Chapter 121
Chapter 121
Translation: godsn
On the path leaving the princess's palace after sending his niece into the trap.
"They still haven't breached the castle walls? Have they been eating slugs or something?!"
Duke Claudio flew into a rage upon receiving his subordinate's report.
"The castle walls' defenses are stronger than anticipated—they say they can't find any weak points to break through. Even Marquess Gilifos has joined in to block their advance..."
The subordinate couldn't hide his concern.
"Your Grace, what shall we do? If things continue at this pace..."
By now, the rebel army should have surged over the walls like a tidal wave, flooding into the royal castle. Yet according to reports, they were barely holding their ground before the walls, repelled by the defenders and Gilifos's counterattack—a situation the Regent could scarcely believe even as he heard it.
"After all the money I poured into them, and they had the nerve to boast with such confidence!"
The Regent swallowed his rising fury.
Now was the time for a cool head, not a burning heart. With the throne so close, he couldn't afford to let emotions ruin everything.
Haah, it's fine. I've already pulled Medeia out of the picture—the most crucial part of the plan is complete.
Though there had been a slight hiccup, he managed to regain his composure.
No matter what, he had to proceed as planned, regardless of these minor setbacks.
"Tell them to push forward to the very foot of the castle walls. That way, everyone will see that the woman they've captured is none other than Medeia."
Moreover, there was one more thing that bolstered his confidence.
"The royal castle won't hold out for long. Grand Duke Castulo's forces—the Shadows—have agreed to support us covertly."
"The Shadows?"
The subordinate tilted his head as if he'd never heard of them.
"I don't know the details either, but according to the Grand Duke, they're a secret guard left behind by the Late Emperor. Even Emperor Kazen doesn't know of their existence—they'll be a tremendous asset to us."
Once the rebels breached the walls and threatened the royal castle, the people would scream in chaos.
And soon, when they saw Medeia captured while trying to flee, they would plunge into despair and grief.
What hope could there be for a country that even abandoned its own royalty?
When the Queen Dowager and the nobles were at a loss, the Regent—he—would appear like a savior to crush the rebels.
And to save Valdina from crisis, he would be granted the throne.
While Grand Duke Castulo "rescued" Medeia from the rebels, the Regent's private forces would eliminate the rebel army—every last one of them, including their leader Horols and his mercenaries.
I can't leave anyone alive who knows the truth of my scheme.
Once even those who had helped him reclaim the throne were dead and gone, his ascension would be flawless.
"Where is my mother—the Queen Dowager?"
The subordinate scratched his head awkwardly.
"Well... she headed for the castle walls. She said she couldn't just sit still while rebels invaded and endangered the kingdom."
"Tch, Mother, really..."
The Regent nearly let out an irritated sigh but swallowed it.
"Fine. One more spectator won't hurt. It might even be good for her to witness it firsthand."
The truth and downfall of her eldest granddaughter.
"Let's go!"
Regent Claudio spurred his horse forward.
By sunset today—he believed without a doubt that this country, this sky, this very space would all be his.
The secret passage of Valdina's Royal Palace.
After parting ways with Virna, Medeia stepped forward.
The winding path through pitch-black darkness didn't frighten her in the slightest.
Finally, the door creaked open, and Medeia emerged alone through the same entrance she had entered with Virna.
"Your Highness."
Neril and Saya, who had been waiting, approached her.
"Lady Claudio... She really didn't return, did she? Naturally, she took the knight with her too."
Seeing Medeia appear alone, Neril spoke.
Though she had expected this outcome, seeing it with her own eyes was different.
Knowing full well that the rebels invading the palace would target Medeia first, Neril felt another wave of disillusionment at Virna's selfishness—sending Medeia back alone.
"Don't be too harsh. She did share her torch and promised to send reinforcements to rescue me later."
"Ha! Yes, of course. After Your Highness has been captured and executed, right?"
Saya snorted derisively.
"Virna did her best. So naturally, I intend to 'save' her as well."
Medeia gazed beyond the palace walls.
"Her Majesty the Queen Dowager has already departed for the walls ahead of us. Lady Pinatelli and Lord Siseo tried to escort Her Majesty to safety first, but she refused to listen."
The Queen Dowager was not one to sit back and seek safety when crisis struck.
Even if the kingdom crumbled before her eyes, she was the type who would only be satisfied witnessing it firsthand. Medeia could almost hear the old woman's furious shouts in her mind.
"Grandmother must have looked for me."
"Yes. After Your Highness left and the remaining children were evacuated, emptying the palace, the Queen Dowager's attendants arrived. As per Your Highness's orders, we concealed ourselves. In the end, they only confirmed an empty palace and left."
"Good."
Medeia nodded in satisfaction.
Her eyes remained fixed on the walls.
"By now, my uncle must be busy explaining my absence up there. We should depart as well."
"Yes, I will prepare the horses and armor."
While the attendants briefly left to prepare for their journey to the walls, Medeia looked up at the sky.
Black smoke billowed from various corners of the palace.
As if consumed by the terror incited by the Regent, the palace staff scrambled in chaos.
Most had already fled toward the walls or escaped altogether, while those who remained wandered aimlessly, unsure what to do.
The ashen smoke and trampled grass. The hastily abandoned, disheveled palace exuded an ominous air.
Medeia observed the scene indifferently, one detail at a time, until the rustling of grass underfoot stiffened her back.
Was someone still left in the palace?
Just as her hand reached for the dagger hidden in her robes, a firm grip seized her and spun her around.
"Haa, hah..."
A breath escaped her, then immediately stilled.
Medeia recognized the towering shadow looming over her.
"Acares?"
The mercenary of Facade stood before her.
Though his complexion was paler and darker than expected, the sculpted jawline and curve of his lips beneath the white half-mask remained unchanged.
It didn't seem like anything else had happened.
Unconsciously, she felt a flicker of relief.
Then, the mercenary spoke.
"Princess, the rebels will soon breach the royal castle. This place isn't safe."
His grip on her arm remained firm.
Medeia gave a slight tug at her sleeve, but he showed no intention of letting go.
As if waiting for her to ask where safety could be found.
After a brief moment of startled silence, the corner of her lips curled faintly. A trace of warmth touched her smile.
"You're right, the timing isn't ideal. The rebels may storm the castle at any moment—you and Facade should seek shelter as well."
"......"
Silence lingered.
A moment neither false nor true. Suddenly, Cesare's eyes widened.
He wasn't fooled—not even by the Princess's sweetly considerate tone, so gentle it could be mistaken for kindness.
Cesare's gaze fixed on the weapon in Medeia's hand and the small side gate behind her.
Soon, as if realizing, he murmured,
"You called them."
The rebels, who had abruptly revealed themselves and marched upon the royal castle.
Did they know? Did the Regent? That even this move had been anticipated—no, orchestrated—by this Princess?
"Marquess Gilifos abandoning his advantage and suddenly withdrawing seemed suspicious... Was that also to gather the rebels before the walls?"
Cesare released her with a hollow laugh.
"......"
Medeia didn't answer. Her opponent didn't need her confirmation anyway.
Hah. The mercenary's well-shaped lips twisted into a weary smile, and the grip on her wrist loosened.
"I suppose there's no need to tell you to be careful?"
"......"
"Facade's strength as well?"
He extended his hand toward her.
On his palm lay a platinum dagger.
The very one he had once gifted her—and which she had returned.