The Azure Knight

Chapter 22

Ten days had passed since the snow fell. The preparation of the winter festival was almost completed now, even though almost all of their works was destroyed by a blizzard three days ago. It seemed like the God of Winter was in a bad mood for this year festival. Luckily, the damage was not severe. The citizens could continue their work as usual and with the help from many parties, it could be finished tonight.

Keichi was leaning his back towards the wall. He decided to rest there for a while after being forced to work like a slave. Well, he never had to work like this before and yet Sera gave it to him.

"You are too weak, Keichi. "Alexei mocked him.

"I can't help it! How can I be able to stand after lifted such a heavy timber?"

"You should exercise more, old man."

"Tch... you dare to call me an old man. I wonder why are you always good at insulting other people?"

"Insult is my middle name. That's why." Alexei said while grinning. He couldn't help himself to stop mocking his senior's husband.

"Alexei! Get back to work!"

That command made him moved already while grumbling. It was Seraphine who yelled at him.

"Aren't they look cute together?" Chisa said. She just arrived.

"Here." She handed him a bottle of water.

"Aren't they tired of fighting each other?" Keichi said after drank.

Chisa chuckled. "Maybe." She said. "You look tired. It's not because of those logs, right? My Keichi couldn't easily get tired after bringing something heavy like it."

"The Queen's letter." He said. "It makes me worry. Queen Michaela said that the army that she sent will arrive today, but until now, I haven't received any further information."

Keichi sighed. "The festival will start tomorrow."

He gazed at the north sky. There were many heavy clouds there. Storm clouds. "I'm afraid that they will arrive late."

***

"Lady Ignacia? Is that you?"

Reiji Clairvoyant* approached a middle-aged woman when he was visiting a fruit stall at the Queen's party. The winter festival had just begun inside the castle. Apparently at the outside too.

"Yes? And who are you?" Lorraine said politely to the man. She couldn't remember who he was. Her head got a sudden pain as if it was a warn to not remember him.

"It's been so long. I knew you wouldn't recognize me. Let me introduce myself once more. My name is Reiji Clairvoyant. I used to come to your house to foretell your future."

Memories burst out inside her mind. What painful memories they were, but she must bear it for now.

"Ah... Mr. Clairvoyant. Have you gained some weight? I didn't recognize you at all." She said while thinking about how to escape from this man.

Reiji laughed. "The food at the Jade Nation is really good. That's why I become fatter."

"You should have a wife from there. They must be good at cooking."

"You are right, my lady. Well, enough from me. What about yourself? I heard that Lord Ignacia had become the highest military commander."

Lorraine smiled. Still acting politely. "Yes, he is."

"What about your children? Seraphine has turn into a beautiful young lady, I guess."

"I guess she is."