The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 154

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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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Part 2, Chapter 1

 

Ch. 1

 

Three years later, Valdina Palace.

 

Brilliant sunlight illuminated the palace spires, creating a shining golden glow.

 

The cool winds characteristic of the north and the green hills visible in the distance behind the palace harmoniously blended together as if one with nature.

 

The peaceful and lyrical scenery was exactly the clear and pristine nature that Valdina originally took pride in.

 

However, in contrast to that, Valdina’s palace could not be found in its former modest appearance at all.

 

Upon entering the cream-colored palace, intricately carved pillars throughout and walls decorated with splendid mosaics captivated the viewer’s eyes.

 

Clear streams of water rising from fountains sparkled as if shattering under the sunlight.

 

The palace was filled with unprecedented vitality. Nobles dressed in gorgeous attire, merchants who brought crafts, and court attendants busily coming and going.

 

Amidst the laughter and conversation filling the air, the vigorous shouts of knights could be heard from somewhere.

 

No one could even imagine that this place had once been occupied by rebels, spewing black smoke.

 

Nor that this was where blood from the severed heads of countless traitors had flowed and been washed away.

 

Clatter. Clatter.

 

The wheels of a carriage that had been slowly gliding over the precisely laid stone path came to a stop.

 

What first touched the polished granite was a long staff.

 

“Welcome, Danzu.”

 

Then a woman with crimson hair stepped down.

 

Neryl, who had been waiting, approached to greet Kensington. On Neryl’s chest was embroidered a lily indicating her affiliation with the Princess’s Palace.

 

Her flawless appearance gave the feeling of facing a great ancient tree.

 

“It’s been a long time, Sir Neryl. Your skills have improved even more in the meantime.”

 

Kensington narrowed her eyes.

 

She hadn’t heard the sound of Neryl’s footsteps as she approached. Her upright shadow was cleverly hidden within the shadow of a pillar.

 

If Neryl hadn’t greeted her first, it would have been difficult to notice her presence.

 

“Every time I see it, those skills are truly enviable. If our Red Foxes had just three people like you, I wouldn’t need to travel across the continent as I do now.”

 

Kensington raised the corners of her mouth. Talent that possessed both assassin and knight elements was absolutely not common.

 

“Danzu always gives excessive praise, which only makes me embarrassed. But I have no intention of leaving Her Highness’s side.”

 

Neryl showed a faint smile.

 

“My, are you scouting talent as soon as you arrive? Since Neryl’s position cannot be filled, Danzu, how about me?”

 

A playful voice interrupted. The two turned around.

 

“Oh, Tom! It’s been a long time.”

 

Tom smiled at Kensington with his freckled face.

 

Kensington approached him warmly.

 

It was Tom who had brought Kensington to Valdina following Medeia’s orders, so they were quite close.

 

Thud. Thump. The sounds of the staff and limping footsteps striking the ground alternated.

 

Three years ago, the cruel violence of Kensington’s former master, Emperor Perdickas II of Kazen, had left her with the aftereffect of a limp in one leg.

 

“Danzu, but arriving so early? When you sent word last time saying you were at the Lubria Mountains, I thought you wouldn’t come until around next month.”

 

Tom, who naturally walked beside Kensington and supported her, spoke.

 

Lubria was a region located at the southern extremity of Kazen. It was practically at opposite ends from Valdina, located in the north.

 

“It’s not a distance that takes a month to cover, so just how much did you overwork the horses and foxes? You should have sent your subordinates instead…”

 

Tom rolled his eyes playfully. There was concern about Kensington, whose body wasn’t in good condition, traveling around the continent more actively than before.

 

“No. Lubria is one of the 1st Prince’s conquered territories, so security is strict. It wasn’t a situation where I could send anyone.”

 

“Hmph. I suppose it’s even worse than Persepolis (the capital of the Kazen Empire).”

 

At Tom’s words, Kensington shook her head.

 

“The 1st Prince is someone who attacks castles upon seeing a speck of dust. If we were carelessly caught, not only would all the Red Foxes be rooted out, but the fact that I’m alive would be discovered too. I can’t cause trouble for Princess who saved me with such difficulty.”

 

Kensington looked up at the palace. Valdina’s flag hanging at the top fluttered in the cool north wind.

 

“Besides, it’s not just any matter, but the great celebration of Valdina proclaiming an empire. How could I be late? I departed immediately upon receiving the summons and arrived already.”

 

The empire proclamation ceremony.

 

It was the greatest celebration that Valdina was currently facing.

 

The three walked along the path where preparations for the proclamation ceremony were in full swing.

 

Among the people busily coming and going, the splendid flowers in the gardens spread along both sides of the path pleased the eyes.

 

Then at some point, Kensington stopped walking and bent her knee to pick up a flower decorating the roadside.

 

White stripes ran across the large red petals.

 

“Isn’t this a flower from the southeastern tropical regions? How is it here…?”

 

Kensington, who had traveled across the entire continent, immediately recognized the flower’s habitat.

 

“As expected of Danzu. Yes, that’s correct.”

 

Tom, excited, chimed in as if he had been waiting.

 

“As the Elamuz Strait became famous for maritime trade, our royal palace also grew in scale accordingly. With specialties from all over the continent flooding in, the day has come when we can see tropical flowers in this cold Valdina, hasn’t it?”

 

The Elamuz Strait.

 

Three years ago, it was the place Medeia had extorted as compensation from the Emperor of Kazen in exchange for sparing the lives of Claudio’s family who had committed treason.

 

Now it was clearly Valdina’s territory.

 

“Do you see? All those carriages crowded outside the north gate are merchant groups. The city walls here are also undergoing expansion construction. And-”

 

“Stop and catch your breath, Tom.”

 

As if telling him to tone it down, Neryl tapped Tom’s shoulder.

 

“I’m perfectly fine though? Danzu, that’s not all. The guard unit has also expanded with new battalions, so our master recently has been training recruits-”

 

“No. You’re not fine.”

 

Only after Neryl’s elbow poked his ribs did Tom stop talking.

 

“Danzu, you must be tired, so please unpack your luggage first. Everyone is frantic with preparations for the proclamation ceremony, but there’s still a little time. His Majesty hasn’t returned yet either.”

 

Kensington was looking at the two with a pleased expression when she paused at Neryl’s words.

 

“The King hasn’t returned yet? Don’t tell me another Monster Wave occurred?”

 

A year ago, Peleus had departed again with the Agema to the plains won through the victory of the 10-year war.

 

Now the plains were completely Valdina’s territory on paper. But because they were newly incorporated, it was a region not reached by the protection of the Philosopher’s Stone.

 

Therefore, to prepare a safe living space for Valdinians, work was needed to eliminate monsters appearing from Waves.

 

“Yes. That time it was a Troll Wave, and this time it’s Ghouls. It has become quite frequent recently.”

 

Kensington rubbed her temples.

 

Being from Kazen, she was well aware of the harm caused by Monster Waves. Regardless of type, areas where magical beasts swarmed became ruins in an instant.

 

The scenes of one-sided slaughter resembled hell for both the dead and the survivors.

 

“Don’t worry too much. If it’s the Agema, Ghouls shouldn’t be a problem. Even if they’re lucky enough to escape the plains, they cannot cross Valdina’s border.”

 

Neryl’s face was cautious but didn’t seem particularly worried. It was closer to the confidence of someone who had lived their entire life without being exposed to the threat of magical beasts.

 

Kensington soon nodded.

 

“I see. I momentarily forgot that this place is Valdina.”

 

Valdina was the only sanctuary on the continent where monsters did not invade.

 

“Still, Princess shouldn’t have to worry.”

 

At Kensington’s words, Neryl nodded as if to say not to worry.

 

“Word has already come. The King has already finished the elimination and entered the border a few days ago…”

 

She looked up.

 

“He should arrive today or tomorrow.”

 

She narrowed her eyes as if gauging the horizon at the end of the clear blue sky.

 

Thud. Tap tap. Kensington’s staff, lost in thought, lightly struck the ground.

 

“I should see Her Highness first.”

 

“Yes, please come this way.”

 

The two who read her intention changed direction. The three began walking again.

 

* * *

 

Valdina Princess’s Palace.

 

High ceilings and antique wall decorations.

 

Sunlight draped like curtains illuminated the statues placed on the cream-colored walls. They were originally statues from the Queen Mother’s palace.

 

Two years ago, when the Queen Mother passed away, the royal Maid Supervisor, Lady Pinatelli, moved her residence to the Princess’s Palace.

 

As Kensington walked down the corridor, the fragrant scent of flowers in full bloom from the garden gently wafted to her nose.

 

Entering the reception room that exuded an elegant atmosphere like its owner, Kensington immediately prostrated herself. Neither her limping leg nor her long staff could prevent her from showing loyalty.

 

“Your subject Kensington, having completed her mission, returns to meet her lord.”

 

Luiza Kensington, the leader of the intelligence network ‘Red Fox Clan’ spread across the entire continent, was someone who moved beneath the surface rather than above it.

 

This had become even more true since leaving the Kazen Empire.

 

Shrouded in mystery, she obtained news from all corners of the continent faster than anyone else.

 

In these chaotic times when a single line of information could cast light on a nation’s future, the power and influence that Luiza Kensington possessed was strong and dangerous.

 

That’s why even Perdickas II, the Emperor of Kazen who had been her master, ultimately tried to kill Kensington.

 

The title that such a Luiza spoke while kneeling—my lord—clearly indicated that the one she served was not this country Valdina, nor King Peleus, but solely the girl before her eyes.

 

“Kensington.”

 

A quiet yet familiar voice flowing past her ear echoed through the Princess’s Palace.

 

At this, Kensington raised her head and finally faced her master.

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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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