The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 121

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This chapter was translated by Lunox Team. To support us and help keep this series going, visit our website: LunoxScans.com
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Chapter 121

 

* * *

 

On the way out of the Princess’s Palace after sending his niece into a trap.

 

“They still haven’t entered the castle? Did they eat slugs or something!”

 

Prince Claudio flew into a rage upon receiving Suha’s report.

 

“The defense of the city walls is fiercer than expected, so they cannot find a breakthrough at all. Even Duke Gilliphos has joined to block their entry…”

 

Suha couldn’t hide his worry.

 

“Your Excellency, what shall we do? If the pace gets any slower…”

 

By now, the rebels should have crossed the city walls and rushed into the royal palace like a flood.

 

However, the Regent couldn’t believe what he heard – that they were at best camping in front of the city walls due to the counterattack from the defense forces and Gilliphos.

 

“They took so much money and were so confident!”

 

The Regent swallowed his rising anger.

 

Now was a time that required a cool head rather than a hot heart.

 

The throne was right before him – he couldn’t ruin things by being consumed by mere emotions.

 

“Hah, it’s fine. I’ve diverted Medeia away, so the most important plan is complete.”

 

Though there was a slight hitch, he ultimately succeeded in regaining his composure.

 

Regardless of such small variables, he had to proceed according to plan.

 

“Tell them to come as close to the front of the city walls as possible. Only then can we show everyone that the woman we captured is Medeia.”

 

Moreover, there was one more thing that made him confident.

 

“The royal palace won’t hold out for long. Duke Castulo’s forces called the Shadow have agreed to support us from beneath the surface.”

 

“The Shadow?”

 

Suha tilted his head as if he’d never heard of it.

 

“I don’t know the details either, but according to the Duke, they’re his hidden guard unit left by the previous Emperor. Since they’re a secret force that even the Emperor of Kazen doesn’t know about, they’ll be a great help to us.”

 

When the rebels cross the city walls and threaten the royal palace, the people thrown into chaos will scream.

 

And soon they’ll see Medeia caught while fleeing and fall into grief and despair.

 

What hope could there be for a country that abandons even its royalty?

 

When the Queen Mother and nobles don’t know what to do, he, the Regent, will appear like salvation to defeat the rebels.

 

And to save Valdina from crisis, he will receive the abdication of the throne.

 

While Duke Castulo rescues Medeia who was kidnapped by the rebels, the Regent’s private soldiers will eliminate the rebels.

 

Including their leader Horolls and all his mercenaries.

 

‘I can’t leave alive those who know my grand plan.’

 

Once even those who helped plot his seizure of the throne die and disappear, he can ascend to the throne flawlessly.

 

“Where is Mother, where is the Queen Mother?”

 

Suha scratched his head with a troubled expression.

 

“Well, she headed to the city walls. She said she couldn’t just sit still when rebels have invaded and the country is in danger.”

 

“Really, Mother too…”

 

The Regent swallowed the irritated sigh he was about to let out.

 

“Fine. It doesn’t matter if there’s one more spectator. It wouldn’t be bad for Mother to see with her own eyes.”

 

The true nature and downfall of her great-granddaughter, that is.

 

“Hurry, let’s go!”

 

Prince Claudio spurred his horse.

 

Before the sun sets today. He believed without doubt that this country, this sky, this space would all become his.

 

* * *

 

The secret passage of Valdina Palace.

 

After parting with Virna, Medeia moved her steps.

 

The path back through the pitch-black darkness didn’t frighten her in the least.

 

Finally, the door creaked open and Medeia emerged alone through the door she had entered with Virna.

 

“Your Highness.”

 

Neryl and Saya, who had been waiting, approached Medeia.

 

“Princess Claudia, as expected, didn’t return. She naturally took the knight with her too.”

 

Seeing Medeia appear alone, Neryl spoke.

 

Though she had expected this, seeing it confirmed with her own eyes was different.

 

Neryl felt disgusted once again by Virna’s selfishness in sending Medeia back defenseless, knowing that the rebels who invaded the palace would target Medeia first.

 

“Don’t be too harsh. Still, Virna shared her torch and promised to send reinforcements to rescue me from the palace later.”

 

“Ha! Yes, of course. After Your Highness is captured and killed, that is.”

 

Saya snorted.

 

“Virna did her best. So I naturally intend to ‘save’ her too.”

 

Medeia looked toward the city walls beyond the palace.

 

“The Queen Mother has already departed for the city walls first. Lady Pinatelli and Sir Sisear tried to escort Her Majesty to safety first, but she wouldn’t listen.”

 

The Queen Mother wasn’t the type to retreat and seek safety with her hands folded when crisis struck.

 

She was someone who would be satisfied only by watching with her own eyes even if the country collapsed and fell, so Medeia could imagine her thunderous voice.

 

“Grandmother must have looked for me.”

 

“Yes. After Your Highness left and we emptied the palace by sending out the remaining children, people from the Queen Mother’s Palace came. As Your Highness instructed, we hid ourselves. In the end, they only confirmed the empty palace and left.”

 

“Good.”

 

Medeia nodded with satisfaction.

 

She looked toward the city walls.

 

“Uncle must be busy explaining my absence there right now, so we should depart too.”

 

“Yes, I’ll bring the horse and armor.”

 

While the maids briefly left to prepare for the journey to the city walls, Medeia looked up at the sky.

 

Black smoke was rising from various parts of the palace.

 

As if everyone had been consumed by the fear instigated by the Regent, she could see palace servants moving frantically in confusion.

 

Most had already left the palace to head to the city walls or fled, and those remaining were at a loss, wandering about.

 

Gray smoke and trampled grass. The palace, left in a mess as if people had departed hastily, created an ominous atmosphere.

 

Medeia, who had been watching that scene indifferently, stiffened her back at the rustling sound of grass being stepped on.

 

‘Was there still someone left in the palace?’

 

As Medeia reached for the dagger in her bosom, firm hands grabbed her and turned her around.

 

“Hah, ha…”

 

Breath that escaped unconsciously then immediately caught.

 

Medeia recognized the sturdy shadow cast over her head.

 

“Akaress?”

 

The mercenary from Facade was before her.

 

Though his complexion was paler and darker than expected, the sculpted jawline and lips visible below the white half-mask remained the same.

 

It seemed nothing else had happened to him.

 

She unconsciously thought it was fortunate.

 

Then, the mercenary spoke.

 

“Princess, the rebels will soon cross into the royal palace. This place isn’t safe.”

 

He was still holding onto Medeia’s arm.

 

Medeia shook her sleeve slightly, but he didn’t seem inclined to let go.

 

As if waiting for Medeia to ask where a safe place would be.

 

Her eyes, which had shown surprise for a moment, soon curved slightly upward. A faint welcome appeared at the corners of her mouth.

 

“Right, the timing isn’t very good. Since the rebels might soon overrun the royal palace, you and Facade should take shelter too.”

 

“…”

 

Silence flowed.

 

Time passed that was neither false nor true. Suddenly, Chezare’s eyes widened.

 

He wasn’t fooled by the Princess’s gentle voice that was considerate of others and sounded almost sweet.

 

Chezare stared at the weapon gripped in Medeia’s hand and the small side door visible behind her.

 

Soon, as if he had realized, he murmured.

 

“You summoned them.”

 

The rebels who had suddenly swelled in numbers and appeared even at the royal palace.

 

Did they know? Did the Regent know? That even their actions had been seen through and manipulated by this Princess.

 

“I found it strange that Gillipos suddenly withdrew after abandoning their advantage… Was that also part of your plan to gather the rebels in front of the city walls?”

 

Chezare laughed helplessly and let go of her hand.

 

“…”

 

Medeia did not answer. After all, he wouldn’t need her confirmation anyway.

 

Ha, a hollow laugh spread across the mercenary’s well-shaped lips as his grip loosened.

 

“I suppose there’s no need to tell you to be careful?”

 

“…”

 

“What about Facade’s power?”

 

He extended his hand toward Medeia.

 

In his palm lay a platinum dagger.

 

It was the same dagger he had once sent to Medeia as a gift, only to have it returned.

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