Episode 112 Red eye patch - The Saga of Lioncourt

Let's unveil the astounding schedule for the founding ceremony. Day 1: Eve Festival Day 2: Eastern Highten Church Inauguration Ceremony, Banquet Day 3: Banquet Day 4: Noble Gathering, Banquet Day 5: Noble Gathering, Banquet Day 6: Banquet Day 7: Nation Founding and Coronation Ceremony, Banquet Day 8: Competition, Banquet Day 9: Competition, Banquet Day 10: Simon's Wedding, Banquet Day 11: Banquet Day 12: Farewell Festival As you can see, it's remarkably flooded with banquets. For nearly half a month of feasting, I have a full commitment to gather alcohol and food from outside the domain at my own expense. After all, not only the residents and vassals of my domain will attend, but also many visiting nobles, each leading a substantial retinue. A shortage of food or drinks would utterly disgrace me. Incidentally, the "Noble Gathering" mentioned in the schedule is essentially a social event with the distinguished figures of the domain. It’s not an actual conference. The number of nobles attending is uncertain, but I’ve extended invitations to our neighbors. If they come, it shows friendliness; if not, perhaps enmity. I'm not adept at these socializing events, but I understand that the world of nobility thrives on connections. Even a slight acquaintance is better than none in these circles. Today marks the second day—the inauguration ceremony of the Eastern Highten Church. The domain capital, while a little unsettled from the festival’s residues, maintains decorum inside the church. The inauguration, in simpler terms, is a mass. It's a somewhat special service where monks chant unfamiliar holy scripts. Everyone prays to God and listens to the sermon by Master Linnel, who became the Patriarch. Master Linnel is an exceptional orator, making his sermons clear and engaging, with skillful use of intonation. Despite the heavy content, even children can understand. I noticed even Kiara, unfamiliar with the teachings, listening intently. …Inviting Master Linnel turned out to be a fantastic decision… Seeing this, I nodded repeatedly. Religion, in my mind, is akin to a society's operating system, creating shared values. A society united by similar values fosters social security and holds considerable significance. Moreover, if religion permeates deeply, it should directly enhance morality. For example, an irreligious person might commit a crime thinking "No one is watching," while someone religiously indoctrinated might hesitate due to beliefs like "God is watching" or "Sinning means no afterlife salvation." Religion suits teaching morality perfectly. With Linnel's sermon concluded, everyone eagerly merges into the awaited banquet. It's not just any banquet; it's an enormous commotion involving the entire domain capital. Though the Eve Festival was chaotic, today promises to be something incredible as well. Today's central figures are the monks of the Highten Church. Initially delivering street sermons hither and thither, they are now swept into the celebratory mood, drinking excessively. Intoxifying usually authoritative monks... It's undeniably enjoyable. The populace rejoices and celebrates the founding of the Eastern Highten Church. Notably, the Highten Church doesn’t forbid monk drinking. However, getting drunk is seen as "degeneration" and is strictly discouraged. …Seems like there'll be more decadent monks today… Well, knowing Master Linnel, he'd probably laugh it off. Though a man of purity, he possesses the breadth to see both clarity and impurity. I chuckled softly, leaving the venue discreetly. With consecutive grand banquets, it's vital to rest when possible—or I'll not last. ………… My residence is expected to brim with guests... hardly conducive for rest. So, I decided to head to Belle’s manor. While bustling festivities raged everywhere in town, Belle’s manor stood quietly. She likely gave her servants the day off. "Thanks, you can stop here." I dismissed my escorts as I entered the manor. Currently, Rolo seems to be assuming a ‘head guard’ role, directing several fellow members, though he's off rotation now. Once inside, the few remaining servants led me in. Apparently, Belle was home. "Is something wrong?" Belle greeted me with a puzzled look upon my entrance. It seems she left the festivity early to return home. Simon, my firstborn with Belle, is already independent and living on his own. Besides guards and servants, she resides with our son, Raymond. Their lifestyle isn’t exactly modest, but as the lord's concubine, it's quite unpretentious. "I just wanted to see your face, Belle." "I see." Belle responded nonchalantly to my compliment, a charm of her demeanor. "And Raymond? At the festivity?" I inquired, and she nodded slightly. Raymond is likely tagging along with Kiara. Though born from Belle and me, he was wet-nursed by Kiara, my third wife, and he’s quite fond of her. …Just the two of us, then... It reminds me of our younger days… I recalled the days spent in the royal capital. Young Belle was spiky and utterly adorable. …Well, she's still adorable... great memories... Back then, she was likely still a teenager, yet appears unchanged. Her wasp-waisted figure with pronounced hips remains perfectly intact. …Unlike Sumina… Perhaps she’s dieting? If maintaining her wonderful physique comes from tearful effort for my sake, what an endearing woman she is. “You seem delighted?” “Yes, spending time alone with you is my greatest pleasure.” She responded with a "humph," heading inside. …Hmm, perhaps she’s in a bad mood? Recently, Belle seemed consistently jovial, her expression belying her happiness due to Simon reviving her long-extinct family, the Casta lineage. As a knight's daughter, she must have harbored great pride in her lineage. There’s no way she isn’t thrilled about her beloved son restoring her family’s legacy. Her sudden dismay confused me. …Perhaps it’s her time of the month? But, by calculations, that should be quite a while away for Belle… I calculated the days, puzzled. Note that I meticulously keep track of my wives' cycles. It's not perverse, rather a form of health monitoring. Belle soon returned. "Though trivial, here's something for you." She handed me something unexpectedly. …Red cloth? No, strings... a bra...? I was startled, thinking she handed me a micro bikini, but knowing Amoros, bikinis don’t exist. As I stretched it out with both hands, it was an eye patch. A large eye patch crafted from red-dyed cloth... Considering the size, it’s unmistakably tailored for me. My eye patch is larger to cover a cheek scar. "Wait, Belle, did you make this?" "...If you dislike it, feel free to not use it." Belle turned her head away with a huff. While her face appeared emotionless, I could tell she was embarrassed. The angle at which she turned away was deeper than usual—a telltale sign. ...Unbelievable! She’s finally warmed up! I was so caught off guard by my amazement that I was left speechless. Memories of Belle, akin to a standoffish cat for the past 15 years, rushed through my mind like a montage. "I apologize if I’ve troubled you, dear." Belle's voice snapped me back to reality. …Oh no, did I upset her? I scrambled to reassure her, "I'm delighted." In all times, a lack of communication often sows discord between men and women. I strive to express gratitude and affection regularly. "I’m just so moved, I couldn’t find the words... It makes me incredibly happy." Belle replied with an aloof "I wonder" but, having seen her moment of warmth earlier, everything she did seemed endearing to me. I asked, "Would you mind if I tried it on?" and removed my black eye patch. It was also a high-quality custom piece I had Anselm design. The black patch was cool with its silver embellishments, but it couldn't hold a candle to Belle’s handmade eye patch. "How does it look? Does it suit me?" "It's ordinary." Belle’s "ordinary" usually means "quite good." Probably. "I'll wear it for the coronation. It’s red—feels auspicious." "I see," she replied. I placed my hands on Belle's shoulders and led her to the bedroom. With Simon grown, a third child wouldn’t be unwelcome. She is... what can I say, truly remarkable. Today again, my encounter with Belle was intensely passionate. In fact, among my wives, Belle and I share the best compatibility. With 15 years of feint and strategy, we've come to understand each other intimately… yet it never grows tiresome. She bites down on her own finger to stifle her voice… a habit unchanged from 15 years ago. The ceremonies continue. We’ve only just reached the end of the second day. Loud voices from outside intruded. It seemed a brawl had broken out. Singing, dancing, revelry, and romantic encounters… this festival brimming with energy has only just begun.