This doesn't make sense.
Olivia's lips slightly parted. The Emperor stretched his arms towards the knights.
The man Olivia knew saluted the Emperor as if representing the knights.
"Praise to the sun of the Empire. Edwin Lowell Vicander. I am honored to meet Your Majesty."
"My proud knights have finally arrived. It's a banquet for you; how could you be so late?"
With the Emperor's biting words, the man, the Duke, calmly replied.
"I apologize. I couldn't use a regular sword for the oath you are administering, so I brought the treasure, Airlaruten, from Vicander territory."
The Duke pointed to his scabbard. At his magnificent voice spreading in the banquet hall, people were momentarily speechless and then became noisy.
"Is that the sword? The treasure that has been passed down through the ruined Lowell Royal family?"
"You coveted that sword so much. You'd give up your treasured crystal mine, but wouldn't get that cheaply?"
"But, what oath is Your Majesty administering? Wasn't this a victory celebration for the war?"
Questions mixed with confusion arose. The Emperor grinned widely and laughed heartily.
"Hahaha. Yes. Surely, a knight deserves a lady to whom I can bestow glory. I'm pleased that my Duke is meeting a worthy lady today, so I will grant a wish."
A wish granted by the Emperor! There was a commotion at one side of the banquet hall, but the Duke's face was impassive.
The Emperor subtly winked at the Empress.
At that moment, everyone understood. Ultimately, the purpose of this banquet was to bring the Duke into the royal fold.
The Emperor laughed uproariously.
"What joyful news this is. Our Duke, who protects the Franz Empire, will finally make a knight's oath to a lady. Now, Duke, take your oath."
The Empress, dressed in a pure white dress, was suddenly holding a large bouquet. The moment she turned toward the Duke, who was receiving all the knights' honor at every knighting ceremony.
The Duke turned his body. And as if looking for someone, he scanned the surroundings. The moment his eyes met Olivia's, the Duke's eyes widened.
Olivia stepped back. But the Duke was faster.
As the Duke walked, the nobles made way. At the end, there was Olivia.
"Olivia Madelreine, princess."
His enchanting voice called Olivia's name. The Duke gracefully knelt in front of Olivia with one knee.
"It's an honor to reveal my name. I am Edwin Lowell Vicander."
Breaking from his usual expressionless demeanor when addressing the Emperor, his elegant eyes sparkled mischievously. His lips curved upward as a stifled gasp sounded somewhere.
"Joining sword and jewel, the 'only' most precious sword on the continent."
Only Olivia and the Duke understood the bragging meaning of those words.
"Would you please grant me the honor to become your sword?"
The banquet hall was as quiet as if a bucket of cold water had been thrown. Olivia looked at the Duke.
A man with a stunning face filled with spring- like warmth, his red eyes looking up at Olivia.
It was strange.
YOU ARE READING
Regret With All Your Might
Romance*Content Introduction* I loved with all I had. My family ignored me, my fiancé didn't love me. 'Love conquers all' - my mother was wrong. The painful truth dawned after fourteen years of unrequited love. Wanting to escape somewhere, at the victory b...
