Chapter 4

Alexandro Graham’s aura oozed with immeasurable intimidation, so much so that ordinary folks would soil their pants in fear upon merely hearing his name.

He was indifferent to the lives of common people. Hence, he couldn’t be bothered to dispel the rumors and save his reputation.

Recalling the complicated family affairs Alexandro was surrounded by, Evan felt sorry for him. He was ten years younger than Evan and yet had no interest in worldly affairs. He saw everything with apathy.

“There will be a party to celebrate our victory once we return to the Empire.”

He didn’t answer, not a bit interested in attending it. Evan was one of the few people who could grasp his intentions without him needing to say a word.

“There’s a widespread rumor, stating that Your Highness will be crowned as the Archduke soon.”

As soon as this news reached his ears, Alexandro, who silently listened to Evan’s one-sided chatter and couldn’t help but unconsciously chuckle. It was an unusual rumor, though considering his father’s eccentricity, it wasn’t surprising at all.

“With such great achievement, the Empire expects you to accept the position,” said Evan one more time, clearly undeterred of his master’s nonchalance. Alexandro only gave a nimble nod. After all, if this proclamation would be released, it would be impossible to refuse a title higher than his father’s.

Duncan Graham was a duke but was no longer referred to as one. Ever since the coup, people started addressing him as ‘Your Highness’ instead.

Unlike his father, Alexandro was a very reserved, quiet person who didn’t mingle much with people. His hobbies consisted of reading, fencing, and physical training. And unlike others, he didn’t need to attend social gatherings to establish his identity in society.

He feared no one and didn’t need to consider other people’s standing before rejecting them. Hence, it was quite rare for him to be seen in a crowd.

However, this party, in particular, was quite special. The Imperial Nosteros had finally conquered the entire continent. Now that the Empire had control over the last kingdom, El Pasa, it’ll finally be at peace.

“You must participate this time.”

It was a victory party for a war that lasted a decade and had finally come to an end. Therefore, a grand celebration was only befitting as the continent acquired its peace once more…

***

“I’d rather die!”

Sobs echoed inside the small dungeon where Beatrice and her maids were locked up. Unlike her, the others had lived ordinarily all their lives, so suddenly being thrown into slavery was a great tragedy for them, who viewed to be the same as being treated as livestock.

“All of you… please don’t cry. I know that right now, it seems like the world had ended, but one day we’ll be grateful that we weren’t killed today.” Beatrice did her best to console them. It was a rather comical sight, a royal princess consoling her maids after being enslaved.

However, Beatrice was experienced. After all, before she was royalty, she had lived the life of a slave. It truly was better than losing your life.

“No way!” One of the maids cried out loud. “How can I live as a slave in Nosteros?! They’ll definitely treat us like pigs!”

It was Lucy, a maid who had been with her since the very beginning. She was there when Beatrice was pulled out of slavery and recognized as a royal princess, albeit an illegitimate one.

“Lucy, you should not desire death, you have your whole life ahead of you! We’re alive right now, aren’t we? Everyone in the palace is dead. I can’t predict what kind of life awaits us but it’s better to live than to die. You can find your parents and even get married!”

Suddenly, Lumi, another maid who was crying quietly before, snapped.

“You can only say such things because you were originally a slave, Princess!”

“Lumi, don’t be rude to the princess!” Lucy cried out as she glared at Lumi. Lumi was one of the ladies who looked down at Beatrice. The maids of the palace had a higher position than the commoners. Thus, towards Beatrice who is a former slave, they held an immense feeling of disdain.

As a result, Beatrice was ostracized by everyone in the royal palace.

She was a mistake. The King had spent a night with a female slave from a foreign country. The woman later died while giving birth to a healthy named Chloe, who ended up serving a drugstore as she grew up.

However, the King’s bastard still had royal blood coursing through her veins, and Chloe was later brought to the palace and declared as a royal princess. It was then at that time when she was granted the noble name, Beatrice.