hotmtlnovel Chapter 85
Chapter 85
Ahwin’s magic field spread out like the roots of an ancient tree buried deep underground, ravenously consuming most of the capital. He could feel everything—humans and beasts alike, even the corpses of rats floating in the filth of the sewers—traced as if by the tips of his fingers.
In that moment, Ahwin was akin to an omnipotent being. Any presence within his magic field could be crushed entirely, reduced to nothing, with a mere clench of his hand.
Martin cried out in a panicked voice, “Master, please, calm yourself! The imperial palace is here! The Court Mage’s wards will respond!”
“They will, won’t they,” Ahwin replied nonchalantly. Then, with a calm tone, he added, “That’s the point. No one can sneak into my domain like a rat without my permission anymore.”
Elizabeth, more astute than anyone, would undoubtedly understand the warning.
Without another word, Ahwin strode purposefully toward the staircase and ascended to the second floor.
Penelope’s breathing remained slow and steady, its rhythm unchanged. She had likely fallen asleep, exhausted from learning court etiquette from Lady Linda. The thought of it made Ahwin chuckle softly.
The Emperor and Empress likely don’t care about etiquette at all. Still, if she insists on learning, I suppose it’s her choice.
He briefly entertained the thought of opening the door in his usual careless manner but stopped himself. While it made no difference to him, he realized it would likely be seen as rude to Penelope.
Reluctantly, Ahwin turned away from the door. Though every step felt heavy, he forced himself to leave, determined to keep up appearances for Penelope’s sake.
***
Finally, the day of the imperial banquet dawned.
Penelope chose a teal dress from the countless options sent by the atelier and adorned her hair with the pearl hairpin gifted by Ahwin—a choice that perfectly balanced elegance and practicality.
“Have a safe trip!”
“Don’t worry.”
“Even if you make a mistake, it’s fine. Just don’t let the other nobles intimidate you.”
“I understand.”
Giselle, her face full of concern as if sending a child off to play by the water, anxiously saw Penelope off.
Penelope reassured her with a confident smile.
“I’ll handle everything just fine. Trust me.”
“Of course, I trust only you, my lady.”
Having diligently learned court etiquette from Lady Linda, Penelope boarded the carriage with a firm resolve.
Escorting her inside the carriage was her secretary, Lucas.
“It seems the magician won’t be attending the banquet today.”
Penelope replied with a slightly awkward expression.
“Well, Ahwin has his reasons. I can’t tell you everything, though.”
“And even if I were curious, I assume you wouldn’t tell me right now, would you?”
The unexpected question made Penelope blink in surprise. Lucas, it seemed, was growing frustrated at not being able to satisfy his lingering curiosity.
Penelope responded with a knowing smile, “If I told you the truth, you’d probably complain about why I told you in the first place.”
“...Is it really that serious?”
“It is.”
Lucas pressed his lips together, resting his chin on his hand. His expression darkened slightly as he muttered, “Perhaps it’s better if I don’t know.”
“It seems we haven’t met before in the banquet hall. May I have your name?”
“Oh, I’m...”
Before Penelope could respond, a self-assured voice interjected.
“I believe I can introduce her.”
Penelope turned her head in surprise, her eyes widening at the sight of the speaker.
It was none other than Ortega, the young master of the Baron Hilos household.
Why are you here of all places?
Penelope vividly remembered their unpleasant encounter on the magical engineering train to the capital. It had only been two weeks, far too soon to forget such an obnoxious face.
More importantly, why is he volunteering to introduce me? Why...?
Rendered speechless by the absurdity of the situation, Penelope could only stare at Ortega. Her thoughts came to a halt as if someone had turned off the lights in her mind.
Ortega smiled smugly and declared, “This is Penelope Ash Halo, the Acting Lord of Halo. It’s her first time in the capital, so I hope you’ll all guide her kindly.”
Who gave you the right to make requests on my behalf?
Penelope’s lips parted slightly, but no words came out.
Meanwhile, Lucas, who had caught onto Ortega’s underhanded intentions, clenched his jaw in frustration.
What a conniving scoundrel.
Ortega’s actions—acting overly familiar with Penelope and introducing her to other nobles—were a calculated move to publicly establish a connection between them. It was as if he were declaring to everyone that he and Penelope were close.
This would inevitably cause some nobles to look down on Penelope, associating her with Ortega, and others to assume a relationship between them.
Realizing this too late, Penelope’s face flushed red with anger as she glared at Ortega.
Just then, a familiar voice called out to her.
“Lady Penelope, here you are. I’ve been looking for you since I arrived.”
“Ah, Lord Rianel?”
“...!”
At Penelope’s casual greeting, the expressions of the nobles watching the scene turned to sheer astonishment.
Even Ortega, who had been basking in his petty victory, froze in shock.
Approaching Penelope was none other than the Grand Duke of Rahinzel, the ruler of the vast northern territories.
A mere country noble addressing the Grand Duke of Rahinzel so informally? How is that even possible?
Ortega’s face turned pale as he gulped audibly, unable to mask his unease.
Rianel, unfazed, scanned his surroundings with an impassive expression before stepping closer to Penelope.
“This place is quite noisy. Would you like to move somewhere quieter?”
“I was just about to collapse with my aide, so I’d appreciate that,” Penelope replied, her voice laced with feigned exasperation.
At her response, Rianel let out a low chuckle, and the nobles’ astonishment grew even more pronounced.
The Grand Duke of Rahinzel... laughing? And at a woman, no less? Who was this woman?