TCIWTFY - Part 2 Chapter 23

Cesare turned to Peleus with a slight smile.

"I hope you weren't surprised by the uninvited guest."

In the soft voice that resonated through the room, a subtle rhythm could even be felt.

"I convey Katzen's heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor of Valdina. May the alliance between our two countries become even stronger under His Majesty's rule."

The First Prince was truly arrogant, daring to speak on behalf of Katzen without any imperial edict or official imperial command.

But still, no one doubted his authority.

The imperial edict is just a piece of paper, and everyone knows implicitly that the next Emperor of Katzen will be the first Prince, Cesare.

Jason clenched his fists in defeat.

Even though he was the Grand Duke and his cousin, the First Prince did not give him even the slightest hint.

It was an action that completely ruined his reputation as the leader of this delegation.

He had always been self-willed, but Jason was appalled at his arrogance in ignoring him in front of other countries.

'If she's watching...'

"Thank you for personally honoring our occasion. I will not forget Katzen's sincerity."

Peleus was wary of the First Prince but also treated him with respect. He was one of the few who was not overwhelmed by the First Prince's presence today.

Peleus responded with a cold, piercing gaze as if trying to gauge Cesare's intentions.

But the plain fact is, he was better than Jason, who had been after his sister and his kingdom.

Even if the opponent was the first Prince who was about to become Crown Prince, and if he was someone bold enough to slap the King in the face as soon as he appeared, there was enough reason not to turn down the hand that was extended f 

irst.

'He is the first prince of Kazen.'

Medea quietly observed the first Prince.

It was her first time encountering him alive, whether in her past or present life.

He caught everyone's attention the moment he appeared. He even broke the statue of the goddess in front of the delegation of the Holy Nation, although his intentions were unknown.

No matter how great Rachel's holy powers were, it would be difficult to prove manipulation from the pulverized remains.

It was a more certain aftermath than Medea's original plan.

"Thank you for your hospitality. As expected, Valdina is a kind and friendly place."

The first Prince's eyes, pronouncing the word 'kind', slightly slanted as he spotted Medea, almost imperceptibly.

"May the grace of the goddess always be with the Princess of Valdina."

The Prince greeted Medea with surprising politeness.

"It is an honor to see Your Highness in such strength."

Medea spoke indirectly. The prince's smile grew deeper...

'He knows I gave him the antidote.'

Medea thought the Prince's friendly attitude was simply a favor for the help she had offered.

If she had looked a little closer, she would have noticed a flash of joy in the golden eye as if he had encountered something lovely.

***

The Holy Nation delegation could not endure the chaotic atmosphere caused by the bleeding statue of the goddess and the broken mirror.

They realized that if this atmosphere continued, even the faith of the continental people toward the current Catholic Church could be shaken.

Medea then watched the departure of the Holy Nation delegation, who were making excuses and leaving early.

"Your Highness. It's been a while."

Then, a cheerful voice was heard.

Medea spotted a young man with straw blond hair and a mischievous smile.

"Sir Gallo."

"Ah, I apologize. I should be more polite now that you are an Empire Princess."

Gallo bowed exaggeratedly, touching his forehead and showing his respect as a gentleman.

When Medea met his eyes, he winked.

A look of delight appeared on the young man's face, which was tanned enough to be pleasant to look at.

"Sir, you are still the same."

"Until recently, we only sent letters and never saw each other in person, but Your Highness the Princess is still so kind. Thank you for not forgetting us and inviting us to such an honorable occasion."

"I have something to say to Valdina's close friend."

The upper Facade of the weapon is the one that left Valdina three years ago, carrying the dawning lantern given to Medea.

However, he continued to travel back and forth as a liaison between the First Prince and Medea.

"Actually, I was worried that we, the arms dealers, would come and lower the status of the banquet, but I ended up seeing some precious scenes that I will never see again in my life. Thank you again for inviting me."

He let out a hearty laugh.

Of course, where would I see my lord stealing the sword of the holy knight and destroying the statue of the goddess, and the holy nation priests carrying it away in confusion?

It was a sight that would have been regrettable if missed in many ways.

"Yes, I believe that you will be a trustworthy window for those who are not here today."

Gallo realized what Medea meant and smiled mischievously.

"Of course. The Goddess has shown us her will after such a long time, so even though I am an atheist, I cannot help but spread the word about this miracle."

Even though he is a fake leader, he is the one who leads the huge upper class called Facade to the outside world. That may be why he is so quick-witted.

Medea nodded. Her attitude was as calm as ever.

"But is that okay? It would be dangerous if we turned even the Holy Land into our enemies."

Gallo, who noticed that there was no one around, lowered his voice slightly.

"It is said that one big slope brings ten bad luck. Now that Valdina has been promoted to an empire, there will be more enemies than allies."

Gallo still had a cheerful face, but his message was not.

"If you wish, we can send our children to you. Our Facade is very good at keeping out secret and dirty men and women."

Gallo winked.

"I think you already know."

A subtle confidence came out.

Facade is an independent arms dealer that does not belong to any country. How many people would have targeted this new type of arms dealer that has never existed on the continent?

"I will only accept your sincere gratitude."

"Your Highness, the fact that there will be more enemies than allies in the future applies not only to Valdina but also to you. It also means that the Princess has become even more dangerous."

Gallo raised his eyebrows.

Regardless of his lord's orders, he was truly worried about the beautiful Princess in front of him.

She is now the Emperor's only sister and the spiritual pillar of the Valdina Empire.

Moreover, the Princess herself does not even care about her own safety if it is for her own purpose.

He thought of the Princess of Valdina who had come to the minister's mansion in the middle of the night to find the decree of rebellion.

'Not only did she kill the legendary Hydra, she also took care of the Western Empress's assassins and escaped.'

Even his unconscious master was taken with him... If the Princess were his superior, he would have asked her the impure question of whether she had two or three lives.

When he thinks back to that time, Gallo feels dizzy for no reason even though it wasn't his business.

"I know."

At that moment, Medea's calm and serene response came flying in.

"But you know that Valdina has always had more enemies than allies."

"..."

Duke Claudio, dreamed of rebellion.

The powerful men exploited the people and eroded the kingdom during the ten-year war.

The Katzen royal family tried to take advantage of Valdina during that gap.

Yes, the Princess was right. Gallo admitted.

Valdina's enemies have always existed, and even the worst was not now but then.

"And defense is not the best way to deal with an enemy. No matter how you defend, they will find an opening. That will deter them."

A calm voice broke through Gallo's thoughts.

"Fear would be more effective if they knew that if they messed with me, they would lose everything too. Status, position, and..."

"..."

"Even your life."

Medea's voice was so calm that it actually sounded like anticipation.

"..."

"I think you already know that."

Gallo was speechless at the sight of green eyes that curved slightly with a smile, unlike the voice.

Previous                Next

Support Novellate!