The Girl Raised by the Death God Holds the Sword of Darkness in Her Arms - Volume 3 - Chapter 5.4

IV

The white walls of Leticia Castle glowed enchantingly as the light of the moon reached them. In the great hall, the banquet for the Royal Army’s victory was underway, the space packed with officers, influential nobles, and other guests. When Olivia stepped into their midst, all eyes turned to her. She wore a stunning scarlet gown and her silver hair had been coiled and done up. Her only other adornments were a hair ornament patterned with red leaves and a dash of rouge on her lips. This was enough, however—even Claudia, who saw her every day, was rendered speechless by her beauty.

Voices floated over from the crowd. “How sublime. Like an image of the Goddess Strecia.”

“That’s the Death God who’s been terrorizing the Imperial Army? You can’t be serious.”

“If only I were a little younger... I wonder if she’d marry my son instead.”

Several of the men standing nearby were so captivated by her that they dropped their goblets, their drinks spilling all over the floor. To everyone’s astonishment, some even heard the daughter of the eminent and renowned House of Haksburg admit “how fearfully beautiful she is,” as she stared in dismay at Olivia.

While the guests stood captivated by her for all their myriad reasons, Olivia’s eyes found the immense and unmissable confection that took pride of place on the banquet table. Her jaw dropped open.

“C-Claudia!” She grabbed the other girl’s shoulder and shook her. “I don’t believe it! It’s like a tower! A cake like a tower! I’ve never seen anything like it, even in a picture book!”

The other recent arrivals were just as dumbfounded by the towering cake. Claudia had heard about Olivia’s audience with the king, but it seemed he had far exceeded her expectations.

Well, it was a promise from the king himself. Of course he wouldn’t do it halfway... Claudia thought. Still, this seems like a bit much.

The chefs royale must have pulled out all the stops to create it. Claudia had never seen such an enormous cake. I can understand Olivia’s excitement, she thought, staring up at the cake with a mix of exasperation and amazement.

Just then, there was a voice from behind them. “Judging by your demeanor, it measures up to your standards, Major Olivia.”

“Oh, Lord Cornelius! Your beard’s looking bushy as usual,” Olivia said, burying her hands in it. For a moment, Claudia was so shocked that all she thought was how soft it looked. Cornelius, for his part, didn’t reprimand Olivia. On the contrary, he surrendered a smile to her. Coming to, Claudia hurriedly grabbed Olivia by the shoulders and yanked her back.

“Major! It’s rude to stroke the lord marshal’s beard like that!”

Olivia looked at her, puzzled. “How can I do it politely then?”

“That is not what I mean! This is the lord marshal! You should address him with the proper degree of respect!”

“I don’t mind,” Cornelius chimed in. “Tonight is a banquet. You ought to relax and enjoy yourself as well, Lieutenant Claudia.”

“Yes, ser! I am grateful for your consideration!” She instinctively went to salute, then quickly corrected herself, lightly plucking at her gown to curtsy. When she was in a dress, she had to comport herself like a lady. Claudia’s own gown was midnight blue, with a bold pattern of stunning embroidered flowers that stretched from her waist right down to the hem. She was very proud of it, though putting it on today for the first time in a long while, she found it ever so slightly constricting around her middle.

I’m not getting fat, she told herself. I’ve just put on more muscle. 

Meanwhile, Cornelius turned to Olivia, who was staring up at the cake. “This cake is for you, Major. You needn’t restrain yourself—enjoy it.”

Olivia laughed a little sheepishly, then patted her stomach. “I’ll eat as much as I can fit in!”

Cornelius gave her a kindly pat on the head, then walked slowly away. Several nobles stood waiting for him, smiles plastered on their faces. Now that the Invincible General had proved he was as vigorous as ever, they probably hoped to win his acquaintance.

Even the lord marshal doesn’t have it easy, Claudia thought. Victory celebrations like tonight, balls, and dinner parties—so often, it was events like these where the hierarchies of power amongst the nobility were decided. As such, everyone came clutching their own agendas, some grand, some petty. If you drew back the curtain on all the glamour, noble society was constantly engaged in games of power.

“All right, I’m digging in!” Olivia, indifferent to the ulterior motives of nobles, cheerfully stabbed a fork into the cake and, just like that, began wolfing it down. A maid standing behind her stared in helpless dismay.

She’s eating like that again... It’s like she doesn’t even care about everyone watching her.

Under normal circumstances, this was where Claudia would correct Olivia’s bad manners. But the enormous cake had been made for Olivia, and besides, they were at a banquet. She didn’t want to nag Olivia so much she spoiled her fun.

I shouldn’t say anything today. She decided to turn a blind eye to it.

“This is absolutely delicious! Claudia, hurry up and try it!” Olivia already had cream smeared all around her mouth as she beamed at Claudia.

“Yes, I think I will have a small piece,” Claudia said. Almost before she was finished, the maid, as if to remind them why she was there, cut her a slice and held it out to her. Forcing a smile, Claudia took a bite.

Oh, that’s good. In fact, it’s too good. The chefs royale had outdone themselves. She couldn’t think of a single flaw. This is dangerous stuff. Everyone might say this is what your dessert stomach is for, but I’d better be careful not to eat too much.

She chatted to Olivia for a time, all the while uncomfortably aware of her waistline, until she heard several peals of happy laughter from behind them. Not thinking much of it, she turned and saw a gaggle of young noblewomen gathered around a man with flaxen hair. He had pleasing features and smiled charmingly at everyone.

He’s very popular. But I haven’t seen his face before. I wonder who his family is. As she absently watched the man, he seemed to notice her gaze. Brushing off the young women who tried to keep him from leaving, he made his way toward her.

“My, my...” he said. “Rarely do I see a lady so radiantly beautiful, yet also so valiant. Will you do me the honor of allowing me to kiss your hand?”

This barrage of flattery set Claudia’s teeth on edge. He knelt gallantly before her. Any other woman might have blushed, but not Claudia. It was plain the man had experience doing this routine with women, and she was not favorably impressed. Still, there was no allowing a breach of etiquette, so she couldn’t turn him away out of hand.

I suppose I have to... she thought as she held her right hand out to the man. This drew shrill cries and daggerlike stares from the noblewomen, which made her smile despite herself. Compared to the people who really tried to murder her on the battlefield, they were positively adorable. The man didn’t pay them any mind. He gracefully took her hand, then lightly pressed it to his lips. Standing up, he smiled at her, revealing pearly white teeth.

“There can be no one happier than I at this moment.”

Claudia felt an icy chill race down her spine. She couldn’t help her face stiffening as she replied, “Y-You’re too kind.” She’d just flunked out as a lady. If Lise Prussie were here, Claudia had no doubt she’d have teased her about it. If they were here as knights rather than as ladies, she might have even punched Lise in return.

The man seemed to misunderstand her reaction. He shook his head as though he found it lamentable. “You ought to be more fully aware of the power your beauty holds. How many men, I wonder, have been ensnared in your labyrinth of love?”

“Oh. I’ll try a little harder,” Claudia replied absently to the man’s ridiculous advice. Apparently, he’d interpreted her earlier attitude as a lack of confidence.

He’s silly as a goose, even though he’s built like a soldier, from the look of him. I just can’t stand frivolous men. Even Ashton would be better. Ashton’s face, in which she’d lately caught the occasional glimpse of rugged good looks, floated across her mind. Right now he was probably tucking into dinner at the Ashcrow Inn.

“Is the lady enjoying her dinner behind you your companion?” the man asked.

“Well, yes...”

“Might I trouble you for an introduction?” He was smiling, but to Claudia’s puzzlement, she caught a brief flash of something like wariness in his eyes.

“Yes, I don’t mind...” she replied. “Major Olivia?” she called hesitantly.

The fork in Olivia’s hand came to an abrupt halt, and she turned toward them. She looked like a squirrel stuffing its cheeks with food for the coming winter. Beside her, the maid looked down, her shoulders quivering.

“Major, when were you planning on telling me you’d become a squirrel? The cake isn’t going to run away. Swallow what’s in your mouth, please.”

Olivia nodded quickly, her jaw moving at incredible speed. She looked exactly like a squirrel. The man stared at her in utter astonishment.

“Okay, I’m done!” Olivia announced. “Who’s this?”

Claudia remembered she still hadn’t asked the man his name, another error that would disqualify her as a proper lady. No doubt her mother, Elizabeth, would scold her if she ever found out. It would be followed, Claudia had no trouble imagining, by an hour-long lecture. Although in this case, her companion was just as culpable for failing to introduce himself.

He stepped forward at once. “My name is Joshua Rikhart. And how beautiful you are! As if all the beauty in existence were given human form. Next to you, even the brightest gemstones would seem dull.”

“I’m Olivia Valedstorm,” Olivia replied. “I’m not really sure what you’re talking about, but if that’s all, can I go? There’s lots of other food I want to try besides cake.” She looked over at the table laden with dishes as she spoke. Just then, the chamber musicians who sat in the highest space in the hall began to play Pettecurica, a classic Fernest song.

Cornelius took the hand of a noble lady and led her out to the center of the dance floor. Custom dictated that the person with the highest rank opened the dancing. Other couples followed them, stepping gracefully to the music.

“Lady Olivia, would you do me the honor of a dance?” Joshua put one hand to his breast as he held out the other with perfect elegance.

Olivia screwed up her face as though there could be no greater nuisance and said, “I don’t have time to dance. Weren’t you listening? I’ve got loads to eat.” She turned away from him with a huff. Joshua was left with his hand still outstretched, looking bewildered.

Claudia, who couldn’t help but feel sorry for him, whispered, “Major, unless you have a proper reason, it’s terrible manners to turn down a dance. You’re disgracing your partner.”

“But I just gave a proper reason.”

“That isn’t a reason. They’re going to bring out plenty more tasty food. Now hurry up, everyone’s watching.”

At some point, a great number of people had stopped to watch Olivia and Joshua. From the outside, they probably looked like the perfect couple. All the young noblewomen were stricken, while the men hung their heads in disappointment.

“Oh... But once the dancing is over, I can eat, right?” Olivia asked, worry in her eyes. Claudia nodded firmly to reassure her.

“Of course you can. You can eat as much as you like.”

“Okay, a quick dance then.” Olivia grabbed Joshua’s hand unceremoniously. With an awkward smile, he led her off toward the dance floor.

Oh, my... At first, Olivia and Joshua had been just another couple amongst the other elegant dancers, but now they were the only ones left on the dance floor. Everyone else watched them, speechless. As well they might. What Olivia and Joshua were doing was less dancing than—

They move like they’re dueling, Claudia thought. But how do they manage to still look so beautiful?

It was as though Olivia and Joshua were reading and reacting to their partner’s every move. Their footwork was precise and fluid as they traveled up, down, and across the hall. Olivia’s scarlet dress twirled spectacularly with every graceful pirouette. Claudia realized the music had grown wilder. They were playing The Erlking’s Caprice, a piece about a fairy king who urged the hero to chase after an impossible romance. Looking at the musicians, she saw their brows were damp with sweat as they played on with desperate intensity. It was as though they too were caught up in Olivia and Joshua’s dance.

At last, as Joshua drew Olivia into an embrace, the piece came to an end. There was a moment of stillness, then the room broke out in thunderous applause for the couple. The musicians slumped back in their chairs, exhausted.

“Lady Olivia, I had a truly wonderful time with you. Allow me to once more express my gratitude.” Joshua bowed deeply.

“I actually had fun too,” Olivia replied.

“I am glad to hear it. I’m sure we shall meet again, but for tonight, I must take my leave.”

“You won’t stay for the feast?”

“What I’ve already received this evening is far better than any feast,” Joshua said, smiling. Then, bidding farewell to the young ladies who crowded around him, he left the hall. Claudia came over to join Olivia as she watched him leave.

“Who is he? At first, I thought he was just an empty-headed fool, but now...” Claudia hadn’t missed that, beneath his graceful movements, Joshua had an edge to him like a freshly sharpened knife. Olivia must have felt it too. The only other person who looked like they might have noticed something was Cornelius, who was stroking his beard.

“I don’t know. He didn’t seem like a rat, though.”

“A rat...” Claudia’s eyes widened. “It can’t be!”

Olivia only smiled thinly at her, before heading for the feast table.