She didn't even glance at the pile of gifts symbolizing the Emperor's handwriting or the imperial family's favor that he proudly displayed.
The messenger's body was warm.
'But even so, they're giving you the treatment of a member of the Katzen royal family, and the benefits you get are more than a scroll...!'
He thought that the Princess of Valdina would be at least a little surprised, if not visibly happy, but there was no reaction.
'Are they really siblings? It's not just their appearances that are similar as rumored.'
The Princess's indifferent demeanor seemed no different from the Emperor's, except that she did not radiate cold air, unlike her brother who was said to be made of frozen ice.
"Your Highness, as the light of the continent and the royal family of a great nation, I beg you to show mercy and take a step toward reconciliation as a bridge between our two countries."
When he bowed deeply, the sage sitting next to him swallowed his surprise.
Has Katzen's greeting ever been polite?
The fact that Katzen's messenger was bowing down to Medea like this meant that Valdina, who was currently in a standoff with Katzen, was that difficult.
So, it is likely that they are hoping for Medea's forgiveness and mediation, which became the cornerstone of the conflict.
These guys, you haven't noticed yet.
Sissair swallowed a laugh inwardly.
This matter was planned by the Princess from the very beginning.
So that's why he bows down so cowardly.
"... I fully understand His Majesty's intentions."
When the lion's anxiety reached its peak, a small hand picked up the special book.
The Princess slightly bent her knees.
It was an honor not lacking at all to be sent by a foreign royal family.
"Don't worry. You've shown me so much sincerity, how could I not understand your heart? I will do my best."
As her shiny silver hair flowed down her shoulders, the messenger's gaze was captured without him knowing it.
The Princess's soft smile and her neatly placed fingertips. Everything reminded him of transparent and fragile moonlight.
It was the Katzen messenger that stood firm among the Valdinians who were glaring at him, including the prime minister and the Agemas.
'She is different from her brother. She only appears to be like this, but she still has a beautiful and gentle nature.'
The messenger felt a little moved as the affectionate voice seemed to touch his heart.
If it had been King Peleus, it would not have been so easy.
It is by no means poisonous to Katzen that his sister is so righteous and naive.
"I am so grateful for Your Highness's consideration. I am truly grateful."
The messenger bowed deeply.
***
The Katzen messenger wanted to take the detained members of the delegation back to Katzen.
However, since Peleus did not return, Sissair flatly refused.
But the messenger was satisfied and withdrew only after Medea gave him a kind assurance that she would soon return them in return for his service.
Medea looked down at the gifts the messenger had left behind.
"The Emperor of Katzen has put quite a bit of thought into it."
No matter how difficult the situation was, it seemed like he didn't want to give Valdina wings again.
Medea said absentmindedly, putting the object aside...
However, it is rare to see Perdiccas II, who was so full of self-righteousness, respond so rationally.
Did he get a new bookseller?
Medea furrowed her brow slightly.
"Sissair, you can tell Peleus to come back now."
"Yes, Your Highness, I will also relay this matter to His Majesty."
"Thank goodness I don't have to explain anything to you."
Medea raised her head and looked at the man before her.
A faint smile like a flower petal lingered at the corner of her mouth.
If it were Peleus or D'Angel, they would have had to convince her why she accepted this.
But Sissair was different. He didn't miss the true meaning hidden behind the Princess's smile.
He smiled faintly through his monocle.
"Two of you are enough to tire out Her Highness the Princess."
Valdina was no longer as desperate for territory or money as they had been three years ago.
If that's the case, then all that's left is an all-out battle.
But since war is impossible, it is an honor.
Not a bad choice for Valdina.
As a new empire, the fact that Medea is under the tutelage of Emperor Katzen will serve as a shield for Medea no matter what the circumstances.
'Especially when dealing with a Saintess.'
Sissair was reminded of the followers of Saintess Rachel, who constantly tried to slander Medea.
For example, High Priest Paul.
Those foolish people will not be able to wag their tongues anymore.
Even if Perdiccas II did not intend to do so, they cannot ignore his background.
'It will also be helpful for Her Highness Medea's future marriage proposal.'
To the royal families of other countries, the honor of Katzen she holds will be a tempting prey and a shield that will prevent them from treating her carelessly throughout their lives.
Sissair, who was thinking like that, stopped.
'Isn't it necessary... to get married?'
He understood its effectiveness in his head, but for a moment, he felt a surge of displeasure.
Valdina is neither poor nor weak anymore.
Cesar's face hardened as he thought of the invisible future someone who would sit next to the Princess.
Then, soon, he realized that he was like that and became even stronger.
"Sir?"
"If you do, please rest. I will report this to His Majesty."
The green eyes looking up at him were too clear.
Somehow, the discomfort welled up in him and he ran away from the place.
***
"Why would the Prime Minister suddenly act like that?"
"Well, maybe you're just too tired. Saya, pass this on to Sissair's aide."
Among the gifts the Emperor sent were precious tea leaves that were said to relieve fatigue.
"Shouldn't we leave out a little bit of Your Highness? So that you can taste it..."
"There's no need for that."
Medea said, looking down at the dark tea leaves.
'I won't be able to drink it anyway.'
"You know Her Highness doesn't enjoy tea."
Neril tapped Saya next to her.
At that moment, there was a bit of a commotion outside.
"Let me find out what's going on."
The one who followed Neril immediately bowed.
Zeta was a mercenary from the Facade and Cesare's hidden bodyguard.
"Hello, Your Highness the Princess."
"You."
Didn't you follow Cesare back to Katzen?
Before words could pass between Medea's lips.
"The Lord has ordered me to remain in Valdina and guard Your Highness the Princess."
Zeta answered.
"Where is he now?"
"His Highness was recently detained in the Abyss, alas. It was a sort of imperial prison."
Zeta added calmly.
"There is an imperial order to head to the central trade route, and they should be moving quickly by now. He has asked me to convey his thanks to Your Highness."
Medea exhaled. It seemed as if she had noticed the message he had sent.
"I must send a message to Peleus as soon as possible."
If only to avoid the inevitable showdown that would have to be had when the two met on the central trade route.
"You don't have to worry. My lord said that the central trade route would arrive in a month."
"A month? Isn't that a little far?"
Zeta nodded, surprised that Medea knew the geography of Katzen, but thinking that it was part of the abilities she had shown so far.
"The lord said that he needs the men you trained to deal with the elite of Valdina and that he would stop by Romagna first."
Romagna is the territory of the first Prince, Cesare, but if you stop by there, you will have to go back.
"You're trying to restore the private soldiers that were returned."
"Yes. When the Emperor's high-ranking official who accompanied him objected, the lord sent him to the central trading route first. Far from subduing the Valdina army, he was detained there."
Medea let out a hollow laugh.
"Your master is merciless even to his father, not even caring about his dignity."
Even the Romagna territory that Cesare insisted on entering was the problematic territory that his father had coveted when he was on a deathbed and had all of his confidants.
Even though he knew his son's ill-tempered intentions were to remind his father of his painful mistakes, Perdiccas II had no choice but to grant his request.
Medea briefly wondered if the Emperor's upset feelings would still remain because of his son.
"Anyway, he apologized for not being able to be here today and asked me to deliver a gift to Your Highness the Princess."
At that very moment, a small noise rang out, "Hihihi!"
Saya opened her eyes wide.
"...horse?"
A mercenary on the Facade was leading a white horse.
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