The Crown I Will Take From You - Chapter 89

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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 89

The Princess, who had mercilessly shaken even Kensington’s seasoned mind accustomed to reading people, had now set a trap to ensnare the Kazen delegation.

A tense feeling arose, like walking a tightrope precariously between the eye of a storm that could rage at any moment.

It was hard to believe she was younger than the 4th Princess Angelique.

Especially seeing that immature Princess standing opposite her now made the contrast even greater.

“Can the relationship between lord and retainer be maintained through one-sided loyalty? Kensington, you need to find a better master.”

A handful of resentment remaining in her chest dissolved into the pain remaining on her cheek, freezing Kensington’s heart.

‘Let whatever happens happen. I’m washing my hands of this.’

Kensington gave up trying to persuade the 4th Princess or the delegation members. It was unlike her.

What that Princess had thrown at her earlier might not have been mere rumors after all.

Even if she devoted her loyalty to the Emperor of Kazen, it seemed like a premonition that she would be cast aside when things went wrong, just like with the 4th Princess now.

Seeds of anxiety and doubt were planted in proud Kensington’s heart.

She just didn’t know it yet.

* * *

“Is that enough? Can you believe my words now? If you try to avoid it now, I won’t let it slide.”

The 4th Princess, having boldly stamped her seal, lifted her chin triumphantly.

Instead of answering, Medeia turned her head.

Her green gaze turned toward Jason standing behind the Princess’s shoulder.

“Duke Jason Castulo.”

Jason, who had been observing Kensington’s reaction, startled and turned his head when his name was suddenly called.

“I hope Your Grace, of the noble bloodline of the Kazen Imperial Family, will guarantee the results as judge of this duel.”

The Princess of Valdina was looking at him.

“Your Grace’s reputation for fairness and justice is well known even here in Valdina, so I trust you will preside over this duel fairly and impartially.”

A gentle voice. Eyes that seemed reverent.

Gone was the cold demeanor that had only turned away from him until now, and her changed attitude was like a soft spring breeze gently caressing his cheek.

As if he had put sweet candy in his mouth, sweetness swirled around his palate.

Jason couldn’t collect himself from the sudden change.

“May I make this request of Your Grace?”

A small face, soft and fragile like a cornered fawn, looked at him as if pleading for salvation.

An elation he didn’t know existed welled up in Jason’s chest.

Moreover, hadn’t the Princess just defended Jason, who had been unjustly stripped of the throne, and criticized his uncle?

Even now she was praising him as the noble legitimate heir of the Imperial Family.

‘The Princess has favorable feelings toward me too. That’s why she’s asking for my help. Among the Kazens, I’m the most friendly toward Valdina, so as a Princess she has no choice but to rely on me.’

The outcome of this bet was already clear anyway.

If Medeia lost, he could step in and pretend to show some flexibility with the aid, earning points with the Valdina side.

Originally it was a role meant for the Regent, but since the situation had changed, it was right for him to take it on.

“How could I refuse the Princess’s request? I, Jason Randel Castulo, stake my name and guarantee that this bet will be conducted fairly.”

Jason puffed out his chest and spoke proudly.

Then, as if making an oath, he voluntarily brought the Castulo seal and stamped it together on the guarantee.

“I know it was a difficult decision. Thank you, Your Grace.”

“As an Imperial Family member of Kazen, this is to fulfill my duty without shame, so please don’t be overly courteous, Princess.”

When the Princess quietly expressed her gratitude, he was thoroughly intoxicated by the feeling of being a hero saving a beauty in distress.

So he didn’t see it. The moment Jason agreed, the Princess’s eyes flashing coldly.

“Hmph. With fair and just brother Jason here, I’m reassured too. I don’t have to worry about falling victim to cowardly tricks on Valdina’s soil.”

Despite her words, the 4th Princess snorted.

Since the Princess of Valdina was taking his side, it was laughable how he was trying to act like an elder with his shoulders puffed up.

‘So what if he’s the late Emperor’s son? The current master of the Empire is Father.’

While not forgetting to disparage Valdina to the end, the 4th Princess looked at Medeia confidently.

“Good, then let’s prepare right now. Princess?”

“Let me change clothes and meet you.”

Medeia answered calmly.

* * *

The Queen Mother was aghast.

“Medeia, why on earth did you accept the bet! You foolish child! No matter how much you wanted to pay back the insult to your father, you shouldn’t have rushed in so recklessly!”

In the brief time preparing for the duel, she personally came to find Medeia and scolded her harshly.

“With aid at stake, this duel is no longer just your affair! How do you plan to bear the resentment and hatred of the starving!”

However, this time it was less pure anger and more deeply tinged with worry for Medeia.

Moreover, what the Queen Mother worried about wasn’t just not receiving aid from Kazen because of Medeia.

Her great-granddaughter’s safety was in danger.

“I should meet with the Princess right now and cancel the duel. That wicked thing won’t send you back unharmed.”

“Grandmother. Both she and I have already stamped our seals on the oath, so the duel cannot be avoided.”

Medeia supported her and covered her wrinkled hands.

“Kazen’s arrogance has gone too far. Since no one stops them, now they’re even insulting a nation’s late king. Someone must correct that flow.”

“That someone doesn’t need to be young you! When even older, more experienced retainers are being cautious, what are you to jump fearlessly into that fire!”

The Queen Mother sighed. Disappointed in her second son who was just rolling his eyes beside them.

‘But Hoakin, that child didn’t even think to step forward despite his brother being insulted.’

Medeia answered calmly.

“What you’re worried about won’t happen.”

“…Do you have confidence you’ll win?”

“Father and Peleus are among the continent’s finest swordsmen – wouldn’t I have that blood?”

It was an uncharacteristically playful tone that reminded one of young Medeia’s liveliness from long ago.

“Medeia!”

The Queen Mother, who had hesitated, grabbed her granddaughter who was about to change into armor and return to the banquet hall.

“It’s fine if you lose, just don’t get hurt. This old woman will definitely protect you, so don’t act dangerously trying to win. Do you understand?”

“…”

Medeia looked down at the wrinkled hands gripping her arm. A moment of regret flickered in her green eyes.

Instead of answering, she smiled faintly and turned away.

“Oh God…”

Please don’t take that child away from this old woman too.

The Queen Mother murmured silently.

* * *

Valdina Palace.

A space for the duel was created in the center of the vast banquet hall.

Soon, Medeia appeared wearing armor.

The Princess’s unfamiliar appearance with her dress cast off was a first even for the Valdinians.

The 4th Princess standing opposite deliberately swung her sword this way and that, pretending to check it.

The rumors of her being an excellent swordsman weren’t false – every movement was threatening.

Finally, Medeia and the 4th Princess faced each other at opposite ends of the space.

“Today we hold a contest between two people under the light of Saint Algera, may the dignified God look down upon us.”

Jason also took his position as judge.

Proper speech, neat voice. A fair attitude that seemed to favor neither side.

In the Valdinians’ eyes, among the biased Kazens, Jason seemed like the best available choice.

Feeling the gazes, Jason’s shoulders rose high. Among the audience watching him were Facade’s leader and mercenaries.

‘Even when I made eye contact with the leader earlier, he just passed by me.’

At least the 4th Princess bothered to deal with him – Jason was treated like he was invisible.

Since arriving in Valdina, he had sent messages through Suha wanting to establish connections with them, but Facade only responded with silence.

‘Facade, when I become Emperor, you won’t be able to keep your noses in the air either.’

Base emotions stirred in the depths of Jason’s heart.

“Boss, which one do you think will win?”

Meanwhile, Garo, sitting on the banquet hall’s railing watching the duel between the two, had interested eyes.

“When the Princess deflected the dagger back then, it seemed like she was hiding her skills, but the 4th Princess is no pushover either, so the outcome really isn’t clear.”

His eyes sparkled.

“Anyway, watching Princess Valdina means life will never be boring. Did you see how she provoked the Princess earlier and even got her to write a guarantee?”

Garo thought that while he couldn’t judge martial prowess, in terms of strategy, Angelique was no match for Medeia.

“Besides, that fool over there doesn’t even realize the Princess is deliberately drawing me in and is just thrilled about it.”

Jason wasn’t hiding his presence more than ever before.

He seemed extremely satisfied with the situation where he was occupying everyone’s attention as the main character of this scene.

“Right.”

For the first time, a response came from beneath the white half-mask. When Garo turned around in surprise, he could catch a glimpse of golden eyes tinged with displeasure.

What he was looking at wasn’t the Princess, but… Jason?

“My goodness, what’s gotten into Boss, actually answering my words.”

Just then, Alpha, who had been watching Medeia, murmured quietly.

“My lord, it seems the Princess is being pushed back.”

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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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