar than the others.

“I am Lady Agnes, here to accompany you on behalf of Duke Branzio. Lady Agnes, this is Sir Arthur Pure, one of the delegation representatives.”

“Please don’t call us so casually. You are meeting for the first time.”

…With so many words trailing, it seemed there were multiple people with the same name. Too tired to correct them all, she let it slide. Even after hearing Jeremiah’s sharp words, the man didn’t react. He silently looked at Icilia and nodded.

“Pleased to meet you. I am Arthur Pure of Devine.”

“Sir Pure, I see.”

Up close, his eyes and hair resembled mine. Not just Arthur Pure, but the entire delegation beside him. Golden hair, golden eyes. In those eyes, my own expressionless face was reflected. Fascinating, yet on closer inspection—they were essentially the same. My gaze lingered, recalling someone long buried. Icilia von Agnes, my heart had softened. She composed her expression and smiled.

“Our country is mostly scholars, so there are no knightly titles. You may address me however you wish.”

Still, one cannot casually address a middle-aged man who looks the same age as her father by name alone. Icilia nodded to Arthur Pure, who had introduced himself, and noticed another man standing beside him, staring intently at her. Younger-looking than Arthur Pure, he appeared older than her.

“Where’s Jemil? Talking with Jeremiah is boring.”

“Do you not know what is rude in front of someone? Arthur Pure.”

“Why is speaking the truth considered rude?”

“I have no intention of arguing with you outside.”

Unlike the noisy surroundings, the man met her gaze directly. Just as I was observing him, he was observing her. Icilia lifted the corner of her mouth. Regardless of personal feelings, the first impression matters if we will face each other for six months. Yet she had no intention of initiating a greeting. She simply smiled, letting the man’s face flush with confusion. Not socially adept, it seems. Moreover, everyone here seemed the same. Perhaps because social hierarchies in Devine differ from Padivan.

“Frankie, don’t be rude on our first meeting.”

“Apologies. Nice to meet you. I’m Frankie.”

“He’s recently recognized, still inexperienced with dealing with people,” Arthur Pure clicked his tongue, introducing him instead. It had been a while since I’d witnessed such blatantly biting conversation—it felt fresh.

“I was just recalling whether greeting first would violate Padivan etiquette. Give me time to think, Arthur.”

“If all you do is think, save it for research.”

Crude and shallow remarks flew in all directions in this social scene. It was true—they really only called each other by name. No special titles.

“That’s fine. I look forward to working with you, Arthur, Frankie.”

Then it doesn’t matter how she addresses them, as long as no objections follow. While being introduced to the rest, Icilia smiled warmly like spring sunlight.

—

“Good day. Pleased to meet you. I am Roden Node of Devine.”

“Another representative of the delegation.”

Several representatives, then. Icilia nodded calmly. She hadn’t wanted to approach their group at all, yet he came directly. Listening to Sir Carter’s introduction, Icilia blinked. Even without action, the other simply smiled, so she intended not to respond. Any kindness shown to this man would return to pierce the children. Golden eyes, tracing a circle, met hers briefly and dropped. Arthur Pure tapped the man’s shoulder and laughed.

“Roden, tired of listening to others? Stepped away from the group, huh.”

“They gather only when there’s gain to be had from me.”

“When else would they talk to you, if not now? Though they are ready to trample your back. Timing and betrayal are natural in research. Life is first-come, first-served, patents too.”

“Arthur, discussing reality in front of guests is embarrassing.”

Arthur Pure straightened, acknowledging the point. Soon, he was called away by the others. The sight of him leaving abruptly was absurd. Watching him depart, Sir Carter, noticing Roden Node lingering, closed his eyes. A familiar voice settled in the air before she could call him.

“Sir Carter, if you’re tired, why not rest? You’ve been dealing with Arthur nonstop since last night.”

“Thank you for your kindness, but I’ll decline. If you hadn’t called me, I wouldn’t be fatigued at all.”

Listening to the rapid conversation, she turned toward the lakeshore.

“Arthur doesn’t let go easily. I had to remain composed today, so I’m glad you were here.”

“…I’ll swap with Jeremiah, so stay put there.”

Sir Carter inclined his head toward Roden Node after giving further instructions. With many people present, caution is necessary. Having already warned about previous rudeness, there was no worry. In truth, there were no thoughts. If he abides by her words, that’s natural. If not and commits another offense, that rudeness reflects his character. Then, neither she nor Luyan’s illusions would appear, and unease would vanish. Drawing lines and cutting people off without gaps was as natural as breathing for her.

“Good morning. Still beautiful as ever. Would you tell me your name?”

“Not morning, but noon. Do you eat breakfast twice?”

“I was nervous about meeting you, so I ate well. With intriguing research and your presence, one plate isn’t enough—two barely suffice.”