Favored by the Family That Will Become the Strongest! - Chapter 88

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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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It took considerable persuasion before she could hold them back.
“That’s not a fundamental solution.”
Of course, Diena didn’t entirely disagree with them. Count Oder deserved death, and her uncle was an enemy she’d have to deal with eventually.
‘But confronting my uncle directly is still beyond me.’
With efficiency and reason tempering a hint of calculation, Diena concluded that engaging her uncle now was premature.
‘But Count Oder is a different matter.’
So she decided to deal with those she could handle first.
“I’ll agree to removing Count Oder. We can’t afford more innocent victims.”
But once he vanished, her uncle wouldn’t relent—he’d simply bring another candidate forward.
‘There are no shortage of nobles in the empire willing to marry me.’
She couldn’t kill every aristocrat in the realm, so she had to address the root cause. That’s why she’d hastened to the Imperial Capital to meet with Ardin.
Originally, she’d planned to come alone. But the people of House Cardian refused to let her go unaccompanied.
Bianca was still restraining herself from going out due to her poor control over her power, while Sebar had to remain at her side to protect the house.
“No, wait. Brother went to the Castleton Duchy last time. I want to go this time too…!”
“Where we’re headed has many ordinary people. I can’t stand by and watch you lose control and harm them.”
“That’s… true, but…”
“Even if you’ve improved lately, there’s no telling what might happen.”
“Is that really the reason?”
“Yes, absolutely. It has nothing to do with wanting to go alone with Diena. It’s purely for everyone else’s safety.”
In the end, Bianca had no choice but to remain at House Cardian, eyes glistening with unshed tears.
“When you come back next time, just wait—I’ll have mastered my power like you and be able to stay by Diena’s side constantly.”
Barcan didn’t respond to that. Adapting to an Ability in such a short time was difficult, yet he had an inexplicable feeling that Bianca would manage it somehow.
As Barcan shook his head inwardly, Diena glanced at him and spoke.
“I could have gone alone.”
“No, didn’t I say it clearly last time? From now on, I’m always coming with you. You could get caught up in unforeseen danger—I can’t let you go alone.”
“That won’t happen… And if you were worried, couldn’t you have just assigned me escort knights instead?”
“Assigning mere knights to accompany our house’s capable healer would look discourteous to other families. Besides, why would I need to bring knights when I’m already here? They’d all pale in comparison to me.”
“…Since when do you care about how others see things? Well, I suppose you’re not entirely wrong. You are capable, after all. Thank you, for worrying about me.”
Barcan chuckled softly in response.
“Of course.”
With a top-tier Combat Ability user at her side, there would be no dangerous situations to fear. Diena gazed out the carriage window.
‘Even so, the empire looks far more livable now than when my uncle was Emperor.’
It had been a long time since she’d visited the Imperial Capital. As she took in the sights outside, the carriage arrived at their destination before she realized it.
“Is this the right place? Where we arranged to meet with Ardin?”
“It is.”
Barcan scrutinized the building they’d alighted from with a suspicious expression. It looked far too dilapidated to belong to a member of the imperial family like Ardin.
Yet Diena entered with familiar steps. As she pushed open the creaking door, she was met with musty dust and an air distinctly cooler than the world outside.
It appeared to be a warehouse on the verge of collapse, but when Diena lightly pressed a specific brick on the wall, a heavy grinding sound echoed as a secret passage revealed itself.
Barcan narrowed his eyes and asked.
“Diena, have you been here before? You seem awfully familiar with it.”
“Mm, I’ll tell you later.”
“When is this ‘later’? I’m not fond of waiting indefinitely.”
She couldn’t claim to know his nature well. After a moment’s consideration, she offered him the optimal moment.
“After we defeat my uncle. I’ll tell you everything you’re curious about then.”
Barcan let out a small laugh in response.
“Fine, but you’d better keep that promise. I won’t forget until then. I should eliminate Balthasar Rothwell as quickly as possible.”
Diena nodded.
“Good. Keeping quiet seems to be an effective way to boost your motivation.”
They walked for some time while exchanging idle banter. Then Barcan stopped.
“We’re here.”
Soldiers guarding the passage’s end appeared.
The moment they recognized Diena’s face, they silently bowed their heads and lowered the weapons that had been blocking the way.
The door opened slowly. Standing within the revealed chamber was Ardin, hands clasped behind his back.
“I see the empire’s little sun.”
He turned slowly, but paused upon seeing Barcan. Ardin let out a dry laugh.
“You always manage to defy my expectations.”
“…”
“I never anticipated you’d come with Barcan.”
Barcan then asked, his tone hardening with displeasure.
“Then what did you think she came for?”
“To accept my marriage proposal, naturally.”
“What? What are you talking about?”
“Your Highness sent me a Marriage Proposal Letter, you see.”
At Diena’s explanation, Barcan’s furrowed brow suddenly widened in surprise. A marriage proposal letter—this was the first he’d heard of it.
“Was that the letter you mentioned sending before?”
“No. I sent a letter for a different matter, but he replied with a proposal.”
Ardin spoke with a disappointed expression.
“I thought our interests might align. But seeing you come with Barcan, I suppose they don’t. There’d be no reason to bring another man if you were accepting my proposal.”
“One could bring a man along regardless.”
Barcan, who’d been watching Diena with relief, stiffened. Noting his reaction, a mischievous glint suddenly flickered across Ardin’s face.
“Is that so? Then are you truly here to answer my proposal? We’d make excellent partners. Rothwell would consider himself advantaged as well.”
“I’m afraid that’s impossible.”
“What a pity.”
Ardin let his brows droop in feigned disappointment. Barcan felt his heart skip several times.
Diena stepped closer to Ardin and opened her mouth.
“Though you sent such a letter, surely Your Highness had no intention of marrying me either? You, of all people, value safety above all else.”

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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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