When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 111

Side Story 10

Reilly gazed at the meticulously prepared costumes, genuinely impressed. She hadn’t anticipated such thoroughness.

“I’m so glad everything worked out. I hope we can continue to support each other, Empire.”

The Queen clasped Reilly’s hand, her expression warm and sincere.

“Thank you, they’re absolutely beautiful.”

The costumed performers encircled Reilly, forming a protective ring around her. As the sacred ritual commenced, Reilly stood at its center, observing with rapt attention.

Her feet, sinking slightly into the sand, traced gentle circles as she tapped her toes. Kavel, too, watched the unfamiliar scene with undisguised curiosity.

The performers, lightly grasping the long hems of their skirts, swayed gracefully from side to side, their movements fluid and elegant on the sand.

“They sense each other without words, the giver and receiver becoming one in harmony.”

Reilly listened, captivated by the enchanting melody.

“Blessings descend, radiating outward. A stranger arrives, knocking at my door. Ah, ah, ah.”

They sang the verse, then lightly tapped the ground, gracefully shifting positions. Sand swirled from the hems of their skirts, caught by the gentle desert breeze.

Along with a profound sense of the mystical, Reilly felt a deep sense of fulfillment. She felt their sincerity and unconsciously began to hum along with them.

Before she realized it, she had become one with them, her voice joining their song. Kavel watched Reilly, clearly delighted by her enjoyment.

“Thank you for this wonderful gift,” Reilly said.

“We are overjoyed that you are pleased.”

Kavel and the King exchanged pleasantries, their eyes fixed on the joyful scene unfolding before them. As the blessings were bestowed, shooting stars streaked across the night sky.

The aurora borealis, a vibrant curtain of light in the middle of the desert, seemed to bless her. Reilly bowed her head respectfully, deeply grateful for a day she knew she would never forget.

* * *

Back in her home country, Reilly was greeted with a shower of flower petals and enthusiastic cheers.

“Welcome back!”

The news of her visit had already reached the Empire. Reilly blushed, instinctively clutching Kavel’s sleeve.

“The rumors have already spread, haven’t they?”

*Well, it was inevitable that they’d find out eventually. It’s just a little embarrassing to be welcomed so enthusiastically.*

Kavel spotted Leta waiting for Reilly in front of the Imperial Palace, her eyes shining with anticipation, as if she were about to sprint toward them at any moment.

“You’d better stay behind me,” Kavel warned.

“Why?” Reilly asked, puzzled.

“Because a rabbit overflowing with joy looks like she’s about to pounce.”

He couldn’t bring himself to compare her to a bull, knowing Reilly would scold him. However, Kavel was genuinely concerned that Leta’s enthusiastic greeting might knock him off balance.

“Leta’s here?” Reilly asked, understanding dawning on her face. She peered ahead, searching for her friend.

She spotted Leta waving her hand and bouncing with excitement in the distance.

“I suppose I should,” Reilly conceded.

Reilly nodded in agreement with Kavel’s words. As much as she longed for Leta’s warm welcome, she knew she had to be cautious.

Leta, who had been running towards Reilly as she emerged from the carriage, abruptly stopped and slowed her pace.

Kavel was standing in her path, effectively blocking her.

“What is it?” Leta asked, confused.

“You need to be careful. It’s dangerous to run and hug her like that,” Kavel cautioned.

“Ah!” Leta exclaimed, finally understanding. She carefully approached Reilly, bowing her head respectfully.

“Sister, congratulations!”

“You should congratulate me while looking at me,” Reilly teased gently.

“But, I want to greet my niece or nephew first!” Leta exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Though she hadn’t held the baby for long, Leta couldn’t tear her gaze away, marveling at the tiny life. A lump formed in her throat, and tears welled up, but she fought them back, forcing a bright smile.

“I’m so glad you came back safely! And you brought such an unexpected, wonderful gift!”

At Leta’s words, Reilly blushed again. Haban stepped forward, presenting Reilly with the bouquet he had prepared.

“Congratulations. This is a momentous occasion for the nation,” Haban said.

“Thank you, and thank you for the flowers,” Reilly replied.

Reilly accepted the flowers from Haban and shrugged, a thoughtful expression on her face. It had only been a short time since she’d been away, but the two seemed to have grown quite close. Then, she remembered something she had forgotten.

“I’d like to speak with you two later,” Reilly announced.

“Me?” Leta asked, surprised.

“Yes, you and Sir Haban.”

Leta exchanged a guilty glance with Haban. As Reilly’s eyes narrowed, the two of them looked away, avoiding her gaze.

“Looks like there’s something you’re feeling guilty about,” Reilly observed, a hint of amusement in her voice.

“Sister, we should have a banquet quickly to celebrate this joyous day!” Leta exclaimed, attempting to deflect the conversation. She nudged Reilly forward and winked at Haban. Then, she began fussing over Kavel, handing him this and that, and chattering incessantly.

“Everyone has sent their congratulations. Shouldn’t we hold a banquet so that people can celebrate?”

“Ah, now that we’ve resolved the water issue, we should announce the good news to everyone,” Kavel added, taking Haban’s side and ushering them inside.

Reilly realized that everyone except her was in cahoots and turned to Ren for support. But even he avoided her gaze.

Since even Ren was unwilling to meet her eyes, she knew she was outnumbered.

“Okay, we’ll discuss this properly later, alright?” Reilly said to Leta, feigning defeat. Leta grinned brightly and nodded repeatedly, relieved that she had managed to evade further questioning.

* * *

The banquet was a lavish affair. Even the nobles who had previously been displeased with Reilly were now united in offering their blessings. With an heir to the Empire finally born, their anxieties had been put to rest.

“I was worried, but it’s a relief,” one noble whispered.

“Shh, don’t say such things. The Emperor will be angry if he hears you,” another cautioned.

They quickly fell silent, focusing on the music. Following the order listed in the register, the nobles greeted Reilly and Kavel one by one, presenting them with extravagant gifts.

Reilly’s eyes widened at the sight of each precious item.

“Kavel, isn’t this a bit excessive?” she whispered.

“Don’t worry. I’ll set it aside as the country’s emergency fund,” Kavel reassured her.

The two whispered, discreetly assessing the gifts the nobles were bestowing upon them. Except for the items specifically intended for the child, everything would be used for the benefit of the Empire.

Only then did Reilly relax, a graceful smile gracing her lips as she acknowledged those who were offering their blessings.

Her gentle demeanor and radiant smile captivated the nobles.

“Let’s get up now,” Kavel said abruptly, his voice laced with possessiveness. Reilly nudged his side, giving him a pointed look, but it had no effect.

“You may go and enjoy the banquet,” Kavel announced, dismissing the nobles.

Whenever young nobles approached to offer their greetings, Kavel fixed them with a cold, unwavering stare.

His jealousy was blatant, but no one dared to challenge him. If it weren’t for Kavel’s intimidating presence, they would have been completely mesmerized by Reilly’s beauty.

When all the greetings were finally concluded, Kavel turned to Reilly and asked her to dance.

“How about we dance together for the first time in a while?” he suggested.

“Are you sure? I might step on your feet,” Reilly teased.

At Reilly’s words, Kavel took her hand and gently pulled her towards the dance floor.

“I wouldn’t even notice if you stepped on my feet. You’re as light as a feather,” he said, his eyes sparkling with affection.

“I really can’t stop you, can I?” Reilly said, a smile playing on her lips.

In the end, Reilly allowed Kavel to lead her onto the stage. She placed her hand on his waist and extended her palm towards his, their bodies moving in perfect harmony, almost touching but not quite.

A ticklish sensation ran through her as he lightly lifted her and set her down, drawing her close within the circle of his arms and dancing softly. To the rhythm of the music, everyone moved in unison, their eyes meeting as they continued to dance.

Had dancing without holding hands ever made her heart flutter so intensely?

Maintaining a slight distance, they moved in perfect synchronization with the music, creating a beautiful formation as they spun around the dance floor. Even when partners changed, Kavel refused to relinquish his hold on Reilly.

“Dance only with me today,” he murmured possessively.

“Okay,” Reilly replied, unable to suppress a laugh at Kavel’s endearing jealousy. He was still so far from being fully mature. In the end, she danced exclusively with Kavel until the end of the banquet, never once dancing with anyone else.

* * *

“J-Just a little more strength, please!” Reilly gasped, her body drenched in sweat. Ren couldn’t bear to watch her suffering and suppressed his own pain, but it was becoming increasingly difficult to ignore the intensity of her labor.

“Hic, ugh!” Reilly cried out.

“Reilly,” Kavel said, his voice filled with concern as he held her hand tightly. He was consumed by anxiety, terrified that she might not survive the ordeal.

“I can see the baby’s head! Your Majesty, just a little more strength!” the midwife encouraged Reilly, preparing to receive the baby.

Reilly’s breath hitched in her throat as a searing pain ripped through her body.

“Haa! Aaaagh!” she screamed.

Along with Reilly’s scream, the baby’s loud cry filled the room.

As she struggled to catch her breath, Reilly looked at Kavel, then her gaze shifted to the baby being held by the midwife. She couldn’t help but smile at the sight of the infant, who bore a striking resemblance to Kavel.

“Reilly, look at this. It’s a son who looks just like you,” Kavel said, his voice thick with emotion.

“What are you talking about? He looks just like Kavel, so he’s handsome,” Reilly retorted weakly.

She continued to speak with difficulty, her eyes fixed on the baby in her arms. The baby, who had been crying incessantly, suddenly quieted as if by magic when she held him close.

Reilly gazed at the baby, overwhelmed by a flood of emotions.

“I can’t believe it,” she whispered.

It felt surreal to hold the tiny baby in her arms. He was so small and fragile, as if he might break at any moment. Kavel felt the same way.

Even though the midwife assured him that it was safe to hold the baby, Kavel hesitated, afraid of hurting him.

“What if he breaks?” he asked, his voice laced with anxiety.

“It’s alright, Your Majesty. Please, hold him,” the midwife urged.

At the midwife’s words, Kavel carefully picked up the baby. He was overcome by an indescribable emotion, tears welling up in his eyes.

“Really, what a crybaby,” Ren muttered, turning his head away from Kavel. But the tears that glistened in his own eyes betrayed his true feelings.

“Baby, your name is Ver,” Kavel announced, choosing a name that combined the concept of happiness with his own name.

Ver grasped Reilly’s finger tightly, as if he approved of his name.

Happiness radiated from the faces of the new parents. Only now did Reilly feel a sense of complete and utter joy.

People showered them with blessings, wishing them a lifetime filled with happiness.

She imagined a future where the Empire echoed with the baby’s laughter. Reilly cradled the baby in her arms, a radiant smile illuminating her face, as if she had finally released all her burdens and embraced a future filled with hope.