Chapter 113

Chapter 113

Bertrand Street.

Located in the western part of the Imperial City, this beautiful street, originally started as a logistics warehouse area, is now the cultural hub with a series of splendid theater buildings. Although most of the old warehouses behind these grand buildings are now used for storing theater props or hosting temporary performances by foreign troupes, a significant number still stand empty.

One of these warehouses served as a meeting place for a group from Rohan.

Late evening.

When Romaine entered the building, he paused upon finding Prince Leonard, unusually sober and sitting quietly. The prince, typically dressed casually, was now neatly attired in traditional Rohan garments and had his hair neatly combed with fragrant oil.

Hey, Romaine. Where have you been wandering at this late hour? I thought you quit playing with drunks at Darron.

Romaine, sensing that the impatient prince must have been up to something during his absence, asked cautiously, Did you go somewhere, Leo?

Leonards attire, though tidy, was hardly fitting for royalty. He shrugged nonchalantly and picked up a bottle of liquor.

Its nothing. I was frustrated with how long it was taking to get permission to enter the Imperial Palace as a guest.

Surely you didnt

Yes, I disguised myself as part of a diplomatic delegation and went to the palace.

Leonard took a swig from the bottle and wiped his mouth with his sleeve.

The palace might stop the royal family of Rohan at the gates, but they allow entry to diplomatic delegations bearing gifts. So I followed the Rohan delegation into the audience chamber.

Romaine was at a loss for words.

Despite the disguise, Leonards face was too well-known to risk such exposure. What a scandal it would be if someone recognized him.

Dont worry. I stayed hidden among the crowd and kept my head down. I shouldnt have been noticed.

His voice lacked the usual confidence.

Just wanted to see the princesss face out of sheer frustration. Unfortunately, I didnt meet her, but I did get a close look at that damned man causing all the trouble.

The Holy Emperor You met him?

Yes. That man, his temperament is

What happened?

Oh, nothing much. Just the way he glared at me

Leonard suddenly shivered, as if recalling something frightening.

Even amid a crowd of diplomatic envoys, Leonards striking appearance seemed to captivate attention. As he fumbled for words and took another swig of his drink, Romaine realized something.

He had been recognized.

And deep down, Leonard seemed to regret this realization a bit.

He couldnt have known my face, Leonard mused.

You should not have underestimated him as a mere human, Romaine reminded him, sighing and sitting opposite the prince.

Considering the water had already been spilled, and fortunately, Leonard hadnt embarrassed himself in front of the foreign delegates, it seemed best to just feign ignorance and return to the palace as a dignitary.

If Your Highness plans to approach his daughter, who knows how he will react. Its better to be cautious from now on.

Should I really stop then? Leonards uncharacteristically timid response contrasted sharply with his usual bold demeanor, but Romaine wasnt overly concerned. He knew well enough that by tomorrow morning, Leonard would likely regain his confidence and nag him to arrange another meeting with the princess.

Oh! Speaking of which, there was something odd during the audience.

Leonard, now flush from alcohol, rested his chin on his hand and continued.

During the presentation of gifts from Brittany and other regions, just as a page was about to announce the envoy from Asein, the Holy Emperor suddenly raised his hand to stop him.

Seeing two people in radiant religious attire, he quickly bowed his head. Every citizen of Delcross would recognize the face of the young Saintess with her long silver hair.

The grace of the Divine descended upon Delcross is before us!

The knight respectfully greeted them, prompting Sisle to inquire, Is there a problem in the capital?

Yes, Saintess. Recently, a creature called a monster beast appeared in the capital, causing some disturbance. This has made the inspection process at the Birthday Celebration more stringent.

Monster beast? Whats that?

Sister Ursula blinked in confusion, while the young Saintess asked with a trembling voice, A monster beast? How can that be?

Sisles clear grey eyes reflected her dismay. She quickly flipped through her small diary, found a page, and stared intently at it.

It cant be. A major gate opening in the capital was not due for several more months

Huh?

Sisles incomprehensible murmur left Ursula and the knight exchanging confused glances.

Whats what has changed?

The knight, noticing the young girls face turning pale, quickly reassured, But dont worry! The Holy Knights of Delcross quickly exterminated the demon beasts. The capital is now safe.

Sisle remained silent, contemplating.

Moreover, Prince Morres, the 3rd Prince, personally slew the largest of the demon beasts. He is leading a special task force called the Monster Special Task Force, so such vile creatures wont dare tread in Delcross anymore!

His Highness Morres?

Sister Ursulas expression turned awkward, but the knight vigorously nodded, adding, Yes, indeed! Its the second time His Highness has slain such a creature. Previously, he saved students from an attack at the Academy. Despite various rumors about the Prince, he is truly a noble member of the imperial family

Morres

Sisle repeated the somewhat unfamiliar name, flipping through her diary again.

Certainly, around this time, it was noted that the chubby troublemaker had decided to focus on swordsmanship.

Monster Special Task Force.

She couldnt recall reading about such a unit, and unsurprisingly, her diary had no mention of it either.

Sisle, Sister Ursula said softly.

Sister Ursulas worried voice reached her from beside her.

The Monster Special Task Force.

The Saintesss eyes settled with a calmness beyond her years. If something differed from what she knew, it likely wasnt unrelated to this unfamiliar unit.

She closed her diary and held it tightly against her chest.

Lets not panic.

Once back at the palace, she planned to thoroughly investigate this Monster Special Task Force. And then

I need to meet him, Morres.

To her knowledge, Morres, who should have been wandering aimlessly for a long time unable to accumulate aura, was now a skilled warrior capable of slaying monster beasts. Wasnt he leading the Monster Special Task Force too?

Perhaps .

He might just be the crucial wildcard that could help her escape her destined fate.

Staring quietly in the direction of the palace, a resolute light flickered in the young girls grey eyes.