Home/I confined you, but I have no ill will/ch 91

91.

Unknown seemed to be hurtling toward death—foolish, yet strangely radiant. Those who burn their lives for a purpose always leave an impression. Ibelin wondered if she'd ever strived with such intensity.

I have!

Starting with kidnapping Kite to save him—that was a life-risking act. Every informant she'd visited had called her crazy, and her heart had pounded while confining him. Though incomparable to Unknown's life, it was a huge event for her.

"It was really insane, wasn't it?"

At the time, she'd just lost her grandfather and focused on honoring his words. The pain of loss had clouded her judgment—and now she heard he was alive.

Her lips trembled—joy, but not purely. Resentment and anger rose too. She calmed down. They'd reach the capital soon—but not immediately.

Before entering, the Emperor's messenger arrived with orders.

"His Majesty desires a triumphal parade. Archduke Gracias, who has rendered inestimable service, shall enter the capital with his fiancée, Lady Ibelin, in glorious triumph."

I wish you'd left my name out. As if reading her mind, Kite said.

"No—you're my acknowledged fiancée now."

They hadn't even had an engagement ceremony, yet she was already acknowledged. She swallowed a sigh and nodded. He tilted his head.

"Strange."

"What?"

"You're not objecting more—I thought you'd protest."

The old Ibelin would have. Standing before crowds, waving, smiling, receiving praise—it wasn't her nature. But she had to.

"These things will happen more often—I need to get used to it."

Since she and Kite had come to an understanding and promised a future, she'd adapt. The Empire's strongest swordsman wouldn't stay cooped up—and as she'd seen in the papers, he was constantly causing incidents. Being controversial and admired wherever he went, she'd have to adapt.

Kite understood. After opening his mouth a few times, he swept her into his arms.

"I love you."

He whispered embarrassing words in her ear.

"Wait—!"

Others were present—what was he doing? She looked around; the Emperor's man wore an odd expression, but the others looked pleased. Only she was embarrassed, covering her flushed face.

That was a few days before the parade.

---

The parade day was busy. She wore a dress bestowed by Emperor Leonhardt and was surrounded by maids—even busier than at the banquet.

There's always a higher sky!

The palace maids were more skilled than House Gracias's. They'd been at her since dawn, and by the time they finished, she looked like another person.

In the mirror stood a woman in a pale yellow dress, radiating charm—she'd never looked so pretty.

"Is this my face?"

Surprised, she said it aloud—the maids laughed softly, but not mockingly. She laughed too.

She presented herself to Kite.

"Wow."

At his admiration, the man beside him rubbed his forehead wearily.

"Don't use such vulgar words."

It was Chancellor Jegro, sent for the occasion. He usually wouldn't attend such events, but this was a rare triumph, centered on Kite—he'd been uneasy about it.

"My fiancée is too beautiful and cute."

"Please—maintain dignity befitting a duke! My hair is thinning because of your deeds!"

"That's unfortunate—I'll send some hair tonic."

"I'm already taking it."

Another victim of Kite—and the Chancellor, no less.

Jegro explained the procedure again. It wasn't difficult—they'd been briefed days ago and had memorized it together.

"You've memorized it?"

Jegro asked skeptically—Kite nodded.

"Yes."

"Really?"

"We memorized it together."

"I'll trust you. No impromptu acts."

"Chancellor—when did you become such a worrier?"

"Since you arrived in the capital."

He rolled up the parchment.

"Then let's move."

An open carriage—a white carriage drawn by six white horses, decorated with fresh flowers and jewels.

Kite helped Ibelin aboard, then joined her. Ahead, a military band; behind, House Gracias's knights and squires.

Creak—

The great city gate opened. Usually, only the smaller gate was used—large enough for two carriages, but still.

"It's huge."

She gasped at the slowly opening gate.

"In wartime, the smaller gate wouldn't suffice. Triumphs rarely open the main gate—His Majesty must think highly of us."

Or he wanted it to seem that way. Probably the latter—a warning to Draven and a sign of trust in Kite.

"Raised a fine nephew."

He smiled.

Thud—

The gate opened, and the procession entered. Citizens poured out to see the hero.

"Did he really achieve great things?"

"He was the hero of the northern war."

"Though he's been quiet lately—he's still great."

"Thanks to his fiancée? He seems calmer with her."

"Stop talking and throw the flowers!"

Countless voices.

"Long live Pabeln!"

"Long live our great Empire!"

"Archduke Gracias returns in triumph!"

Amid the deafening cheers, Ibelin waved—so nervous she might faint. She'd rather fight a grizzly barehanded. Then she spotted a familiar face.

Unknown!

He was among the crowd, watching her. She grabbed Kite's arm to tell him—but before she could speak, Unknown vanished. She looked around—gone.

She hesitated, then stayed silent. She'd tell Kite after the parade.

They traveled the long route and reached the palace—where Emperor Leonhardt awaited.

"Welcome, Archduke Gracias."

He praised Kite's achievements and promised rewards—treasure, land, shares of northern profits—all became theirs.

The morning parade ended only at dusk.

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