episode_0146

If you ask a passerby to choose the most beautiful country, nine times out of ten, they will choose the Kingdom of Primira.

Because the Allied Powers block the edge of the continent like a breakwater, the Kingdom of Primira, which borders the Allied Powers, can enjoy both the spectacular natural scenery and the civilization created by humans.

It was flawless except for its limited accessibility to the Empire, but now it is no longer a flaw but an advantage.

The price of siding with the royal family was war.

And of course, war is more destructive the closer the borders are.

At first, I thought it would be an easy war for the Empire to win if it mobilized all its forces.

However, it is extremely difficult to reach the Kingdom of Primira without a teleport station.

You must cross the ridge and the numerous nations that lie between the Primera and the Empire.

The Empire’s goal is conquest and the complete destruction of the Imperial Family. This means that an invasion of such magnitude that it completely destroys Primira is essential.

But which nation would willingly open its territory to the passage of an imperial army?

Something unprecedented has happened.

The world that was aligned under one order called the empire is now divided.

Primera has already thrown itself into chaos, and other countries are busy watching.

In a world divided in half, if you stand on the wrong side, the consequences can be dire.

From the Empire’s perspective, if they send a large army to deal with the Primira and the Imperial Army, it will be difficult to manage each of the already large territories. They must also consider the betrayal of other countries that are taking advantage of the opportunity.

Being located at the center of the continent means that you can control everyone else, but you can also be threatened by everyone else.

So it’s in a lull.

The Empire and the Church wanted to punish the royal family immediately, but once the war broke out, there were too many variables to consider.

It is not easy to wage an all-out war.

Eventually, armed conflict took a back seat, and politics and diplomacy took over.

The Duke of Maynor of the Empire is recruiting neighboring countries to fight a winning battle.

And he was sure the princess was doing the same.

The Kingdom of Primira is just the beginning.

The princess is sure to seduce all those in power who are tired of the imperial order.

For the first time in his life, the Duke feels helpless and a little scared.

Because in such a fight, a fight that moves people’s hearts, there is no chance of winning against the royal family.

if…

If the princess resembles her father, the emperor, and uses her dirty power as she pleases, and if she controls all the leaders of the continent, the outcome of the fight is as good as certain.

That’s the only thing that must be stopped.

The Duke is not a very religious person.

Rather, he is one of those who witness and warn against the evils of the religious community.

However, now we have no choice but to place our hopes on the good side of the church.

I can only hope that the sacred power of the sect and its influence that extends throughout the continent can keep the princess in check.

……otherwise.

The Duke may push the sword further and force a difficult decision.

You will have no choice but to take out the ‘card’ that says you are the owner of the holy sword that has come into your hand.

*

Here, the Kingdom of Primira retains its unique beauty even during times of war.

Since there has been no full-scale war yet, and the fertile lands are not covered in blood and ashes, everything is business as usual.

The kingdom’s capital and palace are located at the center of luxurious estates where retired tycoons and nobles covet to spend their old age.

Although it may not be as impressive as the Imperial Palace, the palace built on the blessed land is a magnificent sight in its own right.

It is a palace that even the proud Charles II would be proud of.

However, Charles II, who should have been sitting solemnly on the throne, was walking busily.

“… … ”

Without a single knight or servant to escort him, he crossed the vast gardens of the palace and headed to the annex.

Although he is the type of person who rarely shares good things, he recently gave a part of his proud palace, namely the annex, to a guest.

Now, Charles II is heading to the palace to meet his guests.

It is a strange sight that a guest is not coming to see the master of the palace… but rather the king is coming to see him.

I didn’t see anyone until I reached the main entrance, past the ornate marble fountain.

Compared to the size of the villa, the number of guests brought was very small.

Clank-

I opened the heavy door and entered the villa.

The vast space was as quiet as a mouse.

“Is there anyone?”

Charles II said.

Although it was not a loud voice, it resonated loudly thanks to the spacious interior of the villa.

The villa was so quiet that it might have felt eerie if you had come at night.

And then a reply, breaking the silence, came from the top of the stairs leading to the front door.

“What is the matter, Your Majesty?”

“Ah. Count Dahlia, has the princess also greeted the morning? Or is she still in her bedroom?”

He was Count Dahlia, a nobleman and the best knight of the Kingdom of Primira.

The brown-haired count looked down at the man who had been his monarch with drowsy eyes.

Contrary to popular belief, the Count was a knight of the Imperial Family, and was still wearing the traditional Imperial attire, not the Primira’s.

The count raised his hand slightly toward Charles II, who was about to climb the stairs in search of the princess.

Swish-

It meant to stop.

“No one is allowed to approach Her Highness the Princess without permission. Let alone her bedroom.”

“… Jim seems to be a benefactor to you, but there still seems to be a wall that cannot be broken down.”

Charles II stood there and laughed heartily.

As if he felt regret, he stepped back and stood at the bottom of the stairs again.

“I want to meet the princess. There are so many things to discuss.”

“… … ”

The count was still not pleased.

Charles II was displeased with Beatrice’s excessive interest even before she revealed her identity.

If she had not stopped him, Charles II would not have died already.

“Can I ask what kind of discussion you are talking about?”

“Of course, it’s about politics and war. It’s an urgent matter. Why did Jim come here so early in the morning?”

The count sighed.

It was not something I should do in front of the monarch of a country, but I couldn’t help but sigh.

As the princess’s subject and once her father, she did not like the man in front of her.

“Her Royal Highness is in the back garden.”

“Thanks for letting me know.”

Charles II smiled broadly and answered.

I had sensed the Count’s impudence for a long time, but it was strange that he had not even tried to hide it recently.

“Be careful of your words and actions in front of His Majesty… ”

“Is this a warning?”

“Advice, I say, as one who was once your knight.”

“That’s funny. Weren’t you a royal guardian from the beginning?”

“… Not from the very beginning.”

“?”

Charles II, who was about to turn around and head towards the garden, looked back.

But soon, seeing the count leave first, he headed back to the garden.

The Count’s strange words were bothersome, but not enough to stop him and question him.

*

The garden of the villa was filled with the sound of birds chirping.

As Charles II reached the garden, he saw the princess basking in the sun.

I was walking slowly through the flower beds.

“I guess you really like this place.”

“… … ”

The princess turned around at the sound of someone calling her.

Her blue eyes, which seemed to contain the sky, smiled.

“Hello, Charles.”

The princess’s eyes instantly turned mint colored.

For a moment, the image of the Countess Youngae, whom Charles remembered, was superimposed on the image of the descendants of the Green Emperor.

Charles II stared at the last member of the royal family in amazement, then soon came to his senses.

It is a beauty that I can never get used to no matter when I see it.

How can such a terrifying power be hidden behind that alluring appearance?

“I hope the luggage didn’t disturb your rest.”

“It’s okay. I was just about to go back.”

Charles II, a proud and self-respecting man, was an exceptionally polite speaker.

However, it is difficult to break a habit that has lasted a lifetime, so I am not used to using full honorifics.

“I heard you made some money during your recent trip to the empire.”

“Yeah. Did Lexio tell you?”

On the other hand, the princess is treating the king more comfortably than when she first met him.

As if treating someone inferior.

“Are you thinking of bringing in the Allied Forces?”

Charles II answered the princess’s question in the affirmative.

Looking straight at the princess who was slowly approaching him.

“Well, what do you think will happen?”

I wanted to answer, “How could Jim know that?” but I thought it would be difficult, so I just smiled awkwardly.

The princess was wearing a loose robe-style gown.

It’s not really clothing for activities, but rather clothing to wear in private spaces in case it gets cold.

So, a simple outfit worn lightly over the negligee you just woke up in.

Her pure white shoulders and legs were clearly visible through the gown, but the princess didn’t seem to care much.

My eyes keep wandering towards the princess’s body, but I barely manage to hold back because it is against my dignity to look.

“Well… How about we discuss this while eating breakfast? Princess, shouldn’t you also finish getting ready?”

“It’ll take quite some time, can you wait?”

“Waiting is nothing. Jim has a lot of patience.”

The king’s speech is still mixed.

The princess laughed as if she found it amusing and said.

“You don’t like the way you’re dressed right now, do you?”

No way. I’m so grateful.

But it seems like it would be difficult to maintain eye contact and keep one’s composure.

This is why it becomes difficult for a leader of a country to deal with the princess.

It wasn’t like this when she first came to the palace as Lady Beatrice, when she had hidden her identity.

At that time, Charles skillfully hid his gaze and said only what he had to say.

Rather, it was the princess who was embarrassed… but now the positions have completely changed.

“Princess, I am a man too. Before I became the King of Primira.”

“It’s not that good because it’s thick… ”

Tricky Green looked hurt.

“No! On the contrary. Right now, you are so provocative that I don’t think I can look at you straight in the eye and talk to you.”

“Really? Is that what a man sees?”

The princess smiled brightly again as if nothing had happened.

They are making fun of the king and making fun of him.

As if pleased to know the good news, he lowered his head, looked at his body, and tied the string around his waist.

This allowed the princess’s gown to completely cover her body.

“Are you okay now? I can’t eat face to face with you. Let’s just have tea and talk.”

The princess turned elegantly and walked first.

And Charles followed the princess towards the table and chairs placed in the garden.

“Julia will bring the car soon.”

“It’s as if you knew the luggage was coming.”

“I was going to call you if you didn’t come.”

The princess sat down on the chair first and crossed her legs.

As the turquoise eyes looked up, Charles sat down in his chair nervously.

“Let me say it again, we have a strictly transactional relationship.”

“… … ”

“I will reclaim the empire, and you and the Kingdom of Primira will receive your due compensation. That’s it.”

Charles chuckled.

“Do you know what Jim wants as compensation?”

“I’ll listen to anything you ask. But if you bring up things like a state letter or marriage, I’ll kill you.”

“That’s too bad. Princess, but shouldn’t you at least try to make a proposal when negotiating?”

Although he was smiling, he was nervous as he kept checking the princess’s expression.

The princess looked at Charles and said.

“Do you know why the royal family was betrayed?”

“I know what is officially known.”

“Tell me.”

“… … Mind control magic.”

Charles said quietly.

“Right. So, what do you think?”

“?”

“Is it possible that I, the royal family, who actually met you, cast a mind control spell on you? Do you think you are under my control right now?”

“No.”

I was able to answer confidently.

He still treats the princess the same way he has done up until now.

“Are you sure?”

“Although I am ignorant of magic, I am certain that there will be no delusion or falsehood at this moment when I am looking at you clearly.”

“… … ”

“Is the luggage wrong?”

The princess blinked quietly.

“No, you’re right. I didn’t put any magic on you.”

“But why did you suddenly ask that?”

“There are two reasons why I am talking to you like this without any protection.”

“… … ”

“First, I will clear the stigma that the cult has placed on our royal family. We must prove that we are not evil beings who deceive people. That is the only way to restore my brother’s authority. So, mind control… I will not use such powers.”

Charles concentrated on the princess’s words.

“It was true. If you put your mind to it, it is really possible to control a person’s mind… ”

“The important thing is that you won’t do it.”

“Not being able to do something and not doing something are two completely different issues.”

“So? Are you going to abandon me and join the Empire even now?”

“It means that it is important to ‘believe’ in you. You have to make not only me but also everyone in the world believe in you.”

“… … Yeah, that’s something I have to endure.”

The princess turned her head and looked toward the villa.

A silver-haired beauty wearing a maid outfit was seen walking toward me, carrying a silver tray.

“Anything else?”

“?”

“Didn’t you say there were two reasons for talking to Jim? And just in case… Princess, you seem to be reluctant to talk to Jim, but you seem to be quite casual with me. You greet me in casual attire, and you talk about important things without hesitation.”

“… … ”

“So I guess the remaining reason is-”

The princess looked at the confident Charles with indifference and cut him off.

“It’s not what you think.”

“That remains to be seen.”

“Hoo… ”

As the princess was sighing deeply, Julia arrived and placed a teacup between them.

Dalgrak-

Beatrice nodded briefly at Julia and then lifted her teacup and sipped it.

Although she still had a smiling face, there was also a coldness to her face.

“If you’re curious, I’ll tell you. The remaining one.”

Her voice is as clear and beautiful as her looks.

“Because you’re someone I could kill at any time. The fact that I’m pouring out my heart and telling you my plans is all possible because I have no expectations of you.”

Charles opened his mouth.

“If you betray me or make me feel bad, then I will kill you without mercy. I don’t need to use any power to make you obey me.”

“… … ”

“So don’t get me wrong. I’m just being easygoing because I don’t care.”

The words were as creepy as the beautiful voice.

But paradoxically, the murderous words coming out of the princess’s lips made her look even more beautiful.

Charles laughed heartily.

Yes, of course he only thought about the deal at first.

It was the result of calculations using obvious diplomatic techniques and worldly wisdom.

The plan was to support the princess and in return demand the revival of Primira.

Even if the princess were to gently warn him to only think about the deal now… …

It’s becoming increasingly difficult to resist the temptation to take riskier gambles.