Chapter 89
Chapter 89
Translation: godsn
The princess, who had shaken even the seasoned Kensington's composure without mercy, had now set a trap to ensnare the Kazen diplomatic mission.
A tension arose, as if walking a tightrope between the eye of a storm that could rage unpredictably at any moment.
It was hard to believe she was younger than the Fourth Imperial Princess Angelique.
Especially now, standing face-to-face with that immature imperial princess, the contrast became even more pronounced.
"Can the relationship between a ruler and subject be maintained through one-sided loyalty alone? Kensington, you ought to seek a better master."
The lingering resentment in her chest dissolved into the pain still etched on her cheek, freezing Kensington's heart.
'To hell with it. I'm washing my hands of this.'
Kensington gave up on persuading the Fourth Imperial Princess or the other envoys. It was unlike her.
Perhaps what that princess had thrown at her earlier wasn't mere slander after all.
Even if she devoted her loyalty to the Kazen Emperor, if she fell out of favor like she had with the Fourth Imperial Princess now, she would be cast aside—it felt like a foreboding omen.
A seed of unease and doubt had been planted in the lofty Kensington's heart.
She just didn't realize it yet.
"Done? Will you believe me now? If you try to back out at this point, I won't let it slide."
The Fourth Imperial Princess, having stamped the seal with a flourish, lifted her chin triumphantly.
Instead of answering, Medeia turned her head.
Her emerald gaze traveled over the princess's shoulder to Iason standing behind her.
"Iason Castulo, Grand Duke."
Iason, who had been intently observing Kensington's reaction, flinched when his name was suddenly called and turned his head.
"I request that Your Grace, as a noble scion of the Kazen imperial bloodline, serve as the impartial judge to guarantee the outcome of this duel."
The princess of Valdina was looking directly at him.
"Your Grace's reputation for fairness and justice is well-known even here in Valdina. I trust you will preside over this duel with unwavering impartiality."
A soft voice. Eyes that seemed to hold reverence.
The icy demeanor that had ignored him until now was gone, replaced by an attitude as gentle as a spring breeze caressing one's cheek.
It was like a sweet candy melting in his mouth, leaving a sugary aftertaste.
Caught off guard by the sudden change, Iason couldn't gather his thoughts.
"May I ask this of Your Grace?"
Her small, delicate face, soft and vulnerable like a cornered fawn, gazed at him as if pleading for salvation.
A thrill he hadn't known existed surged in Iason's chest.
Moreover, hadn't the princess earlier defended him, the wrongfully usurped Iason, and condemned his uncle?
Even now, she praised him as the rightful heir of the noble imperial bloodline.
'So the princess did favor me after all. That's why she's asking for my help. Of all the Kazen nobles, I'm the most sympathetic to Valdina—naturally, as their princess, she'd have no choice but to rely on me.'
In any case, the outcome of this wager was already clear.
If Medeia lost, he could step in under the pretense of negotiating some relief aid and gain favor with Valdina's side.
Originally, this role was meant for the Regent, but with the situation changed, it was only right that he take it.
"How could I refuse the princess's request? I, Iason Randel Castulo, swear upon my name that this wager shall be conducted fairly."
Iason puffed out his chest and spoke proudly.
Then, as if making a solemn vow, he voluntarily brought forth the Castulo seal and stamped it alongside the guarantee.
"I know this was a difficult decision. Thank you, Your Grace."
"As a scion of Kazen's imperial family, I merely fulfill my duty without shame. There's no need for excessive courtesy, Your Highness."
When the princess expressed her gratitude softly, he felt intoxicated, as if he were the hero rescuing a damsel in distress.
Which was why he didn't see it—the icy glint that flashed in the princess's eyes the moment he agreed.
"Hmph. With the fair and just Brother Iason here, I can rest easy too. No need to worry about falling for some cowardly trick on Valdina's soil."
Despite her words, the Fourth Imperial Princess snorted.
It was laughable how he puffed up with importance, trying to play the elder now that the princess of Valdina had taken his side.
'What does it matter if he's the late emperor's son? The current master of the empire is Father.'
Still, the Fourth Imperial Princess, never forgetting to belittle Valdina until the end, looked at Medeia with confidence.
"Alright, then let's prepare right now. Princess?"
"I shall change my attire and return."
Medeia replied calmly.
The Queen Dowager gasped in shock.
"Medeia, why on earth did you agree to this wager, you foolish child! No matter how much you wanted to avenge the insult to your father, you shouldn't have rushed in so recklessly!"
During the brief time allotted to prepare for the duel, the Queen Dowager personally sought out Medeia and scolded her fiercely.
"With the relief supplies at stake, this duel is no longer just about you alone! How do you intend to bear the resentment and hatred of the starving masses!"
Yet this time, her rebuke carried not just anger but deep concern for Medeia.
Moreover, what worried the Queen Dowager wasn't just the possibility of Valdina losing Kazen's aid because of Medeia.
Her eldest granddaughter's safety was in genuine peril.
"I must meet with the Imperial Princess even now and have this duel canceled. That vile creature would never let you walk away unharmed."
"Grandmother. Neither she nor I can avoid this duel now—we've already stamped our seals on the written pledge."
Medeia supported the elderly woman's arm, covering her wrinkled hand with her own.
"Kazen's arrogance has crossed all bounds. Since no one stops them, they now insult even a kingdom's late king. Someone must correct this course."
"That someone doesn't have to be a child like you! Even our older, seasoned officials know to preserve themselves—what makes you think you can charge fearlessly into that fire?"
The Queen Dowager sighed in despair, glancing disappointedly at her second grandson who stood by rolling his eyes.
'And Joaquin—that boy didn't even consider stepping forward when his own brother was insulted.'
Medeia answered calmly, "What you fear won't come to pass."
"...Do you actually believe you can win?"
"My father and Pelleus were both counted among the continent's greatest swordsmen. Do you think none of that blood runs through me?"
Her tone carried an uncharacteristic playfulness, reminiscent of Medeia's lively childhood self long ago.
"Medeia!"
The startled Queen Dowager grabbed her granddaughter's arm as she turned to leave for the banquet hall in her armor.
"It's fine if you lose—just don't get hurt. This old woman will protect you no matter what, so don't take reckless risks trying to win. Do you understand?"
"......"
Medeia looked down at the wrinkled hand gripping her arm. A fleeting regret clouded her jade-green eyes for an instant.
Instead of answering, she offered a faint smile before turning away.
"O gods......"
Do not take this child from me too.
The Queen Dowager mouthed the prayer silently.
Valdina Royal Palace.
At the exact center of the vast banquet hall, a space had been prepared for the duel.
Soon, Medeia appeared clad in armor.
Even the people of Valdina had never seen their princess in this unfamiliar guise, having cast aside her dresses.
Across from her, the Fourth Imperial Princess ostentatiously swung her sword about as if inspecting it.
Every movement carried threat—proof that rumors of her exceptional swordsmanship weren't unfounded.
Finally, Medeia and the Fourth Princess stood facing each other at opposite ends of the space.
"Today, under the light of Saint Alzera, we conduct this contest between two individuals. May the venerable gods watch over us."
Iason too had taken his place as arbiter.
His neat speech, clean enunciation, and seemingly impartial attitude—to Valdina's people, Iason appeared the best possible choice among Kazen's biased representatives.
Iason's shoulders lifted slightly under the weight of their gazes. Among the crowd watching him were Facade's leader and mercenaries.
'Even after locking eyes with their leader earlier, they just passed me by.'
At least the Fourth Princess had acknowledged him—Iason might as well have been invisible to them.
Since arriving in Valdina, he'd sent subordinates to establish connections, but Facade remained stubbornly silent.
'Facade... Once I become Emperor, you won't be able to keep looking down your noses at me.'
A petty emotion squirmed deep in Iason's chest.
"Boss, who do you think will win?"
Meanwhile, Gallo sat perched on the banquet hall's railing, watching the duel with keen interest.
"Seeing how the Princess deflected that flying dagger earlier, she's probably hiding her skills. But the Fourth Princess is no pushover either—hard to call this one."
His eyes gleamed.
"Either way, watching Princess Valdina guarantees you'll never be bored. Did you see how she provoked the Imperial Princess into signing that pledge?"
Gallo thought that while Angelique might match Medeia in brute strength, she was no rival in strategy.
"And that fool over there is all puffed up, completely unaware the Princess is deliberately drawing him in."
Iason made no attempt to hide his presence as he usually would.
He seemed thoroughly satisfied to be the center of attention as this event's main player.
"Indeed."
The first response came from behind the white half-mask. When Gallo turned in surprise, he caught a glimpse of golden eyes glinting with displeasure.
His boss wasn't watching the Princess... but Iason?
"Damn, boss is actually responding to me today—what's the occasion?"
Just then, Alpha, who'd been observing Medeia, murmured something under his breath.
"My lord, it seems the Princess is being pushed back."