TGW Chapter 23 Part 1

 

Scandal

"As I mentioned earlier, we got off on the wrong foot right from the beginning."

Sienna entered the dream. She was seeing an older Kuhn through the eyes of the Emperor.

—How long has it been? It feels like it's been over a month.

At first, the dreams were erratic, but at some point, they settled into a cycle of about once a month.

—Maybe this dream will end within the year.

If these dreams were showing her a single "day" in the future, they might end on this night.

—Why this particular day, though?

Out of countless days in the future, why this one?

It had indeed been a long day filled with many events.

However, if the intention was to reveal the future, she would have preferred it to be a day much further ahead.

"And to defend my actions, I believed that annulling the marriage was a decision that benefited not only me but also you."

"May I ask why you thought so?"

"Because it is better to sever a relationship that brings only pain to both parties."

"So, in other words, Your Majesty found my existence to be painful."

"…"

Sky King smiled bitterly.

"I admit that in the early days of our marriage, things were not well between Your Majesty and me. But later, I did my best to make it work. If Your Majesty disliked me so much, I have nothing more to say."

The Emperor's gaze, which had been fixed on Sky King, slowly dropped.

—Ah.

Sienna suddenly realized and muttered almost like a sigh.

—The Emperor didn’t hate you, Sky King.

For the first time, she understood the Emperor, whom she could never empathize with, even though it was her own future. Even if the future had diverged in a different direction, the essence of the Emperor and Sienna was the same. They were, fundamentally, the same person. The only person in this world who could fully understand her was herself.

Sienna, who first started having these dreams, wouldn't have known. But now she understood the Emperor’s complex feelings.

—The Emperor was drawn to Sky King and thus ran away.

She had felt a similar conflict when she was drawn to Kuhn. The unfamiliar and unsettling feelings made her want to run away.

In the present, Sienna faced her emotions and acknowledged them, but the Sienna of the future could not. The difference was in their circumstances.

—The Emperor initially disliked Sky King very much.

It would have been shocking and difficult to accept that the man she had despised was stirring her feelings. She probably had no one to confide in. Her close advisors would have only filled her ears with slander against Sky King. She could imagine how much the Emperor must have struggled.

If the two had continued to live as husband and wife, perhaps, eventually, her heart might have opened. But then, the Iron King, who became Emperor, died.

For the Sienna of the future, a perfectly justified escape route lay before her.

—Foolish, but I understand you. You are, after all, me. If I were in your position, I would have done the same.

"Your Majesty, I did not delay agreeing to the annulment of our marriage with the intention of causing you distress. I simply…"

Sky King trailed off and then, after a long pause, continued.

"I do not hold a grudge against you for that matter anymore. I hope Your Majesty also considers it a thing of the past."

—He is truly a remarkable man.

Sky King's eyes were clear. In his gaze, there was no resentment towards the woman who had once been his wife but had left him, or towards the daughter of his friend’s and servant's killer.

Sienna felt proud of her decision to choose this man.

"There is something I am curious about regarding the late Emperor."

The Emperor changed the subject. Even though it was obvious he was steering the conversation away, Sky King replied, "Yes, please go ahead."

"The late Emperor was attacked over legitimacy issues during his lifetime. Why did the Bless family turn a blind eye to him? If even one of the ducal families had actively supported the late Emperor, he wouldn’t have suffered so much."

"Your Majesty, the Bless Dukedom has always been…"

"A reclusive ducal family, yes, I know. But the late Emperor was of the Bless bloodline, wasn’t he?"

 

***

 

From the afternoon, people started gathering in the banquet hall of the Imperial Palace. The discerning noblewomen carefully examined every corner of the venue.

"It seems the Red King has put a lot of effort into this."

"Indeed. It's unexpected."

The fact that the Red King was hosting today’s banquet was a topic of great interest among gossip lovers.

"Of course, the Red King has a reputation to uphold. No matter how much it’s a celebration of the Iron King's wedding, she wouldn’t let an event she personally prepared be ruined, would she?"

"True, she does take pride in these sorts of things."

"She is known as the queen of parties, after all."

The noblewomen whispered cheerfully. Imagining the Red King busily preparing for the party brought them a sense of satisfaction.

The Red King was not the kind to graciously embrace people. She crushed them with her power. If someone displeased her, she often publicly humiliated them. There was even a woman who had been so traumatized by the Red King that she developed panic attacks and could no longer attend social gatherings.

Yet, no one dared to criticize the Red King. Even if they disliked her, everyone tried their best to please her.

The Red King wielded considerable power. And many admired her sophisticated taste.

"The Iron Queen... she will probably have a hard time, won't she?"

"She’s too gentle. She won’t be able to compete."

It seemed the emergence of someone brave enough to stand up to the Red King was a distant future. Compared to the Red King, Violet was still a fledgling, unripe chick.

Guests continued to arrive without pause, and soon the banquet hall was bustling with people. An hour had passed since the opening time specified on the invitations, but no notable figures had appeared. In particular, the main guests of the day, the Iron King and Queen, were nowhere to be seen.

"Even if His Majesty the Emperor comes, he’ll probably just make a brief appearance as usual. The Red King probably won’t come either, right?"

"It doesn’t seem like she’ll come."

"But why haven’t we seen the Iron King and Queen yet?"

"Nor has His Highness the Silver King or Marquis Raad appeared."

There was nothing to fault with the party—the drinks and food were excellent. Yet, somehow, people were feeling a sense of boredom.

"His Highness the Silver King and Marquis Raad have arrived."

The steward's announcement rippled through the crowd like a stone thrown into a calm lake. The sight of all heads turning in unison was bizarre.

People couldn’t believe their eyes. Marquis Raad was escorting the Silver King as they entered together.

The two looked around the banquet hall and then called over a steward. They asked him something, then exchanged a few words with each other. They proceeded to walk off together somewhere.

All eyes followed the direction the two were heading. The pair stopped in front of Count and Countess Merze.

"Count Merze, Countess."

The couple, who had been dazed at the marquis's call, snapped back to their senses and greeted them with proper etiquette.

Sienna asked, "Do you know why the Iron King and Queen aren’t here?"

"Um, well… actually…."

When the Count stuttered, the Countess nudged her husband with her elbow and stepped forward.

"Their Majesties have not yet arrived. I do not know the reason."

"Oh my, what could be the matter?"

Sienna and Kuhn exchanged looks of concern. They had purposely arrived late, giving enough time for the Iron King and Queen to receive ample congratulations.

If Marquis Rad escorted the Silver King upon their arrival, it would naturally draw attention. This was done out of consideration for the Iron King and Queen, who were supposed to be the stars of the event.

Sienna gestured to a steward. The steward quickly approached and bowed his head.

"Go to the Iron King's palace and inquire why Their Majesties have not arrived yet."

"Yes, Your Highness."

The steward hurried off. Before the Silver King’s arrival, there was no one with the authority to ask the Iron King why he hadn’t come.

The Countess, her eyes full of curiosity, asked, "But to see you both arrive together! I didn’t expect that."

The Marquis responded in a subtle tone, "So much for the rumor that the social circles are quick to catch on."

"Excuse me?"

"I tried so hard to make it noticeable, you see."

"Pardon?"

The Marquis looked at the Silver King beside him with a gentle gaze.

"But you will see sights like this more often from now on."

"Sorry?"

The Countess, looking bewildered, repeated the same words like a parrot.

The Marquis lifted the Silver King’s right hand, which rested on his left, and kissed the back of it.

"I will be by His Highness the Silver King's side from now on."

"Raad, stop."

The Silver King called him with a frown but didn’t pull her hand away from his grip.

"Please allow me this much, Your Highness."

Then the Marquis kissed the back of the Silver King's hand again.

Countess Merze's mouth dropped open in shock. Everywhere, people were mirroring her expression.

The noisy banquet hall quickly fell silent, like fire spreading over dry grass, before bursting into a hum of excitement. It didn’t take long for everyone in the vast hall to hear the news.

The Silver King and the Marquis slowly made their way around the banquet hall, gRiting people.

"Congratulations, Sir Grossi, Countess."

Next to the Duke of Grossi, who had been widowed a few years ago, stood his daughter, the Countess. The father and daughter received the Silver King and the Marquis’s congratulations with half-baked smiles.

"Do you not know why the Iron King and Queen have not yet arrived?"

"I have no idea. I was just waiting, thinking they might arrive late."

In response to the Marquis’s question, Duke Grossi replied. The experienced duke quickly composed his expression.

In the midst of the conversation, the steward who had gone to the Iron King's palace returned. He promptly approached the Silver King and reported. Feeling all eyes on him, the steward stiffened with tension.

"I have met with His Majesty the Iron King. He said he would attend briefly, even if he arrives late."

"And the reason?"

The steward hesitated.

"…It seems the Iron Queen is not feeling well and has been lying down…."

Duke Grossi cleared his throat. The Countess muttered, "Oh my," and looked away.

Sienna, unable to understand the steward’s words, asked again, "Not feeling well? Have they called for a doctor?"

"Your Highness, I believe the Iron Queen is fine," Kuhn reassured her, then turned to the steward.

"Thank you for your effort. You may go."

Sienna was still confused.

"If she’s not feeling well enough to attend the banquet, she can’t be fine. The Iron Queen endured yesterday's long wedding ceremony gracefully. What happened overnight? Ah, could she have fallen ill because of yesterday's exhausting wedding?"

The surrounding nobles tried to stifle their laughter, their faces turning red.

"It’s not that…."

Kuhn took Sienna aside and whispered in her ear.

"You should understand that the Iron King and Queen had such a delightful time last night that they don’t want to get out of bed."

"Well, if that’s the case, they could just say so. I suppose it’s better to use illness as an excuse than laziness."

Sienna glared at Kuhn, who was chuckling quietly.

"Why are you laughing like that? You’re being indecent."

"Someday, you’ll think back to today and laugh."

"What are you talking about?"

"Come on, let’s go over there now."

"Don’t change the subject."

Even without hearing their conversation, the sight of the two whispering sweetly to each other in front of everyone was more than enough. No one now suspected that the Silver King and the Marquis were putting on a show.

Countess Merze pressed Duke Grossi for answers.

"Father, didn’t you hear anything from His Majesty the Iron King about those two? Aren’t you and Marquis Raad close companions?"

"Well, His Majesty didn’t mention anything."

"Maybe you're the only one who didn’t know?"

"That’s unlikely."

Even among the Iron King’s close allies, there were different perspectives. Duke Grossi had joined relatively late through a marriage alliance. He was on somewhat distant terms with those who had served the Iron King for a long time. However, Marquis Raad was neither on one side nor the other.

Duke Grossi assumed that Marquis Raad was the most influential among the Iron King’s allies, leading them. Later, he realized that Marquis Raad was close only to the Iron King and maintained a subtle distance from the Iron King's other confidants.

"It seems I’m not the only one who doesn’t know."

Duke Grossi remarked, noticing the troubled expression on Count Miller’s face from afar. Count Miller was a central figure in the Iron King's faction.

The faces of the excited guests were flushed, not because of the party’s excitement but due to the shock and delight of witnessing a massive scandal. Everyone's eager eyes were glued to the Silver King and the Marquis. People constantly gathered around the pair, craning their necks.

Kuhn was getting tired of the crowd's persistence.

"Feels like we’ve become a spectacle."

"I think we need a moment to catch our breath."

Kuhn sought understanding as he looked around.

He led Sienna to a balcony. The protruding structure of the balcony was used when one wanted a brief escape from the crowd or for private conversations. It was also a place where people would sometimes draw the curtains and indulge in illicit affairs.

But not today. Doing such a thing during a sacred wedding banquet would invite criticism.

"Are you alright?" Kuhn checked on her feelings.

"About what?"

"Everyone’s staring so much. I was wondering if you felt uncomfortable."

"I’m used to it. Although today they are more blatant than usual, it’s… manageable. And you?"

"I’m fine. I don’t care about others' eyes. I’ve got thick skin."

"I know that."

"Somehow, hearing you agree so readily makes me feel…."

"It’s a compliment. I like your boldness."

Kuhn silently gazed at her, then lifted her chin with his fingertips.

"Sienna."

His face came close to hers.

"Yes."

"There are quite a few eyes on us right now. But I want to kiss you."

"…."

"May I?"

Sienna coyly lowered her eyes.

"…A man without courage."

Kuhn recalled Dian’s casual remark, "The Silver King has quite an unexpected sense of humor." He now fully agreed with that statement. He smiled and pulled her close with one arm around her waist.

He could sense several people peeking into the balcony, watching. He chose to ignore them completely.

Adding a kiss to their list of witnessed acts would solidify the rumors of their romance as a confirmed fact. Though it had started as a show for others, Kuhn soon found himself absorbed in the kiss itself.

He whispered against her lips, "Your lips taste like apples."

Her eyes blinked rapidly. She was flustered. Kuhn always enjoyed seeing her small emotional changes.

"Probably from the drink I had earlier…."

"You drank several glasses. You must really like sweets."

"Yes."

"That’s surprising. I never thought you’d enjoy such things. But I’ve seen you drink tea often."

"I add sugar to it."

"In your tea?"

Sienna had assumed he knew her tea preferences. But upon thinking more carefully, she realized it was the Kuhn from her dreams who knew this. The line between dream and reality blurred for a moment, causing brief confusion.

Sienna typically hid her dietary preferences from others. She drank bitter tea without complaint when outside the palace.

"It seems that the King wasn't as indifferent to his wife as I thought."

If he had no interest, he wouldn’t know her taste preferences.

Thinking about one Kuhn while another was in front of her felt strange.

"I like the aroma of tea, but I dislike its bitterness."

"I thought of a tea variety you might like. I’ll bring some next time."

Sienna was usually a woman of few words. But with Kuhn, she found herself talking more, which surprised her. She didn’t know why she never ran out of things to say.

Sienna had often witnessed people rambling on because they couldn’t bear the awkwardness of being in her presence. But with Kuhn, she never felt like he was forcing a conversation. She felt at ease with him.

"Kuhn, has the schedule for your visit to the Bless Duchy been finalized?"

"Not yet. I need to meet with Count Bless before he leaves the capital to coordinate."

"I’d like to come with you."

Sienna had gained an important clue from her dream last night. She now understood why the Iron King had been able to surpass her to become the Emperor.

If the Iron King's biological mother was from a ducal family, his succession rank would be higher. To outrank Sienna, mere ducal lineage wouldn’t be enough. He had to be a direct descendant of a duke at the very least.

Why had the Bless family remained silent all this time? Was it because he was not born from a legitimate marriage? That was a flimsy reason. No royal descendant would ever be labeled a "bastard." They were considered sacred beings by their very existence. Moreover, if his mother was of ducal blood, he would be perfect without fault.

As she pondered why the Bless family acted as they did, Sienna wondered if it might be related to an old case the Emperor had ordered to be re-investigated. The timing of that case coincided with the Iron King's birth.

She wasn’t sure what she was looking for. She just wanted to go and see for herself. She was curious about the people of the Bless family, who were known as a reclusive ducal house.

"Would that be alright?"

Kuhn, momentarily bewildered by her sudden suggestion, quickly shook his head.

"No, it’s fine. There’s no reason why it wouldn’t be."

"If it’s inconvenient, just say so. I won’t insist."

"There’s absolutely no inconvenience in you coming along. But will you have the time? You should consider at least a month for the round trip and the stay at the duchy."

"A month… I think I can manage. There aren’t any major events planned for a while. Just let me know once the dates are set."

"Alright."

"Aren’t you going to ask why?"

"Does it matter why? It’s an opportunity for me to have you all to myself for a month."

Kuhn hugged her tightly. He held her securely in his arms, rubbing his chin against her shoulder.

"This is amazing—traveling with you."

Every time Sienna felt that he truly liked her, a tingling sensation spread to the tips of her fingers. She was about to wrap her arms around his back when she suddenly pushed him away, startled. She looked at him and said, "I made eye contact."

Her fingers pointed in the direction connected to the banquet hall.

Kuhn chuckled.

"Who was it?"

"I don’t know. As soon as we made eye contact, she ran away. She was quite an elderly woman. Honestly, for her age, spying on the balcony like that is poor manners."

"Curiosity doesn’t discriminate by age. Calm down."

Kuhn lightly kissed Sienna’s lips to soothe her.

"Let’s go back out before everyone’s patience runs thin."

With Kuhn's right arm casually around her waist, the two of them left the balcony. As they moved around the banquet hall in that position, Sienna realized something a bit late.

She stared at his profile. He turned to look at her. She grabbed his hand that was holding her waist, signaling her protest. Kuhn instead smiled and tightened his grip on his arm. Her body was pulled closer to him.

Realizing it would only draw more attention, Sienna decided to stop resisting. If she had been displeased, she would have shaken him off. She let it slide, finding his triumphant display quite endearing.

"Princess Fatima isn’t here."

Sienna searched all over the banquet hall but couldn’t spot Fatima.

"I wanted her to see us."

She knew it was childish, but Sienna wanted Fatima to face reality and give up. Her previous stance that she had no right to interfere between Kuhn and Fatima had already changed.

The dream from the previous night had solidified that conviction.

"It's time to end this bad fate, isn't it?"

A single word from her dream had been haunting Sienna all this time. Was her connection with him a bad fate? Did they only bring misfortune to each other?

But last night's dream made her realize—they had just been going in different directions.

Sienna remained at the banquet hall until late. But in the end, the Iron King never showed up. Sienna spoke with concern.

"I should visit tomorrow to see how she is doing."

Kuhn dissuaded her.

"Just send your regards through a servant. It’s polite not to disturb newlyweds for a while."

A wedding banquet without the Iron King and Queen was like an empty shell. Yet, the atmosphere in the banquet hall was lively. The Silver King and the Marquis had more than fulfilled their roles.

Feeling uneasy, Sienna said to Kuhn, "It feels like we stole the Iron King's party."

Kuhn replied as if it was obvious.

"We’re just repaying the debt from the last party I hosted. We filled in the gap for them, didn’t we?"

Sienna realized the source of his brazenness. He was a man who interpreted circumstances in a way that was favorable to him.

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