Chapter 34
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Translator: penny
Chapter: 34
Chapter Title: Crushing the First Princess
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From here on out, it's Sebastian's job.
Even saying that, he's a righteous and clever guy.
If Sebastian shoulders charges of treason and insulting the imperial family just to win Lily's love, I really plan to back him to the hilt.
'No way he'll come crying to me like, "My husband’s coming home too late, boo hoo," if things go well, right?'
Lost in pointless fantasies, I turned my steps toward the princess palace.
Today was the day the First Princess was hosting a banquet to celebrate reaching the third circle.
'They throw banquets for the dumbest reasons.'
In truth, it was just an excuse to mingle and build connections everywhere she went.
The First Princess wielded those connections to manipulate public opinion, painting me as utterly cruel and wicked.
While hunting heretics, I'd crossed paths with so many nobles.
Guys bathing in blood, roasting people whole in ovens, wearing human skin like face masks, and all sorts.
How could anyone hold back after seeing that?
I considered myself perfectly sane—it was just a shame.
But I couldn't just butcher the (former) noble faction, now fully merged into the princess faction.
The reason I bothered heading to the banquet hall despite the hassle? The First Princess's cronies needed stomping down every now and then. It shut down the rumors, made life easier for our reporters writing counter pieces, and was a total win-win.
Lately, I didn't give a damn about my ruined reputation anyway. I was living like a total scoundrel.
Father had drilled into me over and over that appearances mattered... but personality doesn't just vanish.
He'd probably emphasized it knowing I'd end up like this.
'I wonder if Jenia's doing okay.'
Jenia's face popped into my head—the one who'd said she'd head over early to stir up some chaos.
Her expression while reading the paper and brushing back her hair was still vivid.
"Ha... Your Highness, I'll head to the banquet first today."
"Huh? Something come up?"
"Take a look at this."
The newspaper Jenia held read: 'The First Prince's Madness: Is This Acceptable?'
"What... it's not the first time."
"Now they're straight-up calling him the First Prince. We have to squash any chance of him climbing higher."
Jenia began her preparations with a chilling glint in her eyes.
"Lily, make me so stunning today no one dares even speak to me."
"Hehe, whatever's got our prince consort so fired up?"
"It's just..."
"I'll doll you up beautiful enough to get away with murder."
I'd left them to their battle prep, and now, standing before the banquet hall, I silenced the servants about to shout my name. I crossed the threshold.
A new arrival should've caused a stir, but the nobles' gazes were locked on Jenia at the central table, surrounded by young ladies.
Jenia sat there bored, leg crossed, chin propped on her hand, hemmed in by Ladies 1, 2, and 3.
"Prince Consort... rumors say His Highness's madness has improved a bit lately?"
"Thanks, Lady. But believing that nonsense explains why your father's rolling in a heretic-run brothel."
"Wh-what do you..."
"Didn't know? Found one while raiding a heretic hideout. He came tumbling out in his underwear, blubbering he had no idea, begging on his knees. Wait—you're not from there, are you, Lady?"
Lady 1 burst into tears. The lady beside her glared at Jenia.
"Prince Consort! How dare you hurl baseless insults like that! Have some dignity!"
"Dignity? You, rolling around with the family knights, lecturing me on dignity... hilarious. Go on!"
"Uh... what do you..."
"Heh heh. My mouth was itching to spill, but I held back—no one'd care. You're welcome, by the way."
"It's lies!"
"Ethan, Tate, Charles... who else was it?"
"Eep!"
As Jenia named them, Lady 2 went pale and clamped her mouth shut. Then Jenia eyed Lady 3 beside her.
"And you... got anything to say?"
"N-no! Nothing!"
Behind the ashen-faced lady, the First Princess appeared.
"Sounds like quite the fun chat. Mind if I join?"
The three, who'd only been taking hits, lit up at the smiling princess's arrival.
Like saviors had swooped in.
But Jenia, still propping her chin, met the princess's eyes squarely and gave a lazy greeting.
"Greetings, First Princess."
The princess's forehead throbbed at the insolence.
"Good to see you, Prince Consort. Though imperial etiquette..."
"Sigh... just looking out for you, Princess. You really need better friends."
"..."
"That last lady there? Lost everything investing in a shipwreck scam."
"Th-that's..."
"Princess... I'm worried you'll pick up trash like that and tarnish the imperial family. Though I guess there's a reason you get close to them. Still, cut them loose now. Wouldn't want fallout when His Highness ascends the throne."
The princess's face flushed crimson. She shrieked.
"Prince Consort! How dare you speak of succession! Seems the First Prince's madness is contagious!"
"Oh? Still clinging to that delusion? My apologies for the rudeness. But as a loyal subject, let me advise: the sweeter the dream, the harsher reality bites, Princess."
"Insolent wretch!"
The princess flung her drink at Jenia, who smirked and closed her eyes.
She figured taking a splash was no big deal, but I wasn't about to let that slide.
"Huh?"
The princess thrust her cup forward, but the liquid inside defied gravity, hanging motionless.
As the stunned princess gawked, her cup disintegrated into a beautiful glass flower that neatly pinned itself into Jenia's hair.
The drink, meanwhile, soaked the princess's hand.
"Your Highness!"
I approached Jenia, who beamed at me. I spread my arms, and she slipped right into my embrace.
"Having fun at the banquet?"
"No, the banquet's boring. The people are fun, though!"
"Looked that way. Nearly cracked me up."
Holding Jenia, I stared down the princess.
"Urk..."
Caught off guard, she averted her eyes guiltily.
I flashed her a bright smile.
"Third-circle celebration banquet, right? Congrats, Sophia."
The princess mumbled reluctantly.
"Th-thank you... brother."
"Heh heh. Third circle on your talent? Impressive. Own it, Sophia!"
The princess clamped her mouth shut, trembling.
I piled on.
"Well... imperial elixirs do wonders."
The princess, face about to explode, took a deep breath and counterattacked.
"They do. Got one that clears the mind and calms the nerves. Want it? Perfect for treating madness!"
'Oho.'
Her gutsy comeback was kinda cute, so I played along.
"Thanks, Sophia. Oh, hold up. My madness is flaring."
"What? What do you—"
I circulated my circle, activating magic.
Earth Tremor & Table Serpents
Banquet hall shakes. Windows shatter. Tables split and slither like snakes, blocking exits.
-Rumble rumble rumble—
-Crash!
-Aaah!
-What the—!
The banquet hall floor quaked, windows exploded outward.
Tables split apart, writhing like snakes through the hall before jamming the doors shut.
In the chaos, the princess cursed and activated a magic circle.
"You madman! Wind Cutter!"
"Wind Cutter!"
⟨ Wind Cutter ⟩
I snatched the incoming spell right out of the air with my hand.
The princess gaped, mouth agape at the intact Wind Cutter gripped in my palm.
Grinning, I hurled it back. The gale grazed her hair, smashed the wall, and kept going.
-Thud.
Her legs gave out, and she crumpled. I leaned in and whispered.
"Sophia, loved that article you planted."
"Hic!"
"Ruining such a fine day like this, Sophia. Huh? You know it's hopeless. Scared I'll kill you? Your mom too? Answer me, Sophia."
The First Princess just huddled, clutching her arm, trembling wordlessly.
"Sigh."
-Snap!
I flicked my fingers, and everything snapped back like a dream.
Windows sealed shut, tables stood silent as if they'd never moved.
Only the hole blasted in the wall behind her proved it was real.
Everyone just stared around blankly.
"Pardon me, madness flared up."
I grinned at the nobles, but no one responded.
I chuckled.
"Banquet's a drag. Let's go, Jenia."
"Yes!"
She hooked her arm through mine naturally, and we strolled out.
Jenia chattered excitedly as we walked slowly.
"Your Highness, did you see the princess's face? Mouth hanging open like an idiot—it was hilarious..."
She was so cute clinging to my arm and babbling that I just stared blankly.
No reply, so she looked up.
"Your Highness?"
"Too pretty. Can't even speak."
"Pfft! What kinda line is that~?"
Remembering my earlier words, she giggled coquettishly.
"How pretty am I?"
"Pretty enough I'd forgive you killing someone right now."
Her mood soaring, Jenia burst into delighted laughter.
Unable to resist, I grabbed her arm and "practiced."
"Ahh! Your Highne~ss!"
"Shh! Get caught, and it'll be front-page news."
As we shared our affection, Jenia gasped.
"Pwah! This is... practice, right? Right?"
Lust glistened in her eyes, cheeks flushed, a glistening thread of saliva catching the moonlight from her lewd lips.
But that cheeky mouth saying such nonsense irked me.
"What if it's not?"
"Then... we can't..."
Annoyed, I sealed her impertinent lips again.
"Mmph! Prac... tith ithn't... allowed~..."
She protested it wasn't allowed, yet tangled our breaths, wrapped her arms around my neck, and ground against me.
The mismatch fueled my ire, and I poured it on.
"Hnnng... mm... mmm... love it..."
Jenia's melting, slackened face was breathtakingly beautiful.
Her heavy lipstick smeared, her dewy eyes begged to be devoured.
"You love it, so why just practice?"
"Th-that's... th-that's..."
Her eyes, which I craved forever, kept dodging mine. I gripped her chin, forcing our gazes to lock.
"Tell me, Jenia. We like each other, don't we?"
Faced with the plain truth, tears streamed down her cheeks.
"We can't... it can't..."
What was so impossible? What held her back? The contract? Not being of age? Only engaged, not married?
Frustrated, I looked at her—and her tears hit me.
Damn, she cries and my resolve crumbles again.
What could make her so sad?
In the end, I pulled Jenia into my arms and soothed her.
Her silence hurt less than her tears.
A foregone battle. I gave a wry smile.
"Don't cry, Jenia. Cut it out."
"Hnnng! Sorryyy! Hnnngh!"
"If you're sorry, talk."
"Hwaaaang!"
I held her like that for a good while.