Bloodline is a Cheat Code - Chapter 89

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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 89
Serpina Rosena, who had always dressed in black as though perpetually mourning someone, underwent a striking transformation today.
Beneath a blue top adorned with silver embroidery that evoked a fairy tale princess, the most eye-catching element was the pair of trousers she wore.
“My, trousers…”
“Is it riding attire?”
The top itself eschewed elaborate frills in favor of a silhouette that traced the contours of her form, while accessories complementing the embroidery adorned her frame.
And above all else, a resplendent beauty that eclipsed everything.
“I am Serpina Rosena. Thank you for attending my sister’s engagement ceremony. I have personally overseen all preparations for the reception, so I humbly ask your forgiveness should anything fall short.”
Her voice held no trace of warmth, yet because it was Serpina, all present gazed upon her as though enchanted.
Her raven hair, which she had braided in part while allowing the remainder to cascade in beautiful waves rather than binding it all into a single knot, gleamed like ebony.
Vincent recalled a statement that had once set the Empire ablaze.
‘When that lady comes of age, she shall surely be called the most beautiful woman in the Empire.’
It was the day of Serpina’s debutante ball.
Of course, when she revealed the secret of her birth that day, the discourse surrounding her beauty swiftly faded.
‘I beseech you to execute that dark sorcerer who wielded black magic with such malice.’
I remember she had even submitted a petition written in her own precise hand. It was then that Vincent learned black magic and curses were entirely distinct phenomena.
“When do you intend to remove your cloak?”
In that moment, a voice suddenly emerged from beside him. Though no one was visible, Vincent showed no surprise whatsoever.
It was likely Lai, who had followed him here under the veil of magic to keep watch.
I had never expected to arrive without any surveillance. Rather, I had thought I might be dragged away before even reaching the engagement ceremony venue, so matters had unfolded quite favorably.
Still gazing ahead, Vincent responded with barely a movement of his lips.
“I have no such intention. It would be better for everyone if I did not appear here officially.”
“Then should a sudden gust of wind blow and strip Your Highness of your cloak, that too would become a most intriguing incident.”
“There would be no benefit in creating such trouble.”
“Not all visits need bear good intentions and profit. Rumors have always been excellent weapons. Did His Majesty not teach you this directly?”
Lai spoke in a tone of regret, as though addressing a child with poor aptitude for learning.
Vincent, now too weary to respond, merely continued staring ahead. This one would prioritize his own will regardless of Vincent’s intentions.
To counter black magic, one would need to master holy power or at minimum acquire high-level magical abilities—opportunities that could never come to one in his position as Crown Prince within the Imperial Household.
Lai did not deliberately torment Vincent. The red-eyed, docile Crown Prince had lived obediently since being dragged from that cabin, as though resistance were a concept he had never known.
When Vincent occasionally wished to know whether Elian lived or died, Lai would respond that it was better for her that Vincent remain ignorant, deliberately ignoring such requests.
‘In the end, you came here simply hoping to see El one more time. How pathetic.’
Unable to present his sister with a proper engagement gift openly, forced to attend in secret, yet harboring such presumptuous thoughts—it was contemptible.
Displeased that Vincent continued to ignore him while merely observing those offering greetings and blessings, Lai clicked his tongue. He could tolerate much, but he found it difficult to bear Vincent’s audacity in disregarding him.
“The wind was merely a jest, after all.”
‘You speak much for one who will do as he pleases if things go awry, regardless of what I say.’
He had even dared to raise a cane against the Crown Prince, now over twenty years of age, subjecting him to humiliation—all merely a jest to him.
The only remarkable thing was that this very Lai demonstrated genuine loyalty in extending the Emperor’s life.
Yes, the reason why Vincent, so obedient in his compliance, was frequently threatened and remained Lai’s plaything was obvious.
‘You regard His Majesty himself as a plaything for your amusement, yet you feign such loyalty. It is utterly repugnant. Do you truly believe His Majesty will bestow rewards upon you when he awakens, simply because you have brought him lives to offer?’
On a day when Vincent still harbored even a shred of defiance against Lai, his heated sarcasm had properly incurred the dark sorcerer’s wrath.
‘How dare he, how dare he show such disrespect to His Majesty!’
Unaware that I myself was committing every conceivable form of irreverence and rudeness toward the Crown Prince, he had essentially orchestrated a rampage bordering on chaos. That day, Vincent had nearly lost his life.
In truth, losing his life wasn’t the real problem. The problem was what would be discovered in his corpse afterward—his true eye color.
Even if I must die, I will destroy my eyes before that moment comes. This was the resolve I made the instant that youngest prince stepped onto the platform before me.
“I am Lucian Advein. Though I bear the title of Third Prince, there may be those seeing me for the first time today?”
Looking at his blue eyes as he spoke with such levity, my heart ached for reasons I couldn’t quite name.
He knew as well as anyone that to survive, he would have to live his entire life as an incompetent youngest prince, his very existence suppressed. Yet Lucian had chosen to take Rosena’s hand.
Of course, Rosena came from an exceptional house, and Lucian himself was an extraordinarily talented individual, but I found it difficult to be certain they possessed the strength to stand against this vicious dark sorcerer.
‘Has he found a way? Or…’
Has he truly come to love Flotie Rosena, who stands beside him? Either way, all I felt was the desire to stop him.
Though I no longer possessed the right to do so. They were in a situation where even meeting alone and conversing was impossible.
As long as that dark sorcerer dwelled intertwined within my shadow, perhaps such a thing would only become possible in the next life.
As I gazed upon Flotie and Lucian exchanging rings, savoring the loneliness of the moment, I failed to notice that Lai’s chattering presence behind me had vanished.
* * *
“By this declaration, the two are hereby formally recognized as betrothed under the law.”
Ah, truly…
Right before my eyes stood Lucian, adorned more perfectly than ever before, gazing at me with unmistakable joy.
Yet Vincent at the far end—I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
So much, so very much, I couldn’t stop thinking about him.
What is this? First angry, then tender, then melancholy, then falling in love.
At first, I’d thought that with just a robe draped over me, there was no way my identity could remain hidden, so I’d considered calling someone to prepare a space to conceal myself.
But in reality, no one noticed.
Or rather, standing a little distance away with my face partially obscured—was my small stature and features really so invisible?
I understand the plan was to slip in, watch, and slip out quietly. But if that were the case, couldn’t he at least stay silent? Anyone could see him turning his head slightly and having a conversation with thin air.
Someone is literally hiding in thin air right now. To anyone watching, it’s obviously magic!
Cruide Den! Telling me to trust only him—this fraud!
“Flotie.”
“Oh, I apologize. Was I staring too intently?”
“A little.”
Lucian chuckled softly and led me by the hand, stepping down from the platform first. He was concerned I might feel exhausted standing before so many people.
“You seemed to be paying attention to something other than me. Was something the matter?”
“Are you disappointed I wasn’t focusing only on my betrothed? Feeling jealous?”
“I was worried too.”
He glanced outside while still holding my hand.
“What could possibly warrant such attention from you?”
“Most people never notice where or how I’m directing my attention at all. You’re quite remarkable, Lucian.”
“From now on, I’ll become someone who notices and understands you far more deeply, so prepare yourself. You won’t be able to hide anything from me.”
“I’ll return that sentiment in kind.”
As if I’m not supremely confident in my ability to notice what he’s hiding.
Yes, let me not worry about it. He must have simply come to watch his younger brother’s betrothal ceremony. Perhaps I should just mention the one concealed by magic.
“Your Majesty, there was someone like this hiding.”
In that moment, someone I had never expected to appear arrived with shocking fanfare.
Asteron, the Tower Master, dressed impeccably in formal robes, had bound the robed figure tightly with chains of his own creation, leaving them suspended and swaying in mid-air.
“Oh, what perfect timing! I caught this wretch as a gift to celebrate your engagement!”
“Flotie? Flotie?”
“Your Majesty, I think I’m about to faint—please catch me.”
“Huh?”
I’m leaving. Goodbye.

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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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