Chapter 63: A Token from the Small Castle
“That’s not something I should handle. That’s your responsibility, brother. Tell him not to worry too much and to deal with it properly.”
At Aaron’s cold refusal, the envoy’s eyes trembled violently. He called out desperately, like a child calling after a departing father.
“Your Grace, the Grand Duke.”
Aaron lightly ignored the envoy as if he weren’t there, snapping his thumb and middle finger together with a crisp sound.
“Colin.”
“Yes, Commander.”
“Who is in charge of the eastern border?”
“Sir Ralph Monclar.”
“Tell him to hold his position but be fully prepared and ready for emergency mobilization.”
Aaron paused for a moment, visualizing the empire-wide troop deployment in his mind. He had rushed 50,000 troops from the east to secure Iorenti. This might have left a gap at the eastern border, giving Estrera some room to maneuver. Having organized his thoughts, Aaron gave another order.
“Also, return the 50,000 troops borrowed from the south immediately to the eastern border.”
“Yes, Commander.”
After giving the command to Colin, Aaron finally spoke to the emperor’s envoy.
“The 100,000 in the east have been restored to their original positions. That should strengthen the negotiations. The rest is up to your brother.”
“Is that enough?”
“If we overreact, it might give them an excuse. Maintain normal operations but be ready to respond quickly beneath the surface.”
Despite Aaron’s confidence, the emperor’s envoy still wore an anxious expression. Aaron clicked his tongue and added quietly:
“Inform me immediately of any news from Estrera as well.”
Finally, the emperor’s envoy looked at Aaron with teary eyes, like a child greeting a father returned home.
“Yes, Your Grace, the Grand Duke.”
Aaron frowned at the sticky, anxious gaze, snapping his fingers again.
“Stop looking at me like that. Now go.”
Only then did the envoy bow politely and step outside.
“Yes, Your Grace. I will relay your words to His Majesty.”
Click. As the door closed, Aaron’s sharp gaze turned to the mirror. In the clean reflection, the gray eyes—a symbol of the Sturletz royal family—stared back at him, evoking memories of the past. Silently staring into the mirror, Aaron closed his eyes, as if turning away from those memories.
“Dyke.”
Dyke straightened at the sharp call from his superior.
“Yes, Commander.”
Aaron slowly opened his eyes and glanced at the mirror. The gaze in the reflection had returned to the present.
“What I asked for?”
Dyke, holding a luxurious box, appeared in the mirror.
“Yes. Fortunately, we received it today.”
Aaron gave a silent gesture, and Dyke opened the high-quality wooden box, showing its contents.
“It took some time to commission it from Royeni’s craftsman as per your orders.”
Inside the box, on red satin, lay a matching necklace and earrings set. Hundreds of diamonds sparkled around a multifaceted emerald. The flawless top-grade emerald resembled the queen’s light green eyes. The jewel was so dazzling and beautiful that it made an entire small territory seem insignificant—a gift fit for Iorenti’s queen. Yet Aaron felt nothing from the exquisite necklace. He drew his gaze away with a neutral expression and gave another order.
“Not that one.”
Dyke set down the large jewelry box and retrieved a smaller one. Inside was a small diamond ring. Compared to the grand emerald necklace, it was merely modest. Aaron could not take his eyes off the small ring.
“This ring was cut using a new technique developed by Royeni’s craftsman.”
The craftsman had taken ordinary diamonds and, through a special technique, transformed them into something extraordinary. The precise cuts reflected light in a unique way, creating a brilliance unlike any ordinary diamond.
“Do you like it?”
Though Dyke asked, Aaron remained silent, staring only at the ring. The rainbow shimmer from the diamond reflected in his eyes, and a warm, gentle feeling flowed through him, like ice slowly melting. If Delia wore that ring and ran her hand through my hair, the ring would glimmer. If she grabbed my hand wearing it, I’d pull her in, kiss her… If we interlaced fingers tightly, the ring shining between our hands, she wouldn’t be able to move…
“Commander.”
Colin, noticing Aaron lost in thought, pulled him back to reality.
“Commander, if you fail today, that ring won’t be used.”
Aaron glared at Colin, his eyes sharp.
“Do you think you can handle the aftermath if that happens?”
Colin straightened immediately.
“No, I absolutely cannot.”
“Then watch your words.”
Aaron spoke sharply, taking the box containing the ring. Colin stepped closer, adjusting Aaron’s jacket collar and brushing off his shoulders.
“So make sure you do it well today.”
Colin repeated the warning as if sensing Aaron’s unease.
“If you want to give the ring to the princess, you must treat the queen well.”
“How much better can I treat her? I’ve already done everything asked, waited patiently. I’ve done my best.”
“Don’t be so arrogant.”
Colin approached Aaron and adjusted his cravat, even securing the golden pin in the center.
“Agree with everything she says. Praise the queen no matter what.”
Aaron lightly nodded at Colin’s confident instructions. Colin was the only married man among the three in the room and had experienced everything firsthand—it was wise to listen.
“I’ll take note of Colin’s advice.”
Aaron glanced at his reflection in the full-length mirror. That should suffice. Having completed the final check, he walked to the door with the grace befitting the second prince of the Sturletz Empire. Behind him, Dyke carried the jewelry box for the queen. Nervously, Dyke murmured while watching Aaron’s back.
“If we follow Colin’s advice too strictly, we might get into trouble…”
The ivy-adorned gold candelabra lit the room. Palace staff filled the table with food in silverware. Roast meats gleamed appetizingly in the soft light. Cakes, fresh vegetables, and roasted fruits were neatly arranged, filling the room with pleasant aromas. Amid the staff’s movements, Meredith’s soft voice could be heard.
“Your Majesty, the vases you ordered are ready.”
“Thank you.”
“We’ll make sure the soup and bread are warm when the Regent arrives.”
While preparing the feast, Delia maintained her posture with regal poise. She masked her anxiety to uphold her dignity as Iorenti’s princess, though her gaze kept drifting toward the door. When will they arrive?
“Del.”
The queen’s voice rang quietly at the table, and Delia flinched, raising her head. Her parents were seated before her. Blushing, she responded.
“Yes, Mother.”
She awkwardly rolled her eyes to glance at the empty place beside her—a seat for today’s guest. Parents and that guest… Even though she was used to being with her parents, today made her nervous.
“Are you really okay?”
Though short and direct, the question carried layers of concern. Delia’s deep blue eyes met her mother’s as she took a calming breath.
“Mother, as the princess of Iorenti, it is my duty to arrange a marriage that benefits the nation.”
Her voice was calm and steady, belying her nervous appearance.
“Though the war with the Empire ended in a peace treaty, the situation remains unstable. If we solidify our alliance through a royal marriage, Iorenti can stabilize faster.”
The queen watched her daughter, always shining with confidence.
“It could even be a good opportunity for us.”
The queen’s light green eyes glistened softly, like new leaves. Her daughter always shone so clearly, beautiful enough to find anywhere.
“And your heart? Beyond duty, how do you feel? Are you truly okay?”
Delia clenched her hands over her skirt. Words faltered on her lips. Silence stretched until a soft knock echoed. Knock, knock.
“The Regent has arrived.”
At the same time, Aaron stepped into the room. The queen and Delia rose, and the king, leaning on his cane, slowly stood to greet the guest respectfully.
“Thank you for inviting me.”
Aaron entered the hall, bowing politely. As he approached the table, the atmosphere shifted instantly; the flame on the candles flickered with the wind his stride created.
“Thank you for accepting the invitation.”
After exchanging courteous greetings, the four sat at the table: the king and queen on one side, Aaron and Delia opposite. The candlelight at the center reflected in the four pairs of eyes, intertwining silently.
“Queen Elenor, I have prepared a gift to express my gratitude for your invitation.”
Aaron raised his hand slightly. Dyke stepped forward, holding the jewelry box.
“I hope you like it.”
Dyke carefully opened the luxurious wooden box with gloved hands. Curiosity followed the opening lid. On red satin rested an emerald necklace and earrings. The top-grade emeralds glowed vividly, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. The palace staff nearby all gasped at the rare sight.
“A token from the small castle.”
