The Abandoned Empress Will Not Return

“I don’t want Rodelia to get hurt.”

 

In fact, he knew that Bruce was acting as he wanted.
It wasn’t too long ago when Bruce had stopped him from telling Rodelia the truth.

 

However, he [Bruce] knew that he had noticed, so he just kept watching because he [Cerdian] didn’t think that he would move hastily.
He never thought that he would make it obvious even to the Green sisters.

 

He, of course, also supported Bruce’s way.
But that was before he had gotten to know Rodelia.
He would never want to do it that way now.

 

He didn’t think he would have the confidence to receive her cold gaze….
But this was also something that cannot be delayed forever.
If she refuses to comply, he would have to find another way sooner or later.

 

Cerdian, frowning, beckoned the Green sisters to come closer.

 

“So, go and visit the Kirkel clan.
Bruce shouldn’t find out.”

 

“If it’s the Kirkel clan….”

 

They were gypsies who knew everything that has happened since the beginning of time.
They were known to have been exterminated by the Howard family but there must be some survivors among them.
They must be found.

 

Cerdian spoke coldly.

 

“You have to find them no matter what.”

 

 *

 

Before Rodelia went out, she approached the window and looked at the streets.

 

The festival in Luvenia was completely different from the ones in Thebes.
The streets were crowded with many street vendors and at a glance, free-spirited performances in the square were in full swing.

 

Rodelia, who had a big smile on her face, turned her body and approached the closet.
While struggling trying to figure out which dress she should wear, she immediately picked up a light green dress with a design that was the most comfortable to move around in.

 

How is she this excited? How long has it been since she had smiled brightly like a child?

 

The smile on her lips never faded.
Rodelia wore the green dress, tied her hair up in a ponytail, and put on comfortable shoes before leaving the room.
She did not forget to take the money that the Green sisters had given her to enjoy the festival.

 

She had relaxed her face for a while in her excitement.
Rodelia, slamming the door open and finding Cerdian waiting for her in the front door, gasped for breath.

 

“Cerdian…!”

 

A tone of voice higher than usual, flushed cheeks, eyes full of vitality and exaggerated gestures….
A coy smile spread across Cerdian’s face when he saw Rodelia’s unexpected appearance.

 

“I didn’t know you would like the festival so much.
If I had known it would be like this, I would have asked to go earlier.”

 

“No, that….
By the way, the color of your hair has changed?”

 

Rodelia hurriedly changed the subject.
The hair that was like a gift was gone and red hair that matched the color of his eyes swayed instead.

 

“Since it’s a festival, I thought it would be difficult if many people recognized me.
Is it strange?”

 

Cerdian asked, sweeping up his red hair with a shy face.
The slightly rebellious look made her feel a different charm than usual.

 

“No, it suits you well.”

 

“Thank you.
More than that, I feel terrible and I’m sorry that I didn’t take good care of you after bringing you here.”

 

“Why does that matter? I’m just happy that I am now in Luvenia.”

 

Rodelia’s cheerful voice tickled Cerdian’s ears.
Her brightly shining appearance was so beautiful that anyone could be bewitched.
Cerdian held out his hand to her, not even knowing he was smiling.

 

“Then I’m glad.”

 

 She lowered her eyes and looked at his hand and took it.

 

 * 

 

Her gliding footsteps brightened up the streets.
Cerdian slowly followed Rodelia and captured her excitement.

 

‘Are you naturally this bright?’

 

He had never seen her shine so brightly.
The only Rodelia he had seen was one who pretended to be lofty, maintained an expressionless face and had a timid figure, and if that wasn’t the case, she looked hurt or shed tears.

 

But….

 

He was angry at those who made such a dazzling person so broken.
What the hell did the Marquis of Florence Kane Bayard do to this woman?

 

As Cerdian hardened his expression, Rodelia flexibly turned her body to stare at him.

 

“I really like Luvenia.”

 

“I’ve set aside time for today, so it’s okay to do everything you want to do.”

 

“Really?”

 

Cerdian nodded his head slowly and Rodelia smiled like a child and moved with light steps.

 

She really liked Luvenia’s festivals.

 

The dense fog between the towering mountain ranges seemed to protect her and the charming village it spread out to also made her heart pound.

 

Rodelia quickened her pace, shifting her gaze from place to place.

 

The streets were a little more crowded than usual.
On the side of the road, large tents lined up and sold various items.
There was a small fireworks display, which can be said to be the highlight of the festival, and cute props were also displayed.

 

There were also tents where one could play games from time to time.
Ring tosses, fishing, or doll shooting…

 

Children ran around and the savory scent of food wafted in the air.
Folk music was heard along with the joyful laughter of the people, enhancing the atmosphere of the festival to the fullest.

 

There were so many things she wanted to do.

 

Moving her head to and fro and her arms stirring around excitedly, Rodelia stopped in front of one of the stalls.
It was a doll shooting range with ‘Three times for Five Shillings’ written in large letters on a board. 

 

She asked Cerdian with a very flushed face.

 

“Cerdian, do you like dolls?”

 

“Dolls…?”

 

He had never touched a doll in his life, but for her to suddenly ask about a doll….
Before he could answer that he didn’t like it, Rodelia took five shillings from her pocket and handed the money to the merchant.

 

“There are so many things I’m thankful for, but I have nothing to give you so I’ll get you a doll.
Coincidentally, there is a doll that looks just like you over there.”

 

Rodelia pointed her finger at the sullen-looking stuffed toy.
Cerdian followed her finger and her gaze and stared at her with a puzzled expression.

 

“Using the shooting I learned from you.”

 

Rodelia said grimly as she picked up the toy gun from the podium.
Her shooting skills were outstanding.

 

“The doll from that position is so difficult to get but the pretty lady is so good at shooting! Your boyfriend is so lucky.
So lucky indeed!”

 

She won the doll in just one shot and the merchant handed it over in amazement.
Cerdian accepted it without hesitation and asked Rodelia with a frown on his face.

 

“Where did you get the money from?”

 

“The Green sisters gave it to me to enjoy the festival.”

 

Rodelia took the pocket out from within her arms and shook it.
The coins made a jingling sound as it shook.
Cerdian looked at the doll and asked, seemingly pleased.

 

“But am I really like this?”

 

“Yes, exactly the same.
It’s my gift, so take care of it.”

 

“Then I’ll accept it with gratitude.”

 

After that, Rodelia wandered around town and experienced various things.
She tried fried foods sold on the roadside and watched people busily moving around.

 

Then, before she knew it, the sun had set and twilight colored the sky.
As the sky got darker, colored light bulbs hung on the streets lit up the surroundings and the festivities ripened further.
Families with children all went home and the streets became quite quiet.

 

Lively music flowed from the plaza.

 

“Cerdian, let’s go see the performance.”

 

Rodelia took Cerdian’s hand and headed towards the plaza.
On stage, people dressed in traditional costumes showed off their talents.
Around them, lovers and friends enjoyed the performance while drinking beer.

 

After a while, the mood of the music changed calmly.
Under the red lights, dancers who covered their faces with veils came to the center and danced to the song within pillars of fire.

 

“That….”

 

Rodelia frowned at the strange sense of deja vu.
An uncanny feeling, as if she had experienced it somewhere before, ran through her whole body.

 

“I’ve heard this music before.”

 

With a rather unsteady voice, Rodelia stared at Cerdian.
It was definitely a stage she had seen before.
It was faint but definitely present in her memory.

 

“That’s impossible.
Those dancers are only active in Luvenia.
The music is also one that they composed independently… Aren’t you mistaking it for another performance?”

 

“Not really……”

 

“You must have heard similar music.
Those dancers only perform on the last day of the festival….”

 

“Is that so?”

 

Since her memory was not perfect, she couldn’t argue that she was sure.
Rodelia nodded her head with a timid look on her face and had no choice but to agree with him.