Chapter 74

Fortunately, one of the magicians managed to calm down quickly and remembered someone who could handle the situation.

“Louis! Louis! You have a guest!”

“Madam, please wait a moment. There is someone in charge of welcoming guests.”

“Yes, I’ll wait. Don’t worry.”

Hearing that familiar name, Agnes felt a wave of relief wash over her. She never imagined there would come a day when the mere mention of that eccentric magician’s name would comfort her.

Soon after, Louis burst through a door from another room.

“My goodness! Madam! And young master Overhen! I can’t believe you came so soon!”

He greeted them with the same bright smile as before, then turned sharply toward the other magicians gathered there.

“We have guests, and you’re still playing around? Enough with the ball games! Go study or something. You’re supposed to set an example for the younger ones!”

Ball games?

Agnes gave him a puzzled look but didn’t ask. The scene of older magicians dispersing with sulky faces was strange enough.

Meanwhile, Noah’s eyes sparkled with curiosity.

“Can I try that too?”

That too? What exactly?

“If young master Overhen wants to, of course he can. Everyone will be thrilled.”

Louis smiled kindly at Noah as if he hadn’t just scolded his colleagues a moment ago.

Now Agnes understood why Louis had been sent to the Vasteron territory. Among the magicians, he was the only one who seemed even remotely sensible.

Still, she wondered if leaving Noah in this den of eccentrics was really the right choice. But Noah already looked excited, his eyes shining with anticipation.

Bringing such a lively child to a banquet with the Emperor would only make him nervous.

Agnes let out a small laugh, shaking her head, then looked at Louis.

“Sir Sepion, when you visited our territory, you offered to give Noah a tour. Would that still be all right today? I hope we’re not intruding when you’re busy.”

“Oh, not at all. Those people playing ball can handle the work. Young master Overhen, how about touring the Magic Division with me today? Does that sound good?”

“Yes!”

Noah answered eagerly. He had been worried he wouldn’t get to see Louis again in the capital, so this was a great relief.

Agnes smiled and gestured toward Pavel and Lizzie, who were standing behind her.

“This is Sir Pavel of Vasteron. The maid is Lizzie, my personal attendant. You may remember them from your previous visit. I’d like them to accompany Noah during the tour.”

“Of course. I’ll be happy to have them join us.”

Louis agreed cheerfully, and Agnes smiled in relief.

“Noah, I’ll come for you this evening. Have a fun day.”

Agnes leaned down and kissed Noah’s forehead before straightening up.

After saying her goodbyes and leaving the Magic Division, she found Dylan standing exactly as he had been before, his posture perfectly composed.

As she approached, he naturally extended his hand, a silent offer to escort her.

When she placed her hand on his, Dylan asked calmly,

“Did Noah seem well?”

His question surprised her. They had barely spoken lately, so hearing him initiate a conversation felt unexpected.

Not wanting to make a big deal of it, Agnes answered lightly,

“Yes, he seemed very happy. I’ve been too busy to think of this myself, so I’m grateful to you.”

“I’m glad to hear that.”

Dylan guided her toward the carriage. His voice was gentle again, so warm it left her slightly unsettled.

What confused her most wasn’t his tone but her own reaction, spending hours wondering if she had done something wrong, then convincing herself that she hadn’t.

She didn’t know why she kept clinging to such meaningless thoughts.

If Dylan ever had an issue with her, he would have said it plainly. That was the kind of man he was. So why did she keep second-guessing herself?

The two of them fell silent again as the carriage passed through the administrative district and entered deeper into the Imperial Palace grounds.

A sudden worry crept into her mind.

She had to act like a newlywed wife deeply in love before Cali. Could she pull it off? Could she deceive the inscrutable Emperor in this anxious state?

The carriage, unaware of her nervous thoughts, soon arrived at the Imperial Palace.

Dylan stepped out first and helped her down with impeccable manners.

The moment her feet touched the ground, a clear, commanding voice rang out with laughter.

“The newlyweds I’ve been waiting for have finally arrived!”

In typical fashion, Cali, the eccentric Emperor, had come out personally to greet her younger brother and his wife, standing right outside the palace doors.

Agnes was taken aback by the bold gesture and momentarily lost her words, but Dylan responded smoothly, as if accustomed to such behavior.

“The Duke of Vasteron greets Your Majesty. I congratulate you on this bountiful harvest season.”

Cali clicked her tongue in mock annoyance and turned to Agnes, smirking.

“He’s hopelessly dull, isn’t he? What do you even see in a man like this, Duchess?”

Agnes quickly regained her composure and curtsied.

“The Duchess of Vasteron greets His Majesty, the shining sun of the Empire. I congratulate you on this…”

“Ah, enough. You were about to say the same thing as your husband, weren’t you? You two really are a perfect match.”

Cali waved her hand dismissively, half amused.

“I’m hungry. Let’s eat.”

She strode ahead confidently. Even inside the palace, she wore her hair tied high and dressed in comfortable trousers, looking ready to ride a horse at any moment.

“When the harvest festival approaches, she always uses it as an excuse to dress like that.”

Noticing Agnes’s puzzled look, Dylan quietly explained, his calm tone soothing her nerves. Agnes smiled softly at his thoughtfulness.

When they entered the banquet hall, the sight that greeted them was far from modest. Despite being a meal for only three people, the table overflowed with dishes that looked fit for a grand celebration.

Even for royalty, such extravagance was rare outside of official events. Clearly, Cali had ordered the preparations herself for their visit.

“Sit. Let’s eat and talk.”

Cali laughed heartily as she took the head seat. Dylan and Agnes sat facing her, slightly apart.

As the servants filled their plates, Cali began to speak with a mischievous grin.

“I was hoping to go hunting with my dear brother and sister-in-law during this year’s harvest festival, but Dylan here wrote back saying he’d only stay for a day.”

“I apologize, Your Majesty.”

“Let me guess, the Duchess convinced you?”

Cali laughed, and Agnes met her gaze with a polite smile.

“Yes, I enjoyed our life in the north so much that I pleaded with him a little. But I promise such a thing won’t happen again.”

“I like an honest answer. I’ll let it slide since you’re newlyweds.”

Cali chuckled and leaned forward playfully.

“So, how is married life treating you?”

“You’ve experienced it yourself, haven’t you, sister?”

Dylan intercepted the teasing question aimed at Agnes with a curt reply. Cali burst into laughter, clearly amused by her brother’s stiffness.

“Do you think my marriage was anything like yours?”

“Then perhaps Your Majesty should have married someone you loved.”

Cali narrowed her eyes and studied Dylan slowly from head to toe.

For a fleeting moment, her blue eyes blazed like fire, sharp enough to burn whatever they touched.

Agnes swallowed hard, her entire body tense.

“You insolent brat.”

With that single line, the fire in her gaze faded.

She picked up her knife again and resumed cutting her meat, as if nothing had happened. Agnes released a silent sigh of relief and quietly followed her lead.

After that, the conversation turned to lighter topics, plans for the harvest festival, predictions about the hunting competition, and which noble families were expected to form alliances afterward.

Agnes found it oddly comforting to realize that even royal family conversations were not so different from any other household’s. She listened attentively, joining in when appropriate.

Then Cali’s eyes suddenly sparkled.

“Right, if you’re not joining the hunt, how about sparring with me instead?”