A Snake’s Life Ch 63

 

I slowly looked around. The banquet hall, which had appeared grand even from afar, now stood before my eyes. I had thought it was large from a distance, but…

The golden, arch-shaped building was a feast for the eyes. Sunlight reflected off the large glass windows, and terraces lined every window. Perhaps thinking of the outside scenery, beautiful flowers had been planted in the garden.

To be honest, I didn’t expect much attention to be given, since Zerpell and I were the protagonists. After all, Zerpell had mentioned that hosting and preparing for such external guests was the empress’s responsibility.

Still, did they place importance on others’ opinions…?

“Shuiren, let’s go in.”

I came to my senses at Zerpell’s voice calling me.

“Alright.”

Only then did I hear the murmurs around me. Behind us, carriages were still lined up in a long row. The nobles were handing their invitations to the knights and entering the banquet hall. All eyes were on Zerpell and me as they glanced sideways at us.

Nobles adorned in extravagant attire were stepping down from their carriages. One young lady froze with one hand clutching her dress, seemingly unable to move despite the knights urging her to disembark, as she was too absorbed in looking our way. Some nobles, without shame, stuck their heads out of the carriage windows to stare.

I’d heard of it, but not to this extent… It was clear that all the true nobles had gathered. Startled by the massive crowd, I clung tightly to one of Zerpell’s arms.

“Are all of these nobles??”

“…Far too many for no reason.”

At his words, a noble who had been glancing at us quickly slipped into the banquet hall, as if to save their own skin. Clearly, Zerpell was a figure of fear among the nobility. Considering how many nobles he had cut down… they had every reason to be cautious.

Startled, I touched my lips with my fingers. Then, remembering what Zerpell had taught me, I straightened my posture. My mouth went dry with nerves. I double-checked the tightly knotted tie. Letting out a small sigh, I smiled and looked up at Zerpell.

“Are you going to show everyone loud and clear?”

Zerpell’s eyes widened slightly at my words, though he said nothing. But the corners of his tightly closed lips lifted slightly. A place where all the nobles gathered, and where the emperor would appear. Perfect for making a statement. I had worked hard for him, after all. I said to him what he always said to me.

“Don’t worry! I’m here! Let’s show them, loud and clear.”

I smiled brightly and gazed into Zerpell’s eyes. I had chosen him. It didn’t matter what others said or who said it. Words could confuse people, but they could also lead them. At my words, Zerpell closed his eyes briefly and opened them again.

“Alright. Let’s do that. Shuiren, don’t leave my side.”

I nodded as I followed closely behind him. It sounded easy, but it certainly wouldn’t be simple. Especially if the emperor and empress appeared. Not to mention, those who were always by our side weren’t here now.

Still, I didn’t think there would be any major problems. That’s the certainty I felt.

As we walked toward the entrance, the knights, upon seeing Zerpell, saluted with disciplined movements and opened the doors. When the doors opened, a dazzling party was in full swing inside. Nobles were chatting and laughing, and a lavish spread of food was laid out in the corners. Soft music played in the background.

A knight, swallowing hard, loudly announced the entrance of Zerpell and me. The gentle music that had been playing came to an abrupt stop.

All the nobles who had been enjoying the banquet and chatting turned their attention to us in an instant. The previous noise vanished, replaced by a silence that echoed with the sound of our footsteps. Nervous, I swallowed hard. Zerpell, hearing that, whispered softly into my ear.

“Just do as you always do.”

“I—I know.”

I was just momentarily overwhelmed by the crowd. My shoulders twitched slightly, but I pressed on, recalling the way he had taught me to walk.

“Is that the Divine Envoy? He’s certainly… beautiful. Truly worthy of the title of the god’s envoy.”

“I heard His Highness purged the corrupt nobles. Some even became fallen nobles.”

“There’s a rumor that he was handed military authority from His Majesty.”

“I’m looking forward to the day of the coronation…”

“But… the outfit, the Divine Envoy’s outfit…”

“What is his relationship with the young lady?”

“Wasn’t there talk of an engagement?”

“Or… could it be that rumor?!”

Various conversations burst out among the nobles. When they brought up our matching outfits, I felt a sudden flush of embarrassment. I had worn this outfit to declare “This person is mine!” but with all the staring, it was a bit much. I also heard talk of some young lady and rumors involving Zerpell, which made me uncomfortable.

“An engagement?? If it’s that young lady… she’s the Duke’s daughter, isn’t she? And what rumor?”

The nobles were whispering about Zerpell and me. If I could hear it, there was no way Zerpell couldn’t. But he walked on silently, as if he hadn’t heard a thing. I, too, kept my gaze forward and walked with resolve like him. As we reached the center of the hall, the music resumed as if there had never been a pause. Naturally, people began to approach us.

“Your Highness, it is an honor. I am…”

“Ahem, Your Highness, I am…”

They each tried to explain their family’s background, their professions, and praise Zerpell’s achievements. Zerpell remained expressionless, giving curt replies. Though it was awkward, the nobles kept smiling. Then, one noble approached me, likely aiming to probe me since he couldn’t get through to Zerpell.

“Divine Envoy, it is an honor to meet you. I am Count Hassen. I heard you’re staying at the palace…”

The noble trying to speak to me faltered under Zerpell’s sharp gaze. Watching his eyes tremble, I couldn’t help but feel a little sorry. Why speak to me in the first place? Other nobles, reading the situation, pretended I was invisible the moment Zerpell positioned himself in front of me.

It wasn’t that they ignored me—rather, it was because Zerpell firmly stood in front of me that no one dared approach. Though I awkwardly stood behind him, I somehow felt at ease.

Zerpell spoke in a warning tone, as if to make himself crystal clear.

“Can you not see?”

It was a statement heavy with meaning. Even nobles who hadn’t spoken but had been listening turned their gazes toward Zerpell and me at those words. Our tailored outfits matched in design. More than that, I wore the royal insignia. With pride, I puffed out my chest and deliberately touched the brooch so everyone could see it clearly. It was undeniable proof.

Count Hassen and the nearby nobles cleared their throats in discomfort. I glanced at Zerpell. He was already looking at me. Seeing my actions, he seemed satisfied, smiling with his eyes. The nearby nobles clearly saw his expression soften.

“His Highness…”

“So the rumors are true…”

Again with the rumors? What rumor, exactly?

I was all ears to the murmuring nobles, but… while I heard many things, I never heard that specific rumor I wanted to hear. Were they avoiding it? Still… all these stares are wearing me down. Worn down!

Zerpell, on the other hand, looked composed. Suddenly, the crowd around us began to scatter. From a distance, Duke Bert approached.

“So this is where everyone had gathered. Your Highness, I didn’t know you’d arrived. Had I known, I would have greeted you first.”

“Don’t worry about it.”

“How could I not worry as your vassal? Divine Envoy, it’s been a while.”

I gave a small nod to the Duke who greeted me. The nobles, seeing Zerpell and the Duke together, beamed with interest before scattering awkwardly.

“Annoying bunch.”

“That’s today’s nobility for you. That aside, the two of you are very well matched in attire.”

I smiled awkwardly and avoided the Duke’s gaze, but Zerpell raised the corners of his mouth in satisfaction.

“Is that so.”

The Duke furrowed his brow and looked at me with a thoughtful expression. Before I could ask what was on his mind, Zerpell cut in.

“Has the Emperor not arrived yet?”

“No, not yet.”

“I expected as much. There’s also the possibility he won’t come.”

“Your Highness, I heard about the recent matter. As expected…”

Zerpell raised a hand to silence the Duke. I stood beside him, listening in a daze. The Duke glanced at me and withdrew, as if understanding.

“Why? It’s fine if I hear it.”

“It’s something that would make you uncomfortable.”

He smiled as he patted my head. His words drew a subtle line, and though it stung a bit, I knew it came from a place of care. And since it involved political matters… there wouldn’t have been much I could contribute anyway…

“Ah, it seems he’s speaking with others for the moment. Please wait a little.”

The Duke left to fetch the young lady. I asked Zerpell about the connection between the young lady mentioned earlier and him. Her relationship with him had started to bother me a bit.

“The young lady… the Duke’s daughter? Why her?”

“She’s someone I want to introduce to you. You don’t have anyone to protect you here. As much as I don’t want to let you out of my sight, I must prepare for potential threats. She’s decent, from what I’ve seen.”

That was high praise coming from Zerpell. I couldn’t recall him ever saying anything stronger than “decent.” My heart started to beat anxiously. Probably because I’d heard the word “engagement” earlier… No, it couldn’t be. As we waited, a commotion arose and the Duke returned with the young lady.

My eyes widened. A brief hush fell over the crowd as everyone was captivated by her beauty. She walked with a graceful smile like a blooming flower, her steps elegant like a crane’s.