The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 228

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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 75

She didn’t even glance at the Emperor’s calligraphy he proudly displayed or the pile of gifts symbolizing imperial favor.

The emissary grew restless.

‘Still, this isn’t just anything—it’s treatment as Kazen royalty, and the benefits alone fill more than a scroll or two…!’

He had thought she would at least be visibly surprised if not delighted, but the Princess of Valdina showed no reaction.

‘So they truly are siblings. It’s not just their appearance that’s similar, as the rumors say.’

Except for not radiating the chill that her brother—said to be carved from ice—possessed, the Princess’s indifferent expression seemed no different from the Emperor’s.

“Your Highness, as the light of the continent and royalty of a great nation, please show mercy and take a step forward as a bridge between our nations for harmony—this humble one dares to beseech you.”

As he bowed deeply, Sisear, who was present, swallowed his surprise.

When had Kazen’s envoys ever been so submissive?

That Kazen’s emissary was bowing so obsequiously to Medeia meant that Valdina, currently in standoff with Kazen, was that troublesome to them.

So they must be hoping for Medeia’s forgiveness and mediation, she who had become the cornerstone of this conflict.

‘These fools still haven’t realized.’

Sisear inwardly suppressed a hollow laugh.

That this entire affair had been orchestrated from the Princess’s fingertips from the beginning.

So that’s why they’re bowing so abjectly.

“…I understand well your and His Majesty’s intentions.”

When the emissary’s anxiety reached its peak, a small hand picked up the imperial decree.

The Princess curtsied slightly.

It was a courtesy befitting the honor sent by foreign royalty.

“Do not worry. When you show such sincerity, how could I fail to understand that heart? I will do my utmost with all sincerity.”

As her lustrous silver hair flowed down over her shoulders, the emissary found his gaze drawn to her without realizing it.

The Princess’s gentle smile and her hands folded neatly. Everything evoked transparent, delicate moonlight.

This was Kazen’s emissary who had endured steadfastly among the Valdinians glaring at him, including the chancellor and the Agema.

‘She’s different from her brother. Though she may only appear this way, this woman still possesses a beautiful and gentle nature.’

Her affectionate voice seemed to soothe his heart, and the emissary was somewhat moved.

If it had been King Peleus, he wouldn’t have yielded so easily.

That his sister was so righteous and naive was certainly no poison to Kazen.

“With such consideration, I can only be overwhelmed by Your Highness’s grace.”

The emissary bowed deeply.

* * *

On his way back to Kazen, the emissary wanted to take the detained embassy members with him.

However, since Peleus had not returned, Sisear flatly refused.

But the emissary was finally satisfied and withdrew after hearing Medeia’s kind assurance that they would be repatriated soon as reciprocation for this matter.

Medeia looked down at the gifts the emissary had left behind.

“The Emperor of Kazen put quite a bit of thought into this.”

It showed that no matter how difficult the situation had become due to this incident, he didn’t want to give Valdina wings once again.

Medeia said indifferently as she pushed those items aside.

Though it was rare to see Perdickas II, who was thoroughly steeped in dogmatism, respond so rationally.

Had he acquired a new strategist?

Medeia slightly furrowed her brow.

“Sisear, it should be fine to tell Peleus to return now.”

“Yes, Your Highness. I’ll convey this matter to His Majesty as well.”

“It’s fortunate I don’t need to explain to you.”

Medeia raised her head to look up at the man before her.

A subtle smile like flower petals lingered at the corners of her mouth.

If it had been Peleus or Diangel, she would have had to convince them why she was accepting this.

But Sisear was different. He didn’t miss the true intention hidden beyond the Princess’s smile.

He smiled slightly beyond his monocle.

“Those two are enough to tire Your Highness.”

Valdina was no longer as desperate for territory or money as it had been three years ago.

Then what remained was an all-out confrontation.

But since war was impossible, it was about honor.

It wasn’t a bad option for Valdina.

As a nascent empire, especially for Medeia, the fact of receiving Emperor Kazen’s patronage would serve as Medeia’s shield regardless of the full circumstances.

‘Especially when dealing with the Saint.’

Sisear thought of Saint Rachel’s followers who constantly tried to slander Medeia.

Like High Priest Paulo, for instance.

Those ignorant fools would no longer be able to wag their tongues so freely.

Even if Perdickas II had no such intention, they couldn’t ignore the backing he possessed.

‘It will also help with Princess Medeia’s future marriage prospects.’

To foreign royalty, the Kazen honor she possessed would be appetizing bait and a lifelong shield preventing them from treating her carelessly.

Sisear, who had been thinking such thoughts, paused.

‘Must she… necessarily marry?’

Though he understood the efficiency intellectually, a moment of displeasure welled up.

Valdina was no longer poor or weak.

Sisear’s face hardened as he thought of some invisible future someone who would stand beside the Princess.

Then, realizing himself, he hardened even more.

“Sir?”

“Please rest. I will inform His Majesty of this.”

The green eyes looking up at him were too clear.

Feeling somehow uncomfortable, Sisear left as if fleeing.

* * *

“Why would the Chancellor suddenly act like that?”

“Who knows. He might be too tired. Saya, deliver this to Sisear’s aide.”

Among the gifts the Emperor sent were precious tea leaves said to relieve fatigue.

“Shouldn’t we set aside some for Your Highness? So you can taste it…”

“There’s no need.”

Medeia said, looking down at the dark tea leaves.

‘Since I won’t be able to drink it anyway.’

“You know Her Highness doesn’t enjoy tea.”

Neryl nudged Saya from the side.

Then, there was some commotion outside.

“I’ll go see what’s happening.”

Soon, someone who had followed Neryl bowed.

It was Zeta, a mercenary of Facade and Chezare’s hidden guard.

“I greet Princess Your Highness.”

“You are…”

Hadn’t he returned to Kazen following Chezare?

Before words could continue from between Medeia’s lips.

“My lord commanded me to remain in Valdina and protect Princess Your Highness.”

Zeta answered.

“Where is he now?”

“My lord is in the Abyss, ah. It’s like the royal secluded prison, where he was recently confined and then released.”

Zeta added calmly.

“There was an imperial command to head to the central trade route, so he should be traveling there in earnest by now. He asked me to convey his gratitude to Your Highness.”

Medeia exhaled. It seemed he had understood the message she sent.

“I should send word to Peleus as soon as possible.”

To avoid the inevitable skirmish they would have to stage for show when the two met on the central trade route.

“You need not worry. My lord said he wouldn’t reach the central trade route for another month.”

“A month? Isn’t that quite a distance?”

Zeta was surprised at Medeia, who knew Kazen’s geography, but nodded his head thinking it was part of the abilities she had shown so far.

“My lord said he absolutely needs those you’ve trained to face Valdina’s elite, so he would stop by Romagna first.”

Romagna was the 1st Prince Chezare’s territory, but stopping there would mean taking a detour.

“He’s trying to restore the private soldiers that were confiscated.”

“Yes. When the Emperor’s minister who accompanied him objected, my lord sent him ahead to the Central Trade Route. He was detained by Valdina’s forces, let alone suppressing them.”

Medeia let out a hollow laugh.

“Not even saving face – your master shows no mercy even to his father.”

Moreover, the Romagna territory that Chezare insisted on visiting was the very territory where his father’s trusted observers had all been killed when the father coveted it during Chezare’s terminal illness period.

Even knowing his son’s spiteful intention to remind him of his father’s painful mistake, Perdickas II would have no choice but to grant his request.

Medeia briefly wondered if there was any of the Emperor’s upset feelings left because of his son.

“In any case, he apologizes for not being able to be present here today and asked me to deliver a gift to Your Highness the Princess.”

Just then, a small neighing sound rang out.

Saya’s eyes widened.

“…A horse?”

A Mercenary of Facade was leading a white stallion.

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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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