Spoiler Under the oak tree

Qiqi29 · Aug 21, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

You're all welcome I will do Riftan's POV after I posted the part with Agnes and Maxi's first meeting, because I still need to figure out how to post Riftan's POV. Riftan's POV has 44 chapters and I will not translate all of them, so maybe I will summary most of them and only translate the parts with Maxi.

But in the meantime, here the banquet scene, it's the first big scene where she got along with all the knights and a really funny scene.

Time flew by as she sat in front of her desk and turned the pages. She looked out of the window at the ever-darkening landscape and took out the mana stones she had put in her robe's pocket. (side note: this part is before she really got to use magic and where she was still at the beginning of learning magic with mana stones)

She always carried them around with her and touched them like this, but she could not feel any special changes. Max gently closed her eyes, holding mana stones in both hands. She doesn't understand what's the difference between them and ordinary gemstones. She was wondering if she should memorize a plausible spell, but with a knock, she could hear Rudy's voice outside the door.

"Madame, I'd like to dress you up before dinner, is it all right now?"

"It, it's okay. C, come in."

"Then, excuse me."

After her permission, Linda Serus, the wife of the tailor hired by Rudy and Riftan, and two new young maids, who entered the castle a few weeks ago, came in one after another.

Max saw a pile of dresses in their hands and opened her eyes wide. Rudy put a small box of jewels on the table and put the cats rolling around the floor in a basket so that they wouldn't get in the way and adjusted the angle of the mirror. In the meantime, Linda and the maids spread her colorful dresses out on the bed.

"Your new dresses are complete and I brought them. It's been a long time since you had a feast, so you should dress up!"

The tailors wife spoke cheerfully and unfolded a beautiful navy blue dress. Max stood there with a puzzled look on her face and unknowingly exclaimed.

A dark navy dress, close to black, exudes an elegant blue against the light. Linda, who showed the glossy skirt wide open, unfolded a delicate ivory-colored dress and a green dress embroidered with golden embroidery, one after the other.

"How do you like it? It's all the dresses he and I made with great care."

"T, they're s, so beautiful.”

Max muttered, enchanted. A good-natured maid, Ishinda urged her.

"Try it on, madam! Everyone at the dinner will be surprised."

"Which one would you like to try on first?”

"First of all, try this green dress on! I'm sure it'll go well with your hair color."

Before Max could answer, the maid came up with a dress. Max changed her clothes obediently. As the maid said, the green dress seemed to go very well with her hair color. The long, flowing hem of the skirt looked elegant, and the vine shaped embroidery was indescribably beautiful.

Max took a slow turn in front of the mirror. Linda looked carefully and soon handed over another dress. Max changed her clothes one after another with the help of her maids. A pleasant sigh flowed from her at the feeling of the texture of the fine cloth. The maids made a fuss, putting on accessories on her that would suit her, every time she wore new clothes and also putting on various shapes of hennin with long veils. (side note: you should google hennin, you will see what that is, if you don't know)

"I think this dress looks best on you, what do you think of it, ma'am?"

Linda lastly dressed her in a pearl-white dress and strapped her with a gold belt and asked. Max peeped into the mirror. A high-ranking lady, dressed in gold colored shoes, and adorned with a net-shaped diamond necklace and a topaz ring, stood rather modestly in an elegant shiny dress. Max's eyes sparkled with excitement about her appearance, which looked no less pretty than any royal family. It looked great to her, too.

"I, I like this one the most, too."

"Then, I'll decorate your hair. I think it's better to braid than to wear a crown. Should I put a net with pearls on it?"

"No, it would be much nicer to braid it thin on both sides and then decorate it with pins!"

Rudy skillfully combed her hair at Linda's words, braided the hair on both sides of the temple, then poked a pin with a walnut-sized pumpkin at the top of her ear and let her long, voluminous hair hang behind her back. Max looked admirably at her red hair flowing over the white dress. What kind of magic was it, my ugly curly hair looked very nice and elegant.

"You're so lovely, madam!"

The maids made a fuss when they saw her dressed up.

"You're like the Nymph of Light! I'm sure the lord will be surprised to see you, right?"

"I'm sure he will be happy. You look better than ever."

At an unfamiliar compliment, Max flushed to her forehead. She murmured shyly in a crawling voice.

"T... t, thank you."

"Is there anything that you're uncomfortable with or that you don't like?"

"N, no. It, it's very comfortable... I, I like it."

Linda nodded with a satisfied look at her answer and finally put a dark wine-colored velvet cape over her shoulder. Max was enjoying her perfectly decorated appearance with a satisfied look and asked the maids to take good care of the cats and came out of the room.

Before they knew it, the corridor was shrouded in heavy dark night shadows. Max walked along the corridor with Rudy, following the lights the servants had put on. The mere return of Riftan seemed to bring back life into the quiet castle. (side note: Riftan was away for ten days to kill some goblins in the mountains, before they start to multiply.)

There was a smell of greasy food and sweet liquor in the chilly air, and a clamorous voice was ringing faintly under the stairs.

Max went down the stairs, past the busy servants carrying oil lamps. As she stepped into the dining room past the wide hall, she could see the knights and young servants filling the long table tightly and the maids who served them.

Max stood at the door and gazed at the knights who were busy eating, drinking and chatting. A candlestick was emitting a bright light among the crowd, and the table was packed with food that was so plentiful that it was feared that the table would break. Among them, the boy who was cutting a large chunk of a boar from the largest tray and placing it on a plate suddenly raised his hand when he found her.

"Madam!"

Dressed nicely in a white tunic, Yurixion ran to her with a bright face. Max smiled awkwardly. She couldn't raise her head when she remembered what she had done with Riftan in front of him yesterday. But the boy began to talk briskly as if he didn't care at all. (side note: When Riftan finally came home, Maxi gave him a warm welcome by jumping into his arms happily and Riftan was so happy about that, that he kissed her passionately on her lips, face and neck in front of all the knights )

"How have you been? As you already know, I went to the first expedition in my life with Lord Calypse's. I spent the most meaningful ten days of my life beside the respected Lord Calypse!"

He sounded as if he had been to a nice place for a picnic and not at a monster nest. Max only gave a perplexed laugh, because she didn't know how to react.

"L, long time no see. D, did you get hurt... s, somewhere?”

"I'm fine except for a slight bruise."

Yurixion pointed at his knee and smiled awkwardly.

"I'm ashamed to say that I was walking down the hillside when I got caught in the roots of a tree and rolled down. Fortunately, the ointment you gave me was so good that we didn't have to stop the expedition, but I was teased by Sir Nirta all the time."

"Lobar, do the talking later and show milady her seat first."

A knight raised his voice over his shoulder, when he saw the boy nonstop talking. Yurixion scratched his back head with a embarrassed face, and held out one arm to her.

"I'm so glad you're here, that I didn't realize that I was impolite. Now, come this way. I'll show you to the plate with the most delicious food."

As Max put her hand on his solid arm as if he was a refined knight, the boy skillfully guided her to the middle of the seat where the knights had gathered and pulled out the chair in an unexpected skilled move.

"I'll take your cape."

Max hesitated for a moment, holding the cape string. She was shy and embarrassed to show her fashionable appearance in front of others.

"Madam?"

At Yurixion's surprised gaze, she closed her eyes tightly and took off her thick cloak and handed it to him. Then the turbulent environment became quite. Max shrugged her shoulders in confusion at their cold reaction.

The knights, who were holding their glasses and making loud noises, were looking at her with a surprised face and wide open eyes. Max lost her confidence at once and dropped her gaze. As expected, this kind of fancy outfit doesn't suit her. Is it because of the image of an ugly person dressed so well, that they stared at her like that? As her face flushed with shame, the exaggerated voice of Yurixion resounded.

"Oh my God, madam! It's really wonderful."

"Is, is it .....r, really?"

Max looked up at the boy with an insecure face. He didn't seem to be lying. Yurixion nodded vigorously, his large purple eyes shining.

"You look just like an ancient elf! The white dress looks really good on you. You've been lovely before, but you're blinding today!"

Max blushed at the exaggerated praise. She was about to return the compliment, but the boy continued to pour out his praise enthusiastically.

"You are truly the wife of Sir Calypse, the world's number one knight. I was mesmerized for a moment! Even the arrogant nymphs will blush with jealousy at your loveliness."

After a moment of joy, Max turned red to the nape of her neck. It looked good in her eyes, but she didn't think that she was a beauty that never existed in the world like the boy said. Max quickly sat on the chair, holding back the urge to cover Yurixion's mouth. But the boy was quite tactless. Perhaps because he didn't feel any embarrassment at all, Yurixion continued to pour out cheerful praise, pulling out a chair right next to her.

"It's such a waste. If you had participated in the royal ball in this way, everyone would have become the prisoners of madam! Knights trying to offer madam a knights oath would have been lined up outside the palace!"

"T, thank you very much....”

She gazed down at the round plate, muttering in an almost crawling voice. The silence of the knights couldn't feel more uncomfortable. Perhaps they are laughing inside at the boy's exaggeration. While she was sweating secretly, Yurixion quickly began to give her some food.

“I will serve you by your side. Do you have any favorite food? They are all are delicious, but the smoked grilled one is particularly good.”

Relieved that the topic has changed, she carefully looked around.

"T, thank you. By the way... ...w, where is the lord?"

"Sir Calyps is still in the conference room. He's discussing the movement of monsters with some of the knights."

"T, the movement of monsters...?”

"Suddenly, the northwest monsters began to move south."

Max turned her head to the sudden voice. Sir Nirta, dressed in plain clothes, stood right behind her. He looked up and down at her with a strange glance and soon flopped down next to her.

"Trolls are showing signs of moving to Anatol, so the leader is discussing countermeasures with the wizard. They told us to have a meal together first because it's going to be a long discussion.”

The unexpected story clouded Max's face. Hebaron continued his speech, filling his glass with wine in a characteristically informal manner.

"That's why the goblin expedition was longer than expected. We wasted a lot of time investigating the northern mountains because it seemed that there was an abnormality in the ecosystem of the monsters."

"T, the monsters are in Anatole... d, do you mean they're coming?"

"It would be more appropriate to say that they started moving south than that they were coming here. It's just a guess, but according to the testimony of the monster hunters who came across the mountain....”

When Hebaron saw her face darkening, he blurred the end of his words. He scratched his back head awkwardly and added hurriedly.

"I've said a lot of nonsense. It's nothing to worry about, ma'am. Even if the monsters are coming in, as long as there are the Remdragon Knights, this Anatole is as safe as an iron wall."

Max could hardly relax even with his assurance. The horrenfic images of the guards and loggers who were seriously injured in the Werewolf's assault came to mind. As the number of monsters increases, such things will happen more often. She slipped a hold of the mana stones she had put in her cloak pocket. The determination to learn magic became stronger. It would be better than nothing, if not of great help.

'Let's concentrate on studying from tomorrow right now.’

As she was holding her heart firmly, Yurixion began to talk cheerfully again, as if to enliven the subdued atmosphere.

"Madam, don't have such a dark face and try these delicious foods. The chef's roast boar is really excellent. The skin is crispy and the flesh is juicy and incredibly soft and moist! If you cut the meat into big pieces and dip it in a thick cameline sauce, you won't know if one dies while eating it."

"T, thank you...it, it looks really good."

"Right? The nutmeg-infused pigeon and fried cinnamon cookies are also excellent. Give them a try."

Yurixion packed her plate full of food. Max pushed the food into her mouth little by little at his suggestion. It was as good as he said. Max forgot her worries and began to indulge in her meal. Herbaron, who glanced at her while drinking, filled her glass with wine.

"You're going to choke. Let's have a drink together."

"T, thank you."

Feeling good by his rare kindness, Max gulped down the liquor in one gulp. When Hebaron saw it, he raised one eyebrow and filled the glass again.

"You seem to like drinking. Let's have another drink.”

He said and changed his sitting posture. In fact, she has never enjoyed drinking more than one or two glasses of wine at a meal, but Max closed her eyes and drank it at once because she didn't want to see the knights looking disappointed again.

As the fever inside rose, she felt relaxed. Max stared languidly because of the pleasantly rising drunkenness and drank the wine he poured. As if it seemed interesting, other knights stepped in one by one to offer her food and alcohol.

Although she was slightly offended by their way as if they seemed to feed a rare animal, Max could not refuse and ate and drank.

She was beginning to wonder how much she had drunk, because her eyes became blurred and her mood became strange. With hiccups, she clasped the glass with her hands tightly and shook her body from side to side like a roly-poly toy.

She didn't know why, but she wanted to shake her body without reason. Perhaps because her appearance looked unusual, but a knight stopped Hebaron's hand from pouring alcohol.

"Sir Nirta, stop pouring more. I think she's already drunk enough..”

"I, I'm... it, it, it, it's okay....”

Her tongue was twisted and her pronunciation was not clear. Normally, she would have kept her mouth shut immediately because she was ashamed of that tone, but somehow she didn't feel so embarrassed to stutter. Being drunk in a stately mood, Max drank all the remaining liquor at once and bravely held out her glass to Hebaron.

"Ha, one more drink, please....”

"You drink quite a bit. All right. All right. Come on, have another drink."

Hebaron's tone became more familiar. The way as if he spoke to a fellow knight was pleasing to hear, so Max drank more refreshingly. Smiling constantly and shaking her body from left to right, her sleeves became damp due to the overflow of alcohol, but everything felt good. Someone burst out laughing at the sight.

"You're pretty cute. I thought you were a woman of gloomy and shameless character."

Max swung her head towards the side where the voice was heard, and shouted back.

"H, hey, I, I'm n, not s, shameless! It, it may be u, undeniable t, to say that I'm g, gloomy, but… .”

She gulped down the wine Hebaron had given her and gave a bitter sigh. The good mood in her subsided in an instant, and suddenly the melancholy mood flooded in.

"B, but...t, that's... it, it's because I'm not familiar with you all. I, I don't speak very well...I, I don't know what to say. O, on top of that, you're all u, unnecessary b, b, big... if, if we face each other, it, it's a little scary... if, if I look up to you all, it, it looks more d, daunting than n, necessary... it, it makes me f, feel more i, intimidated, i, in my o, opinion, it's not my fault that I, I'm acting like that, it, it's your fault! Everyone, please get a little smaller."

The knights looked blank at her absurd request. Hebaron was the only one who burst into laughter.

"Why is our size unnecessary? A large body is absolutely beneficial in combat. Milady is too small. What did you do when others grew up?"

"Is Lord Nirta drunk?”

Undaunted by her amazed voice, the big knight filled her glass again.

"Now, it's not too late. If you drink and eat as much as I do, you'll grow like a pine tree."

"Is, is that so? I... c, can I still get a l, little b, bigger?”

If she grows taller, she may become more courageous and bold. Max looked up at him with hopeful eyes. Hebaron bragged with a big smile.

"I've been drinking since I was 13 and grown this much."

"I didn't know there was such a secret in Sir Nirta's height!"

Even Yurixion, who sat next to her and put meat in his mouth, poured a lot of ale into the cup and began to gulp it down. Seeing the scene, the knights wrapped their faces in unison.

Max didn't understand why they had such an awkward face. She tilted her head absent-mindedly, wondering what was wrong, and brought her mouth back to the glass.

At that moment, a big hand suddenly appeared over her shoulder and snatched her glass.

Max looked back in astonishment. Riftan stood tall with a terrifying face. His face was red and his veins throbbed, he muttered violently gritting his teeth.

"Now... what the hell are you doing?”

"T, trying to g, grow t, taller....”

Max answered with a hiccup and a crawling voice. His fierce gaze flew to the knights with gritted teeth.

"Can you tell me why my wife is so drunk?"

"She's a pretty good drinker, so we got excited and....”

Hebaron scratched the back of his head and made excuses. Riftan's face became even more cold.

"You had a lot of fun with my wife."

He gritted his teeth and laid down the glass with a bang. Then he looked menacingly around the restaurant, where silence had fallen, and said in a chillingly soft voice.

"Eat well and keep drinking. You're going to have to use some energy at the training tomorrow.”

The knights groaned low in unison. Riftan walked out of the restaurant, holding Max in his arms, ignoring the grumbling sound. She wrapped her arms round his neck obediently. Actually, she has been thinking about going to bed because her eyes keep closing.

Max buried her face deep in the nape of his neck, pretending not to hear his deep sigh. Then she could feel Riftan's body flinching and stiffening. But Max, who was pleasantly intoxicated by the feeling of being drunk and sleepy, didn't care a bit. She breathed in his peculiar body odor and kissed him impulsively on the pulsating pulse.

"Hey..."

From the side came a rumbling sound of an animal. Max laughed and smoothed his hair as if to soothe a sulky animal. Standing stiff, Riftan soon began to run up the stairs. The firm arms, swaying at that sleek step, felt just like a cradle. She caressed his chest with her hand and gently closed her eyes.

"Maxi... you don't mean to sleep, do you?"

Riftan, who reached the door at once without a break of breath, shook her body urgently. Max whined annoyingly and cruled up in his arms. Riftan looked down at the figure and fretted.

"How much did you drink?”

“…….”

"Damn, if you are not trying to teasing anyone, why are you dressed like this...”

He put her body down on the bed and pulled up the skirt that had been rolled up. Max lifted herself up half asleep to make it easier for him to undress her. Then as soon as he took the dress off her head, she lay her head on a pillow and began to sleep in earnest. Looking down at the figure, Riftan gritted his teeth.

"Tomorrow, you'll see."

The next day, Maxi had a big headache and Riftan was so mad, that he threatened her to make her not walk for some time, if he finds her drinking with men again. Maxi didn't get what he means, because she is too innocent, but she was sure, that he would never hurt her and after seeing that maxi didn't know what he means, he just told her to forget what he said and to never do that again. The next time he found her drinking with men was in the special side story that I already posted.
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I read this several times because it's just so funny Maxi unaware that she is more beautiful than she thought I'm just speechless

Missy2894 · Aug 21, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

You're all welcome I will do Riftan's POV after I posted the part with Agnes and Maxi's first meeting, because I still need to figure out how to post Riftan's POV. Riftan's POV has 44 chapters and I will not translate all of them, so maybe I will summary most of them and only translate the parts with Maxi.

But in the meantime, here the banquet scene, it's the first big scene where she got along with all the knights and a really funny scene.

Time flew by as she sat in front of her desk and turned the pages. She looked out of the window at the ever-darkening landscape and took out the mana stones she had put in her robe's pocket. (side note: this part is before she really got to use magic and where she was still at the beginning of learning magic with mana stones)

She always carried them around with her and touched them like this, but she could not feel any special changes. Max gently closed her eyes, holding mana stones in both hands. She doesn't understand what's the difference between them and ordinary gemstones. She was wondering if she should memorize a plausible spell, but with a knock, she could hear Rudy's voice outside the door.

"Madame, I'd like to dress you up before dinner, is it all right now?"

"It, it's okay. C, come in."

"Then, excuse me."

After her permission, Linda Serus, the wife of the tailor hired by Rudy and Riftan, and two new young maids, who entered the castle a few weeks ago, came in one after another.

Max saw a pile of dresses in their hands and opened her eyes wide. Rudy put a small box of jewels on the table and put the cats rolling around the floor in a basket so that they wouldn't get in the way and adjusted the angle of the mirror. In the meantime, Linda and the maids spread her colorful dresses out on the bed.

"Your new dresses are complete and I brought them. It's been a long time since you had a feast, so you should dress up!"

The tailors wife spoke cheerfully and unfolded a beautiful navy blue dress. Max stood there with a puzzled look on her face and unknowingly exclaimed.

A dark navy dress, close to black, exudes an elegant blue against the light. Linda, who showed the glossy skirt wide open, unfolded a delicate ivory-colored dress and a green dress embroidered with golden embroidery, one after the other.

"How do you like it? It's all the dresses he and I made with great care."

"T, they're s, so beautiful.”

Max muttered, enchanted. A good-natured maid, Ishinda urged her.

"Try it on, madam! Everyone at the dinner will be surprised."

"Which one would you like to try on first?”

"First of all, try this green dress on! I'm sure it'll go well with your hair color."

Before Max could answer, the maid came up with a dress. Max changed her clothes obediently. As the maid said, the green dress seemed to go very well with her hair color. The long, flowing hem of the skirt looked elegant, and the vine shaped embroidery was indescribably beautiful.

Max took a slow turn in front of the mirror. Linda looked carefully and soon handed over another dress. Max changed her clothes one after another with the help of her maids. A pleasant sigh flowed from her at the feeling of the texture of the fine cloth. The maids made a fuss, putting on accessories on her that would suit her, every time she wore new clothes and also putting on various shapes of hennin with long veils. (side note: you should google hennin, you will see what that is, if you don't know)

"I think this dress looks best on you, what do you think of it, ma'am?"

Linda lastly dressed her in a pearl-white dress and strapped her with a gold belt and asked. Max peeped into the mirror. A high-ranking lady, dressed in gold colored shoes, and adorned with a net-shaped diamond necklace and a topaz ring, stood rather modestly in an elegant shiny dress. Max's eyes sparkled with excitement about her appearance, which looked no less pretty than any royal family. It looked great to her, too.

"I, I like this one the most, too."

"Then, I'll decorate your hair. I think it's better to braid than to wear a crown. Should I put a net with pearls on it?"

"No, it would be much nicer to braid it thin on both sides and then decorate it with pins!"

Rudy skillfully combed her hair at Linda's words, braided the hair on both sides of the temple, then poked a pin with a walnut-sized pumpkin at the top of her ear and let her long, voluminous hair hang behind her back. Max looked admirably at her red hair flowing over the white dress. What kind of magic was it, my ugly curly hair looked very nice and elegant.

"You're so lovely, madam!"

The maids made a fuss when they saw her dressed up.

"You're like the Nymph of Light! I'm sure the lord will be surprised to see you, right?"

"I'm sure he will be happy. You look better than ever."

At an unfamiliar compliment, Max flushed to her forehead. She murmured shyly in a crawling voice.

"T... t, thank you."

"Is there anything that you're uncomfortable with or that you don't like?"

"N, no. It, it's very comfortable... I, I like it."

Linda nodded with a satisfied look at her answer and finally put a dark wine-colored velvet cape over her shoulder. Max was enjoying her perfectly decorated appearance with a satisfied look and asked the maids to take good care of the cats and came out of the room.

Before they knew it, the corridor was shrouded in heavy dark night shadows. Max walked along the corridor with Rudy, following the lights the servants had put on. The mere return of Riftan seemed to bring back life into the quiet castle. (side note: Riftan was away for ten days to kill some goblins in the mountains, before they start to multiply.)

There was a smell of greasy food and sweet liquor in the chilly air, and a clamorous voice was ringing faintly under the stairs.

Max went down the stairs, past the busy servants carrying oil lamps. As she stepped into the dining room past the wide hall, she could see the knights and young servants filling the long table tightly and the maids who served them.

Max stood at the door and gazed at the knights who were busy eating, drinking and chatting. A candlestick was emitting a bright light among the crowd, and the table was packed with food that was so plentiful that it was feared that the table would break. Among them, the boy who was cutting a large chunk of a boar from the largest tray and placing it on a plate suddenly raised his hand when he found her.

"Madam!"

Dressed nicely in a white tunic, Yurixion ran to her with a bright face. Max smiled awkwardly. She couldn't raise her head when she remembered what she had done with Riftan in front of him yesterday. But the boy began to talk briskly as if he didn't care at all. (side note: When Riftan finally came home, Maxi gave him a warm welcome by jumping into his arms happily and Riftan was so happy about that, that he kissed her passionately on her lips, face and neck in front of all the knights )

"How have you been? As you already know, I went to the first expedition in my life with Lord Calypse's. I spent the most meaningful ten days of my life beside the respected Lord Calypse!"

He sounded as if he had been to a nice place for a picnic and not at a monster nest. Max only gave a perplexed laugh, because she didn't know how to react.

"L, long time no see. D, did you get hurt... s, somewhere?”

"I'm fine except for a slight bruise."

Yurixion pointed at his knee and smiled awkwardly.

"I'm ashamed to say that I was walking down the hillside when I got caught in the roots of a tree and rolled down. Fortunately, the ointment you gave me was so good that we didn't have to stop the expedition, but I was teased by Sir Nirta all the time."

"Lobar, do the talking later and show milady her seat first."

A knight raised his voice over his shoulder, when he saw the boy nonstop talking. Yurixion scratched his back head with a embarrassed face, and held out one arm to her.

"I'm so glad you're here, that I didn't realize that I was impolite. Now, come this way. I'll show you to the plate with the most delicious food."

As Max put her hand on his solid arm as if he was a refined knight, the boy skillfully guided her to the middle of the seat where the knights had gathered and pulled out the chair in an unexpected skilled move.

"I'll take your cape."

Max hesitated for a moment, holding the cape string. She was shy and embarrassed to show her fashionable appearance in front of others.

"Madam?"

At Yurixion's surprised gaze, she closed her eyes tightly and took off her thick cloak and handed it to him. Then the turbulent environment became quite. Max shrugged her shoulders in confusion at their cold reaction.

The knights, who were holding their glasses and making loud noises, were looking at her with a surprised face and wide open eyes. Max lost her confidence at once and dropped her gaze. As expected, this kind of fancy outfit doesn't suit her. Is it because of the image of an ugly person dressed so well, that they stared at her like that? As her face flushed with shame, the exaggerated voice of Yurixion resounded.

"Oh my God, madam! It's really wonderful."

"Is, is it .....r, really?"

Max looked up at the boy with an insecure face. He didn't seem to be lying. Yurixion nodded vigorously, his large purple eyes shining.

"You look just like an ancient elf! The white dress looks really good on you. You've been lovely before, but you're blinding today!"

Max blushed at the exaggerated praise. She was about to return the compliment, but the boy continued to pour out his praise enthusiastically.

"You are truly the wife of Sir Calypse, the world's number one knight. I was mesmerized for a moment! Even the arrogant nymphs will blush with jealousy at your loveliness."

After a moment of joy, Max turned red to the nape of her neck. It looked good in her eyes, but she didn't think that she was a beauty that never existed in the world like the boy said. Max quickly sat on the chair, holding back the urge to cover Yurixion's mouth. But the boy was quite tactless. Perhaps because he didn't feel any embarrassment at all, Yurixion continued to pour out cheerful praise, pulling out a chair right next to her.

"It's such a waste. If you had participated in the royal ball in this way, everyone would have become the prisoners of madam! Knights trying to offer madam a knights oath would have been lined up outside the palace!"

"T, thank you very much....”

She gazed down at the round plate, muttering in an almost crawling voice. The silence of the knights couldn't feel more uncomfortable. Perhaps they are laughing inside at the boy's exaggeration. While she was sweating secretly, Yurixion quickly began to give her some food.

“I will serve you by your side. Do you have any favorite food? They are all are delicious, but the smoked grilled one is particularly good.”

Relieved that the topic has changed, she carefully looked around.

"T, thank you. By the way... ...w, where is the lord?"

"Sir Calyps is still in the conference room. He's discussing the movement of monsters with some of the knights."

"T, the movement of monsters...?”

"Suddenly, the northwest monsters began to move south."

Max turned her head to the sudden voice. Sir Nirta, dressed in plain clothes, stood right behind her. He looked up and down at her with a strange glance and soon flopped down next to her.

"Trolls are showing signs of moving to Anatol, so the leader is discussing countermeasures with the wizard. They told us to have a meal together first because it's going to be a long discussion.”

The unexpected story clouded Max's face. Hebaron continued his speech, filling his glass with wine in a characteristically informal manner.

"That's why the goblin expedition was longer than expected. We wasted a lot of time investigating the northern mountains because it seemed that there was an abnormality in the ecosystem of the monsters."

"T, the monsters are in Anatole... d, do you mean they're coming?"

"It would be more appropriate to say that they started moving south than that they were coming here. It's just a guess, but according to the testimony of the monster hunters who came across the mountain....”

When Hebaron saw her face darkening, he blurred the end of his words. He scratched his back head awkwardly and added hurriedly.

"I've said a lot of nonsense. It's nothing to worry about, ma'am. Even if the monsters are coming in, as long as there are the Remdragon Knights, this Anatole is as safe as an iron wall."

Max could hardly relax even with his assurance. The horrenfic images of the guards and loggers who were seriously injured in the Werewolf's assault came to mind. As the number of monsters increases, such things will happen more often. She slipped a hold of the mana stones she had put in her cloak pocket. The determination to learn magic became stronger. It would be better than nothing, if not of great help.

'Let's concentrate on studying from tomorrow right now.’

As she was holding her heart firmly, Yurixion began to talk cheerfully again, as if to enliven the subdued atmosphere.

"Madam, don't have such a dark face and try these delicious foods. The chef's roast boar is really excellent. The skin is crispy and the flesh is juicy and incredibly soft and moist! If you cut the meat into big pieces and dip it in a thick cameline sauce, you won't know if one dies while eating it."

"T, thank you...it, it looks really good."

"Right? The nutmeg-infused pigeon and fried cinnamon cookies are also excellent. Give them a try."

Yurixion packed her plate full of food. Max pushed the food into her mouth little by little at his suggestion. It was as good as he said. Max forgot her worries and began to indulge in her meal. Herbaron, who glanced at her while drinking, filled her glass with wine.

"You're going to choke. Let's have a drink together."

"T, thank you."

Feeling good by his rare kindness, Max gulped down the liquor in one gulp. When Hebaron saw it, he raised one eyebrow and filled the glass again.

"You seem to like drinking. Let's have another drink.”

He said and changed his sitting posture. In fact, she has never enjoyed drinking more than one or two glasses of wine at a meal, but Max closed her eyes and drank it at once because she didn't want to see the knights looking disappointed again.

As the fever inside rose, she felt relaxed. Max stared languidly because of the pleasantly rising drunkenness and drank the wine he poured. As if it seemed interesting, other knights stepped in one by one to offer her food and alcohol.

Although she was slightly offended by their way as if they seemed to feed a rare animal, Max could not refuse and ate and drank.

She was beginning to wonder how much she had drunk, because her eyes became blurred and her mood became strange. With hiccups, she clasped the glass with her hands tightly and shook her body from side to side like a roly-poly toy.

She didn't know why, but she wanted to shake her body without reason. Perhaps because her appearance looked unusual, but a knight stopped Hebaron's hand from pouring alcohol.

"Sir Nirta, stop pouring more. I think she's already drunk enough..”

"I, I'm... it, it, it, it's okay....”

Her tongue was twisted and her pronunciation was not clear. Normally, she would have kept her mouth shut immediately because she was ashamed of that tone, but somehow she didn't feel so embarrassed to stutter. Being drunk in a stately mood, Max drank all the remaining liquor at once and bravely held out her glass to Hebaron.

"Ha, one more drink, please....”

"You drink quite a bit. All right. All right. Come on, have another drink."

Hebaron's tone became more familiar. The way as if he spoke to a fellow knight was pleasing to hear, so Max drank more refreshingly. Smiling constantly and shaking her body from left to right, her sleeves became damp due to the overflow of alcohol, but everything felt good. Someone burst out laughing at the sight.

"You're pretty cute. I thought you were a woman of gloomy and shameless character."

Max swung her head towards the side where the voice was heard, and shouted back.

"H, hey, I, I'm n, not s, shameless! It, it may be u, undeniable t, to say that I'm g, gloomy, but… .”

She gulped down the wine Hebaron had given her and gave a bitter sigh. The good mood in her subsided in an instant, and suddenly the melancholy mood flooded in.

"B, but...t, that's... it, it's because I'm not familiar with you all. I, I don't speak very well...I, I don't know what to say. O, on top of that, you're all u, unnecessary b, b, big... if, if we face each other, it, it's a little scary... if, if I look up to you all, it, it looks more d, daunting than n, necessary... it, it makes me f, feel more i, intimidated, i, in my o, opinion, it's not my fault that I, I'm acting like that, it, it's your fault! Everyone, please get a little smaller."

The knights looked blank at her absurd request. Hebaron was the only one who burst into laughter.

"Why is our size unnecessary? A large body is absolutely beneficial in combat. Milady is too small. What did you do when others grew up?"

"Is Lord Nirta drunk?”

Undaunted by her amazed voice, the big knight filled her glass again.

"Now, it's not too late. If you drink and eat as much as I do, you'll grow like a pine tree."

"Is, is that so? I... c, can I still get a l, little b, bigger?”

If she grows taller, she may become more courageous and bold. Max looked up at him with hopeful eyes. Hebaron bragged with a big smile.

"I've been drinking since I was 13 and grown this much."

"I didn't know there was such a secret in Sir Nirta's height!"

Even Yurixion, who sat next to her and put meat in his mouth, poured a lot of ale into the cup and began to gulp it down. Seeing the scene, the knights wrapped their faces in unison.

Max didn't understand why they had such an awkward face. She tilted her head absent-mindedly, wondering what was wrong, and brought her mouth back to the glass.

At that moment, a big hand suddenly appeared over her shoulder and snatched her glass.

Max looked back in astonishment. Riftan stood tall with a terrifying face. His face was red and his veins throbbed, he muttered violently gritting his teeth.

"Now... what the hell are you doing?”

"T, trying to g, grow t, taller....”

Max answered with a hiccup and a crawling voice. His fierce gaze flew to the knights with gritted teeth.

"Can you tell me why my wife is so drunk?"

"She's a pretty good drinker, so we got excited and....”

Hebaron scratched the back of his head and made excuses. Riftan's face became even more cold.

"You had a lot of fun with my wife."

He gritted his teeth and laid down the glass with a bang. Then he looked menacingly around the restaurant, where silence had fallen, and said in a chillingly soft voice.

"Eat well and keep drinking. You're going to have to use some energy at the training tomorrow.”

The knights groaned low in unison. Riftan walked out of the restaurant, holding Max in his arms, ignoring the grumbling sound. She wrapped her arms round his neck obediently. Actually, she has been thinking about going to bed because her eyes keep closing.

Max buried her face deep in the nape of his neck, pretending not to hear his deep sigh. Then she could feel Riftan's body flinching and stiffening. But Max, who was pleasantly intoxicated by the feeling of being drunk and sleepy, didn't care a bit. She breathed in his peculiar body odor and kissed him impulsively on the pulsating pulse.

"Hey..."

From the side came a rumbling sound of an animal. Max laughed and smoothed his hair as if to soothe a sulky animal. Standing stiff, Riftan soon began to run up the stairs. The firm arms, swaying at that sleek step, felt just like a cradle. She caressed his chest with her hand and gently closed her eyes.

"Maxi... you don't mean to sleep, do you?"

Riftan, who reached the door at once without a break of breath, shook her body urgently. Max whined annoyingly and cruled up in his arms. Riftan looked down at the figure and fretted.

"How much did you drink?”

“…….”

"Damn, if you are not trying to teasing anyone, why are you dressed like this...”

He put her body down on the bed and pulled up the skirt that had been rolled up. Max lifted herself up half asleep to make it easier for him to undress her. Then as soon as he took the dress off her head, she lay her head on a pillow and began to sleep in earnest. Looking down at the figure, Riftan gritted his teeth.

"Tomorrow, you'll see."

The next day, Maxi had a big headache and Riftan was so mad, that he threatened her to make her not walk for some time, if he finds her drinking with men again. Maxi didn't get what he means, because she is too innocent, but she was sure, that he would never hurt her and after seeing that maxi didn't know what he means, he just told her to forget what he said and to never do that again. The next time he found her drinking with men was in the special side story that I already posted.
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I always find Riftan overprotectiveness towards Maxi really sweet and warm. He was angry when she get close to other men, but punish the knights and just scolding his wife. He was extremely angry when his wife get drunk in front of other men, yet he like it when it was just the two of them
He is not sweet with words, but all his actions make me get diabetes, lol
When reading the first 20 chapters in wordexcerpt my impression of Riftan is that he was a rude knight, but the more i read the chapter the more i realize, he was such a sweet husband who pamper his wife
@ainosz sama, thanks for the spoiler, i'll wait for Riftan POV ^_^

Avery Very · Aug 21, 2020

@ainosz why is this the cutest thing
It's so nice to see the knights getting along with Max. They adore her. Aww. They be fattening her up lol. And Riftan is always the sweetest thing. His actions says it all
Thank you so much for finding the time to spoil us. Reading your spoilers are always a treat

Sehzan · Aug 21, 2020

DEAR FRIENDS I THINK WE GOT A WEBTOON FOR THIS NOVEL! ❤︎

AND IT's FOR AUGUST 31ST! (KYAAAHHH I'm so excited *faint*)

Missy2894 · Aug 21, 2020

Sehzan said: ↑

DEAR FRIENDS I THINK WE GOT A WEBTOON FOR THIS NOVEL! ❤︎

AND IT's FOR AUGUST 31ST! (KYAAAHHH I'm so excited *faint*)

Click to expand...

OMG! I hope the drawing process will be faster so we can statisfy our imagination of their interaction in the story ＼(^o^)／
Riftan drawing's looks like Cedric from The Villainess Lives Twice by the way
And maxi red hair is absolutely gorgeous! (◍•ᴗ•◍)✧*。
I wonder if the snu snu part will be drawn (*_*)(｡♡‿♡｡)

thejobbernowl · Aug 23, 2020

Webtoon trailer!

Qiqi29 · Aug 23, 2020

thejobbernowl said: ↑

Webtoon trailer!
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At last a trailer & the art is beautiful!

alqariyah · Aug 24, 2020

thejobbernowl said: ↑

Webtoon trailer!
Click to expand...

its stunning!!!! cant wait for it!!!

ichi90 · Aug 24, 2020

Thank you so much for the spoilers! @ainosz

They are so cute and in love.

There’s this one thing I’ve been wondering, as your previous spoiler stated, Max did get jealous because she thought Riftan had many experiences.

But did he really never sleep with anyone else even before he married Max?

Once again, thank you so much and I’ll be waiting for your confirmation here.

thejobbernowl · Aug 24, 2020

Oh, I was wondering if we can get any fun Ruth tidbits or scenes? I think I remember hearing something about his family being unusual. Like half elf??

Qiqi29 · Aug 24, 2020

@ainosz please also don't forget Maxi and Agnes first meeting

ichi90 · Aug 24, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

But did he really never sleep with anyone else even before he married Max?

He really never slept with anyone but Maxi, that's also the reason why he was so clumsy in their first night. There were many, many woman who threw themselves at him in the past, but he was always disgusted by them and got away from them. There were even many woman who secretly waited on him in his bed or room, some already naked, others trying to take their clothes off in front of him, but he always sent them away angrily.

That's also the reason why he thought that Maxi should take her clothes off herself in their first night, because all the woman he saw always took their clothes off their self. So, he was even more confused when maxi seemed confused about taking off her clothes, because he thought it was normal for a woman to take her clothes off herself and asked himself, if nobles have other rules where they sleep with each other while wearing clothes. He never would have thought that maxi really doesn't know what they were going to do, because he also didn't really had a clue about how it's really done and if what he knows is right.

Also, when he was younger and became a teen, where it's normal for him to get a little horny, he did in fact feel something down there, but every time he saw all the naked woman throwing themselves at him and clinging to his arm with their breasts, he remembered the cold, dead body of his mother that he carried over his back as a child and that made him feel really disgusted. But even when he wasn't feeling disgusted because of this reason, he also hated all this woman, because they only wanted to have some fun with him and that's also disgusting to him.

So Maxi is really the only one he could have snusnu with, because she is also the only one where he feels something down there for, because she was always in his heart. That's why he doesn't feel disgusted and doesn't remember his dead mother when he is with her.

And I love the fact that he never lies about something and always either tells Maxi the truth or just shuts up, but he never lied to her about anything, not even about embarrassing things, like him not knowing anything about woman, or things that he really feels ashamed of.

(Also, a little side note to their first night: When he saw Maxi in the bedroom, wearing an thin, revealing dress, his friend down there instantly woke up to the fullest )

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Omoooo. So cute. This even makes them even more lovable, both only got to experience the snu snu with each other.

Thank you so much!!

Avery Very · Aug 25, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

And I love the fact that he never lies about something and always either tells Maxi the truth or just shuts up, but he never lied to her about anything, not even about embarrassing things, like him not knowing anything about woman, or things that he really feels ashamed of.
Click to expand...

I love this cute side of him too. Makes him more adorable. Too cute!
Thank you for the spoiler

Missy2894 · Aug 27, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

thats the next part I'm planning to post, but I'm still not done translating it, maybe later I will post it
Click to expand...

Take your time, i will be faithfully visit the page everyday just to see if there is a new spoiler's update
Ganbatte @ainosz sama!

thejobbernowl · Aug 27, 2020

Agnes sounds like she's actually a lot of fun. She is probably more of a "traditional" love interest type than Max is if this was really about the story of Riftan as heroic protagonist who went on a dragon slaying adventure with a tomboy magician princess.

Missy2894 · Aug 28, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

so here is the part with Maxi and Agnes first meeting. Before they met, Riftan called for Maxi to his office and told her, that guests from the capital will come and princess Agnes will be one of them as someone who will do an inspection of Anatole. Maxi is concerned about that, because Agnes was someone who could have married Riftan and they seemed close enough for all the knights to think that they could marry, but she doesn't want to show her jealousy, so she acts like it's ok and tells him that she will prepare everything for the guests. Riftan was also concerned about how Maxi would take the news, but I think he wasn't really sure if she was upset or not and maybe he didn't even knew how to handle this situation, so they didn't talk more about it.

After that, Maxi did her job as the lady of the castle and supervised the servants and prepared the garden, so that everything would look neatly when Agnes arrives. Riftan was also busy with the road construction, so Maxi and Riftan almost had no time to see or talk to each other, because Riftan only came back when it was late into the night and Maxi slept early, because she was exhausted from all the work. That didn't help her mind to relax and so she got more and more anxious about Agnes coming to Anatol and that maybe Riftan could ask for divorce. I will start this part at the point where Maxi heard the news about Agnes arrival to Anatol.

On a sunny afternoon as spring neared its peak, Max, who was supervising the landscaping of the garden, stiffened when she heard that knights with royal seals had passed through the gates of Anatol. The garden had barely escaped the wasteland thanks to the planting of shrubs everywhere.

She was not very satisfied with the garden, but she hurriedly prepared to welcome the guests, thinking it was fortunate that she didn't receive the royal inspection team in a poor manner.

She called the maids together in a hurry and ordered them to tidy up the entrance to the Great Hall as neatly as possible, and went into the room to examine her clothes. She was dressed in fancy and fine clothes, but somehow she felt there was something lacking.

She opened the jewelry box, put on a brooch that she didn't usually wear, and decorated it with a necklace and a ring. Then she asked Rudys to touch her hair again. She didn't want to look shabby in front of the woman who had marriage talk with her husband.

As if Rudys had noticed her feelings, she also put a lot more effort into it than usual and braid and put on a crown, decorated with silk and jewels, on her hair.

After a while, a loud pot sound came from afar announcing the arrival of the guests. (side note: I'm not sure if I got it right with the pot, but the Korean word was 코펠 which means a camping pot, if you search for it )

Max went down the stairs with a fancy shawl around her shoulders and her maids.

Her heart beat dull and heavy and cold sweat formed on her back. It is the first guest she will meet as the hostess of Calypse castle. But the fact that the first guest was princess Agnes made her nervousness multiply times more.

What kind of person is she? Is she as cold and arrogant as Rosetta? She might belittle her or look down on her, saying she is a woman who has nothing to look at.

She rubbed her wet palms on the hem of her skirt, waiting for the guests to show up in front of the wide-open door.

For a long time, only the voices of people could be heard from afar, but soon people dressed in colorful costumes began to walk up the stairs. Max was able to find princess Agnes at once.

She was leading two young women who appeared to be maids, five or six men who appeared to be attendants, and knights in silver armor, in a long line and walking majestically to the entrance of the Great Hall. Next to her stood a line of Remdragon knights, and by the side of the royal daughter stood Riftan, escorting her as if protecting her. (side note: Nooo Maxi, he is just escorting her )

Max watched the figure, forgetting to bow and greet them. The appearance of princess Agnes was truly extraordinaly. She was wearing long boots on pants that men would wear and a long cape with a purple tunic that was knee-length.

She had long bright blonde hair, without any common accessors, a golden face tanned in the sun, with a free-spirited smile, and walked briskly.

She faced a simple yet energetic woman who was different from what she had expected. She seemed to radiate brilliance from her vivid blue eyes without wearing a single jewel.

"Nice to meet you. Agnes Drakina Ruben."

"I'm so glad to see you... It's an honor, Your Highness...Maximilian... Calyps."

Though a little slack, she was able to say hello calmly, as she had been secretly practicing.

"Please, while you're here... I hope you have a good time."

As she stretched out her skirt and bent slightly over, the maids, standing behind her, bowed politely, following her. Princess Agnes gave a cheerful yet dignified smile.

"You must have been embarrassed by the sudden visit, but thank you for welcoming me like this."

"I'll guide the knights. You show the princess to the guest room."

said Riftan, taking a step forward, as if blocking the front of the princess. (side note: no Maxi, he stood in your way, so that the other men don't see you looking so pretty, thats why he wanted you to go with Agnes )

Standing behind the light, his face looked more solemn and dignified than usual, and the dark blue tunic and silver-gray greaves, which were almost indigo blue, seemed to accentuate his robust physique more than ever before.

"Yes, I will."

Max looked up, hoping he would kiss her forehead or cheek, even lightly. But Riftan stared quietly from a step away, then turned and walked towards the knights.

"Follow me. I'll show you to a room where you can rest." (side note: and now he wants to take the men away from her, as soon as possible )

Then, he started to walk ahead to the back door that was connected to the annex. As the royal guards followed suit, the waiting servants followed one by one to serve the guests.

Hiding her disappointment, Max instructed the maids to show the attendants to their respective rooms. The maids rushed to move their luggage.

"It's on the second floor of the Great Hall... t, the room your Highness is going to live in... I have it ready. The rooms for the entourage... the same floor is prepared... is it okay?"

"Of course, thank you for your attention."

"T, to the room... I will guide you."

Max turned around and walked up the red carpeted stairs. The princess walked beside her and looked around the castle with an interesting look.

"The castle is very nice. I was surprised that it was bigger than I expected."

Max only gave an awkward look because she didn't know what to say in her familiar tone. Despite the long journey, the princess walked up the stairs with no signs of exhaustion and looked at the splendidly decorated banquet hall, the high arched ceiling, the rugged columns that followed the ancient architectural style, and the narrow and high windows where light poured in.

"I heard it's older than the Palace of Darcium, but it's well managed."

"T... Thank you."

Overwhelmed by the natural dignity of the princess, though she did not particularly intend to, Max took an excessively polite attitude. Even though she was dressed like a boy, her royal authority overflowed.

Max watched from a couple of steps away as she strode along the railing, looking around the wide hall, with no sign of exhaustion.

The princess was unusualy tall for a woman. She looked like 5 kvet 2 chenge (about 174 centimeters) and her arms and legs were as long and slim as a deer's. The face was a little far from the classic beauty that Max had imagined in her head. (side note: Also, last time I got it wrong, according to the author Riftan is 196 cm, not 192 cm, and Maxi is 162 cm)

The lips were so plump that they seemed a little bit bigger than the face, and the almond-shaped long eyes were slightly raised up, giving the impression of a haughty cat. Her face was as pointed and thin as an arrowhead, and her nose was high and straight, but she was more suited to the term "handsome" than to say "beautiful".

Princess Agnes exuded a provocative and intense charm, different from Rosetta's delicate and perfect beauty.

"It's like you just fell into Roem's fortress."

The princess uttered her appreciation for the Great Hall in a calm tone.

"I'd like to take a more relaxed tour of the castle. Can you show me around, ma'am."

The princess bent her eyes thinly as she looked back at Max. Her expression seemed friendly and at first glance at ease, but there remained a searching air above her blue eyes. Max, unwittingly shrugging her shoulders, nodded.

"O, of course."

"Thank you. I'd like to wash up and change my clothes before that. Where's the room?"

"I'll show you around, Your Highness. This way..."

Rudy, who was standing behind her, stepped forward and bowed politely. The princess smiled and turned gracefully.

"Well, I'll see you in a minute."

Max looked at her back, moving coolly away, with a slightly enchanted face. At the first encounter, she felt as if she had already been swept away by the royal spirit.

"I, in the guests' rooms... prepare the bath water... please put it up. Especially, in the princess's....room..., you have to pay special attention."

"Okay, ma'am."

Max gave strict instructions to the remaining maids and went down to the kitchen. The spacious kitchen was crowded with servants preparing for a reception for the guests.

She looked at how well things were going without any problems, but in her head, she recalled how well Riftan and princess Agnes looked like a good match together. (Side note: be prepared, now we will get more jealous thoughts of Maxi and a jealous woman sometime sees things not like they seem to be )

The sight of a blonde beauty, who gives off a dazzling charm like sunlight, and a handsome knight, who created a dangerous atmosphere, stood side by side, as if they had just popped out of the story of a minstrel. It occurred to me that it was not unreasonable for people to want the two to get together. (side note: I prefer a cute Maxi standing by Riftans side and giving the vibe of the beauty and the beast also, the manhwa artist made a fanart like that for OAK, just look at her twitter account )

Max bit her lips nervously. Does he really have nothing to do with her? The Princess seemed a little different, but she was nevertheless a very pretty and charming woman. It's like that in her eyes, but how does it seem in men's eyes?

"Madame, I'm trying to catch a lamb... Are you okay?"

Suddenly a servant asked with a worried look. Max hurriedly turned away when she saw a black-bearded man outside the wide-open door tying a lamb to a post and grinding a knife. Unably to watch the sight, she gave an awkward smile and hurried out of the kitchen.

On the wide hall, where the sun poured in, the maids were busily running around with their arms full of white linen.

The servants' sleeves were soaked as they moved the heated water from the sauna to the guests' rooms, and in the backyard the sound of chopping firewood resounded loudly. Even the stablemen seemed busy feeding the horses the guests had been riding with water and food.

Max gave careful instructions so that they could work in an orderly manner. First of all, after bringing to the guests bath water, soap and clean towels, so that they can get enough rest, they were given wine, biscuits and pickled fruit, if anyone wanted a drink or snack. After asking them to closely check if they needed anything else, she went up to the banquet hall.

In the evening, the guests had to be served a welcome dinner. She called in three or four servants and ordered them to lay out two long tables in the banquet hall. Then she chose tableclothes, candlesticks, and tableware with Rodrigo. Gold, silver and glass high end utensils were at risk of being stolen, so she had to count them.

Max told him to take out an expensive golden candlestick from the warehouse and meticulously recorded the numbers of silver trays, plates, forks and knives in her books. After checking twice to see if she might be mistaken, she counted the amount of candles, firewood, alcohol and food for the banquet.

There was no shortage of alcohol and food at the dinner. However, it should not be necessary to prepare too much food and to waste it. Prepare generously, but do not overdo it...

"Madame."

As she was recording the amount of alcohol bottles in her book, Rudy's came with a quick step. Max looked at her with a puzzled look.

"What's... what's wrong?"

"The princess asks if you can show her the castle now. What should I do?"

"N, now..."

Ordinary guests were bound to take a rest immediately after arriving at the castle. But princess Agnes seemed to be full of strength even after a long journey from the north end of Whedon to the south.

Max hurriedly finished the remaining records and handed over the books to Rodrigo. When she came out of the banquet hall, she saw the princess in a dark blue dress walking out of the hall. She glided forward to Max.

"Thank you for the nice room. The tapestry on the wall is wonderful.”

"I, I'm glad. Your Highness."

When Max responded in a passive manner, princess Agnes smiled.

"You don't have to be so formal. Call me Agnes. I'd like to call your name, too, but will it be okay?"

Max only opened her lips in a daze at the spirited torrent of words, then nodded mechanically. The princess smiled satisfiedly and pulled her arm.

"I want to look outside the Great Hall. Will you show me around?"

Then she started going down the stairs without hearing her answer. Max followed her frantically, as if caught up in a raging storm.

She couldn't contain her embarrassment at the friendly behavior of the princess. She never thought she'd be friendly to her. Max was thrown into confusion. Didn't the princess want to marry Riftan?

"Is Riftan at the annex with the knights?”

asked princess Agnes as she went out of the hall. At the name of her husband, who came so naturally out of her mouth, Max hardened her face faintly.

"M, maybe... he is."

"I'll have to ask him to show me around later. I'd like to look around the castle, can I go up there?”

Max hesitated and nodded, leading her to the small forest path on the right. After a short walk along the narrow path through which the guards passed, a stone staircase appeared on the outer wall. The soldiers, who were guarding there, bowed down when they saw her.

Max explained to them that she was guiding the princess though the castle, and then climbed the stairs. Although it was said that the day was getting warmer, it was still early spring. Max trembled in the chilly wind coming down from the mountain. The long skirt of the king's daughter, who climbed above the stairs wall before her, was fluttering like a flag. She stood in front of the railing and stretched out as if refreshed by the raging wind.

"It's a beautiful place."

Max followed the princess to look beyond the wall. The wind was raging rough over the steep mountain slopes and pointed peaks, where snow had yet to melt. With her eyes fixed on the distant mountain, the princess swept away her fluttering hair.

"It's a place full of monsters, so I thought there'd be a bloody scene waiting for me to get to the entrance to the demon world."

The princess moved slowly along the inspection route and turned to Max.

"But the town was bigger than I expected. I think the market is developed... honestly, I was surprised."

"I, in spring... a lot of mercenaries... are said to be coming. The merchants..."

Max pretended to know the story that she had picked up from Rodrigo and kept muttering. The princess stroked her chin with a thoughtful expression, and then sighed out.

"Riftan seems to be attached. It must have taken a lot of effort to make the land this rich after decades of neglect.”

Max felt a prick in her lower abdomen. It was as if she knew and understood him. The urge to shout out "Don't pretend to know my husband" soared at the moment. Max bit her lips in amazement at her violent desire. Her earlobes heated up because she's worried that she'll be caught in narrow-minded thinking soon.

"Ri, Riftan... for Anatole... he's working...from dawn till late at night, without resting."

"Riftan was like that on the expedition. No one has ever seen him rest. There was no hesitation or sign of weakness at any moment. So everyone called him Margot with awe and fear."

"Mar... got?"

"It's a legendary demon that is said to have neither sleep nor exhaustion, and has a hundred lives."

A bitter smile suddenly fell on her lips.

"It's a nickname given to him by the Knights of Osiria for acting like he has hundred lives."

Even though Ruth had already told her about Riftan's reckless behavior, a corner of her chest was sharply tightened.

Max shrugged her shoulders to chase away the chill that came over her. As if to observe her appearance, the princess, who was watching her with a calm gaze, continued her words.

"I was just wondering what Margot's wife would be like. Where does the man who throws himself into the fire of the dragon want to return?”

Speechless, Max moistened her dry lips. She felt like she was being blamed, even if she wasn't. Max was well aware that she did not deserve to be the wife of such a valiant knight.

Princess Agnes could not have not noticed the fact. Seeing her shabby figure reflected in those beautiful blue eyes, it became more and more painful. Max knew it was rude behavior, but turned around. (side note: Nooo Maxi, you are not shabby and no one thinks that )

“T, the wind… it's cold. I have to go in...to the castle. There's a lot to of work to do....”

"...yes."

Before princess Agnes came down the stairs, she looked at the landscape of Anatol one more time over the railing. Max looked up at the figure and moved ahead as if she were running away. She was anxious and confused as if a strong wind had begun to blow in her heart.

***

The servants climbed up the ladder and lit candles on the chandelier around the time the sun began to tilt. The maids set fireplaces throughout the banquet hall, filled with red charcoal, and prepared a wide table with delicious food.

Max sat side by side with Riftan on the top of the rich table. The princess and her attendants sat directly opposite at the top of the table, and the knights filled the rest of the seats. When the maids and young servants filled their cup with fragrant wine, Riftan lifted up the golden cup.

"Welcome guests who have come a long way."

The people around the table raised their glasses in unison. The princess, sitting opposite her, also smiled gracefully, raising her glass of wine.

"Thank you for welcoming me."

"Thank you for coming. You must be hungry, so please go ahead."

When an old knight roared loudly, the princess smiled and took the glass of wine to her mouth. As a sign of it, people began to eat with their forks and knives one by one.

Max mechanically put the bread in her mouth and glanced over the people sitting close to the long table. The royal guards, who came as guests, seemed to know the Remdagon knights and exchanged jokes with each other, and the princess exchanged stories with the knights.

Max was half-shocked by the sight. Princess Agnes did not seem to care a bit about the manners and decency that the ladies had to keep.

She burst into laughter and slapped the knight's shoulder who sat next to her. She also showed her unflinching presence even among men who were much bigger than her, including her playful, provocative voice, drawing the attention of everyone. And to her surprise, the knights were taking that pleasantly, too.

"I want to look around Anatol tomorrow right away. Can you show me around?"

The princess, who was having a pleasant conversation with the knight sitting next to her, suddenly asked Riftan, her eyes twinkling. Riftan moistened his mouth with wine and answered heartlessly.

"Uslin will guide you."

"Hey, brusque lord. Don't try to treat me lightly. I came all the way down here to meet you.”

"I've never asked you to do anything."

His rude reply made the guards frown. Max looked at the princess's complexion with a nervous look. No matter how famous a knight was on the whole continent, it was not acceptable to be so rude to the royal family. However, she burst into laughter as if she had heard a funny story, in a manner that made her look blushing and yelling.

"That personality remains."

Then with a strange smile, she turned her eyes to Max.

"Then will Mrs. Calypse show us the land?”

Riftan, who was cutting a thick lamb with a knife, hesitated and glared at the princess. Max blinked blankly, embarrassed by the sudden flow of the conversation changing at her direction. Regardless of such reactions, princess Agnes spoke softly.

"I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask you anyway.”

"Your Highness."

Riftan laid down the knife loud enough to make a sound, saying with a chilling soft voice.

"If you don't mind early in the morning, I'll show you around myself."

"Oh, my God, you've given me so much attention that I don't know what to do."

Despite this harsh words, the princess booed without any sign of shrinking. Max hardened her face as they seemed to enjoy the bickering between men and women. The mere imagination of Riftan and her taking a cozy tour through the land made her stomach sick. Max opened her mouth impulsively.

"I... I, I'll show you."

Riftan's startled gaze reached her. Max moistened her dry lips and spoke in a trance.

"Riftan... he's busy. I'll... I'll show you Anatol...”

"You came last fall, too. What are you talking about?"

Her cheeks became burning hot at Riften's brusque remark.

"I, I can still guide them around to some degree. I followed Ruth... I've been to the city, to the market, and... on the outskirt, too..."

"Outskirt...?"

Riftan's voice suddenly subsided. Max looked up bewilderedly, in his eyes that had a dangerous light. Come to think of it, she had never said to him that she had gone down to the area damaged by the monster raid while he was away from the castle. (side note: When Riftan was away hunting Goblins, Maxi helped Ruth to treat wounded guards, after a werewolf attack happened, and Riftan still doesn't know about this)

Max carefully examined the faces of the knights sitting around the table. Sir Karon, sitting at the end of that line, was shaking his head fiercely from side to side. It seemed to mean not to talk about it.

Max swallowed dryly. As the wife of the lord himself, she only did what was natural, but Riftan may not take it that way. Recalling his fiery temper after not telling him in advance that she was learning magic, Max hurriedly turned the topic around.

"W, what I'd like to say is... Me, too...I know Anatol, too."

"Stop it. I can't let you wander out of the castle defenselessly....”

"Oh, I'm fine?"

Princess Agnes deftly stepped in on the conversation. Riftan gave her an irritating look.

"Your Highness can protect herself. My wife is different. She's never been out of Croix castle in her life!”

"Hey, in the territory...looking around to some extent... I can do it, too!"

Max glared at him in a fit of rage.

Her pride was hurt because she seemed to be treated as an incompetent child in front of the majestic princess. She protested, her cheeks flushed.

"And... I, I didn't spend my time...only in Croix Castle. I, I have been through the journey.. from the duke's estate... to Anatol."

"Yes, leader. What are you worried about when the guards will escort her?"

Hebaron sneaked out on her side.

"If you're not so relieved, I'll accompany her."

Riftan's face grew increasingly grim in the continuous offensive. She could not back down here, even though her heart was shriveled as it seems that he was about to shout. Indeed, Max wanted to stop Riftan from being with that charming woman.

"Riftan doesn't even have time to sleep...you're very busy. About the guests... guiding them through the territory... leave the work to me."

Riften face was slightly clouded at her rare stubbornness. Riften, who has hesitated for a while and was silent for a long time, finally raised the white flag. (side note: now everyone, apart from Riftan (and maybe Agnes, too), knows that Maxi is jealous )

"Okay, I'll leave it to you."

Then he asked with a sullen face the smiling princess, who sat opposite him and seemed to enjoy the sight.

"Would you mind doing that?"

"There's nothing an uninvited guest can say. I'm just grateful for your golden wife."

The princess put her hand on her chest and trembled as if she had no idea what to do. Max blushed with embarrassment.

He was only concerned about the safety of his wife with the royal family in front of his eyes, which could have offended her. But she seemed to be just interested in the reaction of Riftan.

"The princess's character remains unchanged."

Riftan shook his head as he looked at her smiling face. It was an annoyed tone, but Max could read familiarity out of his voice. Her heart ached with pain.

The princess was taking Riftan's rude attitude lightly, and Riftan seemed to be well aware that the other party would accept his rudeness. There was understanding and bond between them among those who had gone through hardships together.

Max looked down at her glass in a daze, feeling like she is a stranger. Her mood subsided endlessly. But how dare she blame the familiarity between them?

Princess Agnes was a colleague who fought with Riftan at the most hardest and difficult moments. The Remdragon Knights, Ruth, as well as the princess...all deserved Riftan's friendship and trust.

But what about herself? Did she really do anything worthy to earn his trust and affection?

As she darkened her face with such thoughts, Riftan frowned and stroked her hair.

"I said you can do whatever you want. Stop frowning."

Max smiled hastily because she didn't want to reveal her petty jealousy. Riftan followed with a faint smile and poured wine into her glass.

At that friendly look, Max had momentarily the urge to crawl up into his lap and shower him with kisses. She wanted to caress his masculine face at his clear outline, sit on his hard knee, bury her face in his wide chest, and inhale his body odor to her heart's content.

What should I do to occupy this person completly? Max covered her face with a glass, pretending to drink, thinking that maybe someone noticed her desire. There was chaos in her mind and loneliness in her heart. She felt like a child left alone in a strange place.

***

She must have become drunk while drinking to get rid of her melancholy mood. When she came to her senses, she found herself lying in bed. Max blinked her eyes blankly in the dark. Riftan lay beside her, taking the jewellery off her head and untying the string of her ragged dress.

"It's a living torture.”

Riftan grumbled and stripped the dress over her head. Max looked up at his frowned face with hazy eyes. Riftan looked down at her unprotected lying in a thin sheet of chemise as if she were some kind of deadly enemy.

"I don't want to give you a hard time, so... do you even know how much I'm holding back?”

Max wanted to say he didn't have to hold back, but nothing came out of her languid throat.

Her heart is burning anxiously. She didn't need any consideration, so he should get intoxicated with her. His restraint made her more anxious.

Maxi hoped that he would engross himself till he lost his reason. Then she could forget that she was a humble and shabby creature.

It's okay even if it's painful and hard. Only when she is in his arms can she be freed from all this anxiety, from solitude.

Riftan sat on the bed and stroked her disheveled hair. He carefully swept her hot cheeks with the tip of his hand, and gently grabbed her breasts as if he was unable to resist the temptation.

Max moaned as if she was suffering and pushed her chest further into his hands. With a low groan, Riftan pushed his moist tongue, which tasted like wine, into her mouth.

The languid pleasure was deafening. Max blinked her heavy eyelids and waited for him to roll up her skirt and fill the hot space between her legs. Her stomach seemed to burn with longing for his rough, big hands to caress her whole body.

However, Riftan was patient and moved away. She could feel him raising himself up from bed and sighing deeply. With a moment of disappointment, she fell back into sleep.

I translated till the part with the bedroom, to give you a little fluff in this tiring and sad chapters.

After that, Maxi showed Agnes and a royal knight around Anatol with the help of Rudys and Hebaron. Uslin was there, too, but only until they reached the market place, where Hebaron told him to care for the horses, because he didn't want Maxi to feel unwell with Uslin being around. Maxi and Agnes got to know each other better, but Maxi still felt unsure with Agnes and that only subsided when Maxi and Agnes were at the spring festival.
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Actually eventhough Maxi is the MC here, but i kind of thankful for the people around her that really help her reaching her highest potential
Of course Riftan is the #1 source of motivation to drive her, with the showers of love and care (oh i am getting diabetes here)
He is the first man that ever loves Maxi and treasure her to the point of spoiling her to the dangerous level
Spoiling can be dangerous if it is too much, and that comes Ruth to play part, where he is honest to criticize her for her own good, like investing in books, teach her to develop her skill ia n magic (this is the part where Riftan role can be danger, bcoz he treasure her too much to the point he doesnt want her to face any danger, but it actually prevent Maxi to develop her hidden talent and other potential)
Thank God Maxi follow Ruth's advice, and stubborn enough to convince his overprotective husband
And the new person introduced of course our Princess Agnes, well she is a good companion for friends, and of course, although Riftan is the closest to Maxi's heart, she still need a "girlfriend" where she can share things her husband can't understand, and person to share her secret admiration to her husband
Woman always had that side though
I just love how this story has many elements to pay attention at

Avery Very · Aug 28, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

"I was just wondering what Margot's wife would be like. Where does the man who throws himself into the fire of the dragon want to return?”
Click to expand...

Aww. Riftan is the sweetest thing

ainosz said: ↑

That's true, is nice for her to know that there is a person who loves and cares for her the most, but she also needs someone who activly let's her develop herself. Ruth is the one who always took her seriously
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I agree on this one. I've read some comments getting annoyed at ruth's tactless remarks but I like that he doesnt baby her. He pushes her to try things and pushes her out of her comfort zone. She needs someone like that. He also tells her things as it is,the truth with no bs.

Thank you so much for the many chapters. It must've took alot of time. Thank you so much for all the effort

Ps. I love your side notes sm

Missy2894 · Aug 28, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

That's true, is nice for her to know that there is a person who loves and cares for her the most, but she also needs someone who activly let's her develop herself. Ruth is the one who always took her seriously, even at first where everyone around her just wanted her to not go into dangerous situations and didn't thought that she could do something. Ruth was the one who always told her, that she is the lady of the castle and that it is her job, so she can and should do it with her head held high. And the fact that he talks with her like he talks with everyone else, too, let's them both become friends really fast.

But actually, Maxi doesn't share talk like that with Agnes, they are friends, but Maxi is still distant, not only with her, but others as well. Even with her other girl friends Sedina and Annette, but I would say, she is closer to them than to Agnes. The only person with whom she sometimes talks about things like that is Ruth and that's because Ruth can read from her face what her problem is and actively gives her good advise. The time where you really realize that he is a friend for the soul is in the part where Agnes came to Anatol and Maxi was anxious. Ruth told her that it's normal for her to feel like that and any normal woman would be the same when she meets the woman her husband could have married and he told her, that he also doesn't feel well with Agnes around. That talk helps Maxi a lot, because she always feels like a bad person when she is jealous and now she doesn't feel alone with her feeling, because everyone around her loves Agnes and with Ruth being the same, it's like taking a big stone off her heart.

Just like I said, Agnes and Maxi will become friends, but that will not stop Maxi from becoming jealous every time Agnes seems close to Riftan and Agnes doesn't realize that her actions are making Maxi mad, because Agnes doesn't even intent to do something like that. And Ruth is the one who gives her good advise about that, too.

I think the reason why maxi is so distant about talking about her problems is because she never had someone to consult with and she doesn't know how to share her problems with anyone. And most of the people, who see that she has a problem, just asked her, if there is a problem or if she is alright, but that doesn't get her to talk and maxi is being silent about it. Unlike others, Ruth doesn't ask her if she has a problem, but just starts talking about it and gives her advise about it, that's why she can answer him honestly about how she feels. The only time where maxi talked a little about her problem with someone else was with Sedina, because at that moment Sedina just started talking about Maxi's problem and gave her little advise.

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Oh maybe i get the Agnes part wrong, i read from spoilers before stating that Agnes is the first female kind companion for Maxi, but maybe i jump to conclusion really fast, not knowing the details of their interaction yet
But yes, for Ruth, whether you like it or not, you need someone like him to keep your action in check, he was a good reminder for Maxi to keep pushing her to the limit
I really hope that i also have someone like Ruth in my life that blunt enough to point out my flaws for my own good

Missy2894 · Aug 28, 2020

Avery Very said: ↑

Aww. Riftan is the sweetest thing

Yeah, Riftan is the sweetest MC, he is my favorite MC so far, despite he gas some flaws in his baggage, lol
How can every rude words from his mouth can be that sweet when i read their interaction

I agree on this one. I've read some comments getting annoyed at ruth's tactless remarks but I like that he doesnt baby her. He pushes her to try things and pushes her out of her comfort zone. She needs someone like that. He also tells her things as it is,the truth with no bs.

Thank you so much for the many chapters. It must've took alot of time. Thank you so much for all the effort

Ps. I love your side notes sm
Click to expand...

Yes yes, Ruth is like a personal trainer in a gym you want to kill when he ask you to do hundreds sit up excercise, but you realize how much you appreciate him after you see the result in your body shape and health
To be honest, we all need Ruth in our life guys!

Qiqi29 · Aug 28, 2020

ainosz said: ↑

so here is the part with Maxi and Agnes first meeting. Before they met, Riftan called for Maxi to his office and told her, that guests from the capital will come and princess Agnes will be one of them as someone who will do an inspection of Anatole. Maxi is concerned about that, because Agnes was someone who could have married Riftan and they seemed close enough for all the knights to think that they could marry, but she doesn't want to show her jealousy, so she acts like it's ok and tells him that she will prepare everything for the guests. Riftan was also concerned about how Maxi would take the news, but I think he wasn't really sure if she was upset or not and maybe he didn't even knew how to handle this situation, so they didn't talk more about it.

After that, Maxi did her job as the lady of the castle and supervised the servants and prepared the garden, so that everything would look neatly when Agnes arrives. Riftan was also busy with the road construction, so Maxi and Riftan almost had no time to see or talk to each other, because Riftan only came back when it was late into the night and Maxi slept early, because she was exhausted from all the work. That didn't help her mind to relax and so she got more and more anxious about Agnes coming to Anatol and that maybe Riftan could ask for divorce. I will start this part at the point where Maxi heard the news about Agnes arrival to Anatol.

On a sunny afternoon as spring neared its peak, Max, who was supervising the landscaping of the garden, stiffened when she heard that knights with royal seals had passed through the gates of Anatol. The garden had barely escaped the wasteland thanks to the planting of shrubs everywhere.

She was not very satisfied with the garden, but she hurriedly prepared to welcome the guests, thinking it was fortunate that she didn't receive the royal inspection team in a poor manner.

She called the maids together in a hurry and ordered them to tidy up the entrance to the Great Hall as neatly as possible, and went into the room to examine her clothes. She was dressed in fancy and fine clothes, but somehow she felt there was something lacking.

She opened the jewelry box, put on a brooch that she didn't usually wear, and decorated it with a necklace and a ring. Then she asked Rudys to touch her hair again. She didn't want to look shabby in front of the woman who had marriage talk with her husband.

As if Rudys had noticed her feelings, she also put a lot more effort into it than usual and braid and put on a crown, decorated with silk and jewels, on her hair.

After a while, a loud pot sound came from afar announcing the arrival of the guests. (side note: I'm not sure if I got it right with the pot, but the Korean word was 코펠 which means a camping pot, if you search for it )

Max went down the stairs with a fancy shawl around her shoulders and her maids.

Her heart beat dull and heavy and cold sweat formed on her back. It is the first guest she will meet as the hostess of Calypse castle. But the fact that the first guest was princess Agnes made her nervousness multiply times more.

What kind of person is she? Is she as cold and arrogant as Rosetta? She might belittle her or look down on her, saying she is a woman who has nothing to look at.

She rubbed her wet palms on the hem of her skirt, waiting for the guests to show up in front of the wide-open door.

For a long time, only the voices of people could be heard from afar, but soon people dressed in colorful costumes began to walk up the stairs. Max was able to find princess Agnes at once.

She was leading two young women who appeared to be maids, five or six men who appeared to be attendants, and knights in silver armor, in a long line and walking majestically to the entrance of the Great Hall. Next to her stood a line of Remdragon knights, and by the side of the royal daughter stood Riftan, escorting her as if protecting her. (side note: Nooo Maxi, he is just escorting her )

Max watched the figure, forgetting to bow and greet them. The appearance of princess Agnes was truly extraordinaly. She was wearing long boots on pants that men would wear and a long cape with a purple tunic that was knee-length.

She had long bright blonde hair, without any common accessors, a golden face tanned in the sun, with a free-spirited smile, and walked briskly.

She faced a simple yet energetic woman who was different from what she had expected. She seemed to radiate brilliance from her vivid blue eyes without wearing a single jewel.

"Nice to meet you. Agnes Drakina Ruben."

"I'm so glad to see you... It's an honor, Your Highness...Maximilian... Calyps."

Though a little slack, she was able to say hello calmly, as she had been secretly practicing.

"Please, while you're here... I hope you have a good time."

As she stretched out her skirt and bent slightly over, the maids, standing behind her, bowed politely, following her. Princess Agnes gave a cheerful yet dignified smile.

"You must have been embarrassed by the sudden visit, but thank you for welcoming me like this."

"I'll guide the knights. You show the princess to the guest room."

said Riftan, taking a step forward, as if blocking the front of the princess. (side note: no Maxi, he stood in your way, so that the other men don't see you looking so pretty, thats why he wanted you to go with Agnes )

Standing behind the light, his face looked more solemn and dignified than usual, and the dark blue tunic and silver-gray greaves, which were almost indigo blue, seemed to accentuate his robust physique more than ever before.

"Yes, I will."

Max looked up, hoping he would kiss her forehead or cheek, even lightly. But Riftan stared quietly from a step away, then turned and walked towards the knights.

"Follow me. I'll show you to a room where you can rest." (side note: and now he wants to take the men away from her, as soon as possible )

Then, he started to walk ahead to the back door that was connected to the annex. As the royal guards followed suit, the waiting servants followed one by one to serve the guests.

Hiding her disappointment, Max instructed the maids to show the attendants to their respective rooms. The maids rushed to move their luggage.

"It's on the second floor of the Great Hall... t, the room your Highness is going to live in... I have it ready. The rooms for the entourage... the same floor is prepared... is it okay?"

"Of course, thank you for your attention."

"T, to the room... I will guide you."

Max turned around and walked up the red carpeted stairs. The princess walked beside her and looked around the castle with an interesting look.

"The castle is very nice. I was surprised that it was bigger than I expected."

Max only gave an awkward look because she didn't know what to say in her familiar tone. Despite the long journey, the princess walked up the stairs with no signs of exhaustion and looked at the splendidly decorated banquet hall, the high arched ceiling, the rugged columns that followed the ancient architectural style, and the narrow and high windows where light poured in.

"I heard it's older than the Palace of Darcium, but it's well managed."

"T... Thank you."

Overwhelmed by the natural dignity of the princess, though she did not particularly intend to, Max took an excessively polite attitude. Even though she was dressed like a boy, her royal authority overflowed.

Max watched from a couple of steps away as she strode along the railing, looking around the wide hall, with no sign of exhaustion.

The princess was unusualy tall for a woman. She looked like 5 kvet 2 chenge (about 174 centimeters) and her arms and legs were as long and slim as a deer's. The face was a little far from the classic beauty that Max had imagined in her head. (side note: Also, last time I got it wrong, according to the author Riftan is 196 cm, not 192 cm, and Maxi is 162 cm)

The lips were so plump that they seemed a little bit bigger than the face, and the almond-shaped long eyes were slightly raised up, giving the impression of a haughty cat. Her face was as pointed and thin as an arrowhead, and her nose was high and straight, but she was more suited to the term "handsome" than to say "beautiful".

Princess Agnes exuded a provocative and intense charm, different from Rosetta's delicate and perfect beauty.

"It's like you just fell into Roem's fortress."

The princess uttered her appreciation for the Great Hall in a calm tone.

"I'd like to take a more relaxed tour of the castle. Can you show me around, ma'am."

The princess bent her eyes thinly as she looked back at Max. Her expression seemed friendly and at first glance at ease, but there remained a searching air above her blue eyes. Max, unwittingly shrugging her shoulders, nodded.

"O, of course."

"Thank you. I'd like to wash up and change my clothes before that. Where's the room?"

"I'll show you around, Your Highness. This way..."

Rudy, who was standing behind her, stepped forward and bowed politely. The princess smiled and turned gracefully.

"Well, I'll see you in a minute."

Max looked at her back, moving coolly away, with a slightly enchanted face. At the first encounter, she felt as if she had already been swept away by the royal spirit.

"I, in the guests' rooms... prepare the bath water... please put it up. Especially, in the princess's....room..., you have to pay special attention."

"Okay, ma'am."

Max gave strict instructions to the remaining maids and went down to the kitchen. The spacious kitchen was crowded with servants preparing for a reception for the guests.

She looked at how well things were going without any problems, but in her head, she recalled how well Riftan and princess Agnes looked like a good match together. (Side note: be prepared, now we will get more jealous thoughts of Maxi and a jealous woman sometime sees things not like they seem to be )

The sight of a blonde beauty, who gives off a dazzling charm like sunlight, and a handsome knight, who created a dangerous atmosphere, stood side by side, as if they had just popped out of the story of a minstrel. It occurred to me that it was not unreasonable for people to want the two to get together. (side note: I prefer a cute Maxi standing by Riftans side and giving the vibe of the beauty and the beast also, the manhwa artist made a fanart like that for OAK, just look at her twitter account )

Max bit her lips nervously. Does he really have nothing to do with her? The Princess seemed a little different, but she was nevertheless a very pretty and charming woman. It's like that in her eyes, but how does it seem in men's eyes?

"Madame, I'm trying to catch a lamb... Are you okay?"

Suddenly a servant asked with a worried look. Max hurriedly turned away when she saw a black-bearded man outside the wide-open door tying a lamb to a post and grinding a knife. Unably to watch the sight, she gave an awkward smile and hurried out of the kitchen.

On the wide hall, where the sun poured in, the maids were busily running around with their arms full of white linen.

The servants' sleeves were soaked as they moved the heated water from the sauna to the guests' rooms, and in the backyard the sound of chopping firewood resounded loudly. Even the stablemen seemed busy feeding the horses the guests had been riding with water and food.

Max gave careful instructions so that they could work in an orderly manner. First of all, after bringing to the guests bath water, soap and clean towels, so that they can get enough rest, they were given wine, biscuits and pickled fruit, if anyone wanted a drink or snack. After asking them to closely check if they needed anything else, she went up to the banquet hall.

In the evening, the guests had to be served a welcome dinner. She called in three or four servants and ordered them to lay out two long tables in the banquet hall. Then she chose tableclothes, candlesticks, and tableware with Rodrigo. Gold, silver and glass high end utensils were at risk of being stolen, so she had to count them.

Max told him to take out an expensive golden candlestick from the warehouse and meticulously recorded the numbers of silver trays, plates, forks and knives in her books. After checking twice to see if she might be mistaken, she counted the amount of candles, firewood, alcohol and food for the banquet.

There was no shortage of alcohol and food at the dinner. However, it should not be necessary to prepare too much food and to waste it. Prepare generously, but do not overdo it...

"Madame."

As she was recording the amount of alcohol bottles in her book, Rudy's came with a quick step. Max looked at her with a puzzled look.

"What's... what's wrong?"

"The princess asks if you can show her the castle now. What should I do?"

"N, now..."

Ordinary guests were bound to take a rest immediately after arriving at the castle. But princess Agnes seemed to be full of strength even after a long journey from the north end of Whedon to the south.

Max hurriedly finished the remaining records and handed over the books to Rodrigo. When she came out of the banquet hall, she saw the princess in a dark blue dress walking out of the hall. She glided forward to Max.

"Thank you for the nice room. The tapestry on the wall is wonderful.”

"I, I'm glad. Your Highness."

When Max responded in a passive manner, princess Agnes smiled.

"You don't have to be so formal. Call me Agnes. I'd like to call your name, too, but will it be okay?"

Max only opened her lips in a daze at the spirited torrent of words, then nodded mechanically. The princess smiled satisfiedly and pulled her arm.

"I want to look outside the Great Hall. Will you show me around?"

Then she started going down the stairs without hearing her answer. Max followed her frantically, as if caught up in a raging storm.

She couldn't contain her embarrassment at the friendly behavior of the princess. She never thought she'd be friendly to her. Max was thrown into confusion. Didn't the princess want to marry Riftan?

"Is Riftan at the annex with the knights?”

asked princess Agnes as she went out of the hall. At the name of her husband, who came so naturally out of her mouth, Max hardened her face faintly.

"M, maybe... he is."

"I'll have to ask him to show me around later. I'd like to look around the castle, can I go up there?”

Max hesitated and nodded, leading her to the small forest path on the right. After a short walk along the narrow path through which the guards passed, a stone staircase appeared on the outer wall. The soldiers, who were guarding there, bowed down when they saw her.

Max explained to them that she was guiding the princess though the castle, and then climbed the stairs. Although it was said that the day was getting warmer, it was still early spring. Max trembled in the chilly wind coming down from the mountain. The long skirt of the king's daughter, who climbed above the stairs wall before her, was fluttering like a flag. She stood in front of the railing and stretched out as if refreshed by the raging wind.

"It's a beautiful place."

Max followed the princess to look beyond the wall. The wind was raging rough over the steep mountain slopes and pointed peaks, where snow had yet to melt. With her eyes fixed on the distant mountain, the princess swept away her fluttering hair.

"It's a place full of monsters, so I thought there'd be a bloody scene waiting for me to get to the entrance to the demon world."

The princess moved slowly along the inspection route and turned to Max.

"But the town was bigger than I expected. I think the market is developed... honestly, I was surprised."

"I, in spring... a lot of mercenaries... are said to be coming. The merchants..."

Max pretended to know the story that she had picked up from Rodrigo and kept muttering. The princess stroked her chin with a thoughtful expression, and then sighed out.

"Riftan seems to be attached. It must have taken a lot of effort to make the land this rich after decades of neglect.”

Max felt a prick in her lower abdomen. It was as if she knew and understood him. The urge to shout out "Don't pretend to know my husband" soared at the moment. Max bit her lips in amazement at her violent desire. Her earlobes heated up because she's worried that she'll be caught in narrow-minded thinking soon.

"Ri, Riftan... for Anatole... he's working...from dawn till late at night, without resting."

"Riftan was like that on the expedition. No one has ever seen him rest. There was no hesitation or sign of weakness at any moment. So everyone called him Margot with awe and fear."

"Mar... got?"

"It's a legendary demon that is said to have neither sleep nor exhaustion, and has a hundred lives."

A bitter smile suddenly fell on her lips.

"It's a nickname given to him by the Knights of Osiria for acting like he has hundred lives."

Even though Ruth had already told her about Riftan's reckless behavior, a corner of her chest was sharply tightened.

Max shrugged her shoulders to chase away the chill that came over her. As if to observe her appearance, the princess, who was watching her with a calm gaze, continued her words.

"I was just wondering what Margot's wife would be like. Where does the man who throws himself into the fire of the dragon want to return?”

Speechless, Max moistened her dry lips. She felt like she was being blamed, even if she wasn't. Max was well aware that she did not deserve to be the wife of such a valiant knight.

Princess Agnes could not have not noticed the fact. Seeing her shabby figure reflected in those beautiful blue eyes, it became more and more painful. Max knew it was rude behavior, but turned around. (side note: Nooo Maxi, you are not shabby and no one thinks that )

“T, the wind… it's cold. I have to go in...to the castle. There's a lot to of work to do....”

"...yes."

Before princess Agnes came down the stairs, she looked at the landscape of Anatol one more time over the railing. Max looked up at the figure and moved ahead as if she were running away. She was anxious and confused as if a strong wind had begun to blow in her heart.

***

The servants climbed up the ladder and lit candles on the chandelier around the time the sun began to tilt. The maids set fireplaces throughout the banquet hall, filled with red charcoal, and prepared a wide table with delicious food.

Max sat side by side with Riftan on the top of the rich table. The princess and her attendants sat directly opposite at the top of the table, and the knights filled the rest of the seats. When the maids and young servants filled their cup with fragrant wine, Riftan lifted up the golden cup.

"Welcome guests who have come a long way."

The people around the table raised their glasses in unison. The princess, sitting opposite her, also smiled gracefully, raising her glass of wine.

"Thank you for welcoming me."

"Thank you for coming. You must be hungry, so please go ahead."

When an old knight roared loudly, the princess smiled and took the glass of wine to her mouth. As a sign of it, people began to eat with their forks and knives one by one.

Max mechanically put the bread in her mouth and glanced over the people sitting close to the long table. The royal guards, who came as guests, seemed to know the Remdagon knights and exchanged jokes with each other, and the princess exchanged stories with the knights.

Max was half-shocked by the sight. Princess Agnes did not seem to care a bit about the manners and decency that the ladies had to keep.

She burst into laughter and slapped the knight's shoulder who sat next to her. She also showed her unflinching presence even among men who were much bigger than her, including her playful, provocative voice, drawing the attention of everyone. And to her surprise, the knights were taking that pleasantly, too.

"I want to look around Anatol tomorrow right away. Can you show me around?"

The princess, who was having a pleasant conversation with the knight sitting next to her, suddenly asked Riftan, her eyes twinkling. Riftan moistened his mouth with wine and answered heartlessly.

"Uslin will guide you."

"Hey, brusque lord. Don't try to treat me lightly. I came all the way down here to meet you.”

"I've never asked you to do anything."

His rude reply made the guards frown. Max looked at the princess's complexion with a nervous look. No matter how famous a knight was on the whole continent, it was not acceptable to be so rude to the royal family. However, she burst into laughter as if she had heard a funny story, in a manner that made her look blushing and yelling.

"That personality remains."

Then with a strange smile, she turned her eyes to Max.

"Then will Mrs. Calypse show us the land?”

Riftan, who was cutting a thick lamb with a knife, hesitated and glared at the princess. Max blinked blankly, embarrassed by the sudden flow of the conversation changing at her direction. Regardless of such reactions, princess Agnes spoke softly.

"I had a lot of questions I wanted to ask you anyway.”

"Your Highness."

Riftan laid down the knife loud enough to make a sound, saying with a chilling soft voice.

"If you don't mind early in the morning, I'll show you around myself."

"Oh, my God, you've given me so much attention that I don't know what to do."

Despite this harsh words, the princess booed without any sign of shrinking. Max hardened her face as they seemed to enjoy the bickering between men and women. The mere imagination of Riftan and her taking a cozy tour through the land made her stomach sick. Max opened her mouth impulsively.

"I... I, I'll show you."

Riftan's startled gaze reached her. Max moistened her dry lips and spoke in a trance.

"Riftan... he's busy. I'll... I'll show you Anatol...”

"You came last fall, too. What are you talking about?"

Her cheeks became burning hot at Riften's brusque remark.

"I, I can still guide them around to some degree. I followed Ruth... I've been to the city, to the market, and... on the outskirt, too..."

"Outskirt...?"

Riftan's voice suddenly subsided. Max looked up bewilderedly, in his eyes that had a dangerous light. Come to think of it, she had never said to him that she had gone down to the area damaged by the monster raid while he was away from the castle. (side note: When Riftan was away hunting Goblins, Maxi helped Ruth to treat wounded guards, after a werewolf attack happened, and Riftan still doesn't know about this)

Max carefully examined the faces of the knights sitting around the table. Sir Karon, sitting at the end of that line, was shaking his head fiercely from side to side. It seemed to mean not to talk about it.

Max swallowed dryly. As the wife of the lord himself, she only did what was natural, but Riftan may not take it that way. Recalling his fiery temper after not telling him in advance that she was learning magic, Max hurriedly turned the topic around.

"W, what I'd like to say is... Me, too...I know Anatol, too."

"Stop it. I can't let you wander out of the castle defenselessly....”

"Oh, I'm fine?"

Princess Agnes deftly stepped in on the conversation. Riftan gave her an irritating look.

"Your Highness can protect herself. My wife is different. She's never been out of Croix castle in her life!”

"Hey, in the territory...looking around to some extent... I can do it, too!"

Max glared at him in a fit of rage.

Her pride was hurt because she seemed to be treated as an incompetent child in front of the majestic princess. She protested, her cheeks flushed.

"And... I, I didn't spend my time...only in Croix Castle. I, I have been through the journey.. from the duke's estate... to Anatol."

"Yes, leader. What are you worried about when the guards will escort her?"

Hebaron sneaked out on her side.

"If you're not so relieved, I'll accompany her."

Riftan's face grew increasingly grim in the continuous offensive. She could not back down here, even though her heart was shriveled as it seems that he was about to shout. Indeed, Max wanted to stop Riftan from being with that charming woman.

"Riftan doesn't even have time to sleep...you're very busy. About the guests... guiding them through the territory... leave the work to me."

Riften face was slightly clouded at her rare stubbornness. Riften, who has hesitated for a while and was silent for a long time, finally raised the white flag. (side note: now everyone, apart from Riftan (and maybe Agnes, too), knows that Maxi is jealous )

"Okay, I'll leave it to you."

Then he asked with a sullen face the smiling princess, who sat opposite him and seemed to enjoy the sight.

"Would you mind doing that?"

"There's nothing an uninvited guest can say. I'm just grateful for your golden wife."

The princess put her hand on her chest and trembled as if she had no idea what to do. Max blushed with embarrassment.

He was only concerned about the safety of his wife with the royal family in front of his eyes, which could have offended her. But she seemed to be just interested in the reaction of Riftan.

"The princess's character remains unchanged."

Riftan shook his head as he looked at her smiling face. It was an annoyed tone, but Max could read familiarity out of his voice. Her heart ached with pain.

The princess was taking Riftan's rude attitude lightly, and Riftan seemed to be well aware that the other party would accept his rudeness. There was understanding and bond between them among those who had gone through hardships together.

Max looked down at her glass in a daze, feeling like she is a stranger. Her mood subsided endlessly. But how dare she blame the familiarity between them?

Princess Agnes was a colleague who fought with Riftan at the most hardest and difficult moments. The Remdragon Knights, Ruth, as well as the princess...all deserved Riftan's friendship and trust.

But what about herself? Did she really do anything worthy to earn his trust and affection?

As she darkened her face with such thoughts, Riftan frowned and stroked her hair.

"I said you can do whatever you want. Stop frowning."

Max smiled hastily because she didn't want to reveal her petty jealousy. Riftan followed with a faint smile and poured wine into her glass.

At that friendly look, Max had momentarily the urge to crawl up into his lap and shower him with kisses. She wanted to caress his masculine face at his clear outline, sit on his hard knee, bury her face in his wide chest, and inhale his body odor to her heart's content.

What should I do to occupy this person completly? Max covered her face with a glass, pretending to drink, thinking that maybe someone noticed her desire. There was chaos in her mind and loneliness in her heart. She felt like a child left alone in a strange place.

***

She must have become drunk while drinking to get rid of her melancholy mood. When she came to her senses, she found herself lying in bed. Max blinked her eyes blankly in the dark. Riftan lay beside her, taking the jewellery off her head and untying the string of her ragged dress.

"It's a living torture.”

Riftan grumbled and stripped the dress over her head. Max looked up at his frowned face with hazy eyes. Riftan looked down at her unprotected lying in a thin sheet of chemise as if she were some kind of deadly enemy.

"I don't want to give you a hard time, so... do you even know how much I'm holding back?”

Max wanted to say he didn't have to hold back, but nothing came out of her languid throat.

Her heart is burning anxiously. She didn't need any consideration, so he should get intoxicated with her. His restraint made her more anxious.

Maxi hoped that he would engross himself till he lost his reason. Then she could forget that she was a humble and shabby creature.

It's okay even if it's painful and hard. Only when she is in his arms can she be freed from all this anxiety, from solitude.

Riftan sat on the bed and stroked her disheveled hair. He carefully swept her hot cheeks with the tip of his hand, and gently grabbed her breasts as if he was unable to resist the temptation.

Max moaned as if she was suffering and pushed her chest further into his hands. With a low groan, Riftan pushed his moist tongue, which tasted like wine, into her mouth.

The languid pleasure was deafening. Max blinked her heavy eyelids and waited for him to roll up her skirt and fill the hot space between her legs. Her stomach seemed to burn with longing for his rough, big hands to caress her whole body.

However, Riftan was patient and moved away. She could feel him raising himself up from bed and sighing deeply. With a moment of disappointment, she fell back into sleep.

I translated till the part with the bedroom, to give you a little fluff in this tiring and sad chapters.

After that, Maxi showed Agnes and a royal knight around Anatol with the help of Rudys and Hebaron. Uslin was there, too, but only until they reached the market place, where Hebaron told him to care for the horses, because he didn't want Maxi to feel unwell with Uslin being around. Maxi and Agnes got to know each other better, but Maxi still felt unsure with Agnes and that only subsided when Maxi and Agnes were at the spring festival.
Click to expand...

Thank you for the spoiler. Maxi being jealous is sad. Here you can see she loves Riftan so much. And I find it somewhat funny that Maxi paid much attention to dressing up really beautifully for Agnes.

I want to praise Maxi for the hardwork she put into beautifying the castle and preparation for the guests. Although its part of her duty as the madam accomplishing something like that helps build her confidence little by little. Also, I hope the author give POV of the guests about Maxi in the next chapters.

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