(180) The best defense is offense (1)
Cyrus likely hadn't arrived in the Kingdom of Wapian yet. She was worried that if a major disaster broke out while he hadn't found the previous Black Knights, it might affect him.
Geor stared intently at Ariana, who was lost in thought, then opened his mouth.
"Ariana."
Ariana slowly opened her eyes.
"Do whatever you want."
A slight wrinkle formed between her pretty eyebrows. Ariana bit her lower lip slightly and spoke.
"I was afraid of causing harm."
"To the Northern Lord?"
"That's true, too."
"Don't worry about us."
“How could you do that? We’re family.”
"That makes sense. Because we are family."
A hand reached over the table and rested on top of Ariana's. Unlike Cyrus, a warm sensation pressed gently against the back of the hand.
The amethyst-like eyes held Ariana without wavering.
"Because we're family."
Her heart fluttered, as if they were saying, "Let's bear this together." Even though she had received their affection throughout the four years she spent with the White family, she still felt that way.
“What about Averaster?”
"He's just waiting for your instructions."
“Yes, then... I’ll do as I please.”
A gentle smile formed on Geor's lips.
"Yes, do that."
After telling Geor and Shini what needed to be done, Ariana called Louis.
“Louis, please tell the Northern Lord to take care of himself, as problems might erupt a little sooner than expected.”
“Princess Consort. If you wait just a little longer...”
“No, I don’t think we should waste time. We will enter the Imperial Palace as soon as we finish our preparations.”
Louis could no longer stop Ariana due to her firm attitude.
After Louis left, Ariana headed to the window. She went out onto the terrace and gazed at the setting sun.
She recalled the hellish days she had endured for the past 28 years of her life. The lonely times when she had to walk alone on a barren path devoid of even a shred of warmth were vivid.
"You only think about your own fight."
Perhaps Cyrus said that because he anticipated that things would turn out this way.
'Right, now it's time to end my fight.'
I will make you walk through a hell from which you cannot escape.
Cyrus and his party were moving very quickly, so they received the message sent by Louis a little late.
Cyrus’s face crumpled as he unwrapped and read the letter from the ankle of the eagle perched on his shoulder. Andrei, who was drinking water, asked.
"What's the matter?"
"They say the Emperor has issued an imperial decree."
“Imperial Decree? What Imperial Decree?”
"The marriage of Ariana White and the Fifth Prince Puniken Blenwit."
Andrei and Isaac gaped in astonishment. Isaac, having barely regained his composure, took the letter from Cyrus's hand and read it.
“What kind of crazy talk is this? Why is the Emperor interfering in someone else’s marriage? He should mind his own business regarding the Princess’s wedding! Has he lost his mind?”
"The Princess Consort is in a difficult situation."
“Andrei, this isn’t just a minor issue. To retract this imperial decree, you have no choice but to turn your back on the Empire.”
"The Western Lord's moves are ominous, so it will be tough to deal with the Empire as well."
Andrei was already anticipating a war with the Empire.
Cyrus stood with his arms crossed, patting his forearm as he fell into thought.
What could have happened? Why did the Emperor suddenly issue such an unreasonable imperial decree? He must know what the nobles will whisper about this order. He must know that the Eastern Lord will be furious.
'It’s either war or submission. If she submits, Ariana will become a member of the Imperial Family, so he thinks he can completely win the East's heart over.'
There must be someone who blinded the Emperor's eyes and ears.
Is it the Western Lord? Or is it the Third Prince?
'It could be Victoria. The Fifth Prince has a difficult temperament, so married life with a guy like that wouldn't be easy. It’s the kind of thought that would come from her head. But Victoria wouldn't have told the Emperor directly... Did Empress Aiela take action?'
He had decided who to take the lives of in the event of an unavoidable fight. Cyrus looked back at the Black Knights waiting for his orders.
The Black Knights existed in the Northern Territory.
“Cyrus. Let’s go back to the Empire.”
Andrei, sensing Cyrus's internal conflict, spoke firmly.
"The affairs of the Princess Consort are the top priority."
Cyrus made up his mind at his friend's firm gaze.
“No. You proceed according to plan. Make sure to find the previous Black Knights in the land of Wapian. They will be imprisoned somewhere just like before, so search for the sealed ruins of Paganus. I am returning to the Empire.”
"It's dangerous for you to be alone."
"Ariana's work is the top priority."
Cyrus patted Andrei on the shoulder.
"All of Ariana's problems are mine. I won't hand them over to you."
The Bronte estate was engulfed in darkness.
Victoria was in the process of using poisonous herbs on the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, but the situation was on the verge of going awry because Rachel poisoned Ariana instead. She hired someone to track down the butler Rachel had bribed, but several days passed without any good news.
She heard that Ariana, who had been hovering between life and death for a while, had successfully been detoxified and opened her eyes two days ago, but she still couldn't feel relieved.
Even if Ariana had woken up safely, the act of poisoning her in front of the Emperor was an unceasing threat and a challenge to imperial authority. The suspicious and timid Emperor would never let an incident where one of his own people nearly died in front of him go unnoticed.
Victoria and Rachel spent several days without even being able to drink a proper sip of water. Occasionally, when they fell asleep, they had nightmares of being bound tight, dragged away by the Emperor's knights who burst in, and subjected to brutal torture.
She flinched at the mere sound of rattling, thinking that an Imperial Knight had come to arrest her, and her heart sank whenever someone said they were looking for her.
Victoria blamed Rachel for all of this, resenting and cursing her. Jacob, who had been wandering outside, criticized Rachel for not managing the gloomy atmosphere in the house properly.
Rachel endured day by day, feeling as if an invisible hand was gripping her neck.
“Let’s... let’s just go back to the West, Victoria. If we go back, tell Father, and ask for his help...”
“Shut up. If we leave the Empire in this situation, Ariana will run rampant. Does that make sense? Even if she pulls some tricks here, there’s nothing we can do. Does it make any sense to just leave the Empire like criminals? Besides, having caused this kind of trouble, do you think Grandfather will just sit by and watch?”
“Victoria...”
"If you have a head, think a little."
Even though it seemed like there was nothing left to collapse, Rachel's world continued to crumble every time she heard Victoria's sharp criticism.
She lived only thinking about her beloved daughters meeting men from good families and living happily, so why did things turn out this way?
Victoria ignored Rachel, who was sobbing in despair. She could not stand her mother, who was just crying and spouting foolish nonsense.
'I have to do something. I can't just sit here and take it.'
Even though Ariana did not attack Victoria and Rachel first, Victoria felt that they were being constantly attacked.
Because someone like Ariana shouldn't dare refuse or bare her teeth. Since she is Ariana, she must endure and roll around just as they do. Therefore, they interpreted her raising a shield to evade their attacks as an attack directed at them.
Victoria gnawed at her thumbnail. She chewed it until it was short, not even noticing blood flowing from underneath. She was out of her mind.
It was hard to escape the anxiety that felt like a black fog was creeping up and grabbing my ankles.
'Think about it, Victoria. You can't lose to someone like Ariana. She's nobody...!'
There was one method that suddenly came to mind.
'Right, I'll just make the first move.
The Western Lord always said that attacking first is the best defense.
I just need to set the mood first. Ariana, before that bitch moves.'
Rachel grabbed Victoria's skirt as she suddenly stood up. She looked up at her daughter with anxious eyes.
“You... what, what are you trying to do?”
Rachel was worried that Victoria might pull another ridiculous stunt. She wanted to know at least what Victoria was thinking. That way, she could prepare for the situation.
However, Victoria coldly pushed Rachel away and left the room.
Third Prince Harold was also in a state of anxiety and nervousness, just as much as Victoria.
“Mother should have seen that. I can no longer work with Victoria!”
Empress Aiela quietly watched her son, who was raising his voice in excitement.
“To think you pulled Ariana’s hair out in front of everyone. I have never seen anything like that before. To think she tried to act like she knew about art for no reason and ended up getting embarrassed... What did the Western Lord say? Didn't he say she was the smartest of his granddaughters? We have been deceived by the Western Lord.”
The Empress swallowed a sigh.
As Harold said, Victoria recently was strange, way too strange.
When she first met Victoria, she seemed like a quiet, mature, and clever child, but as time went by, she revealed a foolish and impatient side.
However, it was not a good idea to sever ties with Western Lord at this point.
Due to a series of events, the Third Prince's position was no longer as secure as before. The Emperor looked upon the Third Prince with disapproval, and the nobles who had previously shown him trust and support quietly turned their backs on him.
“Mother, I really hate Victoria.”
Seeing her desperate son, the Empress suddenly had the thought, 'What if I just let go of everything like this?' What if she no longer coveted the throne and simply stayed in this place quietly?
Then, there would be no need for a beloved son to marry a woman he does not love, nor to worry constantly about currying favor with the Emperor. They might be able to live happily, enjoying what they have and doing what they desire.
'But...'
She couldn't let go of her desires.
She had to live her entire life bowing her head simply because she was the royal consort. To avoid losing the affection and trust of the Emperor and Empress, she had to live cautiously, carefully watching their every move.
There is only one reason why she has endured the Empress’s words that upset her and the other consorts who provoked her. It is to place her son on the throne and eliminate those who have been a thorn in her side.
She wanted to live, even for a moment, a life where she sat in a prestigious position, looking down on everyone without having to worry about anyone's opinion. To achieve that, things like her son's feelings didn't matter at all.
“Prince, you must endure. How can you live doing only what you want? The greater your desire, the greater the hardship you must bear. When you ascend to that throne, you will be able to obtain everything you desire.”
“But Mother...”
"This mother..."
Tears flowed from the Empress's eyes.
“I’m sorry. If I were the Empress, you wouldn’t have to endure this...”
Harold, who cherished his mother more than anyone, felt his heart soften at the sight of the Empress's tears.
Just as Harold made up his mind, a maid entered and announced in a low voice.
“Your Highness. Princess Victoria Bronte requests an audience.”
Cyrus likely hadn't arrived in the Kingdom of Wapian yet. She was worried that if a major disaster broke out while he hadn't found the previous Black Knights, it might affect him.
Geor stared intently at Ariana, who was lost in thought, then opened his mouth.
"Ariana."
Ariana slowly opened her eyes.
"Do whatever you want."
A slight wrinkle formed between her pretty eyebrows. Ariana bit her lower lip slightly and spoke.
"I was afraid of causing harm."
"To the Northern Lord?"
"That's true, too."
"Don't worry about us."
“How could you do that? We’re family.”
"That makes sense. Because we are family."
A hand reached over the table and rested on top of Ariana's. Unlike Cyrus, a warm sensation pressed gently against the back of the hand.
The amethyst-like eyes held Ariana without wavering.
"Because we're family."
Her heart fluttered, as if they were saying, "Let's bear this together." Even though she had received their affection throughout the four years she spent with the White family, she still felt that way.
“What about Averaster?”
"He's just waiting for your instructions."
“Yes, then... I’ll do as I please.”
A gentle smile formed on Geor's lips.
"Yes, do that."
After telling Geor and Shini what needed to be done, Ariana called Louis.
“Louis, please tell the Northern Lord to take care of himself, as problems might erupt a little sooner than expected.”
“Princess Consort. If you wait just a little longer...”
“No, I don’t think we should waste time. We will enter the Imperial Palace as soon as we finish our preparations.”
Louis could no longer stop Ariana due to her firm attitude.
After Louis left, Ariana headed to the window. She went out onto the terrace and gazed at the setting sun.
She recalled the hellish days she had endured for the past 28 years of her life. The lonely times when she had to walk alone on a barren path devoid of even a shred of warmth were vivid.
"You only think about your own fight."
Perhaps Cyrus said that because he anticipated that things would turn out this way.
'Right, now it's time to end my fight.'
I will make you walk through a hell from which you cannot escape.
***
Cyrus and his party were moving very quickly, so they received the message sent by Louis a little late.
Cyrus’s face crumpled as he unwrapped and read the letter from the ankle of the eagle perched on his shoulder. Andrei, who was drinking water, asked.
"What's the matter?"
"They say the Emperor has issued an imperial decree."
“Imperial Decree? What Imperial Decree?”
"The marriage of Ariana White and the Fifth Prince Puniken Blenwit."
Andrei and Isaac gaped in astonishment. Isaac, having barely regained his composure, took the letter from Cyrus's hand and read it.
“What kind of crazy talk is this? Why is the Emperor interfering in someone else’s marriage? He should mind his own business regarding the Princess’s wedding! Has he lost his mind?”
"The Princess Consort is in a difficult situation."
“Andrei, this isn’t just a minor issue. To retract this imperial decree, you have no choice but to turn your back on the Empire.”
"The Western Lord's moves are ominous, so it will be tough to deal with the Empire as well."
Andrei was already anticipating a war with the Empire.
Cyrus stood with his arms crossed, patting his forearm as he fell into thought.
What could have happened? Why did the Emperor suddenly issue such an unreasonable imperial decree? He must know what the nobles will whisper about this order. He must know that the Eastern Lord will be furious.
'It’s either war or submission. If she submits, Ariana will become a member of the Imperial Family, so he thinks he can completely win the East's heart over.'
There must be someone who blinded the Emperor's eyes and ears.
Is it the Western Lord? Or is it the Third Prince?
'It could be Victoria. The Fifth Prince has a difficult temperament, so married life with a guy like that wouldn't be easy. It’s the kind of thought that would come from her head. But Victoria wouldn't have told the Emperor directly... Did Empress Aiela take action?'
He had decided who to take the lives of in the event of an unavoidable fight. Cyrus looked back at the Black Knights waiting for his orders.
The Black Knights existed in the Northern Territory.
“Cyrus. Let’s go back to the Empire.”
Andrei, sensing Cyrus's internal conflict, spoke firmly.
"The affairs of the Princess Consort are the top priority."
Cyrus made up his mind at his friend's firm gaze.
“No. You proceed according to plan. Make sure to find the previous Black Knights in the land of Wapian. They will be imprisoned somewhere just like before, so search for the sealed ruins of Paganus. I am returning to the Empire.”
"It's dangerous for you to be alone."
"Ariana's work is the top priority."
Cyrus patted Andrei on the shoulder.
"All of Ariana's problems are mine. I won't hand them over to you."
***
The Bronte estate was engulfed in darkness.
Victoria was in the process of using poisonous herbs on the Crown Prince and Crown Princess, but the situation was on the verge of going awry because Rachel poisoned Ariana instead. She hired someone to track down the butler Rachel had bribed, but several days passed without any good news.
She heard that Ariana, who had been hovering between life and death for a while, had successfully been detoxified and opened her eyes two days ago, but she still couldn't feel relieved.
Even if Ariana had woken up safely, the act of poisoning her in front of the Emperor was an unceasing threat and a challenge to imperial authority. The suspicious and timid Emperor would never let an incident where one of his own people nearly died in front of him go unnoticed.
Victoria and Rachel spent several days without even being able to drink a proper sip of water. Occasionally, when they fell asleep, they had nightmares of being bound tight, dragged away by the Emperor's knights who burst in, and subjected to brutal torture.
She flinched at the mere sound of rattling, thinking that an Imperial Knight had come to arrest her, and her heart sank whenever someone said they were looking for her.
Victoria blamed Rachel for all of this, resenting and cursing her. Jacob, who had been wandering outside, criticized Rachel for not managing the gloomy atmosphere in the house properly.
Rachel endured day by day, feeling as if an invisible hand was gripping her neck.
“Let’s... let’s just go back to the West, Victoria. If we go back, tell Father, and ask for his help...”
“Shut up. If we leave the Empire in this situation, Ariana will run rampant. Does that make sense? Even if she pulls some tricks here, there’s nothing we can do. Does it make any sense to just leave the Empire like criminals? Besides, having caused this kind of trouble, do you think Grandfather will just sit by and watch?”
“Victoria...”
"If you have a head, think a little."
Even though it seemed like there was nothing left to collapse, Rachel's world continued to crumble every time she heard Victoria's sharp criticism.
She lived only thinking about her beloved daughters meeting men from good families and living happily, so why did things turn out this way?
Victoria ignored Rachel, who was sobbing in despair. She could not stand her mother, who was just crying and spouting foolish nonsense.
'I have to do something. I can't just sit here and take it.'
Even though Ariana did not attack Victoria and Rachel first, Victoria felt that they were being constantly attacked.
Because someone like Ariana shouldn't dare refuse or bare her teeth. Since she is Ariana, she must endure and roll around just as they do. Therefore, they interpreted her raising a shield to evade their attacks as an attack directed at them.
Victoria gnawed at her thumbnail. She chewed it until it was short, not even noticing blood flowing from underneath. She was out of her mind.
It was hard to escape the anxiety that felt like a black fog was creeping up and grabbing my ankles.
'Think about it, Victoria. You can't lose to someone like Ariana. She's nobody...!'
There was one method that suddenly came to mind.
'Right, I'll just make the first move.
The Western Lord always said that attacking first is the best defense.
I just need to set the mood first. Ariana, before that bitch moves.'
Rachel grabbed Victoria's skirt as she suddenly stood up. She looked up at her daughter with anxious eyes.
“You... what, what are you trying to do?”
Rachel was worried that Victoria might pull another ridiculous stunt. She wanted to know at least what Victoria was thinking. That way, she could prepare for the situation.
However, Victoria coldly pushed Rachel away and left the room.
***
Third Prince Harold was also in a state of anxiety and nervousness, just as much as Victoria.
“Mother should have seen that. I can no longer work with Victoria!”
Empress Aiela quietly watched her son, who was raising his voice in excitement.
“To think you pulled Ariana’s hair out in front of everyone. I have never seen anything like that before. To think she tried to act like she knew about art for no reason and ended up getting embarrassed... What did the Western Lord say? Didn't he say she was the smartest of his granddaughters? We have been deceived by the Western Lord.”
The Empress swallowed a sigh.
As Harold said, Victoria recently was strange, way too strange.
When she first met Victoria, she seemed like a quiet, mature, and clever child, but as time went by, she revealed a foolish and impatient side.
However, it was not a good idea to sever ties with Western Lord at this point.
Due to a series of events, the Third Prince's position was no longer as secure as before. The Emperor looked upon the Third Prince with disapproval, and the nobles who had previously shown him trust and support quietly turned their backs on him.
“Mother, I really hate Victoria.”
Seeing her desperate son, the Empress suddenly had the thought, 'What if I just let go of everything like this?' What if she no longer coveted the throne and simply stayed in this place quietly?
Then, there would be no need for a beloved son to marry a woman he does not love, nor to worry constantly about currying favor with the Emperor. They might be able to live happily, enjoying what they have and doing what they desire.
'But...'
She couldn't let go of her desires.
She had to live her entire life bowing her head simply because she was the royal consort. To avoid losing the affection and trust of the Emperor and Empress, she had to live cautiously, carefully watching their every move.
There is only one reason why she has endured the Empress’s words that upset her and the other consorts who provoked her. It is to place her son on the throne and eliminate those who have been a thorn in her side.
She wanted to live, even for a moment, a life where she sat in a prestigious position, looking down on everyone without having to worry about anyone's opinion. To achieve that, things like her son's feelings didn't matter at all.
“Prince, you must endure. How can you live doing only what you want? The greater your desire, the greater the hardship you must bear. When you ascend to that throne, you will be able to obtain everything you desire.”
“But Mother...”
"This mother..."
Tears flowed from the Empress's eyes.
“I’m sorry. If I were the Empress, you wouldn’t have to endure this...”
Harold, who cherished his mother more than anyone, felt his heart soften at the sight of the Empress's tears.
Yeah, in a life where I have to put up with my mother, I’m the only one who can save myself. I have to do my best.
“Your Highness. Princess Victoria Bronte requests an audience.”
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