The Archduke's Songbird-Chapter 240: Unsettling Gaze

Prince Louis called for the Lord Chamberlain and inquired about the room. Dissatisfied with the explanation, he asked for a larger, more convenient, and safer room.

The Lord Chamberlain reluctantly agreed to the request, his reluctance fueling Louis’s anger. Dismissing the Lord Chamberlain, Louis ignored his profuse apologies.

"Your mansion would be much safer. I’ll send my knights with you for protection," Louis said after dismissing the Lord Chamberlain.

Cordelia looked around. Other than the prince’s knights, no one else was there. She hugged him tightly, and the knights immediately turned their backs, forming a protective shield around them.

"Cor~"

Prince Louis was momentarily surprised, then he calmed down, gently patting her head and hugging her back. "I won’t allow any disrespect to you, I promise."

"I know..." Cordelia smiled, feeling safe in his embrace. "I love you, Louis."

"I love you, Cordelia..." Louis whispered, kissing her head.

Cordelia’s heart swelled with love and gratitude for his love. At times, she did wonder if she was suitable for that love but she didn’t want to mock his love for her. His heart held unwavering love for her and so did her heart. That was enough.

As they stood there, surrounded by the knights, she felt an unbreakable bond with him, a connection that promised strength and unwavering support.

After a moment, they parted, and Louis guided her to the waiting carriage. "Rest well, my love," he said, helping her inside. "I’ll see you in the morning."

Cordelia nodded, feeling a sense of peace wash over her. "Goodnight, Louis. Be safe..." Her eyes drifted to the palace. "Is it wise to let them inside the palace?" she asked, concern evident in her voice.

They were their enemies. It didn’t seem like a good idea to let them inside their fortress to freely spy on them. But what would she know?"

"The King insisted on having the banquet there to show his wealth and hospitality..." Prince Louis said, his voice low, frustration evident. "Our concerns were not heard. That woman surely wanted it to happen."

Cordelia gripped his hand tighter. "I see the security is tighter. Our men will surely protect what’s important," she said in an assuring tone, feeling comforted that Louis shared her concerns.

"Yes, Uncle will be here the whole time. He promised he’ll take care of the security arrangements," Louis said, his voice steadier now.

Cordelia nodded. "Have some rest. Don’t drink too much," she advised gently.

"Goodnight, Cordelia," he replied, watching as the carriage set off. His heart was filled with determination to protect the woman he loved and ensure their kingdom’s safety.

As the carriage moved away, Cordelia’s thoughts lingered on the conversation. She trusted Louis and felt reassured by his words. Yet, the looming presence of the Altanians within the palace walls left her with an uneasy feeling.

She leaned back against the plush cushions, closing her eyes and willing herself to relax. Louis’s promise echoed in her mind, a comforting reminder that she was not alone in her concerns.

The night passed without any incidents, and the games continued the next day with renewed vigor. Jessamyn, Isadora, and Cordelia attended the competitions daily, cheering fervently for their teams. On the third day, as Jessamyn sat contentedly munching on snacks while watching the wrestling match between the Theodulf warriors—The Scorpions—and the Altanian team, she found herself unexpectedly approached by the current Count of Rohan, Joar’s cousin.

The match itself was uneventful, with Jerrick’s men effortlessly overpowering the Altanian opponents, tossing them aside like children. Jessamyn’s attention was half-heartedly on the match until the Count’s loud accusations broke her tranquility.

His voice boomed, accusing her of being uncaring and selfish, blaming her for no longer supporting the Arkhipov family. According to him, her lack of support was the reason for their poor performance, dragging down Ayberia’s overall score.

Jessamyn sighed, exasperated by the man’s ignorance. "I supported the worthy Arkhipov," she retorted, dismissing him with a wave of her hand as she continued snacking. She had no patience for his baseless accusations.

But the Count was relentless, shouting louder and calling her names—heartless and a harlot for abandoning the Arkhipov family. His insults were like a buzzing fly to Jessamyn, who continued to ignore him, her calm demeanor enraging him further.

It was then that Filbert, the stalwart knight, made his way toward Jessamyn. The moment the Count saw Filbert, his bravado crumbled. Without a second glance in Jessamyn’s direction, he turned tail and fled, his previous aggression replaced by sheer cowardice.

Jessamyn watched him retreat, shaking her head slightly. She appreciated Filbert’s presence, knowing that he always had her back. "Thank you, Filbert," she said softly, her gratitude evident in her eyes.

Filbert nodded, his expression serious. "It is my duty, Milady. Shall I escort you elsewhere?"

Jessamyn smiled, shaking her head. "No, I’m fine here. But your vigilance is always appreciated."

He bowed slightly before resuming his watchful stance, ensuring her peace for the rest of the day. The games continued, and Jessamyn returned her attention to the match, the unpleasant encounter quickly fading from her mind.

Jessamyn looked over at Jerrick, who was sitting with Bernard and his men. He glanced her way, his expression a silent question: Are you alright?

Jessamyn’s smile in response was warm and heartfelt, reassuring him that she was fine.

However, her gaze was drawn to another pair of eyes, the same man she had noticed during the state dinner. His piercing stare was unmistakable even amid a serious discussion with his companion. Despite his involvement in the conversation, his attention remained fixed on her.

A shiver ran down her spine, the feeling of being scrutinized unsettling her.

"Milady, who is that?" Isadora noticed that man too and asked. Cordelia too was unsettled by his gaze.

"No idea," Jessamyn said, clearing her throat.

Jerrick must have noticed her unease. His eyes followed her line of sight, settling on the man. Jessamyn saw Jerrick lean toward Bernard, whispering something to him. Bernard nodded, his expression turning serious as he glanced in the direction of the man.

With Jerrick handling the situation, Jessamyn decided to put the unsettling gaze out of her mind. Even though she could still feel the man’s eyes on her, she chose to focus on enjoying the games.

The laughter and cheers of the crowd, the camaraderie among friends, and the thrill of the competition filled her heart, pushing aside any lingering discomfort. She trusted Jerrick to handle whatever threat might arise, allowing herself to be fully present in the joyous atmosphere of the games.

That night, Jessamyn leaned on Jerrick’s chest as he carefully sliced fruit for her. The warmth of his body and the rhythmic sound of his breathing were comforting, but her mind was preoccupied with the man she had noticed earlier.

"Who is that man?" she asked, her curiosity getting the better of her.