Chapter 94

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 94

Chapter Title: The Crown I'll Steal from You

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The Kazen empire's people sent clear signals for him to deny the duel results somehow.

'You lot lose in this pathetic state and expect me to do what?!'

Jason nearly lost all reason and exploded in fury. He forced himself to think it through.

'If I confirm the defeat here, Angelique won't forgive me.'

That would naturally sever ties with the Eastern Consort's faction as well. There was no way they'd ally with someone who'd put their daughter in such a bind.

But if he sided with the imperial princess and forcibly undermined Baldina's victory, his own reputation would suffer.

His seal was prominently stamped on the oath guaranteeing today's duel, after all.

Hundreds of Baldinans' eyes were upon them here. They wouldn't stay silent.

If word spread across the continent that the noble and benevolent Grand Duke Castulo was actually godless and slavishly obedient to the imperial family like a dog, the fallout would land squarely on him.

Who would trust such a man and crown him emperor?

No matter which side he chose, he'd lose something irreplaceable.

Jason, who had schemed to grasp both fruits with clever hands, felt it deep in his bones.

'If I'd known it'd come to this, I should've just stayed out of it.'

Regret wouldn't help; he had neither time nor the wits left to find a way out now.

"Surely the Grand Duke won't deny it either?"

Medea loosed another arrow at the hesitating Jason.

It was a vicious prod, urging a man on a cliff's edge to jump.

"Of course not."

Jason reflexively denied it, then bit the inside of his cheek before managing a response.

"The duel... the princess won. Baldina's... victory."

His chest tightened as if he'd been cornered with no escape.

"Wooooaaah!"

The Baldinans applauded so thunderously the banquet hall nearly shook apart.

"Thank you. The Grand Duke's sense of justice is every bit as renowned as they say."

Medea offered hollow thanks. Then, as if that was all she had to say to him, she turned away crisply.

She faced the Fourth Imperial Princess.

"We'll be awaiting double the relief supplies from Kazen, as per your oath. Baldina will never forget the Fourth Princess's generosity."

Medea's eyes burned fiercely, even on her bloodlessly pale face.

"...Hah!"

The Fourth Imperial Princess trembled with rage before storming off.

The Kazen entourage followed her in dazed haste.

The Baldinans were ecstatic at their abject retreat, feeling like they could touch the skies.

"We won! Relief supplies doubled, no less!"

"All thanks to Her Highness the Princess! Has any Baldinan ever pulled this off against Kazen before?"

Not only had she crushed the nose of that arrogant imperial princess who'd insulted their late king, but she'd also eased her people's crisis.

And she'd done it as the neglected half-princess, the royal family's empty vessel, dismissed and scorned!

"Long live Princess Medea!"

The atmosphere brimmed with感動 and vibrant energy, a rarity for Baldina in ages.

"Princess."

A shadow fell behind Medea as she watched the Kazens flee.

"Ah, Prime Minister Sise. Perfect timing."

"You should see to the palace first."

Sise's face briefly twisted as he spotted the bloodstains clinging to Medea's arm through his monocle.

"No need."

Medea shook her head and grasped his arm.

She didn't notice how Sise stiffened at the touch of her delicate hand.

"Issue the announcement right away so they can't talk their way out. We need to move fast."

She nodded toward the oath document.

"This one? This oath embodies the empire's humanitarian grace beyond national borders, so I plan to send copies to the temples to widely proclaim and honor their goodwill."

As expected of the brilliant prime minister—no need to spell out the next steps.

Medea suppressed a smile.

As Sise said, once this oath reached the Holy Kingdom's hands, Kazen couldn't withhold relief without repercussions.

The Holy Kingdom, in its subtle rivalry with Kazen, would surely intervene.

"Good. Get moving."

"Medea!"

The Queen Dowager hurried down from the dais in search of Medea.

"You reckless fool. You've set your mind to shortening this old woman's life, haven't you?"

Despite her stern scolding, her wrinkled hand trembled as it clasped Medea's.

"Grandmother."

"Never throw yourself into danger like this again. Understand? You're a princess. Even staying safely back would be fitting for your noble blood—yet you charge to the front!"

Marchioness Pinatelli let out a stifled sigh, her eyebrows drooping.

'She worried so much she shredded her handkerchief.'

But the Queen Dowager's reprimand couldn't continue.

"I'm sorry for worrying you, Grandmother."

Medea reached out and gripped her hand in return.

"I can't promise I won't do it again. Until Peleus returns upholding Father's will, I have to properly protect this kingdom."

"......"

The Queen Dowager fought back reddening eyes as she gazed at the wound on her granddaughter's arm.

"Mother. Before I'm your son, I'm this kingdom's king, and I must safeguard Baldina's future."

"We need the plains to break free from Kazen's meddling and forge a new path. Mustn't we sever this choking leash in my generation?"

"This war will lay the foundation for the next century."

"So please, Mother, forgive this departing unfilial son."

Memories surfaced of her late son's resolute words as he left for the battlefield long ago.

"...Yes. I've made a fool of myself."

The Queen Dowager composed her emotions and resumed her dignified expression. If her granddaughter could do this much, she couldn't just sit idle.

"You head back to the palace now. Leave this to me."

After sending Medea away first, she separately rewarded Facade's side.

"I doubt Facade needs more wealth from this old woman. Giving opportunities to aid the royal commerce might suit better. How about a pass granting entry to the palace for every royal event?"

Garo's face lit up.

With such a pass, he'd freely enter and leave the palace, gaining more chances to visit Dawn Tower at dawn.

"How could a merchant refuse chances to sell? I am deeply grateful for Your Highness the Queen Dowager's boundless generosity."

He prostrated himself, heedless of dignity.

"I'm glad. I hope it proves helpful."

A faint smile played on the Queen Dowager's lips at his obsequious yet endearing cheerfulness.

Facade was turning to withdraw when—

"Akkales, was it?"

The Queen Dowager suddenly called the white-masked mercenary.

As Cezare stood still, Garo nudged his side, urging him forward.

"Your Highness the Queen Dowager. I—"

"No need."

The Queen Dowager handed Cezare a brooch directly from her own chest.

"Thank you for stepping up for my granddaughter."

Her voice was so low only Marchioness Pinatelli and Cezare nearby could hear.

Cezare looked down at the old woman before him.

As grandmother and granddaughter, it was natural for her to express thanks on Medea's behalf.

Yet a faint unease stirred within him.

"Cezare, are you truly my son? Did your mother not deceive me, passing off the late emperor's seed as mine?"

"Conquering the continent! As expected of my son! My blood indeed!"

Only after proving his worth was he finally accepted as blood kin.

His father, who'd always distrusted and tormented him, yet rejoiced more than anyone and cherished him upon his continental conquest—now overlapped with the Queen Dowager.

This woman who'd always hated and tormented Medea, now coming around?

Still ignorant of everything, unaware that today's outcomes might all stem from the princess's schemes.

Only he knew. It wasn't the Queen Dowager who'd plotted and executed the princess's plans with her—it was him.

She stood outside the princess's light, not him, but this old woman.

A sharp surge of anger darkened Cezare's mind.