Chapter 90

Chapter 90

How was it? Did the talks go as you expected?

Well, okay, I guess?

Right after leaving the conference room, Raciel heard a voice. It was Demian, who was coming over and asking him. Raciel gave a slight smile.

Thankfully, Ambassador Anbouaz really understood how sincere I was.nove(l)bi(n.)com

Your Majestys sincerity you mean?

Yes.

What sort of sincerity did you display?

I expressed my genuine desire for mutual respect and peace.

So, you werent actually aiming to take advantage and deceive?

Come on, what do you think of me?

The dishonest boss who still hasnt paid the hazard pay you promised back in Cremo

What?

Raciel stopped, looking at Demian with a flushed face.

I havent paid it yet? I didnt?

Yes.

You said youd pay it as soon as we got back to Star Palace, but you havent brought it up since.

Um, well, sorry. I had a lot on my mind.

That was true. Upon returning to Star Palace, he immediately had to oversee the Star Palace Clinic, and then the Emperor fell ill. He had been completely distracted managing the situation.

But it was also true that he had forgotten about the promised hazard pay. There wasnt really a valid excuse.

I did notice he seemed a bit off today, and now I know why.

Raciel glanced at Demian, who suddenly spoke up.

Its fine. No need to worry.

Even though he said it was fine, his expression seemed to suggest otherwise. Was he bothered? Raciel offered a somewhat awkward smile.

I apologize for that. Once were back at the palace, Ill make sure your payment is arranged. And, well

Is there something else you require, Your Highness?

Yes.

Raciel nodded.

He had successfully convinced Ambassador Anbouaz, and he had also dispatched a letter along with the Deception Authorization Ticket to the King of Anbouaz. The matter of the Anbouaz princess was also on its way to being resolved. Things were falling into place as he had intended. There was no need to worry about that aspect for the time being.

So, what now?

I need to attend to the Emperor.

Its so busy, incredibly busy.

Suppressing a sigh, Raciel leaned closer to Demian and lowered his voice.

Today, a highly important patient will be admitted to the palace.

Yes?

Shh. Keep your voice down. Make sure no one overhears.

Who is this patient that requires such secrecy?

His Majesty the Emperor.

Therefore, head back to the palace first.

Should I ready the special guards for potential emergencies?

Yes. Thats right.

I comprehend.

Demian nodded, and Raciel whispered with a faint smile.

Ive noticed youve been dedicating yourself to training lately. I apologize for the disruption.

Its alright. Protecting important individuals is my main responsibility, after all.

A bitter smile crept onto the corner of Demians lips. Indeed, he had intensified his training recently. Aside from his escort duties, he practically resided within the palace training grounds.

The reasoning was straightforward.

He was confronting his own limitations.

Back in Cremo. I didnt anticipate encountering such a wall.

Even though the Magentano Empire might hold dominance on the continent, even though Anbouazs strength might not yet match theirs, there was no necessity to compromise pride and resort to demeaning diplomacy. Princess Adelines expression revealed a blend of annoyance and exasperation as she gazed at the king.

Only then did the king speak.

Adeline, my only daughter.

Yes, Your Majesty.

Do you truly believe that I arrived at this decision solely due to yielding to Magentanos pressure, without any rationale?

Well

I suppose you do. No wonder comprehending my choice is difficult for you.

Adeline fell silent.

Her attention shifted to the kings hand. Within his grasp lay a letter a personal letter from the crown prince of the Magentano Empire, Raciel Adria Magentano, addressed to the king.

What could be within that letter

What prompted the king to make such an perplexing decision? Did the crown prince of Magentano detect some vulnerability in the king? Or was there a form of threat that eluded her imagination? A threat that induced the steadfast king to acquiesce so effortlessly to the crown princes demand.

Im curious.

She couldnt suppress her concerns.

If only she could catch a glimpse of the contents.

Yet whether the king was privy to his daughters thoughts or not, he neatly folded the letter and tucked it close to his chest. Then, he regarded his daughter with a significant look.

I understand the difficulty in embracing this. I sense your frustration. I also recognize your lack of comprehension regarding your fathers decision, leading you to wish to protest. Nevertheless, I assure you, the day will come when youll fully comprehend and value the choice Ive made.

What are you implying

That question will be addressed in due time. I will not entertain your objections any longer.

But, Your Majesty, I

Enough. That concludes it.

The kings decisive command was final.

He swallowed a pang of regret.

Im sorry. Yet this is the path for you and the kingdom.

Suddenly, the handwritten letter from the crown prince of Magentano resurfaced in his memory. The content was astonishingly straightforward.

[Dear Father-in-law, kindly give me your daughter!]

Normally, he would have dismissed such absurdity. It was preposterous; his ire would have surged. But circumstances had altered.

Ding dong!

[The Deception Authorization Ticket has been successfully employed.]

[Target: King Merovingian fully believes the letters content.]

At that precise moment, an alert chimed.

The king pronounced solemnly.

In the name of the king, I hereby decree. My daughter and future heiress to the throne, Adeline Boarne Anbouaz, shall promptly journey to the Magentano Empire and remain there for six months.

Ah, Father?

Execute the directive.

There was no space for dispute.

The royal guards encircling the princess secured her arms. Naturally, a princess well-versed in martial arts wasnt about to let it happen without resistance.

Thud! Thwack!

Her fists and elbows struck with force. The royal guards faltered. However, it was too late. Prompted by the kings signal, the court magician cast a potent binding spell on the princess.

Ugh! Ugh!

The writhing princess was rapidly moved outdoors. She was escorted into a waiting carriage.

Lets depart.

The kings directive resounded. The carriage and attendants were set into motion. From within the carriage, the sounds of the princesss desperate pleas echoed.

Father! Father!

Thump! Thud! Thump!

Her weighty blows reverberated, causing the carriage to tremble. Yet dismantling the triple-layer protection spell surrounding the carriage proved insurmountable.

And so, the princess of Anbouaz, Adeline, found herself being forcibly transported to the Magentano capital against her wishes.

(To be Continued)

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