Chapter 81
Chapter 81
Translation: godsn
Unlike the rude Fourth Imperial Princess, the refined words elevating Valdina finally made the Valdinans wipe the discomfort from their faces.
'For a Grand Duke to acknowledge our country like this... Indeed, the Emperor's bloodline is different.'
There was also a growing admiration for the 'Grand Duke Castulo,' who had been tragically displaced from the throne by fate.
Even Kensington sent a grateful glance toward the Grand Duke, who had lightened the mood.
"Looking at you, I feel both at ease and deeply moved..."
Medeia let out a derisive snort.
It was clear that Iason had deliberately waited for this moment to step forward.
'Iason, do you intend to use my country?'
If so, this time you too shall pay a fitting price.
"Grand Duke Castulo, I have long heard of the valiant military achievements of your late father, His Majesty the Late Emperor."
A clear, resonant voice echoed among the Valdinans.
"My father frequently set foot in Valdina during his time..."
At Medeia's words, people were reminded—
How his father, Alkethas II, had once invaded relentlessly, trampling Valdina's soil.
No matter how kindly the Grand Duke before them spoke of Valdina, the fact remained that he was Alkethas II's son.
"Your high praise of Valdina must have been inherited from your father. We can only be grateful for your generous words."
The atmosphere turned icy in an instant.
As if to ask when they had ever been friendly, the nobles turned their heads away, ignoring the Grand Duke of Kazen.
"......"
For a moment, Iason was speechless.
'This woman... What reason does she have to attack me the moment she sees me?'
Iason's plan to plant a favorable impression among the Valdinans had crumbled.
Far from gaining goodwill, it was fortunate if he hadn't provoked even greater hostility than the Fourth Imperial Princess.
All because of a few words from that veiled woman.
The woman who had launched this silent attack wore a black veil, making it impossible to discern her face clearly. Her attire was modest as well.
She didn't appear to be a high-ranking noble or royalty.
Suppressing a frown, Iason forced a smile onto his lips.
"What meaning is there in dredging up the past at a gathering meant to promote peace across the continent?"
Seizing the opportunity, the Fourth Imperial Princess raised her voice as well.
"Just who do you think you are, daring to interfere in matters of state diplomacy? Remove your veil."
Her tone was imperious.
The Valdinans were offended. Who did this Kazen princess think she was, ordering them around?
Disgusted by the princess's arrogance, none of them volunteered to reveal Medeia's identity.
"Does Her Highness the Princess not wish to ask—"
Just as the Regent, sweating profusely, was about to turn toward Medeia—
"As you said, this is an official gathering for diplomatic discussions between two nations. Not even the Emperor of Kazen can compel a Valdina to act against their will."
A clear, crystalline voice rang out from beneath the veil.
"Does the Fourth Imperial Princess perhaps intend to surpass even her father's authority?"
The princess's face froze. She hastily glanced at the diplomatic mission for their reaction.
No matter how much the Emperor doted on his children, he was utterly ruthless when it came to imperial authority.
If this incident reached her father's ears, he would view even her with suspicion.
Her mother, who was constantly vying for power among the other imperial consorts, could also be endangered. The princess bit her lip.
She couldn't press further against this bizarre woman who had invoked the Emperor, nor could she simply let the matter drop.
As the Fourth Imperial Princess found herself in a predicament, Count Laju stepped forward to berate the veiled woman.
"How dare you insult the loyalty our princess holds for His Majesty! Do you have two lives to spare?!"
Laju saw this as an opportunity to win the princess's favor.
"What are you waiting for? Drag that wretch here and make her kneel!"
Siseo, who had been watching the arrogant behavior of the imperials with his arms crossed, frowned.
"Oh, Count Laju, it's you. How does it feel to return to your homeland after so long? We all welcome you back."
Siseo deliberately spread his arms wide before Laju, as if greeting a dear friend, pouring oil onto the flames of the Valdinans' fury.
At Siseo's words, the Fourth Imperial Princess turned to look at Laju as if she had forgotten about him until now.
She suddenly remembered that this very Count Laju, who had stepped forward to defend her, was originally a Valdinan who had caught the Late Emperor's eye and naturalized into the Empire.
So even Father doesn't hold him in high regard. Is this filthy bastard trying to win my favor now, of all times?
Does this mongrel from a backwater country really think he can intervene as if I'm some pushover?
"Shut your mouth!"
The princess slapped Laju across the face. Struck in utter bewilderment, Count Laju couldn't comprehend why Her Highness was so furious.
While the count stood dumbfounded, the Fourth Princess raised her voice again.
"Are all Valdinans this barbaric? What does it mean to hide your face when welcoming a diplomatic mission?"
The enraged princess seethed.
"Count Kensington, bring that woman before me and make her kneel. I must show her the dignity of our great Empire."
"Your Highness."
Just as Kensington stifled a sigh—
"Please observe proper decorum, Fourth Princess."
A pale hand reached out and lifted the veil away on its own. As the black veil fell, the girl's face was revealed.
Her upright posture exuded an unshakable grace and a faint but unmistakable aura. Her delicate features were refined, and her vivid green eyes were calm.
"Her Highness Medeia, Princess of Valdina and the King's one and only blood sister."
As Siseo's icy voice rang out in introduction, the Kazen delegation collectively held their breath.
That girl... is the princess?
They, too, were well aware of the rumors about Valdina's foolish princess.
The puppet princess, manipulated left and right in the royal palace while the King was away at war.
But the woman before them was nothing like the stories they had heard, leaving them speechless.
Even the Fourth Princess froze in place.
Why is that girl from yesterday's main street here...?
As everyone swallowed their shock in stunned silence, a clear voice rang out.
"Fourth Princess, there's no need for concern. You've already personally demonstrated the 'dignity of your great Empire,' have you not?"
At the princess' composed remark, the Valdinans felt vindicated, while the Kazen delegation burned with shame.
"......"
The Fourth Princess' face flushed red.
That... that bitch...
Not only was she criticizing their arrogance as a so-called great power, but she was also subtly threatening her by alluding to yesterday's violent outburst.
No matter how formidable the Kazen Empire was, if it came to light that the Fourth Princess had attempted to harm an innocent Valdinan citizen in an official setting, not only would she face consequences—the entire Kazen delegation would be in deep trouble.
Surely she wouldn't dare bring that up here...?
But even she couldn't openly force the blood sister of Valdina's King to kneel.
Gnashing her teeth, the Fourth Princess could only glare at Medeia, unable to escalate the situation further.
"Her Highness the Princess is fatigued from her journey, so we humbly ask for your understanding, esteemed guests of Valdina."
Having witnessed this disgraceful display the moment the delegation arrived, Count Kensington suppressed another sigh and stepped forward.
Neither General Jared, standing with his hands behind his back, nor the Grand Duke, who had been silently observing, seemed inclined to defuse the situation.
"Of course. I understand you must have been terribly busy preparing for today's meeting."
When Medeia pointed this out once more with a veiled jab, even the last traces of a smile vanished from the Fourth Princess' face.
"We are deeply grateful for Her Highness the Princess' generous understanding."
Kensington offered the courtesy in her stead. Their gazes met.
So we finally meet, Kensington.
So this is 'that' princess. She's certainly no pushover.
Fortunately, the tension, sharp as thin ice, was safely smoothed over.
But one thing was clear—the overwhelming dominance the Kazen delegation had hoped for was now far out of reach.