Judging by the gleeful way Movris, the very man who’d arranged her and Arnald’s union, had informed her of the situation, nothing good would come from interrogating him further.
Byletta had heard that her father was back from the war, but she hadn’t returned home to see him yet, as she’d been too consumed with work to spare the time. The realization made her feel like a rather heartless daughter. It hadn’t just been her husband she hadn’t met for eight years, but her father, too.
“Thank you for treating me with such consideration, General.”
“I must say, in all the years since we last met, you’ve grown less and less charming. It seems you’ve been losing youth and gaining tooth. You must be very grateful to me for finding you a match while you were at your most in demand.”
Would it be so bad to strike this man? Byletta wondered.
She’d heard a lot about General Dreslan over the years from her father, and he’d turned out to be just as irksome as she’d imagined.
Now that he’d been promoted even further, the military might no longer have the control over him that it once had. It was possible he’d even seized power for himself—that was what Byletta suspected, at least. The rank of general was quite close to the top, after all. And it was obvious that handing a man like Movris Dreslan real power was reckless.
“I think I’ll have to come over one day for a lark. See you then.”
“We’ll be looking forward to your visit, General Dreslan.”
“Not endearing in the least. You’re perfect for each other…”
After Movris sauntered away, Byletta’s eyes landed on her father, who was chatting at the side of the room. She waited for a break in the conversation before approaching him.
“Father, it’s been a while.”
“Oh…Byletta.”
As her father turned to face her, Byletta noticed how much older he looked than in her memories.
It was enough to make her realize just how long the last eight years had been. The new wrinkles at the corners of his eyes and flecks of white in his hair made her feel the passage of time keenly, yet he still had the look of a soldier. Even though he’d lost a bit of weight, his upright posture was still the same as she remembered.
She’d seen her mother several times since she’d gotten married, so Byletta wasn’t too upset not to find her by her father’s side. She was a sociable woman who acted as a sort of coordinator among the military wives and had spent the war supporting and lending an ear to the spouses of her husband’s subordinates. It was possible she was chatting with someone elsewhere in the venue.
“Congratulations on the occasion, Brigadier General.”
“Thank you. I heard you were awarded a medal for ordering the methodical elimination of enemy supply lines.”
“I couldn’t have done it without the talent of my subordinates. I’ve also heard how you took out that bridge, sir.”
The conversation between her father and Arnald was going more amicably than Byletta had first expected, especially given that he’d told her she could come back home after she’d first married into Arnald’s family. And after what Movris had said earlier. In fact, the pair were acting so friendly that it was making Byletta uncomfortable.
Once their chat came to an end after a short while, her father turned back toward Byletta.
“You look so much like your mother now. Like a proper lady.”
“Well, I am her daughter.”
Byletta was well aware that she’d inherited her mother’s divine good looks, so all she could do was nod along.
“I see that you’re the same as ever on the inside, though… I hope you’re not causing your husband too much trouble.”
So her father was on Arnald’s side, even though he was the one causing trouble for Byletta? Could he not be a little more forthcoming with praise for a daughter he hadn’t seen in so long? How could he tear her down again so soon after complimenting her for her femininity?
“Also…I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors, but my daughter has quite the reputation among both the returning troops and those who remained here on reserve. I’ve even heard them repeated here and there tonight. I’m unable to shut them down now, but I want you to be aware.”
“I know the rumors are baseless. I apologize for any upset they have caused you.”
Rumors again.
Had something plausible been spreading among the ranks?
Worrying about whether she should ask what it was or not, Byletta stared at her father and husband.
“You two look very friendly for a first meeting. Have you met each other before?” she questioned.
“Oh, yes…at the ceremony earlier today. Arnald here sought me out to say hello.”
“I had never spoken to him before that, so I thought it was a good opportunity.”
While the victory party was an evening event, there had been a commemoration ceremony during the daytime, followed by an award ceremony. Apparently, they had met sometime during the course of those events.
“I see. I’m sure you’re relieved to find that I have such a wonderful husband, aren’t you?”
Byletta made no efforts to hide her irritation, but her father was gazing sternly at Arnald.
“I apologize for my tiresome daughter, but do remain strong.”
“Yes, of course.”
Arnald didn’t deny that she was tiresome.
And what had her father even meant by that?
Shouldn’t her husband have at least denied it?
Byletta couldn’t help but feel dejected as she stood between the two men.
Even though the event was called a “victory celebration,” it was first and foremost an opportunity for people involved with the military to gather, drink, and have some fun. Friends thronged together, singing each other’s praises for their feats on the battlefield and congratulating one another on making it home alive.
The venue was a party in full swing, but Arnald did not speak to any of his subordinates, only conversing at times with passing superiors. Byletta’s father, on the other hand, made sure to thank and appreciate all his men. Byletta could see from where she stood how much fun they were having together.