North x Northwest

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Side Story 4 – Liloa’s Chapter 2: Mortu’s Castle

Mireille also kissed the back of Liloa’s hand before introducing himself as a merchant, hence explaining why his appearance looked better than that of Robero, who developed a thick physique on the battlefield. He then smiled skilfully and charmingly. Liloa, who knew what it meant, calmly withdrew her hand.

Robero observed Liloa facing the duke, whereas Annette seemed to be observing not only Liloa but also Robero.

Annette spoke while she fanned herself.

“René, be careful. Liloa is a very virtuous child. She was educated following Obernyu tradition, so do not do anything that will shake her heart.”

But seeing Mireille’s eyes, he seemed to have taken it as a challenge rather than a warning. It wasn’t just Liloa who noticed it though, given that the formal smile had disappeared from Robero’s face. As if he didn’t seem to be impressed by the remark, Mireille sat across from Liloa and looked straight at her.

“Have I been rude?”

“No.”

“I was just wondering because you did not smile. I think you will be even more beautiful if you smile, but your face barely shows any emotion.”

Robero, who had been watching the two anxiously, intervened.

“It is very rare to see Liloa smile. But you are not alone in this, every man in court is anxious to see the lady’s smile, do they not?”

“I laugh every day. Do not embarrass me, Robero.”

“No, I have heard the rumour, Miss. You are already known for having a cold expression on your face. Actually, I can name more than a few gentlemen who got their hearts broken because of you.”

Annette narrowed her eyes as she smiled.

“Why, the siblings are the same. Venua was also very cold-hearted, making many ladies cry… Well, the same was true for Joseph. He had an introversion and politeness that could not be matched by a Sesbron man. At the time, I understood Henrietta’s courageous choice.”

“What is wrong with us Sesbron men?”

The two Sesbron men laughed heartily. In particular, Mireille seemed to be convinced of his own charm and even enjoyed the leisure of glancing at Liloa while he was smiling.

Picking up some glasses of wine from the tray held out by the servant, Robero held one out to Liloa while taking a sip himself.

“Are Venua and Marguerite doing well?”

Liloa answered formally.

“Yes, they are. And they asked me to convey their regards to you.”

“I hope we can meet Venua soon. Since His Majesty and Joseph I are cold, we, as their descendants, should be able to come to an agreement. His Majesty cares about Venua just as much as he cares about you, so it would be good if Venua would put in a little more effort to meet us in the middle.”

Liloa, who was about to take a sip, froze.

“Because of the establishment of the Karabinae?”

“Did you hear about that?”

“Yes. Are you going to command the Karabinae yourself?”

“I am working hard to bring it under my command. I have put it into practice a few times as a way of testing it, and it is very effective. I am planning to add it to the regiment officially. And as word has spread, many young people are already in training.”

Annette elaborated, showing that she knew about the situation in the military.

“Because the unit will be assigned directly under Robero, the competition is fierce. It is nothing short of a guaranteed path to success.”

Liloa nodded her head.

‘Gaining honour in battle guarantees a rise in one’s status. And of course, it’s different from those who buy titles or earn wealth through commerce.’

While thinking that, Liloa looked at Mireille.

‘He must’ve known that he would be ostracised by Sesbron, but he seems somewhat admirable for boldly jumping into business.’

“Second and third sons of prestigious families are jumping in on the opportunity. Thanks to this, LeBrun’s military attaché is revitalised.”

“Of course, it is still not as good as the Navy.”

The Navy, which paved the way for new opportunities in unfamiliar continents and seas, was regarded as the most profitable. When the topic of the Navy came up, Mireille spoke with a kind smile.

“Your Highness, are you going to participate in a naval battle someday?”

“If I have the chance.”

Annette and Mireille laughed out loud at Robero’s confident answer, but Liloa was thinking about something else. When Robero met her curious gaze, she suddenly spoke.

“I’m curious about that place.”

Robero asked without even trying to hide his surprise.

“Are you curious about Lebrun?”

“Yes.”

Mireille shook his head, thinking Liloa must be mistaken.

“Miss, LeBrun is a military school. A military school’s purpose is to train officers.”

“I know.”

Mireille quickly lowered his head at her firm answer.

“Forgive me. I thought you might have misunderstood because you were interested in a place that does not suit your position at all.”

‘He is quick-witted and quick to react, but still, I don’t like how he treats me as if I’m clueless.’

“Is there anybody in the Empire who doesn’t know what kind of place LeBrun is?”

“Haha. I made a slip of the tongue. So, are you curious what the officers being trained there look like?”

“Liloa. I praised your modesty just a little while ago. How can this be?”

Contrary to Annette flapping her fan in embarrassment, Robero wanted to make a good impression on Liloa, so he took her with him to LeBrun. Naturally, Robero’s close friend Mireille followed, and to keep up appearances, Annette also tagged along.

***

It was a day with fleecy clouds covering the sky.

Liloa was initially out on the road riding Koud Bhan when she entered the carriage, unable to overcome Annette’s torch of boredom.

Annette laughed mischievously as soon as Liloa sat opposite.

“Liloa, you sneaky little lady. What are you up to? I know you have other ideas.”

“What do you mean?”

“You do not like the Sesbron gentlemen who are dressed up to the fullest, do you?”

“What?”

“Well, they do look nice, but I see your point, they may appear weak. Then, I guess your taste leans towards the valiant men, like soldiers or officers, hmm?”

“…”

“It is okay. This is Sesbron. Unlike Obernyu, you can talk freely.”

Liloa agonised for a moment.

‘I don’t know what she wants me to say so freely. Can I tell her that carriages are boring and that I actually want to ride Koud Bhan?’

“Robero is very excited because he thinks you like strong men.”

“…”

Robero, a general with outstanding military skills, was also the commander of the ongoing Pontenbach War. Even though he was a member of the royal family, he was popular among officers because he was a person who knew compromises. As the war continued for several years, he stayed in the capital to raise a new army, and during that time, there wasn’t a fool in Sesbron who didn’t know what it meant for him to see Liloa so often.

“René, on the other hand, seems to be quite upset.”

“Why would the Duke of Mireille…”contemporary romance

“Oh, what are you pretending not to know?”

Liloa let out an audible sigh of her own.

“I do not know why everything I say and do ends up being implied. When I say things, I do not have men or relationships in mind.”

Annette, who was coughing lightly behind the fan, narrowed her eyes.

“Hmm, how old are you?”

“I’m turning fifteen soon.”

“You’re still young. How cute. But you’ll soon find out what a blessing it is to have attractive men competing to woo you. Especially, knowing that there are noble children out there who need to raise their dowry significantly to barely get one marriage proposal.”

Liloa, not smiling at all, turned her head out of the window. But even as she looked away, she could still see Annette’s high wig whipping about on the ceiling of the carriage.

Meanwhile, the Duke of Mireille adjusted his horse’s head and approached the carriage.

As the carriage turned left, bright sunlight came in. Liloa frowned, prompting Mireille to raise his hand to form a shade beyond the window. It was a kind act, but it felt somewhat contrived and made Liloa rather uncomfortable.

The coachman soon announced their arrival.

“This is LeBrun.”

The moment Annette folded her fan, the maid next to her quickly gave her a handheld mirror and powder. The maid next to Liloa did the same. Believing without a doubt that Liloa was going to choose a husband, the girls worked even harder than usual on her makeup.

Liloa got off the carriage and smelled the air in the yard.

‘The smell of grass… nothing special…’

Liloa couldn’t appreciate it as much. As if waiting for her, Koud Bhan approached and started showing off its charm. Out of habit, Liloa’s hand stroked her horse’s mane.

Because of the weather being clear and nice, the group transferred to an open carriage and took a wide tour of the Naval Attaché building. Everywhere they went, Robero would kindly provide explanations about this and that.

“The Navy often vacates LeBrun because it mainly trains on the Anatole Sea or the Risch River.”

Annette, who was watching the naval cadets training, opened her eyes wide.

“Oh my, speaking of the Navy, is Sir Edgar here by any chance?”

– – – – –

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