Ch.192Chapter 192: New Connections (4).

# Chapter 192: New Connections (4)

The moment Valt and Princess Siloin left the academy grounds side by side, a pair of fierce eyes hidden in the shade of a tree persistently followed their retreating figures.

What the wolf’s sharp vision captured was the Eastern hero Valt and beside him, an elegant beauty he had never seen before, looking quite intimate.

‘Hmm~ Does that guy change women every time I see him?! I don’t really like popular men.’

The owner of those eyes was Yuria Lycant.

She had just returned after experiencing the threshold of death on the harsh northern battlefield.

During the campaign against the ‘Frost Lord,’ she had been unable to suppress her bestial instincts amidst the madness of blood and slaughter, and was directly hit by powerful ice magic.

She had lost consciousness in pain that felt like every cell in her body was freezing, and barely survived thanks to the holy priests who poured their divine power into her for days and nights.

But the price was steep.

The muscles and nerves throughout her body were damaged, forcing her to be bedridden for a while, and she had to spend yesterday’s lively party alone, unable to attend.

‘Tch, looks like everyone had fun while I was gone. And where did this princess suddenly appear from?’

Though parts of her body still ached and she hadn’t regained her former agility, thanks to her exceptional vitality, she had finally been able to leave the stifling infirmary for a walk.

And this was the scene she witnessed as soon as she came out!

Yuria’s sharp fangs were revealed along with her mischievous smile.

Her mind was already bubbling with wolf-like cunning and mischievous pranks.

“Hehehe… This is perfect! ‘Eastern Hero Valt Gerung, Secret Meeting with Beautiful Princess Right After Becoming War Hero! Perhaps… Century’s Greatest Political Marriage Imminent?!’ That’s perfect! Such a provocative headline! Kyahaha!”

She was a being who, with her beast-like instincts, pursued only ‘fun.’

Complicated politics or subtle emotional nuances were not her concern.

She only thought about how to make this situation more thrilling and chaotic.

Yuria giggled as she looked around.

As luck would have it, Lisa and Lati were approaching in the distance, arm in arm, skipping along excitedly about something.

Perfect prey.

“Hey! Lisa! Lati! Come over here!”

Yuria called out, rushing toward them with her characteristic swift movements despite her not-yet-recovered body.

“Huh? Yuria? Are you feeling better now?”

“That’s not the issue! Your leader, Valt! He just disappeared somewhere with an absolutely gorgeous princess! I saw it clearly! The atmosphere was totally romantic!”

Her exaggerated and dramatic outcry immediately drew the attention of nearby students.

And of all people, she had to run into Lisa and Lati…

Soon, a sweet yet savage rumor about “Valt’s political marriage” would begin to blossom throughout the academy.

***

Meanwhile, Valt and Siloin were seated across from each other at a window table in a quiet, elegant café near the academy.

Through the window, they could see the academy’s green gardens, while inside, soft classical music played and the fragrant aroma of black tea wafted through the air.

“The tea is excellent, Princess. How did you know about this place?”

“I discovered it by chance, Prince Valt. I come here occasionally when I want to organize my complicated thoughts. I’m glad it suits your taste.”

Siloin replied with a gentle smile.

Every gesture she made, even lifting her teacup, was imbued with dignity.

Valt set down his cup and naturally steered the conversation toward the Lamrpo Trading Company, hoping to gain a clearer understanding of their relationship with the kingdom while observing her reactions.

He also had a desire to make things easier for Lamrpo if possible.

“From what I saw earlier, you seem to take great pride in the Lamrpo Trading Company. I too hold them in high regard as my sponsors, but I wasn’t aware they were so important to the Duron Kingdom.”

As Valt broached the subject, Siloin’s face brightened, and she responded as if she had been waiting for this topic.

Her voice carried genuine pride along with gratitude toward Valt.

“Oh! Of course, Your Highness! Especially thanks to the golden opportunity you bestowed upon us—the ‘Southern Trade Monopoly’—our Lamrpo Trading Company has been able to grow to this extent! Using that opportunity as a stepping stone, they’ve shown truly remarkable achievements. They pioneered a direct route across the desert that everyone said was impossible, cutting the trade time with the southern Empire in half. Thanks to that, rare herbs and minerals that used to take months to transport to the capital are now supplied fresh weekly! With the enormous capital gained from this, they’ve invested generously in magical engineering, recently succeeding in developing new technology that dramatically improves golem power efficiency! Truly, when Your Highness’s foresight met Lamrpo’s business acumen…”

She enthusiastically explained the company’s specific achievements, as if genuinely excited.

‘She’s not the quiet type, I see.’

Valt nodded quietly as he listened to her story.

He was surprised to learn that a decision he had made casually had such a profound impact on an entire kingdom’s economy, and at the same time, he was once again impressed by the Lamrpo Trading Company’s capabilities.

It now made sense why every item they had sent him was of the highest quality.

But there was a subtle shadow that momentarily crossed Siloin’s expression as she continued her praise.

Valt didn’t miss it.

He noticed her previously bright voice dropping slightly.

“…That’s good news to hear. The success of the Lamrpo Trading Company brings me joy as well. But Princess, such rapid growth often leads to unexpected obstacles. Is the Lamrpo Trading Company truly… sailing smoothly without any problems? I seem to have heard some unfavorable rumors about the southern trade routes…”

At Valt’s sharp question, Siloin’s smile stiffened slightly.

‘As expected of Valt Gerung. They say even as a southern barbarian, he possesses deep insight and knowledge… truly worthy of his reputation.’

She bought herself some time by pretending to smell the aroma of her tea.

Then, trying to maintain a composed expression, she answered.

“…Every business encounters small storms, Prince. But the Lamrpo Trading Company has the experience and wisdom to weather any crisis. You needn’t worry too much…”

Valt gently interrupted her again.

“Princess.”

His golden eyes deepened, as if trying to see through her.

“The Lamrpo Trading Company is more than just a trading partner to Gerung. They are important sponsors and personally trusted partners. Their well-being is an issue I cannot ignore. If there are… serious difficulties I should know about, it would be better for both of us if you spoke frankly.”

Faced with Valt’s sincere tone, unwavering gaze, and the words “trusted partners,” Siloin realized she could no longer cover the situation with diplomatic rhetoric.

After a moment’s hesitation, she finally spoke with a heavy sigh.

Her usually resolute gaze seemed to waver momentarily.

“…Your Highness’s insight is… truly sharp. And that heart for Lamrpo… I thank you. I must admit it’s difficult to hide anything.”

She lowered her voice and carefully looked around once more. The café was peaceful, but what she was about to reveal was by no means trivial.

“In truth… your concern is justified. Recently, there have been… unfortunate incidents targeting the Lamrpo Trading Company. Major branch offices in key cities have been simultaneously attacked, goods plundered, and warehouses completely destroyed by mysterious fires. Even… some core executives of the company are being threatened using their families’ safety as leverage. It’s too organized and cruel to be mere interference from competing companies.”

Siloin paused briefly, then continued with difficulty. Her voice carried both anger and deep concern.

“And… according to our careful investigation, we’ve found strong circumstantial evidence that… the ‘Dark Assembly’ is connected to these events.”

‘The Dark Assembly.’

Finally, that name emerged.

Valt’s expression turned cold.

The eastern orcs, the northern Frost Lord, and now his reliable sponsor, the Lamrpo Trading Company.

How far had their tentacles reached?

His fist clenched tightly beneath the teacup.

“…Those bastards targeting Lamrpo.”

At his voice, low but cold as ice, Siloin calmly added.

“We haven’t… secured concrete evidence yet. But their movements are highly suspicious. Our Duron Kingdom intelligence department is doing its best to track them, but as you know, the Dark Assembly operates so deeply in the shadows…”

Valt was silent for a moment.

“Is Lamrpo himself safe?”

“On that, I can give you my word on the kingdom’s honor. Lamrpo is currently under protection in the safest place in the Duron Kingdom.”

‘To the point of needing protection…’

Anger boiled within him, but he needed to assess the situation rationally. Rushing to Duron wouldn’t solve the problem. The Dark Assembly was not an opponent to be taken lightly.

“…I understand. Thank you for sharing this critical information, Princess Siloin. This is… an issue I cannot ignore.”

He spoke while suppressing his anger. His eyes were already contemplating his next move.

“I need to discuss this matter with my companions. The Lamrpo Trading Company is like a dear friend to me, so I cannot turn a blind eye to their safety. We must… proceed carefully.”

Siloin nodded at Valt’s cautious yet resolute attitude. She was once again deeply impressed by his ability to judge the situation coolly even in his anger.

“…I respect your decision, Your Highness. I hope you make a wise choice. If… if you wish to learn more about this matter, the Duron Kingdom promises to spare no information or support you might need.”

“I’ll remember that.”

As Valt left the café, his heart felt incredibly heavy.

And deep trust in Lamrpo mingled with anger rose within him.

‘You stupid fool, you should have asked for help!!’

But Valt knew better than anyone that Lamrpo didn’t want to burden him.

The meeting with Princess Siloin had provided unexpected information and foretold an unavoidable battle.

He hurriedly made his way to the training ground where his companions would be waiting.

As soon as he arrived at the training ground’s lounge, he was greeted by the expected commotion.

“Oh my! Prince Valt is here! So, how was tea with the princess? When’s the wedding date?”

Lisa ran up with a mischievous expression to tease him, while Lati and Victor snickered beside her.

Arias watched Valt with an obviously angry face.

Valt was in no mood for their jokes.

With a serious expression, he walked to the center of the lounge and addressed his gathered companions in a low, heavy voice.

“Everyone, pay attention for a moment. I just… received serious news.”

At Valt’s unusual demeanor, the bustling lounge suddenly fell silent.

“The Lamrpo Trading Company… seems to have become a target of the ‘Dark Assembly.'”

“What, what? That nice chubby old man?”

At his words, the playful smiles that had been on his companions’ faces instantly vanished, replaced by shock, anger, and deep concern.

The shadow of the Dark Assembly was now approaching Valt’s immediate vicinity.