Chapter 99

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Translator: Harry Potta

Chapter: 99

Chapter Title: The Crown I'll Take from You

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“Relief supplies... have arrived from the Empire Kazen. And this is a letter from the Eastern Regent.”

“What? Grandfather?”

Though it bore the name of the Kazen Imperial Family, the relief supplies had actually come from the Eastern Regent's side.

To soothe His Majesty's anger, their side needed to show sincerity first.

The Eastern Consort, learning of her daughter's blunder, had turned to her father for aid. And with the oath document already dispatched to the Holy Kingdom, making it irreversible, the Eastern Regent had moved with swift resolve.

Samon and the imperial princess hurriedly changed into proper attire and dashed outside.

The procession of wagons stretched on endlessly.

A cloud of people had gathered, their cheers shaking the very streets.

“Long live Her Imperial Highness! The Princess has saved us!”

Amid the roaring cheers, whispers from the Baldinans reached their ears.

“Did you hear? Kazen originally had no intention of sending any relief at all.”

“They mocked even our late king and dragged their feet, but our wise and valiant Princess challenged them to a duel—bam!—cornering the imperial princess with no way to refuse.”

“Damn those scum! The world's biggest liars who don't honor their promises!”

The citizens spat and hurled curses at Kazen.

It was infuriating enough to be forced into providing relief after losing the duel, but receiving only insults instead of thanks made the Fourth Princess's stomach churn.

Then came yet another twist that turned her guts inside out.

“Breaking news! Breaking news! Our Baldina forces have crushed the Rasai tribe on the Great Plains!”

Victory news from the war had arrived.

“Looks like some sunlight's finally breaking through for Baldina!”

“Remember that victory star—the Esther emblem—from Her Highness the Princess's banquet the other day? It was all for this moment!”

Faces lit up with long-overdue good tidings and broad smiles.

The furious Fourth Princess flung her parasol to the ground.

Stomp, stomp! She trampled it wildly until the handle snapped. Splintered shards bounced up near Samon's feet.

“Goddamn Medea! I can't even kill that wench, it's so frustrating! Frustrating enough to die!”

Samon secretly let his eyes gleam. He nonchalantly brushed the fragments from his knee and spoke.

“Your Imperial Highness, if that's your desire, it's not entirely impossible.”

“What? Kensington said we can't kill the princess. It'd violate continental law and hand the Empire a pretext to devour us!”

“The Count's words are spot on, of course. But if the cause of her death doesn't point solely to Your Imperial Highness... wouldn't that make it irrelevant?”

A strange glint flickered in Samon's eyes.

'Medea has to be dealt with.'

Since the banquet, Medea had skyrocketed to become Baldina's undisputed hero.

Now, her name echoed everywhere in the royal castle.

Learning the relief aid would double, the people were ready to revere her as a saint.

'Can't let this slide. I have to sever the tide of her worship.'

For that, he needed this foolish, vicious girl before him. Someone to eliminate Medea in place of the Claudio Ducal House.

The princess stroked her chin, intrigued.

“Go on.”

She'd bitten. Samon swallowed a sneer and drew closer to the Fourth Princess.

“I have a fine idea. At the upcoming friendship hunting tournament...”

Peleus's victory report reached the Claudio Ducal House as well.

“Damn it all—!”

The Regent Duke crumpled the newsletter and hurled it aside.

“What now? Chaos inside and out. Medea in the castle, that bastard Peleus outside—these wretched nephews are boxing me in from both sides.”

“Calm yourself, Duke. It's not the worst yet.”

As Lazu approached the Regent Duke, he flicked a glance at Catherine seated behind.

“If this continues, Peleus returns triumphant from the war. We handle him before his foot touches Baldina soil again.”

“Time to play our prepared card.”

Lazu stated.

“...Regent Duke, what have you been waiting for? If the King returns, rebellion's a lost cause. Surely you don't fancy your odds against him fresh from conquering the plains?”

Lazu's point hit home. No more delays. The Regent Duke nodded and commanded his subordinate.

“Instruct Agema's agent to enact the plan.”

“Yes, Your Excellency.”

Then came a knock. Knock knock.

“Mom, Dad? You in there?”

Peering through the cracked door was Birna. She froze, sensing the heavy mood inside.

“Oh, didn't realize you had company. My apologies. Dad, I'll come back later...”

“Company? Don't say such cold things.”

Lazu's face, spotting Birna, had brightened into a beaming smile long ago.

He rose, opened the door wide, and ushered her in.

“...Hello, Count Lazu.”

“Birna, skip the formalities—call me godfather. Hm?”

Count Lazu spread his arms in delight, but Birna twisted her shoulder just enough to dodge.

Catherine frowned and chided her overt distaste.

“Birna, mind your manners.”

“Haha. Catherine, it's fine. After so long apart, awkwardness is natural.”

Even as Count Lazu graciously covered for her, Birna let out a soft huff.

“Dad, I want to go shopping in District 2 tomorrow. You'll let me, right?”

She spun on her heel and trotted straight to her father. The Regent Duke scowled.

“...Shopping now, in this climate?”

“Pleeease. I need an outfit for the hunting tournament the day after. A wonderful guest is coming, and I truly have nothing suitable. Pretty please?”

Clinging to his arm with coquettish pleas, his stubborn daughter wore him down to rough consent.

“Fine, whatever. Don't stir up trouble.”

“Squee! Dad's the best!”

“Enough. Off with you.”

Birna nuzzled her cheek against his arm in glee.

The Regent Duke waved her away irritably, dismissing her.

Count Lazu watched it all with steady eyes.

“District 2? Perfect—I've been meaning to tour Baldina's streets. Mind if I tag along, Birna? Anything that catches your eye, your godfather buys it.”

Birna shook her head before he finished.

“No, I want to browse alone, comfortably. Sorry.”

She trotted out without waiting for more.

“That girl... Excuse me a moment.”

Catherine, at the end of her patience with her daughter's impudence, followed after.

Alone now in the study. The Regent Duke poured a glass and offered it to Lazu.

“Raised too delicately—still so childish. Forgive her, Count Lazu.”

“No need.”

“Puberty's sharpening her edges daily... Samon was never that unruly. No clue who she takes after. Headache incarnate.”

The Regent Duke grumbled.

“A father with such a cute, darling daughter—truly enviable.”

Count Lazu smiled and lifted his glass.

'Who does she take after? Me!'

Without revealing the deep nail gouges hidden in his palm beneath his sleeve.