Chapter 59 - Caught in the Act (1/2)

Chapter 59 – Caught in the Act

The delicate atmosphere at the luncheon was thin ice that could be shattered at any moment. Between Leah, Ishakan, and Cerdina, a silent war raged. The subtle desire of each person to advance or protect the other was concealed by their facades.

Only the king, who was oblivious to everything, burst into a broad smile and announced the start of the luncheon.

A small bell rang out and an appetizer came onto the carefully arranged table. The day was warm and coming from the garden the scent of flowers was fragrant.

The dishes prepared by the palace’s cooks were also sincere enough to be admired. They contrasted the tension in the air. The precarious balance dancing at the edge of a cliff, could easily be toppled over.

The king and Cerdina led the conversation at the luncheon. Ishakan did not actively engage in it, but he responded moderately to what they said.

“It seems like Estia and Kurkan have been engaged in a useless war of attrition. If we had a chance to talk earlier, peace would be what we have in the present.”

“It’s indeed a pity, for our two nations to have sacrificed so much,” Cerdina let out a light scoff, apathy apparent in her tone. Blain, who was silently bringing his fork to a rest after finishing his food, twisted his mouth and laughed.

The luncheon continued with amble talk, and after the appetizer, the next main course was brought in. Leah, who was tasting the first dish, grilled herring with soft sour cream, felt as if a thorn had been lodged in her throat. She found it hard and painful to swallow, despite the smooth texture of the cream.

She hoped Blain would not mess with Ishakan, who was enduring for her, without causing a scene.

“…?”

Something touched her foot. Unconsciously, she looked at the other side and Ishakan’s eyes curved into a slight smile. His twinkling, bright eyes, were full of mischief, Leah could only guess what he was up to. She nudged him back, her foot bumping into his shoes.

It was an outdoor garden, so the table at the luncheon used was a small one. With roughly eight people sitting around it, the table seating was strategically placed. It was a royal family strategy, for diplomatic means. The most important people were seated closest; by narrowing the distance, intimacy in their mutual relationship was emphasized.

Considering Ishakan’s build, he was tall enough to stretch his legs to the opposite side. Perhaps he had bumped into the chair because it was a little small for him.

Leah’s eyes widened as she was wondering if she should tell the servant to change the chair. However, her face heated up, thinking of the consequences. To her sheer horror, calling it a mistake at this point would be an utter embarrassment. The movement beneath the table had turned increasingly explicit.

A gentle touch pushed Leah’s shoes away. Her shoes came off, slipping from the smooth silk socks she was wearing.

The shoes, which had been dangling from the heel, escaped Leah’s feet and disappeared somewhere. She tried to wear them again by reaching out her feet in a hurry, but only stepped on the soft leaves of grass.