Chapter 422 - A Day In The Life Of Adela (1/2)

Within the Royal Palace of Austria, two young women were having a conversation. Since Henrietta had confessed her feelings to her older brother, she had been alienated by most of the women in Berengar's life. The only exception to this rule was the High Queen Adela, her cousin, and her close friend.

As the two young women stood next to each other, it became increasingly clear how closely related they were, as they shared many similar features. If one was unaware of their background, they might even assume they were sisters. Despite being two years younger than Adela, Henrietta had grown more significant in stature than her elder cousin.

By now, the teenage girl was taller and curvier than Adela, which brought a frown to the High Queen's face as she noticed this. She had no idea what Berengar had been feeding his sister for her to grow so much bigger than herself. However, she quickly turned her face away from this noticeable difference and instead returned her attention to the event she was planning.

As the years passed, the first batch of recruits from Berengar's Armed Forces who were now hardened Veterans would be retiring from active service and entering the reserves, leaving the Nation's defense to the younger Generation.

Considering Berengar had time and again expressed the importance of honoring the Nation's soldiers and preserving its militant culture, Adela had taken it upon herself to organize a Grand Ceremony for the thousands of Soldiers who had perished in battle and the many more who were now seeing the end of their days in combat.

Without the King's advice, Adela planned to hold the first annual Veteran's day parade when the soldiers stationed in Iberia returned from their exhausting campaign. With this in mind, she had opted to involve the King's sister in the planning as Henrietta needed to fulfill her duty as a member of the Royal Family.

The High Queen of Austria pointed at the replica of the City of Kufstein that lies on the table before her; specifically, she was aiming her dainty finger at Main Street, which would be sectioned off and used as the area for the parade, as she did so she expressed the thoughts on her mind.

”We should have the surviving veterans of each conflict stroll out one at a time in chronological order of their wars!”

Upon hearing this, Henrietta nodded her head before coming up with an idea of her own; however, she struggled to express her opinion out of fear that it would be rejected due to her meek nature.

”Maybe... If it is not too much, we can have them wear replicas of the uniforms they wore during that conflict?”

Upon hearing this, a gorgeous smile appeared on Adela's luscious lips as she listened to her cousin's input.

”That's a wonderful idea, Henrietta! We will start with the peasant militia at the battle of a mining town and move on to the mixed uniforms of the veterans from the Kitzbühel Border War. After that, we will honor the soldiers who fought in the Conquest of Tyrol, and so on!”

Henrietta's lips curved into a pretty smile as she heard the praise from the High Queen; her confidence in her role began to skyrocket as she began to suggest another idea.

”Perhaps we can dust off some of the old weapons in storage and have them refurbished to be used in the parade?”

Adela nodded her head in response to this before moving on to the next point of the event as she moved a small wooden figure used to represent Berengar into position at the head of the formation.

”Our beloved King will be leading the parade atop horseback, in whatever uniform he desires; after it is complete, he will give a speech about the Veterans and their efforts towards this Kingdom.”

Henrietta smiled warmly at the thought of her precious big brother leading the parade in all his glory; this smile did not go unnoticed by Adela, who felt frustrated. She did not know how to broach the subject without making it awkward. After all, Henrietta's feelings for Berengar were most definitely taboo, and Adela did not support them. Eventually, the young Queen mustered the courage to ask about the topic.

”So... Henrietta, there are sure to be many prominent young noblemen in attendance for this event; after all, military service is considered a civic duty, and there are bound to be a few exceptional young lads who have proven themselves on the field of battle. Is there anyone in particular who might have caught your fancy?”

The young Austrian Princess flushed with embarrassment as she thought about the question; in her mind, there was only one man she adored, and as such, she felt uneasy speaking about it even though she had kissed her brother on the cheeks and professed her intent to fight for him, now that she was being asked about the question directly by one of his wives she did not know how to react.

Upon seeing Henrietta's innocent and sheepish reaction, Adela felt a need to protect her from Berengar. After a few drinks, the man was liable to lay his hands on any woman who he deemed attractive, even if that woman might be his younger sister. More importantly, the High Queen felt the need to keep a distance between the two siblings considering that it was Henrietta, not Berengar who was the most interested in such a taboo affair.

Adela gritted her teeth and clenched her fists at the thought of such a sinful relationship; such a fate could never be allowed to exist; she swore in her mind then and there that she would do whatever necessary to stop Berengar and Henrietta from progressing beyond the point of siblings. After all, it was her life's goal to save Berengar's soul, and incest was not something easily forgiven even by the Lord God Almighty.

After a while, Adela calmed her nerves before placing her hand on Henrietta's shoulder, which caused the girl to react in fright; she was not used to being touched by anyone as she was usually timid. Upon witnessing her cousin's intense glare, Henrietta's heart became filled with dread. Adela forced a smile on her face as she gave a fair warning to her younger cousin.

”I know what you're thinking, but I assure you that it will never come to pass. Even if you have gotten some twisted ideas about your brother in that pretty little head of yours, I will make sure that he never engages in such a wicked sin. You should let go of your incestuous thoughts and find a man more suitable for yourself.”

However, despite the Queen's fierce pretense, Henrietta did not back down like Adela believed she would; instead, she gathered all the strength within her heart and lifted the arm from her shoulder as she returned Adela's frightening gaze with a determined expression.

”You do not get to determine who is right for me, cousin! My love for my brother is as pure as the driven snow, and just because you and the others may disapprove of it does not mean that I won't fight for us to be together!”