The summer ended in unexpected events. But it was precisely that made this summer in the Rexton Kingdom even more memorable.
"I won't… forget this summer," Rheannon muttered, picking leaves carelessly. Then the leaf burned in her hand.
This means that autumn is coming soon.
It's not clear yet, but the wind is starting to feel. Rheannon heard from the servants that the farmers were starting to prepare their crops. In addition, the Melchoir residents had begun to prepare themselves to hold their first party after Hadrian became marquess.
It was time to introduce the new heirs of Marquess Melchoir and Marchioness Melchoir. It was time for Rheannon to confront Melchoir's relatives.
"Yana," Rheannon called. "What do you think of Hadrian's relatives?"
"Eh, His Grace's family?" Yana looks nervous. "I rarely meet and interact directly with them, Madame. So I don't think it would be polite for me to judge them," she replied later.
"I'm not asking you to criticize them," Rheannon said, amused. "I just want to know… how Marquess Hadrian was treated by his family."
"Yeah-well..." Yana cleared her throat. "Young Master Desmond's late father was a very nice person – he often visited before getting married. Marquess Hadrian also talks about him quite often."
"Another relative?"
"That… I'm sorry, Madame. I have a hard time answering that."
Rheannon chuckled. "Sounds like they're not… good relatives."
"Madame, I didn't say that," Yana said frantically. "If I may say so, even His Grace tends to avoid his relatives."
Rheannon nodded in understanding. "No wonder why Hadrian… throwing a party for Desmond." To reinforce Desmond's position, tell them that Hadrian has already chosen his successor. "But there are still kin to trust, right?"
"Yeah, there are. It's just… most of them don't come from the Melchoir main family," Yana answered. "Errr–I think Madame should ask His Grace herself."
"Oh, I'm sorry, Yana. I didn't mean to make you feel bad."
"Absolutely not, Madame! You don't need to apologize to me."
What Yana said has some truth, the part about asking Hadrian Melchoir's relatives directly. Well, Rheannon had been trying to talk it over with Hadrian recently. That reaction…
Very unfriendly. Shows disgust and annoyance.
Should Rheannon be wary? Since her condition had improved, she increased her physical strength. Coupled with the approaching party, Rheannon must look healthy. She didn't want to look sick and be belittled by Melchoir's relatives.
Hadrian was too fragile and Desmond was a child. Rheannon didn't want her family to be looked down upon by others.
Now that she was Rheannon Melchoir, she had to uphold her family name.
***
"The harvest will then be directly stored in our main warehouse for winter supplies and in case of unforeseen events," explained Hadrian Desmond on their way during an area inspection.
Desmond waved his hand at the greeting cultivators before turning back to asking, "Unexpected occurrence?"
"Things are out of our control, a worst-case scenario. For example, famine, long drought, or it could also be used for humanitarian activities," said Hadrian.
"Worst case scenario–a demon, huh? But if Mother is around, I don't think we need to worry about things like that."
Hadrian was silent for a moment, then smiled. "Yes, I think so too."
The problem is that Rheannon can't live forever, Hadrian thought.
A season has passed since Rheannon's whereabouts were revealed. Although there are still denials of her existence, Rexton's situation is now peaceful again. King Rexton V didn't say anything more since the wedding.
This peace was eerie.
I have to rack my brain before I get orders to kill her, Hadrian thought.
The first is about their soon-to-be child, the next demon controller who will bear the surname Melchoir. The child is still far from Hadrian's imagination because even though Rheannon has been able to walk long distances, doctors say her reproduction is still not normal. The doctor had also warned that Rheannon's pregnancy would not be easy. The chances of miscarriage and maternal death are very high.
Second, of course, about Desmond. Sooner or later, Desmond will discover the reason behind Hadrian's marriage to Rheannon. That means Desmond will also know the cause of Rheannon's death later. Hadrian couldn't imagine Desmond's reaction when the boy discovered the truth.
Third, the sustainability of Rexton. This one at least Hadrian wished he could keep an eye on his own son. What does it mean if, in the future, his son will spill blood in this kingdom?
"All this is going to be for nothing," Hadrian muttered.
"Father, look at this!" Desmond half ran over to Hadrian. In his hands, he carried a basket that gave off a delicious smell. "This is our wheat bread! Auntie over there gave it to me, as well as a jar of honey. She said honey is good for increasing energy."
Hadrian blinked, trying to get his thoughts back. He then smiled at the group of ladies and waved at them.
"Have you thanked them?" asked Hadrian.
Desmond nodded. "Aunts say, this honey is taken from our forest. So it must be good for body."
"If we have time, we can see the management." Hadrian asks for the basket from Desmond. "Now let's go back first. You want to give it to Mother right away, right?"
"Yes!" Desmond said with a big smile.
But clearly, what Hadrian needed to do now was keep his current family intact.