Chapter 88
Chapter 88
Translation: godsn
The triumphant smiles froze on the faces of the Valdinans in an instant. Even the Queen Dowager abruptly stood up once more.
"Ha! You dare cross swords with me?"
The imperial family of Kazen, embroiled in a fierce succession battle, all underwent brutal martial training.
Though the Fourth Imperial Princess was not a legendary swordsman like the First Prince, she was still a formidable practitioner of the blade.
On the other hand, the Princess of Valdina was...
"You can't even stay on a horse without falling off, yet you think you can defeat me?"
The Fourth Princess sneered, alluding to the rumors about Medeia that had spread even to the Empire.
"I do not presume to hope for victory against the Fourth Princess. But as a daughter, if I cannot even draw my sword against those who have tarnished my father's honor—"
Her emotionless jade-green eyes fixed on the Fourth Princess.
"—then what is the point of my standing here?"
The Imperial Princess was taken aback.
She had barely tolerated the outright insults to her father and herself, and now this wretch was demanding a duel?
Was this half-wit truly so oblivious—or just plain stupid?
Then, a composed voice rang out.
"I have staked my life. What will the Fourth Princess wager to avenge her father's honor?"
The Fourth Princess gritted her teeth.
They had both insulted each other's fathers. If she backed down now, she would look like a filial failure who cared nothing for her father's humiliation.
"Ha! I accept your challenge."
The Fourth Princess clenched her jaw and forced herself to regain composure.
As if she hadn't just been seething, she elegantly asked—even altering her haughty tone:
"Princess, though this is a duel between royal ladies of two nations, we cannot proceed without stakes. Shall we set the terms?"
Then, a brilliant idea flashed through the Fourth Princess's mind.
You've cornered me—now you'll pay the price.
"If you win, I will hand over Kazen's relief supplies without any conditions. But if I win—"
A sinister cruelty flickered across the Fourth Princess's face.
"—the aid will be as if it never existed."
The banquet hall erupted in murmurs. Gasps echoed from all directions.
"Well? Princess, do you still wish to avenge your father's honor?"
The Fourth Princess smirked as she spoke.
If the Princess refused the duel, she could mock her for cowardice. If she accepted, the Fourth Princess would obviously win—giving her the perfect excuse to deny aid.
For Medeia, either choice spelled disaster.
Even I have to admit—this is a masterstroke.
The Fourth Princess was so pleased with her own cunning that she didn't notice Medeia's fleeting glance.
I knew you'd take the bait.
Angelique Graham of Kazen was hot-tempered and proud.
That was why, in her past life, she had repeatedly fallen for Medeia's schemes.
Angelique, things won't go as smoothly as you think.
"Neril, prepare my sword."
A calm voice resonated through the hall.
"Your Highness!"
"Medeia!"
The ones startled were the Valdinans.
Madame Pinatelli hurriedly steadied the Queen Dowager, who nearly toppled from her chair in shock. Siseo unconsciously clenched his wineglass.
The Regent and his wife were left speechless by the sudden turn of events.
Virna's brows drooped as she feigned a frightened expression, but the fierce delight in her eyes was unmistakable. How wonderful it would be if the Fourth Princess's sword accidentally ran Medeia through.
Only one person remained composed—Medeia herself.
Not a trace of fear or hesitation could be seen in her vividly gleaming eyes.
Her unwavering stance, in stark contrast to the Fourth Princess's arrogance, exuded the righteous defiance of a martyr standing against injustice.
"Ha! You're really going through with this? Fine. But remember—no amount of begging or crying will make me spare you later."
The Fourth Princess was irked by Medeia's unshaken demeanor.
Fine. Let's see how long you can keep up that act.
Just as she lifted her chin triumphantly—
"One more thing. I fear the Imperial Princess may renege on these terms."
"Angelique Graham Kazen—I swear upon my name! Are you doubting the word of the Emperor's own daughter?"
The Fourth Imperial Princess sharply retorted.
"Years ago, our people who left Valdina to defend the Empire's levees likely never imagined it either. That Kazen, the continent's powerhouse, would so easily renege on the promised aid as time passed."
Today, the aid Kazen had pledged was no mere act of charity. It was a rightful price paid by the sacrifices of Valdina's people.
The Kazen delegation, shamed by the princess's pointed remark, could not bring themselves to refute her words.
"Unless Her Highness provides concrete assurance that she will honor this promise, I cannot accept."
Medeia spoke while looking at Siseo.
Understanding her intent, Siseo swiftly moved.
"Your Highness."
He presented her with a hastily prepared golden scroll, which she unfurled for all to see.
"It contains the terms of the duel's wager as you just stated. Your Highness, you may still withdraw. Once words leave one's lips and royal seals are stamped upon them, they can no longer be dismissed as childish games."
Her demeanor was composed and mature, as if she had been humoring the princess's whims until now.
The Fourth Imperial Princess's face flushed red, then pale.
Was this tiny wretch mocking her, implying she couldn't even stand by her own words?
"Hah! That measly guarantee? You there! Bring me my seal!"
The Fourth Princess snapped irritably.
Kensington hastily grabbed her arm and whispered urgently.
"Your Highness, please reconsider. This is not a matter to act rashly upon."
"Step aside. I lead this diplomatic mission, not you!"
"Your Highness, you mustn't. I implore you to think again."
"I said move—!"
Then, Kensington flinched.
The princess had jerked her hand away in irritation, and the large ring on her finger scraped across Kensington's cheek, leaving a mark.
"Ugh, why must you be so vexing...?"
The Fourth Princess seemed momentarily startled by the injury, but quickly brushed it off, mindful of the watching eyes.
She strode forward and stamped her seal onto the duel's wager with a flourish.
The Kazen delegation was stunned by the princess's unilateral action.
But with even Count Kensington failing to stop her, who would dare step forward and face her ire?
Besides, though the terms were steep, the duel itself was hardly significant.
The Fourth Princess had once bested even a 4-Star Knight of the Empire.
Against a half-baked princess who had been cooped up in her palace, victory would be child's play—why bother pouring cold water on the matter?
'We needed a plausible excuse to refuse aid, and Her Highness has shown clever foresight.'
"See, Count? Why provoke an active volcano?"
Some nodded in satisfaction, while others subtly chastised Kensington for her excessive concern.
"Count, here."
Iason Castulo approached, not one to miss an opportunity to curry favor.
"Grand Duke, please dissuade Her Highness the Fourth Princess. This concerns Kazen's national interest—if anything unforeseen occurs, Her Highness may face difficulties."
She had naively assumed the ever-thoughtful and astute Grand Duke Castulo would intervene once he grasped the gravity of the situation.
"Haha, you know as well as I do, Count. My words hold no sway over Angelique. It would be futile."
But contrary to Kensington's expectations, Iason merely placated her, wearing an expression of helpless exasperation.
"Do not fret too much. Should anything happen, I will 'assist' Angelique in resolving it safely."
"......"
"Count?"
Kensington pressed the handkerchief silently against her cheek.
'Not assist—he means to seize the Fourth Princess's authority. Castulo, you've hidden your ambition well.'
She had caught a glimpse of the ambition Iason had failed to fully conceal.
'Even the Grand Duke, who has lain low all this time, bares his fangs now that the First Prince has fallen.'
Though they bore the name of a diplomatic mission, the undercurrents of power were fiercely at play.
'I must not be swept up in this chaotic political tide. My only concern is Kazen's national interest.'
Yet, the stinging pain on her cheek stirred a realization.
'Does His Majesty even remember Kensington?'
No answer came. She had always served in silent loyalty, but never before had she felt such doubt as today—
'The Princess of Valdina.'
Perhaps it was because of that small girl.