Chapter 150

Chapter 150

Beneath a brilliant chandelier, an even more radiant smile graced the scene. A lavish banquet unfolded within the opulent halls of the Second Princes Palace. The hearts of the many fortunate invitees throbbed with anticipation as they gathered in the grand hall. Princesses hailing from kingdoms, duchies, and small states across the continent had converged here, accompanied by ladies from noble lineages.New novel chapters are published on

Each attendee had endured a rigorous selection process, embarking on journeys spanning hundreds to over a thousand kilometers. Their eyes gleamed with pride, having successfully secured a coveted spot among the fiercely competitive 50-person, first-come-first-served selection.

Yet, curiosity swirled within them.

What manner of man is the Crown Prince of Magentano?

These rumors had circulated for some time.

The Crown Prince, plagued by illness since birth and seemingly beyond hope, had garnered little attention until recently. This indifference extended to the young ladies assembled in the palace. He had been treated as though he were already deceased or nonexistent. That was the case until a startling rumor began to circulate.

Is it true that he appeared on the battlefield and bested a swordmaster? Could those tales of his frailty be a faade? Might the Crown Prince be a humble soul who concealed his capabilities?

I heard he recently established a clinic in the Star Palace and tends to the infirm free of charge. He must possess great compassion.

Before arriving here, I found it peculiar that the banquet was hosted in the Second Princes Palace instead of the Star Palace. Now it becomes clear; the Crown Prince likely wished for the patients in the Star Palace to rest in comfort. How considerate he must be!

and so forth. A myriad of fantasies played out vividly in their minds, akin to 8K videos.

As they eagerly awaited the Crown Princes arrival, their imaginations had swiftly painted Raciel Adria Magentano as the embodiment of an ideal man, blending courage, compassion, and thoughtfulness.

Then, in that very moment, the melodious strains of the orchestra ceased.

We extend our gratitude to all who have gathered today. It is our pleasure to announce the entrance of the Imperial Crown Prince, Raciel Adria Magentano.

The formal proclamation by the master of ceremonies at the Second Princes Palace resounded in everyones ears. The orchestra resumed, flooding the main hall with a majestic, resonant, and splendid melody that stirred the hearts of the assembled ladies.

At last, the doors swung open.

The womens eyes shone like ultra-bright spotlights, fixated on the open doorway. Finally, the days protagonist made his grand entrance.

Leaning upon a cane, with a pallid countenance and unsteady legs

Uh-huh~

.

The moment a groan reminiscent of an elderly man escaped Raciels lips. The instant he took his initial shaky step upon the crimson carpet.

A hushed stillness descended upon the room.

Yet, Raciel remained undeterred.

Ah, my legs, uh-uh.

Tap, tap.

He advanced painstakingly, his frail frame quivering. His gait covered no more than about 10 centimeters. It consumed a significant amount of time to traverse even that short distance. His steps were unsteady, akin to a 90-year-old man on the brink of collapse, were it not for the cane.

On the contrary, the music that had been filling the main hall remained majestic. The melody, capturing the grandeur of a ruler and the daring charisma of a young influential figure, was on the verge of resonating in their hearts but then, it abruptly dissipated.

It was all due to Raciels entrance.

What is that?

Princesses from various countries, along with young ladies from noble families, collectively wondered. Something seemed amiss. There had to be some trickery orchestrated by the event organizers.

This was because Crown Prince Raciels appearance was shockingly different!

A cane?

Does he require it for walking?

Why is he moving like that? What happened to him?

Is he truly the Crown Prince?

Really?

Question marks filled the minds of everyone present. The excitement that had initially filled the ladies hearts transformed into a full-blown shock.

They had no choice but to react this way.

Ah, my legs pant, pant.

After covering a mere 3 meters on the red carpet, Raciel halted. He took deep breaths as he straightened his back, his actions resembling those of an elderly man taking a leisurely stroll to a mountain spring.

His appearance grew even more pitiable.

His silver hair lacked its usual luster. Both of his cheeks appeared sunken. His eyes were in an even worse state; they were completely overshadowed by dark circles, as if he were a skeletal figure. His complexion was so pallid that he could easily blend in at a funeral home. In fact, there was not a trace of vitality to be seen.

Furthermore, what about the wrist that barely peeked out from beneath his elaborately adorned attire? It consisted of nothing but bones and skin. Even his posture was hunched, and his knees trembled like a Chihuahuas front legs placed on an eternal snow-covered mountain!

What is this? Is this real?

Could this not be a dream?

Did I endure all this trouble to come here just to encounter such an individual?

Are you kidding me?

The rosy illusions that had adorned the 50 ladies perceptions were instantly shattered. Everyone involuntarily shivered as if doused with icy water. How could they not? The Crown Princes appearance was utterly shocking, to the point of seeming deceptive.

Given the impression I presented today, they probably concluded that theres no future with me.

Who would believe Im healthy, considering how frailly I behaved? They likely assumed that the rumors about my exploits in Anbouaz were exaggerated or false.

Furthermore, they probably surmised that I wont live long.

And naturally?

Interest shifted toward the Second Prince. Thats logical. They would calculate that if he ascended, the Second Prince would be next in line for the throne.

Excellent. Perfect.

He intentionally set the stage for this reaction. He orchestrated the situation to make the Second Prince shine even brighter in comparison to himself. A successful strategy. He felt quite content.

Should I gracefully step aside now?

Awkwardness had no place here. Just as a matchmaker must depart at the perfect moment, he needed to make way so that the ladies flocking to the Second Prince could do so without hesitation. History(?) could take its course.

Ill be back in a moment.

Raciel glanced over at Demian, and Demian furrowed his brow slightly.

Where are you headed?

Just taking a short break. Care to join?

Yes.

Take a seat. Ill order a drink for myself.

Understood. Go ahead.

Leaving Demian behind, Raciel quietly vacated his seat. He didnt go far, just out onto a terrace adjacent to the banquet hall.

Phew.

After spending time in the noisy interior, the cool air on the terrace felt revitalizing. The brisk night breeze was oddly refreshing. When had he last enjoyed a peaceful moment like this alone?

Ive been incredibly busy for the past three months.

Since returning from Anbouaz, he had to reestablish the neglected Star Palace Clinic, oversee the Second Princes diet, and prepare for this banquet. It had been a hectic three months. He couldnt even recall the last time he had gazed up at the night sky like this.

And speaking of which, when was the last time someone had held a dagger to his throat?

Hush. Stay quiet.

A sudden chill grazed his neck, accompanied by an even colder voice.

Raciel immediately froze. He shifted his eyes to the side to assess the situation. A pointy-eared woman he had never seen before held a dagger to his neck.

What is this?

Could she be an elf?

But why would an elf point a dagger at him? It was absurd.

Stepping out for a breather on the terrace during a banquet, and then an incident like this happening, in the heart of the Second Princes palace with its formidable security, seemed excessively clichd.

Despite his reservations, the elf woman, poised to unsheathe her dagger, questioned him with emotionless eyes.

Young human, answer me truthfully. Have you recently ignited a fire?

Recently?

No rhetorical questions. Just answer.

He swallowed nervously. It didnt appear to be a joke, so he hesitated. Recently? Had he set a fire? After a brief reflection, his response emerged.

Not recently?

A falsehood.

Her gaze grew even colder.

Recently, as in about six months ago, did you not ignite a fire in a forest where the Apfros nest was?

Huh?

That was considered recent?

Wasnt that an incident from ages ago?

Perplexed, Raciel had to inquire further.

(To be Continued)

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