Chapter 79
Disclaimer:
The culture and norms depicted in this novel exist solely within its fictional world and are not intended to reflect the values or beliefs of the translator. Any resemblance to real-world cultures, practices, or ideologies is purely the author’s discretion.
Meanwhile, the king and queen of Dipth were touring the Brillan palace. Their eight-year-old prince, holding his mother’s hand, curiously looked around. The architecture, blending Brillan and Inut styles, was both new and beautiful.
The king of Dipth praised the artworks displayed in the royal gallery.
“Truly, it’s fresh and bold!”
As the king moved his arm, his wide-sleeved clothing fluttered. His head was covered with fabric, tied with a round cord, a common feature among desert peoples.
The king of Dipth pointed to a drawing made by Kurua, praising it as profound, philosophical, and groundbreaking.
Perhaps due to the royal seal, no one doubted that the artwork was done by a five-year-old. When Kadan’s usually stern lips curled upward, Dwabo let out a half-laugh, squinting his eyes. After all, kings were all the same — fools.
Kadan set up a tea table in the gallery.
The table, called a tea table, was more like a banquet. Various desserts and types of tea were laid out. The two royal families sat across from each other at the table. The Dipht royalty marveled at the various delicacies.
“These are Inut Empire’s tea leaves. The flavor is excellent.”
Said the King of Dipht, lifting his teacup. The Queen of Dipht, sitting next to him, was wearing a niqab that only revealed her eyes, so she could not drink her tea.
Luna, noticing the Queen’s cup, spoke.
“The Queen…”
“The women of Dipht, upon reaching adulthood, must not reveal their skin in front of other men.”
The King of Dipht answered instead, explaining the customs of Dipht while occasionally glancing at Luna.
There was a quiet elegance, a sacredness that seemed to invite longing. The Queen of Brillan, said to have been a former saint, was an attractive woman who caught the attention of men. With her rare blonde hair and pale skin, she resembled a luscious peach, one that seemed sweet like dates if bitten into.
‘When I first heard the rumors that the Inut Prince had taken the throne of Brillan to win a woman, I thought it was ridiculous. But seeing her in person, I understand.’
The King of Dipht swallowed, unable to take his eyes away from Luna.
But then, a sharp, hostile energy pricked at his skin, causing him to stiffen. Who was exuding this dangerous aura in the presence of royalty?
Turning his head toward the source of the menace, the King of Dipht froze. Kadan’s calm, piercing eyes were locked on him.
“It seems Your Majesty is quite interested in my mate.”
Kadan said, furrowing his brows, clearly expressing his discomfort.
“Ah, well, it’s just that I’m meeting Brillan’s Queen for the first time.”
“Is that so? Did you enjoy looking at my wife, since she’s not wearing a niqab?”
Kadan subtly lowered his words and tapped the handle of his teacup with his finger.
“That’s not the case… Well, Dipht covers its wives with niqabs to protect them from the eyes of other men. A wife must be modest, you see.”
In other words, he was implying that Luna was an unmodest woman to be looked at. Kadan was not one to let that slide.
“Modesty, is it? I see. Well, I suppose that’s how things are in different countries.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Here in Brillan, instead of covering a wife in cloth, we gouge out the eyes of those who leer at her.”
Kadan said it with a chilling smile, clearly unsettling the atmosphere.
“Your Majesty, I think your words are a bit much.”
The King of Dipht’s eyebrows twitched angrily. He clenched his fists, his muscles showing through his clothing. Though shorter than Kadan, he was also a renowned warrior who had conquered deserts, and the people around them began to feel the tension.
“Well, I was simply describing Brillan’s culture.”
Unlike the enraged King of Dipht, Kadan remained calm. The King of Dipht was even angrier at Kadan’s calm attitude but couldn’t openly express his anger.
The current situation was one where he needed to strengthen the alliance with the King of Brillan and secure trade relations. If relations turned hostile with Brillan, it would lead to diplomatic isolation and severe losses.
The situation was diffused by Luna. She whispered to the Queen of Dipht, and the Queen, who had been covering her face, lowered the cloth and revealed her face.
The King of Dipht was startled, but the Queen didn’t cover her face again.
“Cover it immediately. What do you mean by showing your face here?”
“I apologize, Your Majesty. But when in Brillan, one must follow Brillan’s customs.”
“What?”
“And in the first place, Your Majesty, you made a mistake. We must handle this situation well, or Dipht’s future will be at stake.”
The Queen of Dipht whispered into the King’s ear. The King, with his brows furrowed in anger, clenched his fists before swallowing his frustration. The Queen then smiled at Luna.
“That feels refreshing. It’s been so long. Thank you, Queen of Brillan, for your wise solution.”
“It’s nothing.”
“Your Majesty must be pleased with having such a wise queen.”
The Queen of Dipht smiled warmly, savoring the refreshments placed on the table. The once cold atmosphere of the tea session was now filled with the kind voices of the two queens.
What had been a tense tea time ended peacefully. What nearly turned into hostilities had now become a platform for cooperation between the two nations.
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