Chapter 89

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 89

Chapter Title: The Crown I'll Take From You

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The princess who had relentlessly shaken the mind of Kensington—a man jaded from scrutinizing people—had now laid a trap to bind the Kazen delegation.

A tension arose, like tightrope walking precariously between the eyes of storms that could whirl up at any moment.

It was unbelievable that she was younger than the Fourth Princess Angelique.

Especially seeing that immature princess now standing opposite her, the contrast felt even greater.

"Can a liege-vassal relationship be maintained by one-sided loyalty alone? Kensington, you need to find a better master."

The handful of resentment lingering in his chest turned into the pain on his cheek, freezing Kensington's heart.

'Whatever happens, happens. I'm washing my hands of this.'

Kensington gave up trying to persuade the Fourth Princess or the delegation members. It was uncharacteristic of him.

Perhaps what that princess had thrown at her earlier wasn't mere rumor after all.

It felt like an omen foretelling that even if he pledged full loyalty to Kazen's emperor, he'd be cast aside just like with the Fourth Princess now.

Seeds of anxiety and doubt had been planted in the noble Kensington's heart.

He just didn't realize it yet.

"All set? Now do you believe me? If you back out at this point, I won't let it slide."

The Fourth Princess, who had boldly stamped the seal, lifted her chin triumphantly.

Medea turned her head instead of answering.

Her green gaze drifted past the princess's shoulder to Jason standing there.

"Grand Duke Jason Kastulo."

Jason, who had been closely watching Kensington's reaction, flinched and turned his head when his name was suddenly called.

"I ask that Your Excellency, of the noble blood of the Kazen imperial family, serve as judge for this duel and guarantee its outcome."

Baldina's princess was looking right at him.

"Your Excellency's reputation for fairness and justice is well-known even here in Baldina, so I trust you will oversee this duel impartially without wavering."

A soft voice. Eyes full of admiration.

The cold indifference she had shown him until now was gone; her changed demeanor felt like a gentle spring breeze caressing his cheeks.

It was as if a sweet candy had melted in his mouth, filling it with sugary sweetness.

Caught off guard by the sudden shift, Jason couldn't collect his thoughts.

"May I make this request of Your Excellency?"

Her small face, soft and fragile like a cornered fawn, gazed up at him pleading for salvation.

A thrill Jason hadn't even known existed welled up in his chest.

Besides, hadn't the princess earlier defended him—the one unjustly stripped of the throne—and refrained from criticizing his uncle?

Even now, she praised him as the rightful heir of the noble imperial line.

'The princess has feelings for me too. That's why she's asking for my help. Among the Kazens, I'm the most friendly to Baldina, so as a princess, she has no choice but to rely on me.'

The outcome of this wager was clear anyway.

If Medea lost, he could step in, pretend to bend the relief terms slightly, and score points with Baldina.

It was originally meant for the Regent Duke, but with the situation changed, it was right for him to take it.

"How could I refuse the princess's request? I, Jason Randel Kastulo, stake my name on guaranteeing that this wager will proceed fairly."

Jason puffed out his chest and declared proudly.

Then, as if swearing an oath, he voluntarily fetched the Kastulo seal and stamped it alongside on the guarantee document.

"I know it was a difficult decision. Thank you, Your Excellency."

"As a member of Kazen's imperial family, it's my duty without shame, so please dispense with excessive courtesy, Princess."

As the princess quietly expressed her thanks, he basked in the feeling of being a hero rescuing a damsel in distress.

So he didn't notice. The moment he agreed, the princess's eyes had flashed coldly.

"Hmph. With the upright and just Brother Jason here, I feel at ease too. No need to worry about cowardly tricks on Baldina's soil."

The Fourth Princess snorted despite her words.

Seeing him try to play the elder now that the Baldina princess had taken his side, she found it laughable.

'What's the point of being the late emperor's son? The empire's master now is Father.'

Still not forgetting to belittle Baldina to the end, the Fourth Princess looked confidently at Medea.

"Fine, then. Let's prepare right now. Princess?"

"I'll change and see you shortly."

Medea replied calmly.

The Queen Dowager was appalled.

"Medea, why on earth did you accept the wager! You foolish child! Even if you wanted to pay back the insult to your father, you shouldn't have charged in so recklessly!"

In the brief time preparing for the duel, she personally sought out Medea and scolded her harshly.

"With relief supplies on the line, this duel is no longer just your affair! How do you plan to bear the resentment and hatred of the starving masses!"

Yet this time, it wasn't mere scolding; her words were thick with worry for Medea.

Moreover, the Queen Dowager's concern wasn't just about failing to receive Kazen's aid because of Medea.

Her granddaughter's safety was at risk.

"I must go meet the princess right now and cancel this duel. That wicked girl has no intention of sending you back unscathed."

"Grandmother. We've both already stamped the pledge, so the duel can't be avoided."

Medea supported her, covering the wrinkled back of her hand.

"Kazen's arrogance has gone too far. No one stops them, so now they're even insulting a former king of a nation. Someone has to correct that flow."

"It doesn't have to be you, a mere child! Even the older, more cunning ministers are holding back, so what makes you think you can leap fearlessly into that fire!"

The Queen Dowager sighed, disappointed in her second son who merely rolled his eyes beside her.

'But Joaquin over there didn't even think to step up, even when his brother's been insulted.'

Medea answered calmly.

"What you're worried about won't happen."

"...Do you have confidence you'll win?"

"Father and Peleus are among the continent's top swordsmen. Do you think I don't have that blood?"

It was a playful tone unlike her, evoking memories of the lively little Medea from long ago.

"Medea!"

The Queen Dowager grabbed her granddaughter, who had donned armor and was heading back to the banquet hall.

"Even if you lose, just don't get hurt. This old woman will protect you, so don't take risks trying to win. Understand?"

"..."

Medea looked down at the wrinkled hand gripping her arm. A flicker of regret passed through her green eyes.

Instead of answering, she gave a faint smile and turned away.

"Lord God..."

Please don't take this child from even this old woman.

The Queen Dowager prayed silently.

Baldina Royal Palace.

A space for the duel had been cleared in the center of the vast banquet hall.

Soon, Medea appeared in her armor.

The unfamiliar sight of the princess without her dress was a first even for the Baldinans.

Standing opposite, the Fourth Princess swung her sword this way and that, ostensibly checking it.

Her movements were threatening one by one, proving the rumors of her being an outstanding swordswoman weren't false.

Finally, Medea and the Fourth Princess faced off at opposite ends of the space.

"Today, under the light of Saint Aljera, we hold this contest between two. May the dignified gods look upon us."

Jason had also taken his seat as judge.

A refined tone, a clear voice. An attitude that seemed impartial, leaning toward neither side.

To the Baldinans, amid the biased Kazens, Jason appeared the best possible choice.

Feeling their gazes, Jason's shoulders rose proudly. Among the crowd watching him were Facade's leader and his mercenaries.

'Even when our eyes met earlier, the leader just passed by me.'

The Fourth Princess had at least acknowledged him, but Jason had been treated like air.

Since arriving in Baldina, he had sent messages via subordinates asking to make connections, but Facade had remained silent.

'Facade, when I become emperor, you won't be able to keep that nose in the air.'

A vile emotion writhed deep in Jason's chest.

"Boss, who do you think will win between those two?"

Meanwhile, Garo, perched on the balcony railing overlooking the duel, watched with keen interest.

"The princess knocked away that dagger back then, so she seems to be hiding her skills, but the Fourth Princess is no pushover either. Hard to call a favorite."

His eyes sparkled.

"Either way, watching Baldina's princess will never get boring for life. Did you see how she provoked the Fourth Princess into signing that guarantee?"

Garo thought that, skill in arms aside, Angelique was no match for Medea in cunning.

"And look at that dimwit down there, thrilled without realizing the princess deliberately reeled him in."

Jason wasn't hiding his presence more than ever.

He seemed immensely satisfied to be the center of attention here.

"Right."

For the first time, an answer came from beneath the white half-mask. Garo whipped around in surprise and caught a glimpse of displeasure in those golden eyes.

But what he was looking at wasn't the princess... it was Jason?

"Whoa, what's with the boss today, actually replying to me."

At that moment, Alpha, who had been watching Medea, murmured softly.

"My lord, it looks like the princess is at a disadvantage."