The Princess, who mercilessly shook Kensington's spirit, who was accustomed to observing people, set a trap that still entangles the Katzen delegation.
There was a sense of tension as if she was walking a tightrope through the eye of a storm that could rage at any moment.
Kensington couldn't believe she was younger than the 4th Princess Angelique.
Especially when he saw that immature Princess standing across from him now, the comparison became even bigger.
"Could the military-lord relationship be maintained with one-sided loyalty? Kensington, you need to find a better owner."
The lingering resentment in his heart dissolved into the pain that remained in his cheek, freezing Kensington's heart.
'Let it happen as it happens. I'm getting out of here.'
Kensington gave up trying to persuade the 4th Princess or the members of the delegation. It was uncharacteristic of him.
What the Princess threw at him the other day might not have been a rumor.
It was a foreshadowing that even if he was loyal to the Emperor of Katzen if he made a wrong move like he did with the 4th Princess, he would be kicked out.
Seeds of anxiety and doubt were planted in Kensington's noble heart.
Still, he was the only one who didn't know.
***
"Are you done? Can you believe me now? If you come now and avoid me, I won't let you go."
The 4th Princess, who stamped her seal with enthusiasm, raised her chin in triumph.
Medea turned her head instead of answering.
The green gaze turned to Jason, who was standing over the Princess's shoulder.
"Grand Duke Jason Castullo."
Jason, who was watching Kensington's reaction, suddenly turned his head in surprise when his name was called.
"I hope that the Grand Duke, a noble descendant of the Katzen Imperial Family, will guarantee the result by judging this duel."
The Princess of Valdina was looking at him.
"The Archduke's reputation for being fair and just is well known here in Valdina, so I believe you will not waver and will fairly preside over this duel."
Soft voice. A look of reverence.
The cold look that had been ignoring him until now was gone, and her changed attitude was like a soft spring breeze gently caressing Jason's cheeks.
A sweet taste filled his mouth as if she had put sweet candy in his mouth.
Jason couldn't come to his senses due to the sudden change.
"May I make a request to the Grand Duke?"
A small face, soft and vulnerable, like a cornered fawn, looked at him as if asking for salvation.
A joy that he didn't know existed welled up in Jason's heart.
Moreover, didn't the Princess criticize his uncle earlier while protecting Jason, who had been unfairly deprived of the throne?
Even now, people praise him and say that he is a noble descendant of the imperial family.
'The Princess also had a crush on me. So she's asking me for help. A mong the Katzen people. I am the friendliest to Valdina, so she will have no choice but to rely on me as a Princess.'
Anyway, the winner or loser of this bet was clear.
If Medea loses, if he steps in and pretends to bend the slogan a little, he will also be able to score points to Valdinians.
It was originally a role that was supposed to be given to the Prince Regent, but circumstances changed, so it was right for him to take on it.
"How could I refuse the Princess's request? I, Jason Randell Castullo, hereby guarantee that this bet will be fair."
Jason puffed out his chest and spoke proudly.
Then he swore an oath and voluntarily took Castullo's seal and stamped it on the bond.
"I know it was a difficult decision. Thank you, Archduke."
"It is to carry out my duties without shame as a member of the royal family of Katzen, so please refrain from showing too much courtesy to the Princess."
When the Princess quietly expressed her gratitude, he was completely Intoxicated with the feeling of becoming a hero who saved a beautiful woman in trouble.
So he didn't see it. The moment Jason agreed, the princess's eyes flashed coldly.
"I also feel safe because I have a fair brother Jason. I don't have to worry about falling victim to a cowardly move in the land of Valdina."
The 4th Princess snorted contrary to her words.
When the Princess of Valdina took his side, it was laughable that he was trying to act like an adult with his shoulders strained.
'What can he do if he's the son of the previous Emperor? The current ruler of the empire is the father Emperor.'
Nevertheless, the 4th Princess, who did not forget to disparage Valdina until the end, looked at Medea with confidence.
"Okay, let's get ready right now, Princess?"
"I'll change my clothes and see you."
Medea answered calmly.
***
The Queen Mother was the flagship.
"Medea, why on earth did you agree to the bet? You immature thing! No matter how much you wanted to get back at her for insulting your Father, you shouldn't have rushed in so recklessly!"
In the brief moment of preparation for the duel, she personally came to Medea and scolded her harshly.
"Now that the relief is on the line... This duel is no longer just about you! How can you bear the resentment and hatred of the hungry?"
However, this time, rather than just shouting, there was deep concern for Medea.
Moreover, the Queen Mother's concern was not just that they could not receive Katzen's aid because of Medea.
The safety of her eldest granddaughter was at risk.
"I have to meet the Princess right now and cancel the duel. There's no way that wicked thing will let you go back unharmed."
"Grandma. She and I have already put our seals on the oath, so the duel is inevitable."
Medea supported her and covered the back of her grandmother's wrinkled hands.
"Katzen's arrogance has gone too far. Since no one is stopping them, they are now humiliating even the former king of the country. Someone has to turn the tide."
"It doesn't have to be you little one! Even the older and more seasoned subjects than you are struggling, so why dare you jump into the flames so fearlessly?"
The Queen Mother sighed. While she was disappointed in her second son who just rolled his eyes next to her.
'But Joaquin, that kid didn't even think about coming forward even though his brother was insulted.'
Medea answered calmly.
"What you're worried about won't happen."
"Are you even confident that you will win?"
"Both my father and Peleus are among the greatest swordsmen on the continent. Do I not have that blood in me?"
It was a playful tone that was not like her, reminiscent of the liveliness of young Medea a long time ago.
"Medea!"
The Queen Mother stopped and caught her granddaughter, who was about to change into her armor and return to the banquet hall.
"It's okay to lose, just don't get hurt. This grandmother will definitely protect you, so don't take risks to win. Do you understand?"
"..."
Medea looked down at the wrinkled hand holding her arm. A moment of regret appeared in the green eyes.
Instead of answering, she smiled faintly and turned around.
"Oh God"
You must not take that child away from this old woman.
The Queen Mother quietly recited.
***
Valdina Palace.
A space for a duel was created in the very center of the spacious banquet hall.
The unfamiliar sight of the Princess taking off her dress was a first for Valdina people.
The 4th Princess standing across from her broke her sword and swung it back and forth to check it.
The rumor that she was an excellent swordsman was not true: her every move was threatening.
Finally, Medea and the 4th Princess stood facing each other at both ends of the space.
"Today, in the light of Saint Algera, we celebrate the union of the two, may the majestic God look down on us."
Jason also served as referee.
Neat tone, neat voice. A fair attitude that does not seem to be biased towards any side.
In the eyes of the Valdinians, Jason seemed like the best option among the biased Katzen people.
Jason's shoulders rose as he felt his gaze. Among the public watching them were the leaders of Facade and the mercenaries.
'Even though I made eye contact with the leader earlier, he just passed me by.'
At least the 4th Princess was willing to deal with him, but Jason was treated like an invisible person.
Since arriving in Valdina, Jason sent a message to his subordinates saying that he wanted to build a connection with them, but Facade only responded in silence.
'Facade, if I become Emperor, you won't be able to hold your nose high.'
A mean feeling stirred deep in Jason's heart.
"Boss, which of the two will win?"
Meanwhile, Gallo, who was sitting on the banquet hall's railing and watching the duel between the two, looked interested.
"If you look at the way the Princess hit Bido back then, it seems like she's hiding her skills, but the 4th Princess is no slouch either, so the public won't give in to her."
His eyes sparkled.
"Anyway, I don't think I'll ever be bored as long as I watch Princess Valdina. Did you see her taunting the 4th Princess earlier and making her write a letter of guarantee?"
Gallo thought that Angelique was no match for Medea when it came to resourcefulness, even if she didn't know about force.
"Besides, that idiot over there looks so excited that she doesn't even know that the Princess is deliberately dragging her in."
Jason did not hide his presence more than ever.
It seemed very satisfying to be the center of attention and to be the center of attention.
"Yes."
The first answer flew under the white half-mask. When Gallo turned around in surprise, he saw golden eyes filled with displeasure.
What he is looking at is not the Princess... Jason?
"Oh my God, what's wrong with the boss? You answer everything I say."
At that time, Alpha, who was watching Medea, muttered softly.
"Master, it looks like the Princess is being pushed back."
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