Chapter 89

Chapter 89

The Anbouaz Princess

Adeline Boarne Anbouaz.

She wielded the power behind the throne and was next in line to inherit it. She was also known as the Smiling Angel of Anbouaz.

Was it due to her compassion akin to that of Mother Teresa? Was it because of her generosity and warm-hearted nature? No.

She was a top-notch martial artist, a sword expert at the level of an intermediate knight. Yet, she had an unusual habit in combat. She would flash a bright smile as she defeated her opponents. Hence, she earned the moniker of the Smiling Angel.

Nevertheless, despite her distinct personality, she was politically a pacifist, Raciel remembered.

He recalled details from the original novel, Devil Sword Emperor. Princess Adeline never made a direct appearance in the novel. Nonetheless, allusions to her were scattered through dialogues and character records. Piecing together this information led to a conclusion

She detested losing and possessed a warrior-like disposition, but surprisingly, she favored peace over war. People also spoke of her wisdom. However, despite these merits, a fatal flaw marred her. She met an untimely demise, never having the chance to display her numerous talents.

Tragedy.

That was Princess Adelines most grievous flaw. Despite her exceptional health, strength, and prowess, she perished suddenly without ascending to the throne. As a result, another member of the royal family assumed the role of the Anbouaz king.

It was unfortunate. It also spelled disaster for Magentano, as the new royal king held starkly different views from Adeline an extremist and a radical expansionist militarist.

It was almost an obsession. He acted as though he were destined for war. Consequently, all the resources of the already ascendant Anbouaz Kingdom got funneled into military expansion. Magentano, sensing the threat, escalated their vigilance, and the tension between the two escalated until it finally boiled over.

Conflict erupted.

It marked the commencement of the great war that ultimately led to Magentanos downfall.

I cant allow that to occur, Raciel pledged. He began to strategize. How could he prevent the onset of the great war at this juncture? He needed to thwart the ascent of the radical militarist to the Anbouaz throne.

The optimal course of action?

Princess Adeline must not meet an untimely end.

Her survival was paramount. As the rightful heir to the throne, her continued existence would ensure her queenship. The Anbouaz Kingdom would sidestep the path of radical militarism, and the catastrophic war could be averted.

Its nearly a certainty. References to this were present in the novel.

Raciel recollected the insights provided by historians within the pages of Devil Sword Emperor. Had Princess Adeline of Anbouaz not met an early demise, had she ascended the throne as planned?

She would have harnessed the kingdoms augmented might for the populaces well-being. She wouldnt have rashly initiated wars, instead, she would have pursued peaceful coexistence with neighboring nations, Magentano included. Consequently, scores of young individuals wouldnt have been drafted and lost their lives in the tragic great war.

All I gotta do is make sure Princess Adeline doesnt kick the bucket. Totally doable, thought Raciel.

He dug deep into his recollections of the novel Devil Sword Emperor, even retrieving minor details. The cause of Princess Adelines demise came back to him. The exact illness wasnt spelled out, but a vivid account of her symptoms remained.

It hit her out of nowhere, he recalled. One evening, after her usual workout and grub, she started griping about killer stomach pain. She held her upper right belly, sweating buckets, looking like she was in absolute torment

In just a few days, she exhibited hardcore jaundice symptoms. Her strength tanked, and she eventually bit the dust. Upon reviewing these specifics, Raciel began to suspect something.

Those symptoms Princess Adeline dealt with, seems like gallstone obstruction is the likely suspect.

Couldnt see it any other way.

In the real world, he knew folks who had weathered the same ordeal. His close pals Won-ho and Eun-soo from his time in Korea. A web novelist he knew through them, a dude named Moon Baek, perhaps.

Moon Baek had endured the exact symptoms as Anbouazs princess. One evening, he got smacked with a sharp pang on his right side. He was in the middle of a soccer game, clutched his side in pain. Simultaneously, his team slammed in a goal and as he was rushed to the ER, he cheered in joy.

That dude had his gallbladder yanked out eventually, someone said. Day of the surgery, he wrapped up a manuscript in the morning, had his innards removed at lunch, and by evening, he was happily proofreading the manuscript that came back.

Yeah, the worlds filled with all sorts of characters.

Anyhow, when you line up Princess Adelines symptoms, its practically a lock. The tube that should be sending out bile thanks to gallstones, got itself blocked. She probably faced excruciating pain, nearly on par with childbirth, for days on end. But heres whats scarier than the pain.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Normally, bile and pancreatic juices flow through the bile duct into the small intestine. But what if that duct jams up? Its like a backed-up sewer. Bile goes in reverse. And the livers the final stop.

Bile infiltrates the liver and messes it up. Liver cirrhosis and fibrosis kick in. Spleen and pancreas go kaput. Eventually, curtains.

Sure enough, Raciels acquaintance Moon Baek rocked up at the hospital with a liver enzyme level forty times higher than normal. Gallstones and bile duct obstruction were not diseases to be taken lightly.

Neglect them, and its a one-way ticket. No proper care means a fatal disease. So, hes gotta haul Princess Adeline over. Gotta check her pulse, see how shes holding up.

If shes got gallstones camping out in her gallbladder, they gotta go, and then we gotta play defense to stop them from coming back.

Then, its a done deal.

She wont die prematurely. She wont start a great war as a peaceful queen. The Magentano royal family will not collapse.

Then everyone will be happy. My regal life, all shiny and prosperous, will be in the clear.

Got it all figured out.

Raciel was low-key thrilled. He eyed the Anbouaz ambassador across the negotiation table.

His face was stiff. The poker face barely hid the hint of anger simmering underneath. Probably cause of what just got dropped on their end.

Keeping their princess in the big city for half a year. To them, its like holding their royalty hostage.

It was obvious.

But Raciel didnt give a hoot. Didnt even spend a second thinking about calming the ambassadors rage. Instead, he cooked up a little lie.

A lie to bring Princess Adeline of Anbouaz to the imperial capital. Raciel had a Deception Authorization Ticket up his sleeve for this very purpose.

Nah, it was because he was genuinely touched.

I never wouldve imagined that the Crown Prince would hold Anbouaz in such high regard. In fact, Im even more appreciative.

The ambassadors words were heartfelt.

Now, the crown princes sentiments sounded absolutely authentic to him. On one hand, he felt that the preparations he had made before this meeting were far too insignificant.

I was only fixated on how to make amends for the Cremo incident to minimize the damage. But I didnt expect the crown prince to be this amicable towards us. Not to mention having such a profound and ambitious vision.

The ambassador was indulging in his daydreams. In his mind, the crown prince and their own princess had already signed their marriage certificate and were tossing bridal bouquets. He stood beside them, receiving full respect as a great diplomat who had orchestrated this historic union.

How would his name be etched into history? Should he ensure at least one respectable portrait? In any case, the verdict was clear. This was a heaven-sent opportunity. Ignoring this offer would be utter foolishness. The ambassador concluded his calculations in a blissful reverie.

I get what the crown prince is saying. Your intentions resonate deeply with me.

Is that so? Thats a relief.

Yes. So, in response to the crown princes request, as the one vested with Anbouazs diplomatic authority, if I may

Go ahead?

I believe we can view your request in a positive light.

Hmm, view it?

Raciels brow furrowed slightly. However, he wasnt disheartened in the slightest. This was a reaction he had fully predicted. Indeed, the ambassadors response was entirely anticipated.

Its not just anyone, but our princess whod be stationed in a foreign land for half a year. Even with diplomatic authority

Of course. You cant make that call on your own. I understand.

Yes, thank you for your understanding. I must confess, there are aspects that give me pause.

Whats worrying you?

Yes.

The ambassador nodded and proceeded cautiously.

I believe in the crown princes sincerity. I have faith and admiration for your audacious decision for the camaraderie of both nations. However Im uncertain if my lord and various ministers in my country will share that belief. No, I can only foresee skepticism.

Youre suggesting they wont buy into my intentions.

Unfortunately, yes.

The ambassadors response was sincere and tinged with regret. There was little to be done. This negotiation had the potential, if handled adeptly, to cement the future of both countries. It was a monumental deal that could elevate him to the status of a historical diplomat.

However, the crown princes request appeared somewhat excessive in practical terms. And that was a cause for concern. To request that the heir to the throne, the princess, stay in a foreign nation for half a year?

Objectively speaking It was an outrageous ask.

He personally believed in the crown princes sincerity and had calculated the long-term gains of embracing the request, but what about others The numerous officials in Anbouaz And his own ruler, the king.

Theyd likely scoff.

Emotional reactions could even arise, leading to a backlash that further soured relations between the two nations.

That was the ambassadors chief worry. He felt remorseful. It was a pity that people might not recognize the crown princes genuine earnestness. He desperately yearned for this negotiation to succeed. Hence, the pain was even more acute.

I wish there were a way for people to see that sincerity.

But no such solution came to mind.

And then, it happened.

Well, its all right. There is a way, you know.

As if reading the ambassadors thoughts, the crown prince offered a sly smile. As if it was no big deal. As if he had predicted this very reaction. He casually produced a sealed letter from his pocket.

Whats this

A letter for the King of Anbouaz.

To my lord?

Yes. Ive poured my sincerity into it. Please ensure its delivery.

That should do it.

This has to work.

Theres no room for doubt.

In this letter to the King of Anbouaz, because I expended my last remaining Deception Authorization Ticket on its contents.

Raciels bright smile glinted wickedly.

(To be Continued)

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