The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 176

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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 23

Chezare turned toward Peleus with a slight smile.

“I hope you weren’t startled by this uninvited guest.”

His low voice that resonated through the assembly carried a subtle rhythm.

“I convey Kazen’s heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor of Valdina. May the alliance between our nations grow even stronger under Your Majesty’s rule.”

Without an imperial edict or official imperial command, how dare he speak on behalf of Kazen—the 1st Prince was truly arrogant.

Yet even so, no one could doubt his authority.

Imperial edicts were merely scraps of paper; everyone tacitly knew that Kazen’s next throne belonged to 1st Prince Chezare.

Jason clenched his fists in defeat.

Still, he was nominally a Duke and cousin, yet the 1st Prince hadn’t given him the slightest hint.

It was an act that completely trampled on his dignity as the leader of this delegation.

Though he had always been willful, Jason’s teeth ground at the arrogance of being ignored even before a foreign nation.

‘If she is watching…’

“…Thank you for gracing us with your presence. I will not forget Kazen’s sincerity.”

Peleus was wary of the 1st Prince yet showed him courtesy. He was one of the few who wasn’t overwhelmed by the 1st Prince’s presence today.

Rather, Peleus responded with a cool, penetrating gaze as if trying to gauge Chezare’s intentions.

However, one thing was certain—he was better than Jason, who had coveted his sister and kingdom.

Especially if the opponent was the 1st Prince on the verge of becoming Crown Prince, and moreover, someone bold enough to slap the Holy Kingdom’s face upon arrival, there was sufficient reason not to refuse the hand extended first.

‘So that’s Kazen’s 1st Prince.’

Medeia quietly observed the 1st Prince.

This was the first time she had faced him alive, counting both her past and present lives.

He captured everyone’s attention from the moment he appeared. Even though his intentions were unclear, he had shattered the goddess statue before the Holy Kingdom’s delegation.

No matter how excellent Rachel’s holy power was, it would be difficult to prove manipulation from the pulverized remains.

It was a more thorough cleanup than Medeia’s original plan.

“Thank you for the warm welcome. Valdina is indeed a kind and gentle place.”

The 1st Prince’s eyes curved imperceptibly as he pronounced the word ‘gentle,’ having spotted Medeia.

“May the goddess’s blessing always be with Princess Valdina as well.”

The 1st Prince offered a surprisingly courteous greeting to Medeia.

“It is an honor to see Your Highness in such robust health.”

Medeia spoke diplomatically. The 1st Prince’s smile deepened slightly.

‘He knows I gave him the antidote.’

Medeia thought the 1st Prince’s friendly attitude was simply goodwill for the help she had provided.

If she had looked just a little more closely, she would have noticed the joy that flickered in his golden eyes, as if encountering something beloved.

* * *

The Holy Kingdom’s delegation couldn’t endure the unsettled atmosphere created by the bleeding goddess statue and broken mirror.

They realized that if this atmosphere continued, it could shake the continental people’s faith in the current orthodox church.

Only then did Medeia watch the Holy Kingdom delegation’s departure as they made excuses and left early.

“Princess, it’s been a long time.”

Just then, a cheerful voice was heard.

Medeia spotted a straw-colored blonde young man wearing a mischievous smile.

“Sir Garo.”

“Ah, my apologies. Such rudeness—now you are a proper Princess, so the etiquette should be different too.”

Garo touched his forehead and exaggeratedly bent at the waist in a gentleman’s bow.

When Medeia met his eyes, he winked at her.

Joy showed on the young man’s moderately tanned face.

“You remain unchanged as well, Sir.”

“Until recently I could only send letters without seeing your face, but Princess remains as kind as ever. To not forget us and invite us to such an honorable occasion.”

“It’s only natural for Valdina’s friends.”

The weapons merchant Facade had left Valdina three years ago with the Dawn’s Nakru that Medeia had given them.

But they continued to come and go as messengers between the 1st Prince and Medeia.

“Actually, I was inwardly worried that weapon dealers like us might lower the dignity of the banquet, but we witnessed precious scenes we’ll never see again in our lifetime. Thank you once more for the invitation.”

He let out an impish laugh.

After all, where else could one see their lord steal a holy knight’s sword to smash a goddess statue, and watch the pretentious Holy Kingdom priests panic and flee?

In many ways, it would have been regrettable to miss such a spectacle.

“Yes, I trust you will serve as a reliable channel to those who are not here today.”

Garo understood Medeia’s meaning and grinned mischievously.

“Of course. When the goddess has shown her will after such a long time, even an atheist like me cannot help but spread word of that miracle far and wide.”

Though a fake leader, he was officially the one who led the massive merchant company called Facade. Perhaps that’s why he was quick to catch on.

Medeia nodded. Her attitude was as calm as before.

“But will you be alright? It would be dangerous to make an enemy of the Holy Kingdom too.”

Garo lowered his voice slightly after checking that no one was around.

“They say one great joy brings ten misfortunes with it. Now that Valdina has been elevated to an empire, there will be more enemies than allies from now on.”

Though Garo still wore a cheerful expression, the content he conveyed was not so cheerful.

“If you wish, I’ll send our children to you. We at Facade are very accustomed to blocking secret and dirty schemes.”

Garo winked.

“Though you probably already know that.”

Subtle confidence showed through.

Facade was an independent weapons merchant company that belonged to no country. How many must have targeted this new type of weapons dealer that had never existed on the continent before?

“I gratefully accept just the sentiment.”

“Your Highness, the fact that there will be more enemies than allies ahead applies not only to Valdina but to Your Highness as well. It also means the Princess has become much more dangerous.”

Garo’s eyebrows drooped.

Apart from his lord’s orders, he was genuinely worried about the beautiful princess before him.

She was now the Emperor’s only sister and the spiritual pillar of the Valdina Empire’s people.

Moreover, the Princess herself didn’t care about her own safety when it came to achieving her goals.

He recalled the Princess of Valdina who had visited the Chamberlain’s Manor in the middle of the night to find the rebellion’s signed documents.

‘Not only did she kill the legendary Masu Hydra, but she also dealt with the Queen Mother’s assassins and escaped.’

Even carrying her unconscious lord with her. If the Princess had been his superior, he would have asked the insubordinate question of whether she had two or three lives.

Thinking of that time made him feel dizzy even though it wasn’t his business.

“I know.”

Then came Medeia’s calm and peaceful response.

“But you know too, Sir. Valdina has always had more enemies than allies.”

“…”

Prince Claudio’s family that dreamed of rebellion.

The power holders who exploited the people and corrupted the kingdom during the ten-year war.

Kazen’s royals who tried to use Valdina in that gap.

Yes. The Princess was right. Garo acknowledged it.

Valdina’s enemies had always existed, and the worst time wasn’t now but then.

“And defense isn’t the best way to deal with enemies. No matter how we guard against them, they will surely find gaps. What can make them give up…”

The calm voice cut through Garo’s thoughts.

“Fear would be more effective. If they know that touching me means they too will lose everything. Status, position, and…”

“…”

“Their lives.”

Medeia’s voice was so excessively calm that it felt ominous instead.

“…”

“Though you probably already know that, Sir.”

Unlike her voice, her slightly smiling, curved green eyes left Garo speechless.

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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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