Banquet (5)

"...Selly, I know what you're thinking right now."

Carl said, sweating profusely.

"But you're misunderstanding. I wasn't trying to kiss Ariel."

but i saw it.i saw lord carl Pickering your lips and moving toward Ariel...if Ariel hadn't blocked with her hand in time.surely...''

"That's not what I intended. I was just trying to give her mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Ariel suddenly collapsed, so I thought it was dangerous.Selly turned her gaze to look at Ariel.

"Ariel was just sleeping.

"Sleeping..?"

"Yes. Ariel falls asleep right after eating something."

".....

Even now, Ariel had fallen asleep again.

Her breathing was regular and her expression peaceful.Ariel was sleeping very soundly, even on the cold terrace floor.

"Anyway, I'll believe Lord Carl's words, surely the Grand Duke of the North wouldn't try anything strange. If it's a Scoundrel like Cobin, maybe..."

"Thank you for believing me.."

Fortunately, Selly's misunderstanding was quickly cleared up.

It was fortunate from Carl's perspective, but the

atmosphere had already become awkward.A

heavy silence lingered between Carl and Selly for a while.

"Well... see you next time, Selly."

In the end, Carl had no choice but to flee from the terrace.

"Young master.

When Carl returned to the banquet hall, Shane approached with a pleased smile.

"Were you able to convey your heart?"

"l couldn't.. Something came up.."

"What happened?"

"Ariel suddenly fell asleep. It seems I'll have to convey my heart next time.

"Next time, you say..

Shane became slightly uneasy.

"You're not thinking of staying in this city, are you? We have to depart for the capital at dawn tomorrow."

"I know, sir Shane. I'm not that reckless. I have no intention of staying in this city.'

Carl gave a wry smile.

"When I say next time, I'm talking about the distant future. It may take a very long time, or perhaps Ill never meet Ariel again. If that's the case, then Ariel and I were not destined.'

"Young master.."

"But I believe it. I have a feeling Ill meet Ariel again somehow. And when that day comes, I'Il definitely convey my heart to her."

Shane quietly nodded at Carl's words.

Even if he said that now, honestly, there was no telling when Carl's heart might change.

Human hearts tend to change in just a few days' time.A few days later in the capital, after seeing Princess lliana,Carl might immediately forget about Ariel.

"Well, maybe that's for the best..."

From what Shane could see, Ariel didn't seem to have any feelings for Carl. She didn't even glance at him when eating

the cake earlier.

Even if Carl conveyed his heart, there was no guaranteed accept it. In fact, the chances were high thatshe wouldn't.

In that case, Carl would only end up hurt. It might be better if things just ended here.

"Ah."

Then, as if remembering something, Carl spoke up.

"But there is one thing I did convey to Ariel."

"What did you convey?"

"The Castarck family crest ring. I slipped it onto her finger myself."

Shane's face was filled with shock,

"Y-Young master! That's!

The significance of the Castarck family crest ring was huge.For a man to give it to a woman meant proposing an engagement, but that wasn't all

More precisely, it symbolized power.

If Ariel showed the Castarck crest ring in the North, the Northern nobles would have to obey any command from her, no questions asked.

Depending on the situation, there was ample potential for abuse.

"Well... that elf girl doesn't seem like she'd abuse it though..

Originally, that ring should have gone to Princess Illiana.Regardless of Carl's feelings for Ariel, Carl was supposed to marry Princess lliana eventually

Only then could the imperial family and the North establish an amicable relationship.

Shane looked at Carl with a complicated expression. It seemed too easy for him to back down, to have given the Castarck family crest ring like that. If the Castarck family found out, there would definitely be an uproar.

"Sir Shane, I have no regrets about my decision.

Oblivious to Shane's inner turmoil, Carl spoke firmly.

"Father told me to give that ring to the vwoman I love, just as he gave it to Mother.

".You did well"

"I look forward to the day I meet Ariel again."

Carl gave an awkward smile, and Shane quietly narrowed his eyes.Before long, a solemn light swirled in Shane's eyes.

'I must retrieve the ring somehow.'

The Castarck family crest ring was extremely important.It was an item that must not fall into the hands of an elf he had met by chance in the forest.

It would not be an overstatement to say that the future of the imperial family and the North hinged on that single ring.

Even if it meant resorting to dishonorable means, he had no choice but to take it back.

Shane resolved to retrieve the ring from Ariel.

Of course, if Carl found out, there would be an uproar, s

o he would have to retrieve it secretly at dawn.

"Let's head back now, young master. The banquet is ending. You'll need to get some sleep if you want an early start tomorrow."

"All right..."

Carl glanced wistfully towards the terrace where Ariel was and left the banquet hall with Shane.

After the banguet ended and the nobles began n leaving Selly also shook Ariel's shoulder to wake her up.

"Ariel, wake up. Let's go."

Ariel opened her drowsy eyes and staggered to her feet.

"Uhh."

Her hair and clothes were disheveled from lying on the floor After tidying her up, Selly left the banquet hall with Ariel.

Selly's escort, Pamelia, followed and asked,

"Miss, where is the elf girl going?"

"Ariel is staying at an inn nearby. It's not far from here. Let's escort her there."

"Yes. It's late at night. Plus, that elf girl doesn't seem able to walk alone.

Though awake, Ariel hadn't fully regained her senses and was stumbling while leaning on Selly.

"Ariel, not that way. This way."

Watching Selly take care of Ariel, Pamelia smiled with pride.It was the first time she had seen Selly, who had always played the youngest role in the family, caring for someone else.

'The young miss has really grown up. She used to just cause mischief and get into trouble, but when did she become so mature...?"

While Pamelia was thinking this, they soon arrived at the inn where Ariel was staying.

Just as Selly had said, it wasn't far at all.

"Ariel, we're here. This is the inn you're staying at."

Rubbing her eyes, Ariel looked at the inn, then back at Selly.

"..Thank you."

"Don't mention it. You must be tired, so go on in..."

Selly's voice became choked with emotion.

"And be sure to visit our estate next time... The Matiel family in the East.. You know, right...? Sob.."Selly started sobbing.

Ariel calmly nodded.

"I will."

"You must, you must! Sob, sob..."

.....

Ariel reached out and stroked Selly's head.

Pamelia couldn't understand exactly what that action meant, but it seemed like Ariel was trying to comfort her.

'But she's too emotionless..."

Unlike Selly who was shedding tears, Ariel's face was just expressionless.

Is she used to parting? Or are all elves like that? No, maybe she finds Selly annoying..."

"'Sob, the lizardman leather wallet Ariel gave me... II I treasure it.. And next time, let's eat premium minotaur meat together... And..."

Selly kept talking on and on.

It didn't seem like it would end anytime soon.

Getting a bit tired, Pamelia stepped between Selly and Ariel

"Come on- You'll see each other again, no need to be so sad- Let's just go in for today since you'll meet again-?"

"Sob, Ariel.."

Selly hugged Ariel tightly, and Ariel quietly patted Selly's back.

'This won't do..

In the end, Pamelia hoisted Selly over her shoulder. If they wasted more time here, tomorrow would be too tiring.

"Well then, goodbye elf girl- See you next time-"

Pamelia swiftly started walking away.

"Ariel..! You have to come visit! You have to!"

Selly shouted while crying from Pamelia's shoulder.

Towards the two of them, Ariel quietly waved her hand.When Ariel returned to her lodging, Lu was sprawled asleep on the bed.

"Eumm.."

Judging by the empty wine bottle rolling on the floor that she had bought before, it seemed she had gotten drunk again

Ariel covered Lu's body with a blanket and went out to the Vard Ghost that had been lying in the yard sprang up and came to Ariel.,

"Ghost, I'm back."

Ariel gently stroked Ghost's head.

It still felt soft and fluffy.

If she knitted gloves or a scarf from Ghost's fur, it would probably make excellent items.

Unaware of Ariel's thoughts, Ghost simply wagged her tail.

"Shall we sleep together like this..."

Ariel whispered while looking at Ghost.

Ariel was very tired today. She had played with Selly all day and even attended a banquet at the end.

"I don't feel like cleaning up."

She just wanted to hug Ghost and sleep like this.

After pondering for a moment, Ariel shook her head Still, it seemed better to bathe. No matter how tired, not bathing before sleeping would reduce sleep quality.

Reduced sleep quality leads to mental fatigue, which cannot be relieved by physical strength or defense.

It's like feeling sluggish after eating too much.

"Ill go wash up."

Ariel tapped Ghost's nose and stood up.

This lodging not only had a yard but also a private bathroom, so she didn't need to go outside.

The private bathroom even had hot water, making it a very satisfactory lodging in many ways.

Ariel entered the bathroom, and soon the sound of water could be heard from inside.

And a moment later.

"...Found it.'

Someone stealthily set foot in Ariel's lodging yard.

A man with his face half-covered by a mask.

It was Shane, Carl's escort knight.