Without another word, Varkas turned around.
Practically dragged along by him, Talia left the room while anxiously glancing around. Only now did it occur to her that someone might take issue with the succession ceremony having ended in complete chaos.
However, most of the retainers looked relieved, as though a heavy burden had finally been lifted.
“With this, order in the East will finally be restored.”
A man had somehow appeared beside them. His face seemed vaguely familiar. She thought he was probably someone she had seen on the day of Varkas's duel.
Dressed impeccably in luxurious formal attire, the man inclined his head lightly toward her before turning his gaze back to Varkas.
“Do you intend to begin touring your territories immediately?”
“If no special problems arise.”
Answering in his usual curt tone, Varkas looked down at Talia.
“Will Your Highness be able to depart at once?”
“...Depart where?”
“One of the major procedures of the succession ceremony,” the man interrupted. “It is a ceremonial journey through the eastern territories to introduce the new ruler to the people and inspect the state of each region.”
Talia looked up at him in bewilderment.
“Do I have to go too?”
“Normally, the Grand Duchess accompanies him as well, but...”
He trailed off ambiguously and glanced sideways at Varkas.
Walking quietly down the corridor, Varkas suddenly stopped.
Feeling a hand against her cheek, Talia instinctively drew her neck in. Raising her face, Varkas spoke calmly.
“Your Highness must come as well.”
Talia's eyes widened.
Ever since she had injured her leg, this was the first time he had forced anything upon her like this.
“Didn't you tell me not to try to hide you?”
His cool gaze settled on her as he added firmly,
“I intend to do exactly as you said. From now on, there will not be a single person in this land who does not know that you are the Grand Duchess of Siorcan.”
Her mouth fell open.
She had expected nothing more than showing herself to a few retainers. Never in her wildest dreams had she imagined she would be introducing herself to the entirety of the East.
Talia swallowed dryly.
“I-I can't leave right now. I have to pack, and my nanny and my healing mage—”
“I informed Your Highness's attendants in advance. By now, all preparations should be complete.”
He cut off her escape route before she could continue.
Talia's eyes darted around. But before she could think of another excuse, Varkas bent down and effortlessly swept her up with one arm.
Suppressing a scream, Talia wrapped her arms around his neck.
Ignoring her flustered struggle, Varkas strode down the stairs and crossed the magnificent hall, issuing orders to his retainers.
“Prepare the Lancer Order. We head for the Norden Plains.”
He passed through the arched doorway flooded with sunlight.
Talia narrowed her eyes against the brightness.
As her eyes adjusted, she saw countless attendants filling the courtyard.
The stares fixed upon her made her stiffen.
Suddenly, she remembered the monstrous bird she had once seen in the Imperial Palace.
She remembered the fascinated eyes of those who had gathered around the cage to watch the creature.
As the nausea intensified, Talia buried her face against his shoulder.
“Tell them all to stop looking at me. I hate it.”
“...I'm not sure they would obey such an order.”
Varkas answered in a flat voice.
Talia stared at him in disbelief.
“You're the Grand Duke now. Just tell them anyone who disobeys your orders will be executed. Or impaled on a spear like before.”
For a moment, a faint mocking smile touched his lips.
“Do you wish for me to slaughter every Easterner?”
Talia frowned.
Had this man just made a joke?