44 THE BANQUET AT THE ROYAL PALACE: PART 3
Currently at the banquet...
Leticia watched as Hugh entered with Austin beside him.
Leticia could see that all the noble's eyes were glued to them. All eyes followed them. Some of the ladies opened their mouths in amazement and adoration for their dashing and manly looks while some frowned and thought the Northern Duke and his companions were too barbaric for the banquet.
While some of the gentlemen admired their gallant, noble, and heroic stories they heard from the war songs sung by bards and minstrels while some gentlemen scowled and clicked their tongue in discontent, envy, and contempt.
Leticia just looked and watched as she scanned the funny reactions of the nobles. The corner of her lips slightly moved upwards.
Looking back, Hugh and the others always standout among the others. Maybe because of their aura? Their stature? The way they dressed? Or is it because of the glint in their eyes?
Maybe all?
Either way, she can see the difference among the nobles and Hugh. Even though she can't explain exactly what.
At that moment, Salis arrived with champagne in both hands.
"You look happy, sister. Are you glad not to be introduced beside the commander?" He said as he handed her a glass.
She glanced at Salis, her now older-brother, as well as her escort for tonight. She accepted the drink, took a sip before she smiled to answer.
"You caught me… heh!"
Salis didn't understand Leticia at all. Most of the noble ladies would be happy standing on equal footing with the Duke as his fiance, but for her, it seems it was just a burden.
Salis has been trying to figure Leticia ever since the Duke asked their family to adopt her into them. Since, the Duke never asked for a favor like that. And because it concerns their families reputation, it has become such a big request.
His family requested Salis to observe the now adopted sister and tell them if she's a better fit for the Duke or that she was just using him.
Well, of course, his family didn't know the extent of the contract and why the Duke wanted Leticia to be adopted so soon.
The family just got an explanation that the Duke wanted to be engaged to the lady as soon as possible. They didn't even know where she came from. That was why it was understandable for the Beignard family to be concerned at the sudden request.
Of course, Salis knows to some extent about Leticia being a commoner and that she saved the commander when he's in peril.
Salis also sipped his drink, "You know sister, you're just delaying receiving those glares by becoming a wallflower here in the corner of the room. Sooner or later, you'll be at the center of attention too."
Leticia watched the nobles gathered around Hugh and Austin like a swarm of bees and gave a smirk when she heard Salis.
"Brother, a minute of delay can become a weapon for a soldier who is in a decisive battle. And right now, I need every second and minute I could gain to attack, scratch, and make a crack on the enemy general's armor. That little crack would give me enough opportunity to know what my next action will be. Meanwhile, the enemy could take that as a provocation that would either lead to careless reaction or cautious action. Either way, it will still be within the prediction and would give me time to take enough action." Leticia smiled as she finished what she whispered to Salis.
Salis turned his head to her, stunned. He didn't even expect that Leticia had such wisdom.
'Didn't she just start learning two weeks ago? How could she think of a reference like that? Comparing the banquet to a battle… I guess she's not wrong,' Salis said to himself.
Salis didn't expect that Leticia could come up with something like that. And inserting battle tactics like she experienced a war herself, he was really overwhelmed.
'Well, in a society such as this where people would try to leech you off of your honor, expecting they would gain something from disguising themselves with the superficial kindness they've shown... their greed for power and envy for money is also something else. The nobles attitudes are either to be used and be used, to become a puppet or the puppeteer. The noble society is an everyday fight for survival. It's not something for the innocent and weak. You'll be swallowed up by a rift and be used mercilessly by greedy people if you remain naive.' Salis thought to himself.
He then praised his sister. "I didn't know you're this meticulous."
And she answered silently, "Because it concerns my life. Anyone who's life is on the line would be cautious before taking action."
Leticia thought she whispered small enough for her voice to be incomprehensible but Salis, whose senses are trained, heard her and replied, "Just remember, sister, to always be careful."
She was dumbfounded! Her eyes became wide hearing words of concern from Salis.
"I never thought you would be this caring…"
"Of course, I'll care. You're my sister."
Letiicia could only give a bashful smile, she never thought she would hear Salis give genuine words.
So, in a small voice she said, "Thank you… brother."
Now, it really felt like she gained an ally.
***
"His Majesty, the King of Otis and Her Majesty, the Queen has arrived!"
Creak!
The door opened and all the nobles bowed their heads to pay respect to the highest ranking with pure noble blood, King Matthias IV and Queen Matilda.
A minute later, King Matthias IV, arriving at his throne, greeted the nobles and also acknowledged them.
After the King and Queen said their open speech, the nobles then started to greet them personally.
Leticia is also going to do the same.
"Are you ready, sister?" Salis asked.
She deeply breathed in and out! Inhales... exhales…
"Yes, let's go."
***
Hugh was not paying attention to any of the aristocrats that were surrounding him.
Instead, he was looking at someone in the corner of the room.
And Austin noticed how the Duke was so annoyed.
'If I didn't stick to him to remind him of the plans, he would definitely run to her like he never saw her in the manor.' Austin thinks so.
He shook his head as he looked at the said Notorious Duke that right now looks like a dog that was abandoned by his owner.
Austin chuckled, "I can't believe I just compared him with a dog."
He can't believe that he could just think of the war hero as so.
Suddenly, he heard the low-pitch voice, "Who did you compare a dog to?"
Austin flinches in surprise. "Oh… Commander! Um… dog… right! It's Salis! He looks like a dog!"
He was so flustered that he stuttered. Hugh looked at him and only stared at him.
It felt like he needed to run away or change the topic, so he did.
"Aren't you going to greet His Majesty?"
The two are now standing side by side against the wall as they watch the nobles with their children get into a frenzy trying to be on the good side of the Queen or King.
"It's ridiculous…" Hugh mumbled.
"Don't be like that, Your Grace. They're excited because it's their debut in the society. And you know, the Lady will also do the same when Salis will go to greet His Majety."
"I know. That's why it's ridiculous! I was supposed to- tsk!"
Oh! Now, Austin understands why he's so grumpy and irritated.
'He wanted to be beside Lady Leticia so badly while she introduced herself and made a debut in society.'
Austin was so stunned. He really didn't want to know this side of his commander because the war hero he knew was someone who didn't have a care in the world and seemed to be out of reach, like a being that didn't belong in the mundane world.
'...but at the same time, it's not bad… to see his human side.'
"By the way, when will you announce it?" Austin asked, curiously, continuing their conversation.
"That will depend on "her" action."
'...her means the Queen' Austin pondered.
"I see… I know that the Lady wants to prepare more but Your Grace, it's better to do it sooner. Announcing it would lessen your worries about that topic."
"I know but I also want Leti to be comfortable and ready on her own,"
Austin blinked a few times, confused if he heard the Duke right. 'Leti…? He just called her Leti, right?! Since when did the Commander call Lady Leticia with such familiarity that he even called her pet name?' Austin thought while Duke Hugh was still continuing his words,
"...she's going to be the one facing the danger when we announce it. If I could help her assess her opponent's weakness by giving her a few hours or a day then I would gladly give it to her,"
Austin was stunned again to hear Hugh say words of concern as well as aid.
'Is he really the Commander I know?! The demon I know?! When did you change so much?!' Austin was having a heated complaint inside his head.
Hugh resumes, "...besides, she's not going to get away even if we delay the announcement. She's not going anywhere."
As Hugh said so, he smiled with such satisfaction. And Austin who saw and heard it all felt shivers on his skin.
Austin prayed inside his head, 'May the Goddess help the Lady from this devil.'
