CH 36

Along the wide, meticulously paved cobblestone alleys of the royal capital, a magnificent black carriage sailed. The richly ornamented, gold-plated black carriage was able to draw attention even in one of the continent’s most opulent cities far too easily.

The people who would stop to look at it would have this to say,

“How high one’s status must be to be able to ride in that carriage?”

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Seletina was genuinely impressed as she gazed out the carriage window at the royal capital. A neatly paved cobblestone road. Brick houses with pointed roofs stretching to the sky, standing in a line as if competing with one another. Lamp posts with oil lamps were placed at regular intervals, as though to disperse the darkness.

A cluster of ladies and gentlemen in well-tailored or high-collar attire, something uncommon in the countryside. A constant commotion made the skies appear obscure. A murky but vibrant atmosphere.

Seletina gazed at the city where the hero Orthus was born and raised.

Although it appeared to be unchanged, it was nonetheless somewhat different from the streets Orthus had explored. The city had undoubtedly changed, leaving Orthus behind, even if it was something as simple as an occasional bakery closing or a change in the layout of the shops.

Seletina felt the impermanence of all things, and a tinge of desolation swept through her.

“Seletina, this is your first time in the royal capital, no?”

Yennis, who was sitting next to her, asked.

“It is. Everything is just so new and exciting.”

“The royal capital’s quite fun, isn’t it?”

“It truly is. I’m hoping that at tonight’s party, I won’t get made fun of for being a country girl.” Seletina said with a slight chuckle.

It was difficult to believe she was from this world when she smiled so beautifully while wearing a crimson dress and a bit of makeup.

“Haha. You’ll be fine. You’ve undergone Mother’s hellish training. You’re a lady amongst ladies. Isn’t that right, Mother?”

Yennis asked, however, Melia remained quiet, looking down. She was muttering as if casting a curse while having her gaze fixated on the ground.

“Mother?”

“Huh? Ah! Yes, yes! Seletina will be fine. Surely.”

Melia jolted out of her daze and replied in a rush. Her voice was shaking, and her face was pale. Seletina couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.

“You do not need to worry so much, Mother. I will do well in my debut. Remember, Mother—I went through your education. It’ll be alright. Do not be so worried.”

“Seletina… I know, but still…”

With tears starting to form in her eyes, Melia murmured. Noticing that, Balged stretched out his hand and placed it over Melia’s shoulders, bringing her closer to him.

“Melia, there’s no need to be like this. It will be fine. Seletina is our daughter, after all. We’ve done everything we could have. That’s why I believe it will be fine.”

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Balged wiped Melia’s tears away with his thick finger as he spoke.

After taking one or two slow, deep breaths to regain her composure, the pale-looking Melia softly took Seletina’s hand.

“Seletina, you’ve done well to put up with my education up until now. I truly believe that you’ve done great. I’ve taught you everything you need to know about being a proper lady. So embrace the Spring with your head held high. Deal?”

“Deal. Thank you, Mother.”

Mother and daughter held hands. Melia had a serious expression on her face, whereas Seletina had a sweet smile.

Shouldn’t the roles be reversed?

Balged thought but knew that it was something he should not say aloud.

“Is it just me, or was Mother not worried about my debut?”

“Haha. That’s just what being a man is, Yennis.” Balged laughed1.

The carriage pushed forward towards the Royal Castle.