Scandalous Wedding Chapter 5.1

At the exact moment his father and the rest of his family were trapped in their immobile carriage, Asha was trapped by a wall.

Yes, a wall of people.

He’d been happily chatting with McGaine and Kroon when he spotted someone he knew and tried to excuse himself. Suddenly, another person appeared, blocking his path. He managed to slip past, only to be blocked again. Before he knew it, he was surrounded, hemmed in by a wall of large men.

“So, you’re here to find a bride? Good thinking. You should settle down soon, put your family’s minds at ease. It seems a bit early, but I suppose it’s about time.”

Kroon’s disjointed, insincere praise, his words completely contradictory, confused Asha.

“Early? I’m pretty late, aren’t I?” My friends already have two children, he thought. Kroon quickly backtracked.

“Ah, right! Late! Very late! My mistake. You should find someone quickly! There aren’t many eligible ladies left in the capital, but if you broaden your horizons…”

McGaine elbowed Kroon in the ribs. Are you insane? Kroon abruptly stopped talking. Asha nodded politely.

“I’ll do my best. Even if I don’t find anyone to marry right away, it’s good to meet new people.” He wasn’t planning to marry immediately. It was a surprisingly mature and realistic outlook. Kroon and McGaine exchanged a look, then glanced at the men surrounding Asha.

Communicating silently, they nodded in agreement and turned back to Asha.

Now it was McGaine’s turn to deliver insincere praise. “Yes, it’s time you settled down. His Majesty should marry soon too.”

“He’s more worried about that than I am.” Asha was simply late; Kiel was at the age where he should be planning his son’s wedding. Of course, the previous emperor had also had Kiel late in life, but he’d married at twenty. He’d simply had children later.

“Exactly! He’s handsome, intelligent, kind, progressive…I don’t understand why he isn’t married yet. Right, Kroon?”

“Right! He’s one of a kind. A truly exceptional man.” Kroon recited his lines stiffly, then looked at McGaine pleadingly.

The Blue Future Society had spent the last two days brainstorming ways to praise Kiel, but every attempt had devolved into backhanded compliments. Even for the brightest minds in Frisdale, praising Kiel was a Herculean task, more challenging than philosophy, law, or physics.

Desperate, they’d even consulted a renowned playwright, threatening him to write a eulogy for Kiel. The playwright, accustomed to crafting fictional narratives, had refused and fled.

They’d prepared some lines from books, but seeing Asha’s innocent, cheerful face, they couldn’t bring themselves to lie.

Asha, dressed impeccably, looked even more adorable and youthful than usual. They felt like they were trying to scam a child. Unable to speak, they fell silent. Asha, oblivious to their inner turmoil, waved his hand dismissively.

“Kiel is a good emperor, but not a good person.”

The men surrounding Asha exchanged surprised glances. Despite his naivete, Asha had Kiel pegged. He was a competent ruler, at least in terms of results. But on a personal level…he was a nightmare.

Determined to complete their assigned task before Kiel arrived, Kroon racked his brain.

“Yes, he’s a good emperor. Brilliant, politically astute…and so cunning, it’s almost frightening. He’s so manipulative and devious…” His attempt at praise, as usual, veered into dangerous territory. Asha, ever agreeable, nodded.

“He is rather devious. And good at blackmailing people.”

“You know him so well! He’s the best blackmailer I’ve ever seen. He has spies everywhere, always knows everything, and uses it to his advantage. He’s terrifyingly efficient.” Kroon’s praise, despite starting well, quickly turned into a list of Kiel’s less desirable traits. Asha, still smiling, continued to agree.

“He likes eavesdropping.”

“Exactly! He’s such a good eavesdropper, it’s almost like he has superhuman hearing!” Kroon, delighted by Asha’s agreement, launched into a series of anecdotes.

“Just the other day, he blackmailed Duke Carmel during negotiations, using information about his affair to secure a ridiculously low price for Carmel’s coal. Duke Carmel was a commoner who married into the dukedom, so if his affair was exposed, he’d be thrown out without a penny. Kiel somehow obtained proof and threatened him with it, then informed the Duchess, and the Duke was kicked out! And that’s not all! You know Marquis Arhel? Kiel found out he was embezzling taxes, somehow, and demanded a hundredfold repayment, bankrupting him! He seized half of Marquis Arhel’s territory as payment!”

Kroon and McGaine, giving Kiel a thumbs-up, looked at Asha, who simply nodded.

“Yes, well…I’m hungry. There are so many buns…” His gaze was fixed on the table laden with colorful buns.

As Asha eyed the steaming buns, practically drooling, the human wall surrounding him parted, creating a path.

“You should eat.” They knew better than to starve Asha and face Kiel’s wrath later. Asha, as if in a trance, walked towards the table.

The Blue Future Society watched him with a mix of emotions.

They’d spent two sleepless nights in the palace kitchens, working alongside the head chef to create these colorful, patterned buns.

They’d even distributed the recipes to bakeries in the city, ensuring a city-wide supply of buns for Bun Day. The hastily arranged holiday was actually quite successful.

It was all thanks to Kiel’s “slaves.”

While they felt nauseous at the sight of buns after their ordeal, they were satisfied with the results. They were even planning to establish buns as the capital’s signature dish, adding more festivals and events to the city’s otherwise limited calendar.

While the idea of their city becoming known as “Bun City” was mortifying, it would boost the local economy. They had to focus on the positive to maintain their sanity.

As Asha approached the table, they trailed behind him, leaving the task of clearing the area to their junior colleagues.

Asha, standing before the colorful display of buns, turned to them. “Would you like some?”

They all shook their heads. “No.” We’re sick of buns.

Asha, slightly puzzled by their vehement refusal, offered them drinks. “Here.”

McGaine and Kroon were touched by his politeness.

They were constantly pressured by senior nobles, criticized by their idealistic junior colleagues, and treated like slaves by Kiel. Asha’s kindness was a welcome change.

They were so moved by this unexpected display of human decency that Kroon said, “You’re such a kind young man.” It’s such a shame he’s caught in the emperor’s web.

Suddenly, the hall fell silent.

Not completely silent. The music continued to play, but the chatter and clinking glasses stopped.

The Blue Future Society, forming a human wall around Asha at the bun table, turned towards the entrance.

Whenever Kiel made his entrance at his own banquets, he’d typically stop the music, appear in extravagant attire, and have flowers scattered in his path. They’d expected a similar grand entrance, but surprisingly, he wasn’t there.

Instead, a woman in a bright yellow dress entered the hall.

With her long, dark hair swept up in an elaborate updo adorned with pearls, she was the most striking woman in the room.

All eyes were on her, as if she were the only person present. But it wasn’t her beauty that had silenced the room.

It was her presence.

“Alicia…” Kroon whispered.

Asha, tearing off a piece of bun, turned towards the entrance. He spotted the woman and his family and raised his hand in greeting.

Just as he was about to wave, her gaze locked onto his. Then, she smiled, her eyes gleaming.

Like a predator spotting its prey. McGaine instinctively yelled,

“Surround him!”

The Blue Future Society immediately closed ranks, forming a protective barrier around Asha.

Alicia Paddington, Kiel’s sixth cousin and the second biggest troublemaker in Frisdale, had returned.

“What’s going on?” Kiel, approaching the banquet hall, frowned at the commotion inside.

He was supposed to make his grand entrance, showered with flowers and confetti, capturing Asha’s attention. But the hall was already in an uproar before he even arrived.

As if there were another star of the show.

“What’s happening?” he asked a guard stationed in the hallway. The guard, startled, stammered,

“Uh, well, inside, I mean…”

Kiel clicked his tongue at his incoherent response. “Explain yourself. What’s happening?”

“…Well…”

“Well?”

“Well…uh…”

“Uh?”

“Uh…” The guard struggled to speak. Kiel raised his voice.

“Uh, what?”

“Lady Alicia Paddington has returned!” the guard blurted out.

“…What?”

“Lady Alicia Paddington has just entered the banquet hall.”

“…What?”

“Lady Alicia Paddington, of House Paddington, has returned to the capital.” The guard repeated himself three times, just to be sure.

Kiel couldn’t believe it. It was impossible.

“Why is she back?” He roared in disbelief. The guard flinched and lowered his head.

“She claims to be fully recovered. She presented a physician’s note, and we couldn’t refuse her entry. She also had an invitation…”

“An invitation? Who sent her an invitation?” Who would be insane enough to invite Alicia? Kiel thought, then realized his mistake.

He hadn’t sent her an invitation directly, but he had sent one to someone else.

“Duke Paddington…” His uncle had been suspiciously quiet lately. He usually interfered with Kiel’s plans, but he’d been absent from the palace, preoccupied with other matters. It seemed he’d been plotting this.

He couldn’t possibly be unaware of Kiel’s intention to marry Asha. Everyone in the capital, except Asha, knew Kiel was stalling for time.

They knew why Count Dunhill, who’d been so bold as to pressure Kiel into marriage, had suddenly fallen from grace.

Anyone with a brain could see that Kiel had systematically eliminated all eligible bachelorettes in the capital to pave the way for his marriage to Asha. Duke Paddington must have known.

He must have known Kiel was ready.

“Damn it.” His uncle was ruining everything. Kiel gritted his teeth and quickened his pace.

Alicia Paddington was Kiel’s sixth cousin, the only daughter of the previous Duke Paddington, Carl Paddington. Since Carl had no sons, Rubin Capin had been adopted into House Paddington and changed his name to Rubin Paddington.

There had been discussions of Rubin marrying Alicia to secure the dukedom, but Rubin had vehemently refused, saying he’d rather remain a bachelor for life.

He’d loathed Alicia since childhood. And while Kiel didn’t share the same level of animosity, he also found her insufferable. She had been the first target of his “Eliminate Unmarried Individuals in the Capital” plan.

As one of the most beautiful women in the empire, with close ties to the Imperial family, she was the prime candidate for Empress. She was perfect in terms of age, lineage, and social standing. There had been numerous marriage proposals, but none had come to fruition due to Kiel’s intervention.

While indifferent to most people, considering them all beneath him, he loathed Alicia.

He couldn’t help it.

She was his nemesis.

He acknowledged her beauty. Having inherited her mother’s stunning looks, she’d been the object of male admiration and female envy since childhood. And she wasn’t unintelligent.

She was actually quite clever, though her dislike of reading made her somewhat ignorant. She was sophisticated and charming, lacking in elegance perhaps, but possessing an undeniable magnetism.

But despite all her positive qualities, Kiel found her repulsive. Because she was insane.

Not metaphorically. She was genuinely unhinged.

As Kiel fumed, realizing her presence would necessitate a change of plans, he suddenly stopped.

“Asha…” The thought of Asha, already inside the banquet hall, filled him with dread.

Asha was his precious little chick, while Alicia was a monstrous predator. The thought of them being in the same room made him dizzy.

“My bun…” He quickened his pace, almost running towards the entrance.

He’d stationed the entire Blue Future Society inside. They should be keeping her away from Asha.

They had to.

If they failed, the Special Audit Division would be disbanded.

“My, what a distinguished gathering.” Alicia, fanning herself with a pale purple fan, chuckled, looking at the men blocking her path. They remained impassive, unaffected by her seductive smile.

These were the same men who, in their youth, would have crumbled at her feet, willing to do anything for her. But now, they knew better.

They remembered the incident three years ago. The memory made them shudder. Not just because of Alicia herself, but because her presence had triggered Kiel’s “bun withdrawal symptoms,” turning the palace upside down.

They still had nightmares about that month of endless overtime.

“Do not approach any further,” Kroon warned, standing at the front of the human barricade. Alicia feigned innocence.

“Oh my, why such hostility? Am I contagious?”

Kroon, though tempted to say, Worse, opted for a more diplomatic response. “You’ve been banished from the capital. I don’t know how you got in, but if you come any closer, I’ll have you removed.”

“Oh dear, haven’t you heard? I wouldn’t be here if I weren’t cured. I’m perfectly healthy now.” Her smile made them shudder. How can you look so…insane…and claim to be cured?

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’d like to greet Asha. You’re being rather obstructive.”

“I’m warning you, do not approach. His Majesty will not be pleased.”

Alicia’s eyes gleamed, a mischievous smile playing on her lips. “Are you suggesting I’d harm His Majesty’s precious little pet?” Her tone was menacing, as if she were about to crush a bun in her hand. Kroon replied without hesitation,

“Yes. Absolutely.”

“My, how unkind. I have no intention of harming His Majesty or Asha. I’m cured, I tell you.”

“Tell that to His Majesty.”

“Why would I harm my future husband?” She said it so casually, as if stating the most obvious fact, that if Kiel had heard it, he would have had a seizure. She smiled, her eyes fixed on the top of Asha’s head, barely visible above the crowd of men surrounding him.

Despite being obscured by the men, she recognized the dark hair.

Kiel’s precious little bun. Just the sight of his head was enough to make her feel a surge of…affection.

Wouldn’t it be fun to squish those chubby cheeks?

“Now, step aside. Obstructing the future Empress is not in your best interest.” The word “Empress” dripped with malice. As the men flinched at her chilling gaze, a low voice echoed from the entrance.

“Future Empress, who?”

The music stopped.

The sudden silence amplified the tension in the hall. Everyone, except Alicia, bowed deeply as the man approached.

“Your Majesty!” She called out, her voice dripping with faux affection, as if greeting a long-lost lover. She rushed towards Kiel, her yellow dress swirling around her like a butterfly. Kiel, recoiling as if she were contagious, pushed her forehead away as she tried to embrace him.

“Get lost.” His voice was laced with annoyance. He was usually more…composed, even when angry, maintaining a pleasant façade. But now, he couldn’t hide his irritation.

The rare display of anger made the onlookers exchange excited glances. But Alicia wasn’t easily deterred.

“Your Majesty, why are you so cold? You used to adore me.”

Kiel smiled, his eyes cold. Cured? You’re worse than ever.

“I never did.”

“Why do you deny me? Are you ashamed of me?”

“Yes. Deeply ashamed. Since the day you were born. And I’m not denying you. I never loved you. We’re sixth cousins, nothing more. Now, go back to your sanitarium.”

“Are you truly abandoning me, Your Majesty?”

“Yes, I want to. So get lost.” As everyone watched, holding their breath, a man with dark brown hair appeared behind Kiel and subtly gestured towards Alicia.

His expression clearly conveyed his frustration. Do you know how much trouble I went through to get you out? Did you forget everything I told you? Alicia, meeting his gaze, reluctantly stepped back.

Then, with a perfectly normal expression, she said, “I was just joking. A little humor, Your Majesty. It’s been a while. I trust you’ve been well?” She curtsied politely. The man who’d signaled to her stepped forward.

“Your Majesty, Alicia is fully recovered. Her physician has confirmed her recovery and approved her return. You needn’t worry any longer.”

You call that cured? Kiel thought, but restrained himself. The man was his uncle, Rubin, Duke Paddington, the third most powerful man in the empire. He could deal with him later.

His priority was neutralizing this immediate threat.

“Is that so? Fully recovered?”

“Yes. She has a discharge certificate.”

Kiel suspected a hefty bribe had secured that certificate. That sanitarium would be shut down soon. He’d make sure of it.

“When did she return? I wasn’t informed.”

“She’s been recovering for months, but knowing your concern for her, we waited for a definitive diagnosis. We didn’t want to give you false hope. We waited for the physician’s confirmation and obtained the necessary documents before returning. Alicia wished to greet you personally.”

Kiel stared at his uncle, who was lying through his teeth.

He knew Rubin had been secretly searching for a suitable bride for himself, hoping to strengthen his claim to the throne. Kiel had assumed it was a futile effort and had let him be, thinking he might as well enjoy a tour of the empire.

Alicia was an unexpected move. He hadn’t anticipated Rubin bringing her back.

Because Alicia was both Rubin’s trump card and his downfall. It was an act of self-sabotage.

Are you that desperate, Duke Paddington?

“If the physician says so, then it must be true. I’m glad she’s recovered. However, I haven’t seen the certificate myself, so she’ll remain under observation until I’ve reviewed it and consulted with other physicians. She’ll be confined to House Paddington until then.”

“As you wish, Your Majesty.” Rubin, having achieved his goal, stepped back and approached Alicia. She, understanding Kiel’s intent, took Rubin’s hand and retreated towards the entrance.

Her presence, like a brief storm, had disrupted the banquet and left a chill in the air.

While annoyed by this unexpected turn of events, Kiel maintained a calm façade and announced,

“Let the banquet commence.”

The musicians, who’d stopped playing, hesitantly resumed their performance.

The guests, however, remained frozen, watching Kiel nervously.

Alicia’s sudden appearance had made the already bizarre “Bun Day” banquet even more intriguing. They were curious to see Kiel’s reaction to being outmaneuvered by Rubin. Sensing their curious gazes, Kiel slowly scanned the room.

This time, he spoke with his eyes. Did you not hear what I just said?

His glare, sharper than Alicia’s, made everyone quickly avert their gaze and disperse.

Kiel clicked his tongue at their lack of decorum and turned his attention to the Special Audit Division, standing like a wall near the buffet tables. He spotted Asha’s head peeking above the crowd and started walking towards him. The men surrounding Asha parted, creating a path.

Asha, oblivious to the drama unfolding around him, was happily munching on a pink bun.

The sight made Kiel smile. A bun eating a bun. A cannibalistic tragedy.

But adorable.

He briefly considered grabbing Asha and running away, but he had to be patient. He would soon be with Asha, legally.

Rubin had thrown a wrench in his plans, but that only made him more determined to finalize everything tonight.

“Asha.” He called out softly, extending his hand. Asha, stuffing the rest of the bun into his mouth, walked over and took his hand. Kiel smiled and turned towards the head table.

He just needed to make the announcement. As he quickened his pace, McGaine hurried to his side.

“Your Majesty.” His voice was low and urgent. Kiel stopped and looked at him questioningly. McGaine whispered something in his ear.

Kiel’s jaw tightened. McGaine stepped back and said calmly,

“You’ll have to postpone the announcement.”

Kiel, accepting McGaine’s advice, said to Asha, “Asha, go get some more buns.”

“Okay.” Asha, obedient as always, walked back to the buffet table. Kiel turned to McGaine, his eyes now cold and sharp, unlike the gentle gaze he’d reserved for Asha. McGaine quickly lowered his head. Kiel said quietly,

“Gather everyone. Including Allen and Esael.”

He’d deliberately excluded Allen and Esael from his plans, sensing their disapproval, but now, Allen had no reason to object. And neither did Esael.

Suddenly, he realized this situation might actually work to his advantage.

With Alicia’s arrival, House Chester could no longer oppose the marriage. Oppose it? Considering their bitter rivalry with House Paddington, they’d be celebrating.

This was an opportunity to eliminate House Paddington from the nobility altogether… A stroke of genius. Kiel would turn this crisis into an opportunity. He’d crush House Chester’s opposition and destroy House Paddington in one fell swoop.

He wouldn’t let this go.

Seventeen years.

He’d meticulously planned this for seventeen years, and today was the culmination of his efforts. And Duke Paddington had thrown Alicia into the mix, trying to ruin everything.

He hadn’t initially disliked Alicia. She was just another relative, neither liked nor disliked. He didn’t have strong feelings about people in general.

Except for Asha. Everyone else was beneath him.

His late father had taught him to treat everyone equally, so he treated everyone with the same disdain and indifference, regardless of their status. The only exception was Asha.

The problem had been the Dukes Paddington, both past and present.

According to Frisdale law, marriage was permitted between cousins of the fifth degree or further removed. From the moment she was born, Alicia had been groomed as the future Empress, constantly told she was the only one for Kiel. After Rubin inherited the dukedom, the indoctrination intensified.

That had been the beginning of the tragedy. Having grown up believing she was destined to be Empress, Alicia had lost touch with reality, blurring the lines between what she’d been told and the actual situation.

In her mind, Kiel, her sixth cousin, was her fiancé, her lover, and eventually, her husband. She’d started proclaiming herself Empress.

Kiel, horrified by her delusions, had tried to reason with her, but it only worsened her condition. She’d spread rumors of Kiel toying with her affections and then abandoning her. She’d even stormed the palace, demanding to see her “husband.”

He’d tolerated it, until she became aware of Asha. Having heard rumors of the “bun,” she’d become convinced that the bun had stolen her husband. She’d staged protests in front of the temple and the palace, demanding the eradication of buns. Then, she’d taken matters into her own hands, setting fire to bakeries in an attempt to eliminate buns from existence.

Investigators, looking into the string of bakery fires, had finally caught her red-handed, with a can of oil and matches, in front of a bakery.

That’s when he’d had to take her seriously.

He’d initially ignored her partly out of indifference, but also because she’d been a useful shield.

While he had no intention of marrying her, her existence had been convenient. House Paddington hadn’t pressured him into marriage because of her. He’d intended to use her as a temporary shield, marrying her off to a suitable family before enacting his own plan.

But her madness and obsession had escalated, forcing him to act.

However, banishing her wasn’t easy. While she’d committed arson, the fires had been quickly extinguished, and Duke Paddington had paid for the damages, leaving no grounds for legal action.

He couldn’t banish her for being insane, so while he negotiated with House Paddington, Alicia, having learned that the “bun” was Asha, had become fixated on eliminating him.

Not metaphorically. She was literally sharpening knives.

A maid had fainted after seeing Alicia sharpening a knife against a rock in the garden at dawn. Rubin, finally realizing the severity of the situation, had agreed to her exile.

Not officially banishment, but “confinement for medical treatment” in a remote northern region, with a ban on entering the capital until she recovered.

He’d assumed she was no longer a threat. Her condition wasn’t easily cured, and even if she recovered, her history of mental instability would disqualify her as a potential Empress. He’d been wrong.

Kiel gritted his teeth.

He’d orchestrated the marriages of all eligible women in the capital, including those who could have married Asha, leaving himself with no suitable candidates.

All that remained was the announcement.

And everything would fall into place.

But now, Alicia had returned. Flawless in every aspect except for her mental instability. And she was claiming to be cured. If her recovery was confirmed, the tablet he’d retrieved from House Chester’s basement would be useless.

Public opinion would favor a mentally unstable Empress over a male Empress. Everything he’d worked for would be for nothing.

Rubin Paddington had made a clever move. He didn’t know how Rubin had learned of the tablet, but the timing of Alicia’s return was perfect.

He had to give Rubin credit. It was a brilliant strategy, worthy of his uncle.

But Kiel was always one step ahead. While Alicia was a powerful card, her fate was in Kiel’s hands, not Rubin’s.

And he’d already made his decision. Revenge was the only option.

Seventeen years of resentment…it’s payback time, Rubin Paddington. As Kiel plotted his revenge, a gentle voice startled him.

“Your Majesty?”

“Yes?” He instantly erased his murderous expression and turned around with a smile. Asha, holding a plate piled high with colorful buns, offered it to him.

“Would you like some?”

Kiel, looking at the elaborate buns shaped like deer, rabbits, roses, and birds, smiled at Asha.

“I was just getting hungry. Thank you.”

“It’s dinner time, you must be hungry. What was that about Lady Alicia? Banishment?” Asha, having only overheard snippets of the conversation from behind the human barricade, got straight to the point.

The incidents involving Alicia had occurred during Asha’s absence, so he was unaware of the threat she posed. Kiel, briefly considering explaining the situation, decided it wasn’t necessary. He smiled and said dismissively,

“Alicia was…ill. She was away for treatment.”

“Ah, so she’s recovered now?”

“She claims to be.”

“But why banish someone for being ill?”

“…She hurt people.”

“Oh, that’s not good.” Asha popped a bird-shaped bun into his mouth and offered Kiel a rabbit-shaped one.

Kiel, amused by Asha’s attempt to feed him, opened his mouth, and Asha placed the bun inside.

The bun, filled with sweet, stewed apples instead of red bean paste, was barely a bun at all.

But as long as he called it a bun, it was a bun. He took a bite.

“Delicious.”

“Yes, it is. I just had one with candied chestnuts. It was very sweet. The one with pickled peaches was good too.”

Kiel nodded, pleased with Asha’s review. “The Special Audit Division has finally done something useful.”

“The Special Audit Division? They make buns too?” Asha, munching on a rose-shaped bun, looked at the group of men standing behind Kiel. Kiel smiled and took a bun from Asha’s plate.

“They insisted on making them. They love buns.”

The Special Audit Division glared at him. You have no shame. Asha, however, readily accepted the explanation.

“They’re good cooks. So, if Lady Alicia was away for treatment, she isn’t married yet?”

The sudden change of topic made Kiel pause mid-bite.

Alicia getting married? Preposterous. Which family would marry their son to a woman who set fire to bakeries?

“Not yet. She was ill for a long time.”

“I see…” Asha nodded, and Kiel felt a surge of unease. He couldn’t believe he was even considering this possibility, but knowing Asha…

The rivalry between House Chester and House Paddington was generations old.

House Paddington, having produced numerous Empresses and Prime Ministers, and House Chester, renowned for its High Priests and scholars, had been locked in a power struggle for centuries. Their rivalry had become so ingrained that they opposed each other on principle.

For instance, when Marquis Chester had suggested lowering taxes on minerals, a move that would have benefited the mineral-rich House Paddington, Duke Paddington had vehemently opposed it, simply because it was Marquis Chester’s idea. Kiel had then raised the taxes, much to Duke Paddington’s later dismay.

He’d reportedly spent days agonizing over his losses after returning to his mansion. While the suggestion had actually been Kiel’s, a strategic move to undermine Duke Paddington, the Duke had no recourse.

Given their animosity, a marriage between their children was unthinkable. But Asha, oblivious to the complex political landscape, operated on the principle of “live and let live.”

Kiel, worried, asked cautiously, “Why? Are you interested in Alicia?”

“Just…it’s hard to find eligible ladies my age in noble families.” Alicia was three years younger than Kiel and three years older than Asha. A suitable age for Asha.

“Are you seriously considering it?”

“Well…” Asha trailed off, popping another bun into his mouth.

He was still adorable, even while engaging in bun-on-bun cannibalism, but Kiel felt a familiar urge to wring his neck. Asha had a knack for infuriating him with his innocent comments.

“Oh, there’s mother! I’ll go greet her. You two continue your conversation.” Asha handed Kiel his plate and walked towards Allen and his family.

Kiel, taking the plate, watched Asha walk away and then turned to the Special Audit Division.

He was still smiling, but dark clouds were gathering above his head.

Everyone knew what that meant.

They weren’t sleeping tonight.

* * *

“Mother!” Asha hadn’t seen his mother since she’d visited him two years ago. He rushed over and embraced her.

“Asha, it’s been too long.”

Asha hugged his now-shorter mother tightly, then stepped back and looked around. “Where’s father and brother? And sister-in-law?”

“Your father and brother had to step away for a moment. Neira is catching up with friends. So, how have you…” She looked at Asha’s still-round face and smiled.

“…Been? You’ve gained weight.” She was amused. Most people lost weight when they left home, but not her son. She patted his chubby cheek affectionately.

Asha beamed. “I’ve been lounging around and eating at the palace for three days. His Majesty told them to make me anything I wanted.”

“I’m glad His Majesty is taking good care of you.”

“He always does.”

“Yes, he always has, since you were little. So, when are you coming home?”

“Probably tomorrow?” He planned to stay at the inner palace tonight and pack his belongings tomorrow. Helena nodded.

“That’s probably best. I’d like to take you back with us tonight, but our carriage broke down.”

“Your carriage? What happened?”

“Both rear wheels came off right outside the palace gates. They’re trying to fix it, but I doubt it’ll be ready tonight.”

“Should we ask for an Imperial carriage?”

“It’s alright. We can share a carriage with someone, like we did on the way here.”

“Oh, that’s good. Who was kind enough to offer?”

“Uh…Lady Alicia.”

Asha blinked, surprised. “Lady Alicia?”

“Yes.”

“I should thank her.”

“We should send a gift.” While the relationship between House Chester and House Paddington was strained, Helena held no personal animosity towards them. She found their rivalry rather absurd.

She intended to express her gratitude.

“I’ll thank her when I see her.”

“Good.” As they chatted, a group of older women approached.

They were Helena’s close friends, like aunts to Asha. He greeted them warmly.

“Hello.”

“Asha, it’s been so long! Four years?”

Asha smiled. “Yes, four years since I’ve been in the capital. How have you been?”

“We’re always well. My, you haven’t changed a bit! Just grown taller. I’d recognize you anywhere.” She pinched his cheek, the same chubby cheek Kiel had insisted on preserving. Asha chuckled.

“Everyone says that.”

“It’s a good thing. So, you’re staying in the capital now?”

“Yes.”

“Wonderful! Now you can see your friends and get married.”

“I suppose I should.”

“Yes, you’re all grown up now, Asha.” They still treated him like a child, having known him since he was little. He hadn’t changed much.

As Asha, enjoying the reunion, was about to grab another bun, the conversation abruptly stopped.

An awkward silence hung in the air, and then Helena turned to Asha.

“Asha, why don’t you go greet your friends?”

“Friends?” They’re all working, he thought, then realized she was asking him to excuse himself. Not because he was particularly perceptive, but because his mother had taught him that this was a polite way of asking someone to leave.

“Of course. Please, continue your conversation. I’ll get something to eat and greet my friends.”

“Alright. Your father and Allen will be here soon, so we’ll talk then.”

“Okay.” Asha excused himself and headed towards the bun table, he overheard snippets of their conversation.

“When did Lady Alicia return?”

“I have no idea. I haven’t heard anything.”

“If she’s truly recovered, will the marriage proceed? She’s the only one eligible to marry His Majesty…”

Asha, munching on a bear-shaped bun, felt a sudden pang of…discomfort. Something felt wrong.

He wondered why.