Part 2, Chapter 23
Part 2, Chapter 23
Translation: godsn
Cesare turned toward Pelleus with a faint smile playing on his lips.
"I do hope you weren't too startled by this uninvited guest."
His low voice, resonant enough to fill the hall, carried an undercurrent of musicality.
"To His Majesty the Emperor of Valdina, I bring Kazen's most sincere congratulations. May the alliance between our nations grow ever stronger under Your Majesty's reign."
Though he bore no imperial edict nor official decree from the Emperor, the sheer audacity to speak on Kazen's behalf proved just how arrogant the First Prince truly was.
Yet no one dared question his authority.
For everyone implicitly knew—an imperial edict was but a scrap of paper. The next ruler of Kazen would undoubtedly be the First Prince, Cesare.
Iason clenched his fists in defeat.
Despite being a Grand Duke and his cousin, the First Prince hadn't even granted him the slightest courtesy. By appearing as the head of this diplomatic mission, Cesare had completely trampled upon Iason's dignity.
'He's always been self-centered, but to humiliate me like this before a foreign court...'
"...We are grateful for the honor of your personal presence. Kazen's sincerity shall not be forgotten."
Pelleus maintained both wariness and courtesy toward the First Prince, remaining one of the few not overwhelmed by his commanding presence today. Rather, Pelleus responded with a piercing, calculating gaze that seemed to measure Cesare's intentions.
But one thing was certain—he was still preferable to Iason, who had schemed against both his sister and the kingdom. Moreover, when the other party was the First Prince poised to inherit the imperial throne—a bold man who had slapped the Holy Kingdom across the face the moment he appeared—there was ample reason not to reject the extended hand.
'So that's the First Prince of Kazen.'
Medeia quietly observed the First Prince.
This was her first time encountering him alive across both her past and present lives.
He had commanded all attention the moment he appeared. And for reasons unknown, he'd even shattered the Goddess Statue before the Holy Kingdom's delegation. No matter how exceptional Rachel's Holy Power might be, proving any manipulation would be difficult with the statue reduced to dust.
It was an even more thorough cleanup than Medeia's original plan.
"Your hospitality is appreciated. Valdina remains as kind and gentle as ever."
The corners of the First Prince's eyes curved almost imperceptibly when he pronounced the word "gentle," his gaze finding Medeia.
"May the Goddess's grace ever accompany the Princess of Valdina."
Surprisingly courteous, the First Prince offered his greetings to Medeia.
"The honor is mine to witness Your Highness's robust health," Medeia replied obliquely.
The First Prince's smile deepened slightly.
'He knows I provided the antidote.'
Medeia assumed his friendly demeanor stemmed merely from goodwill for her assistance. Had she observed more closely, she might have noticed the flicker of joy in his golden eyes—like a man beholding something utterly precious.
The Holy Kingdom's delegation couldn't endure the chaotic atmosphere left by the bleeding Goddess Statue and shattered mirror. They realized that if this continued, even the continent's faith in the Old Religion might be shaken.
Only then did Medeia watch as the Holy Kingdom's envoys hastily excused themselves and withdrew.
"Your Highness the Princess, it's been too long."
At that moment, a cheerful voice reached her ears.
Medeia spotted a straw-blond young man grinning playfully at her.
"Sir Gallo."
"Ah, my apologies. How improper of me—now that you're a proper imperial princess, etiquette demands more formality."
Gallo pressed a hand to his forehead and performed an exaggerated bow, the very picture of gentlemanly courtesy. When Medeia met his eyes, he winked at her. The young man's face—tanned just enough to be handsome—radiated genuine delight.
"You remain unchanged as well, Sir."
"After exchanging only letters until now, to finally see Your Highness's face again... You remain as gracious as ever. To think you'd remember to summon us to such an illustrious occasion."
"Of course, for Valdina's dear friend."
Facade, the leader of the weapon merchants, had left Valdina three years ago holding the Tears of Dawn Medeia had given him.
Yet he had continued to act as a liaison between the First Prince and Medeia.
"To be honest, I was a bit worried that riffraff like us might lower the dignity of the banquet, but I've witnessed scenes I'll never see again in my lifetime. Thank you once more for the invitation."
He flashed a mischievous grin.
Of course, where else would one see his liege snatch a holy knight's sword to shatter the Goddess Statue, while the pompous priests of the Holy Kingdom scrambled in panic?
In many ways, it was a sight he would have regretted missing.
"Yes, I trust you will serve as a reliable channel for those not present here today."
Gallo caught the meaning behind Medeia's words and grinned cheekily.
"Of course. When the Goddess Herself deigns to reveal Her will after so long, even a heathen like me can't help but spread the miracle far and wide."
Though only a figurehead, Facade was still the public face of a massive merchant guild. Unsurprisingly, he was quick on the uptake.
Medeia nodded. Her demeanor remained as composed as ever.
"But are you truly all right with this? Turning even the Holy Kingdom against you seems dangerous."
Glancing around to ensure no one was listening, Gallo lowered his voice slightly.
"They say a single stroke of fortune brings ten misfortunes in its wake. Now that Valdina has ascended to an empire, you'll have more enemies than allies."
Though his expression remained cheerful, the words he spoke were anything but.
"If you wish, we can send our people to assist. Facade is quite adept at handling covert and unsavory tasks."
Gallo winked.
"Though I suspect you already knew that."
A quiet confidence radiated from him.
Facade was an independent weapon guild, unaffiliated with any nation. How many had coveted this unprecedented power structure on the continent?
"I'll gratefully accept the sentiment."
"Your Highness, the fact that you'll have more enemies than allies applies not just to Valdina—but to you as well. It means the princess has become even more vulnerable."
Gallo's brows drooped slightly.
Separate from his liege's orders, he was genuinely concerned for the beautiful princess before him.
She was now the Emperor's only sister, the spiritual pillar of the Valdina Empire.
And the princess herself cared little for her own safety if it served her goals.
He recalled the princess of Valdina who had infiltrated a minister's mansion in the dead of night to retrieve the signature document of rebellion.
'Not only did she slay the legendary Hydra, she even dealt with Empress Seo's assassins and escaped.'
And she had even dragged his unconscious liege along with her. Had the princess been his superior, he might have insolently asked if she had two or three lives to spare.
Just remembering it made his vision swim, though it had nothing to do with him.
"I know."
Then came Medeia's calm, measured reply.
"But you know this as well, Gallo. Valdina has always had more enemies than allies."
"......"
The Duke Claudio's faction, which had dreamed of rebellion.
The power-hungry nobles who exploited the people and gnawed at the kingdom during the decade-long war.
The imperial family of Kazen, who sought to use Valdina in the chaos.
Yes. The princess was right. Gallo conceded.
Valdina's enemies had always existed—and the worst of them had been then, not now.
"And defense is never the best way to deal with enemies. No matter how well you fortify, they will always find a crack. The only way to make them relent—"
Her composed voice cut through Gallo's thoughts.
"—is terror. They must know that touching me will cost them everything. Their status, their standing, and..."
"......"
"—their lives."
Medeia's voice was so unnervingly calm it sent a chill down his spine.
"......"
"You already knew that as well, didn't you?"
Despite her tone, the slight curve of her lips and the glint in her emerald eyes left Gallo speechless.