Let the Whales Fight, This Shrimp is Leaving! - Chapter 26

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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 26
The Adorif Empire would surely seize this moment to aggressively push for a union between Deyan and me.
Every surrounding nation, including the Cordi Kingdom, would undoubtedly try to talk me out of it.
The fact that I am involved in the state affairs of Plene is already an open secret, and no one is ignorant of my status as the official successor.
For the legitimate heir of the Plene Grand Duchy—the very heart of the continent—to enter a state marriage was synonymous with an alliance.
When war broke out, as it always did, the Plene Grand Duchy would become the battlefield.
‘An opportunity to be provided with such a theater doesn’t come easily.’
I lightly brushed my knuckles against Deyan’s cheek.
As I gazed at him with a look that mimicked falling in love, a ripple stirred within his hazel eyes.
It was like a stone cast into a silent lake.
Much like a lake’s peace shattered by a child’s prank, I watched as agitation slowly spread through him.
“Why the face…?”
Ultimately unable to endure my touch, Deyan shifted his body and gently caught my hand to set it down.
“Listen to me until I’m finished.”
I wiped the smile from my face and gripped his hand firmly.
I could vividly feel my nails digging into his palm.
“The reason the Plene Grand Duchy has maintained its independence despite suffering countless invasions is that we have remained strictly neutral.”
the moment that neutrality breaks, the spark that will engulf the continent in war will be struck.
Naturally, every nation would be forced to move.
However, I felt confident enough to bet that this wasn’t what Joaquin Perez wanted.
If he had simply wanted to start a war, he wouldn’t have cared who was watching.
The fact that he worked steadily behind the scenes while sending me proposal letters and staged tedious plays like piracy was proof he wanted to move in secret.
The type of war Joaquin Perez desired was a one-sided invasion.
‘If he judges that to be impossible, he’ll surely back off to watch the situation and try to win me over.’
He would postpone the war he intended to start immediately, buying us time.
At the same time, every country on the continent would rush to Plene to prevent me from joining hands with Adorif.
“Everyone will try to win my favor. If necessary, they’ll shove men of my taste toward me like objects.”
The nobles of the Adorif Empire would scramble to use Deyan as bait to get in line with me.
Perhaps they might even offer the Adorif Empire’s abundant resources as bribes.
On the other hand, Cordi and the United States would do everything in their power to turn my gaze elsewhere.
I could easily envision a future where everyone turned their steps toward Plene.
It was a perfect opportunity.
Deyan Boislav Nemanic. If I could just use this man, then…
“The suspects who might have killed my mother will come looking for me.”
It was a golden chance to solve two problems at once.
I intended to lure them in with this little game.
Nine years ago. Every noble who had set foot in the Plene Grand Duchy.
“So cooperate, Sir Nemanic.”
I released his hand.
I pressed the ring box into his palm as if to hide the red crescent marks left by my nails, causing Deyan to swallow hard.
“It’s not like you want a war to break out right now either, do you?”
I could guess as much from the way he was attacked while trying to flee.
Though Joaquin Perez was a despicable man prone to low cunning, his personal martial prowess was not particularly strong.
In contrast, Deyan was the very man who had led countless wars to victory.
Even if he possessed the incredible weapon of near-immortal healing, it was no easy feat for a single extraordinary individual to dictate the flow of a war.
In other words, this man possessed an innate ability to lead a war to triumph.
‘If he had faced Joaquin Perez head-on, he would have surely won.’
Yet, Deyan chose to retreat.
If he were a man who prioritized his own safety even slightly, he might have dealt with Joaquin Perez regardless of the risk of war.
Even if the Adorif Empire was in a bad spot due to drought, there was a high possibility that a situation favorable to Adorif would have been created in the long run.
They could have simply plundered our Plene to restock war supplies and continued their march south.
While the Cordi Kingdom might have the upper hand in naval warfare, the Adorif Empire was overwhelmingly dominant in inland battles.
“Why do you think that?”
“Because the reason Joaquin Perez tried so hard to exclude you first was for the sake of the war.”
If war broke out, the Cordi Kingdom would inevitably have to endure a land war within the Adorif Empire.
“I’ve never participated in a war, but I know how they are conducted.”
The moment a marriage with me was finalized, Joaquin Perez would clearly use the Plene Grand Duchy as nothing more than a means of supply.
He would constantly transport troops and weapons through sea routes and procure supplies from Plene.
Until the Adorif Empire was exhausted and collapsed.
“He’ll hold out and hold out, and once they’re finally spent, he’ll strike the inner castle in earnest and take the Emperor’s head.”
After that, his next target would naturally be the Agavni United States.
“If you had killed Joaquin Perez then and there, a war might have started immediately, but the Adorif Empire would have won. I don’t think you fled because you failed to calculate that.”
Since you ended up getting hurt while running away and getting caught by me, perhaps you’re regretting it now.
“If you truly mean it when you say you hate war, then prove it through your actions.”
Deyan’s Adam’s apple bobbed heavily as if his throat were parched.
“If I prove it, will you actually believe me?”
“…Pfft.”
Despite the relatively short time we had spent together, it seemed Deyan had grasped a fair bit of my nature.
There was nothing particularly wrong with his question, so instead of answering, I let out a chuckle and brushed off his stiff shoulders.
The moment my hand touched him, Deyan’s shoulders tensed even more, turning from stiff to rock-hard.
“Then I’ll make one more proposal. You’re free to refuse this one.”
“What is it?”
“If the Emperor orders you to attack Cordi, then exile yourself to my country.”
“…….”
“You said you hated war.”
Although I might have political grievances, I didn’t harbor much resentment toward Deyan as an individual.
‘It’s not like there’s none at all. Still…’
If he swore to become a reliable knight for the Plene Grand Duchy in exile, I was willing enough to accept him.
However, Deyan remained silent.
“Well?”
“…….”
“Is that a refusal?”
“I cannot give you an answer.”
“Neither a yes nor a no?”
“Please understand.”
“Fine, whatever. I wasn’t expecting much anyway.”
Since I had assumed he would refuse, his current reaction was actually quite surprising.
If anything, it was closer to a positive signal for me.
“Still, follow through with what we agreed to cooperate on.”
“…….”
“Understood?”
“I understand.”
He nodded slowly.
“I will perform my part faithfully, just as the Young Lady desires.”
“Good.”
I skipped the words of gratitude.
This wasn’t something I needed to be thankful for.
Instead, I tossed out a light joke to ease the tense atmosphere.
“You can go around and brag about it.”
When I shrugged playfully, Deyan stared at me blankly.
I gave him enough time to meet my eyes, and the moment they locked, I gave him my most radiant smile.
“That you’re in a position where marriage talks are ongoing with ‘the’ Idir Hubert.”
“…….”
“Of course, I have no intention of actually marrying you, so don’t get any ideas.”
“…….”
I had said it half-jokingly.
But Deyan just stood there, staring at me vacantly without any reaction.
‘What? What’s with him? Is he so starstruck that he’s lost his mind?’
I know I’m that beautiful.
Still, I didn’t want to keep looking at such a stupid expression.
“If you have something to say, say it now.”
“Well…”
“Yes.”
Since I had opened the floor, Deyan slowly followed suit.
“I’m locked in this room, so where exactly am I supposed to go and brag?”
Ah, that part?
I offered a wise answer to his foolish question.
“Go for a walk in the backyard. Brag to our gardener.”
I tossed the words out teasingly and turned around.
My business with Deyan was finished, so I needed to get back to the rest of my work.
I was about to leave his room, but the moment I opened the door, a white shadow loomed over me.
“Lord Sariel?”
Skillfully hiding my surprise, I smiled and closed the door behind my back.
[…….]
Sariel’s blue eyes flickered toward the gap in the door once, then back to me.
“Is there something you need? Or did you come looking for me?”
[Idir.]
“Yes, go ahead.”
[You truly…]
His blue eyes began to sink like a silent lake.
He kept his gaze on me for a long time before finally closing his eyes slowly.
[You do not hesitate, even when it comes to throwing yourself into the fray.]

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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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