Chapter 6, I Haven’t Grown That Much (3)

Translator: Hedge

Editor: Lizzz

 

They needed to move to a different building for dinner.

 

Therefore, Kalian finished preparations early and boarded one of the two carriages stationed in front of Cermil Palace. The remaining carriage was naturally for whichever Prince – be it Randel or Plants, who had not departed yet. After all, one had already left.

 

[I wondered how people got around such a vast place. To think there are carriages just for moving around within the Royal Palace.]

 

Recalling the story of how Syspanian had built this absurdly large Palace after Harts-ara said they could not live in a small space, Kalian shook his head.

 

The carriage passed through the long colonnade surrounding Cermil Palace, crossed the fountain garden that marked the boundary between living quarters and official spaces. After passing Arpia Palace where the King conducted his duties and Narcil Hall where nobles handling royal matters worked, it continued a bit further before stopping.

 

It was in front of Senu Hall, used for small events with nobles, where the setting sun cast a remarkably beautiful appearance on the white marble building adorned with gilded columns.

 

“Your Highness. We have arrived.”

 

Ian placed a small set of steps at the carriage door and helped ensure Kalian would not step on his clothes while disembarking. Later, an attendant from Senu Hall came out to guide them to where dinner would be held.

 

The garden created behind Senu Hall.

 

Magic lanterns had been prepared in anticipation of darkness falling.

 

Crossing through the garden, Kalian sat in the chair an attendant pulled out for him. Randel was already present, and after Kalian arrived, Plants walked in with heavy steps and sat down. Then, as always, silence followed suit.

 

Suddenly, a strong perfume scent wafted over.

 

It was the scent of Reunieri Flowers, which were particularly valuable because they bloomed for only one day each year. The fragrance was so strong it made one’s fingertips tingle even though they were not indoors.

 

[Sillike.]

 

Kalian had never seen Sillike or smelled Reunieri’s fragrance before. But the moment he caught that scent, he immediately knew she had arrived.

 

Kalian turned his head to look at Queen Sillike approaching with Viscount Lannen Beurisen. Sillike’s gaze also fell on Kalian. And soon, as if by agreement, they simultaneously looked away from each other. Randel briefly watched this interaction before shifting his gaze.

 

Sillike sat down in her prepared seat as if nothing had happened. It was next to Plants’ seat. As for Plants, he remained seated without showing any particular courtesy.

 

Seeing this behavior, Sillike slightly furrowed her brow but perhaps due to the presence of Kalian and Randel, she did not say anything.

 

“It’s been a while, Your Highnesses.”

 

Lannen offered a simple greeting.

 

Then he looked at Kalian’s somewhat unfamiliar changed face.

 

Lannen seemed surprised, as though he had never seen Kalian before. As he was about to open his mouth toward Kalian, Sillike’s hand moved.

 

*Swish!*

 

A purple silk fan opened with a rather loud sound.

 

“Ahem, ahem!” Noticing Sillike’s discomfort, Lannen closed his mouth with an awkward cough.

 

Soon the evening meal began, starting with appetizers. While occasional conversation passed between Lannen speaking and Sillike giving brief responses, Sillike’s gaze turned to Kalian.

 

“You’ve grown.”

 

Immediately recognizing the question was directed at him, Kalian looked at Sillike. At this point, she surely did not mean ‘physical growth.’

 

“I haven’t grown that much.”

 

After letting a moment pass, Kalian responded calmly and added with a relaxed smile.

 

“But, I suppose I’ll grow much more in the future.”

 

Sillike’s eyes changed.

 

The old Kalian could never smile like that. She found this deeply displeasing.

 

At that moment, the tactless Lannen interrupted their exchange.

 

“Indeed, Your Highness. Since you’re still growing, your height should also…”

 

*Swish!*

 

Sillike once again silenced Lannen, who failed to understand the meaning behind their words.

 

[Fascinating how true the rumors of him are.]

 

One needed to be an expert in numerous fields to be able to run a Trader’s Guild.

 

Among them, judgment is the most basic of basics. At minimum, one needs to have some sense or tact. With just that one line, Lannen had thoroughly proven he lacked both of these qualities.

 

[The Manager of the Trader’s Guild must be struggling.]

 

Sillike spoke while giving Lannen a sharp look.

 

“The chef said he paid special attention. Please enjoy your food, brother.”

 

It was a blatant expression of ‘shut up and eat!’

 

Whether he finally understood her meaning or was intimidated by her gaze, this time, Lannen properly comprehended Sillike’s intent and focused on his steak in silence. Watching this from the side, Plants let out an unconcealed laugh.

 

Sillike’s eyes turned to Plants.

 

Since her conversation with Kalian had been interrupted anyway, she now opened her mouth toward Plants.

 

“I heard your horse doesn’t even follow you anymore.”

 

Randel glanced slightly at Kalian.

 

While Kalian was lost in thought about whether she meant the horse Raven, which he had obtained from Plants, or Kalian himself, he did not notice Randel’s gaze.

 

[Well. She’s certainly not the type to care about one horse being difficult.]

 

Therefore, the ‘horse’ Sillike mentioned must be Kalian, not Raven. It must refer to how Kalian’s attitude toward Plants had changed.

 

“It would have been better if you told me about this in advance.”

 

Plants tilted his head at an angle.

 

Looking at Sillike’s mint-green eyes, which matched his own, Plants responded with a twisted voice.

 

“About what?”

 

This was not a question that should have needed to be asked.

 

After all, a ‘speck of dust’ which was meant to quietly disappear following his Mother’s footsteps had dramatically changed for some reason. This had become a clear thorn in Sillike’s side. Naturally, Plants clearly understood what his Mother meant.

 

“Everything should have already been reported.”

 

After all Plants’ servants reported his every move to Sillike. Therefore, he was asking what ‘more’ needed to be said about Kalian.

 

Of course, Sillike was not unaware that Kalian had changed. On the very day he cut his hair, rumors had already spread throughout the palace. Moreover, she had been informed in detail about everything that had happened, including the incident in the dining hall and the horseback riding lessons.

 

In response to Plants’ reaction, Sillike spoke in a disappointed tone. “You didn’t tell me that he has completely slipped out from your control.”

 

The red eyes facing Sillike no longer held fear. Plants should have informed Sillike that Kalian’s changes were not just in terms of his appearance, that her Son could no longer keep him under control.

 

But Plants did not inform her about it.

 

“What you plan to do about this?”

 

“That too should have already…” A sneer played on Plants’ lips. “Been reported.”

 

“I don’t recall that being the case.”

 

Plants leaned back in his chair as if too bothered to continue talking.

 

Seeing her Son like this, Sillike quietly laughed.

 

Soon Sillike’s laughter changed, ever so slightly.

 

It was a clear laugh, like that of a young child. It was completely identical to the one she had shown when she found out Plants threw a knife at Ian.

 

“Plants. You’ve always been like this. But don’t worry too much. There will be nothing to lose, nothing more to reclaim.”

 

A faint smile appeared at the corners of Kalian’s mouth.

 

[I suppose that means there won’t be anything to run from if I die and disappear.]

 

Kalian pretended nothing was wrong as he picked up his glass, took a sip, and set it down. He just continued eating. At this, Sillike spoke again.

 

“It won’t take long.”

 

Plants turned his head away and closed his eyes as if to say, ‘do as you please’. Kalian’s eyes gradually turned cold as he naturally continued moving his knife.

 

[How ridiculous. Did they get me here just to casually discuss such things right in front of me?]

 

Randel quietly turned his head to look at Plants, then at Kalian. Then, surprisingly, he addressed Kalian.

 

“You look tired. Go rest first.”

 

Even Plants looked at him with surprised eyes at Randel’s unexpected words. However, Randel did not say anything more.

 

That one sentence, which allowed him to escape this horrible dinner table, was more than welcomed.

 

Kalian immediately nodded and stood up. While Sillike’s brow furrowed, she did not say anything particular about Randel’s action.

 

“The meal was enjoyable.”

 

After speaking to Lannen, Kalian turned his head to look directly at Sillike.

 

Kalian stared at Sillike with eyes exactly like those of the dead woman as he smiled ever so sweetly. Desperately hoping this appearance too would be the spitting image of the dead Freya.

 

“Until we meet again.”

 

As Sillike, who had briefly frowned, returned to a neutral expression and was about to respond, Kalian swiftly turned and left the place. Sillike’s hand, holding the fan, tensed up.

 

Randel brought the dessert to his mouth with downcast eyes. It was sorbet made with Reunieri Flower, created because Sillike loved them.

 

The scent of Reunieri Flower lingered in Randel’s mouth before melting away.

 

……

 

Three more weeks passed.

 

The entire city of Cyriesus, the capital of Cyries, was bustling with anticipation for the King’s birthday celebration festival. Nobles who had been staying in their territories gathered one by one at their Cyriesus residences. Envoys from various countries arrived and rested at Rubia Hall, prepared for distinguished Palace guests. There was even a commotion as crowds gathered to see the Elves who had entered Cyriesus two days ago.

 

While some welcomed guests and others prepared for the banquet, others were busy maintaining security. Everyone wore expressions of excitement, anticipating the grand festival.

 

However, Ian’s complexion noticeably worsened.

 

Not just Ian, but all six maids who assisted Kalian also wore troubled expressions. Even Satinn, who visited Kalian again after a month, had a stern expression.

 

“Your Highness, how have you become even thinner?”

 

“That’s just how it turned out.”

 

Kalian smiled awkwardly at Satinn’s worried expression.

 

Though he responded with a calm expression and tone, Kalian himself was well aware of the problem. Given how his heart hurt whenever he tried to use Mana and his body continued to deteriorate, it was clear that the Mana within his body was having an adverse effect on his heart.

 

Ian kept suggesting calling a healer each day while he watched over Kalian. Finally, Kalian explained to Ian alone that he could use Mana, and the current circumstances required him to hide his Circles, as well as why they needed to wait until the King’s birthday festival.

 

Of course, he could not reveal that he knew Allan was coming, so he kept that part vague.

 

‘There will surely be renowned Mages at the King’s birthday festival. I’ll find someone trustworthy then to check on the problem, so just wait until then.’

 

Since Divine Power could negatively affect someone trained in magic, Ian finally nodded in understanding.

 

While Kalian was thinking about that time, Satinn’s voice was heard.

 

“We’ll need to alter the formal wear.”

 

At first, he tried to distinguish areas that needed tucked in versus those that could be left as is by placing pins here and there. But realizing that would not solve the problem, he took out her measuring tape once again.

 

“I’ll need to take new measurements, Your Highness.”

 

It seemed like he was planning to take apart all the clothes, make them smaller, and sew them back together.

 

Feeling somewhat apologetic, Kalian obediently complied. After taking his measurements again, Satinn spoke as if this would not be a problem.

 

“It’s fortunate we still have time. I’ll alter them and return by tomorrow morning.”

 

“The formal wear for the second and third days will be worn later anyway, so it’s fine if those come a bit late if you’re short on time.”

 

“Yes, Your Highness. Understood.”

 

Soon after, Kalian ordered a carriage to take Satinn back. That was the least he could do to help her.

 

And so, King Rmain’s birthday approached.