Bloodline is a Cheat Code - Chapter 71

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 71
“Miss, you don’t look well.”
“I suppose I didn’t sleep properly last night.”
Seeing Elian’s face only weighed my heart down further.
Until now, I’d assumed Vincent was involved in this affair to some degree, whether willingly or not.
But if my suspicions from yesterday were correct, I’d need to devise an entirely new plan.
He too must be cursed like the other princes, facing the threat of his life being stolen away.
If the Emperor desires the eternal preservation of his soul, it’s truly for power alone. His expulsion of sacred power from Imperial lands must have stemmed from concern that it, being antithetical to dark magic, might cause complications.
In the original work, only Aden remained safe from the curse of immortal magic, likely thanks to being born of the Holy Kingdom princess as his mother and possessing formidable sacred power.
According to Minabell, that’s what she calls the protagonist’s blessing.
So Aden is safe. And I’ve already reconciled with my sister and confirmed she’ll unconditionally take my side. As a bonus, I even saved Kalik.
I witnessed Vincent’s ending—devoid of anything—in the dream the sacred relic showed me.
Then what of Lucian Advein?
…I don’t wish to think about it in detail. It’s a timeline that’s already vanished, so I simply need to ensure it never happens again.
“Elian.”
“Yes?”
“Do you still love him?”
At my sudden question, Elian’s hands, which had been arranging my hair, froze mid-motion.
She looked at me as if wondering why that man was coming up now, then lowered her gaze.
Yes, I understood perfectly.
Once I leave the Holy Kingdom, I’ve already decided what to do. So much to accomplish. Flotie Rosena….
* * *
“I heard the youngest lady of the Rosena Family is quite fond of tea. Aden told me so himself.”
Melissa demonstrated considerable generosity by personally inviting us to her tea party.
I’d sensed her favorable disposition—personally guiding us through the Minister’s Temple and explaining about the high priests and sacred relics—but this was surprising to the point of astonishment.
Yet due to the stress from recent events, I found myself unable to accept her kindness at face value, which was rather unfortunate.
Suspicion arose before wonder could take hold.
Those invited to this gathering were myself, my sister, Lucian Advein, and Aden, while Melissa requested the dismissal of all guards, including Jade Delpoi and Elian.
‘What if Your Majesty intends to dispose of us all at once? I’m rather reluctant about this.’
Just as I was worrying whether I’d become too sensitive, my sister went several steps further, shoveling away my anxiety with her candor.
Witnessing her openly voice her distrust of Melissa and the Holy Kingdom somehow calmed my own nerves instead.
Indeed, it was rather amusing to scrutinize myself when standing before such a sister.
‘Don’t worry, Young Duke. Even if I appear to be leisurely like a wastrel, I’m a Sword Master, and aren’t you a candidate for the next Magic Tower Master?’
‘Still, Tiae is so delicate that I worry.’
‘Besides, the King of this place won’t harm us while your brother, whom he holds in such high regard, stands before us. I’ll even make sure to bring Flotie’s personal silver spoon, so don’t fret.’
‘Is there magic enchanted on that silver spoon? Why do you believe my safety is entirely resolved by that spoon’s existence?’
‘Ah, if that’s the concern.’
‘Why are you satisfied with merely having that silver spoon?’
The conversation between the two drifted into increasingly incomprehensible territory. While it was fortunate they’d found their own way to communicate, it wasn’t exactly a direction I favored.
Yet I couldn’t reject it simply because I disliked it….
Melissa welcomed us near the terrace where sunlight streamed in warmly.
Though the setting appeared modest, every teacup, tea leaf, and pastry was of such exquisite quality that their worth defied measure.
“I am honored to meet the brightest star of the Holy Kingdom.”
After offering a formal greeting, Melissa accepted it with a light laugh.
Her smile seemed considerably warmer than the cold one I’d felt on the first day. Apparently, Aden had made considerable efforts on our behalf during our time here.
Melissa poured the chilled tea for us with her own hands before directing her first question to Lucian Advein.
“Have you been at peace during your stay in the Holy Kingdom?”
“Thanks to your kindness, I’ve had a most meaningful experience. My world has been confined to the Third Prince’s Palace rather than the Empire itself, so I’m grateful that you’ve broadened my perspective.”
His tone was gentle and kind, showing none of the usual cunning or deliberate provocation I knew him for.
I truly couldn’t tell which was the real Lucian Advein.
“It’s ironic—the world of the prince’s elder brother is confined to the Crystal Palace because of me, while the prince’s world has expanded here in the Holy Kingdom.”
“I already enjoy the world through the Crystal Palace’s beauty. I have no desire to venture further, and if I were to leave alone, wouldn’t I simply fall prey to deception?”
Melissa’s pointed remark was completely dissolved by Aden’s innocent sincerity in one breath.
How frustrating.
I nearly lost control of my expression for a moment. Fortunately, since Serpina Rosena rarely smiled openly anyway, her composed face didn’t betray anything.
“…How are the Young Duke and the lady? Is the Holy Kingdom similar to what you heard about in the Empire? Or perhaps it’s something entirely new, or even worse?”
Sensing she couldn’t direct harsh or cutting words at Aden, Melissa smoothly shifted her target.
Thanks to this, Lucian Advein, now out of the line of fire, let out a quiet laugh. Aden appeared genuinely oblivious to how his words had shaken Melissa, his expression utterly innocent.
There’s a saying that extreme innocence is indistinguishable from cunning. I’d thought it was false, but watching him, it seemed true after all.
“What was your impression of Rosena, separate from the Empire?”
Serpina Rosena asked a different question instead of answering.
I was desperately racking my brain for what question might please Melissa, when this approach presented itself.
Without thinking, I stared intently at Serpina Rosena. Melissa paused with her teacup at her lips and smiled faintly.
“The Holy Kingdom didn’t close its doors because we thought all people from every empire were the same.”
Who wouldn’t understand? Serpina Rosena nodded lightly and smiled without words.
No matter how hard everyone below works, if the Imperial Household rots from within, the Empire cannot be saved.
Even if others in the Imperial Household try their best, if the final decision-maker doesn’t change their mind, the situation inevitably spirals toward catastrophe.
Aden and Lucian Advein, already aware of all this, remained silent.
For a kingdom’s king to speak such words before an empire’s prince was itself a display of power dynamics. Yet even I didn’t raise objections or point it out.
After hearing the truth about the Emperor last night, I’d come to my own understanding and couldn’t sleep.
If the Emperor truly is such a person, then Melissa’s insight is correct.
“Then, if it were Lucian Advein’s empire, would you open the doors again?”
This time, even I flinched at the directness.
Serpina Rosena must have learned countless ways of speaking through her past life, yet she doesn’t speak indirectly.
Is it because time is precious? Or is it to secure a witness by extracting a direct answer?
One who has lived two lives and one who has grown stronger through great loss stood facing each other without yielding an inch. Melissa gazed at Serpina Rosena intently.
“There’s no fear in the Young Duke’s eyes.”
“Because I’ve already experienced the most frightening thing.”
“I don’t dislike people like that. However, I’ll reserve my answer for now. I’ve sufficiently observed Lucian Advein’s potential through this opportunity. But I’m still uncertain. Not simply because red eyes must ascend the throne.”
“What must I prove to you?”
Lucian asked in a gentle tone. I gazed at him intently.
It wasn’t because his eyes were blue, nor was it because he lacked influence. Then what exactly was I supposed to show him?
“It appears Your Majesty is currently afflicted with some curse for which no solution has been found. I’m correct, aren’t I?”
A saint remains a saint. I hadn’t intentionally hidden it.

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Novels. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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