Chapter 278

The kingdom had successfully subdued the northern immigrants. Although the demonic beasts had essentially wrapped up the task, no more hostile immigrant forces remained to challenge the kingdom. In honor of this victory, the kingdom planned a grand banquet set for three weeks later, inviting all of its nobles.

'The banquet seems merely an excuse,' Yelena pondered. Hosting such a lavish event, especially after a victory against the immigrants, hinted at an ulterior motive. Surrounded by the steam of her bathroom, Yelena reflected on the situation.

'Maybe they're trying to demonstrate the resilience of the royal family.' After the invasion of the demonic beasts, the reputation of the royal family had taken a severe hit. For an entire week during the beasts' reign of terror, the royal family had been largely inactive. Not only did they fail to send aid or troops to the affected regions, but they also couldn't adequately defend the capital. The family, much like any other territory, had simply closed its gates. With criticisms echoing from every corner of the kingdom, the royals faced a crucial decision. They needed to host a grand banquet, even if burdensome, to display their remaining authority and might.

Yelena sighed, immersing herself in the warmth of her bath, the water touching just below her chin. The impending royal banquet wasn't necessarily bad news for her. Specifically, it presented an opportunity for her husband, Kaywhin.

'After this banquet, no one will be oblivious to the removal of the stain on my husband's reputation,' she thought. While some nobles might be absent, the majority would gather, providing a platform to display her husband's true face. Yelena could easily foresee the vast implications of this reveal, which she believed would undoubtedly benefit Kaywhin.

People are so influenced by what they see. She wondered how long it would take for the hurtful rumors, tales of demons and curses shadowing her husband, to fade post-banquet.

Resolved, Yelena momentarily submerged her entire head underwater before swiftly emerging, exhaling, "Puhah."

Yelena's rosy eyes, once filled with withheld tears, now gleamed with firm determination. She suppressed her childish possessiveness and jealousy, reminding herself that attending the banquet was imperative. Secretly, she was also somewhat looking forward to it. She was eager to see the reactions of those who had gossiped about her husband when they would finally witness his face at the banquet.

Soon after these thoughts, Yelena rose fully from the bathtub. Her wet silver hair clung to the curves of her body.

"Prepare for the massage immediately," she commanded.

"Yes, ma'am," the maids responded, their movements quickening at her determined tone.

Five days after Yelena began her preparations for the banquet, Sidrion visited the ducal mansion. He approached Yelena with a shocked expression.

"I've seen Kaywhin's face... What happened?" His look resembled someone who had seen a ghost.

Yelena shrugged nonchalantly. "I don't know." She decided against explaining that, after two passionate nights with her husband, the blemish on his face had disappeared. Especially given that she and Sidrion weren't particularly close.

"Why did you want to see me?" she inquired.

Sidrion, regaining his composure, began, "I wanted to thank you." Without further ado, he bowed deeply to Yelena.

"For what?" Yelena blinked in confusion.

"To express my gratitude," Sidrion responded.

She pondered. Gratitude? For what? And then, an idea dawned on her. Could it be that Sidrion wanted to thank her for introducing him to the love of his life?

"You've already been with my sister?"

"Excuse me?"

Yelena hesitated, her gaze drifting to the parcel Sidrion held. She swallowed hard. So, would an invitation for her sister's wedding emerge from that parcel? Was she about to be invited to the wedding of her sister and Sidrion? Her thoughts raced, and she waited with anticipation for Sidrion to speak.

Sidrion, seeming to sense her confusion, continued, "Do you recall entrusting the Black Tower with the task of analyzing the gem powder?"

"Huh?"

"Yes, I remember."

'It's not about a wedding, then?'

She examined the parcel closely, but there was no sign of a hidden wedding invitation. Yelena motioned for him to continue.

"Thanks to you, the damage to the Black Tower was less than expected. We owe it all to you."

"What do you mean?"

Sidrion elaborated. The magicians of the Black Tower had studied the red gem powder, which contained the power of the demonic beasts, day and night. Unintentionally, they learned how to counteract the aura of the demonic beasts. As a result, when the beasts invaded recently, they wielded their magic with greater ease compared to other magicians.

"I see... I hadn't intended for any of this, but congratulations. I'm glad the damage was minimal."

"That's why I'd like to offer you something in return."

"Something in return?"

"I was thinking of installing a transport portal connecting the ducal mansion to the capital. What do you think?"