Chapter 137:

Chapter 137:

Louismond elegantly raised the glass and savored its aroma.

The sweet fragrance that stimulated his sense of smell made him feel intoxicated already.

The sparkling dark red color of the wine in the transparent glass was also enticing.

The aroma is truly delightful.

Facing Buford, Louismond let out a bright smile.

Ive specially selected it. Its from last years batch, and I brought three more bottles, so youll have plenty to savor.

After saying so, Buford confidently brought the glass to his lips and took a sip.

The gaze that peeked through the glass caught Louismonds attention.

No matter how overtly he was urged, Louismond had the power to refuse.

As rude as it was to insist, he could reject impolitely, or even politely decline.

But Louismond didnt do any of that.

He looked at Buford and then tilted the glass he was holding, allowing the wine to flow.

Gulp.

The dark red wine smoothly streamed into his throat.

Its sweet and rich taste scratched his taste buds.

Oh This is undoubtedly an exquisite wine. It has a wonderful flavor.

Louismond, who had been rolling the wine in his mouth, smiled with a tinge of regret as he set the glass down.

But Im currently not feeling well. Ive been advised by my physician to refrain from drinking any more. Once I recover, I will savor this excellent wine slowly.

Oh, I see. Youre not feeling well? Its worrisome when you have national events to attend.

Haha. Ill be fine during the Coalition Conference week, so you dont have to worry. Well since youve come a long way, let me guide you to the castle.

Louismond, who had been smiling, stood up first and escorted him.

Following the courteous gesture, Buford neatly finished the remaining wine in his glass and placed it on the table.

Since you say so, you seem a bit tired. You should rest now.

As he rose from his seat, Louismond led Damon and the attendants towards the door.

Suddenly, at the door, Buford turned back and looked at Louismond.

His gaze focused on the table where Louismonds wine glass was placed, as if he were bidding farewell to Louismond, who stood upright to see him off.

The completely empty glass and the prince who bid him farewell with a smile.

Buford looked at Louismond with narrowed eyes, smirked, and greeted him.

Please I hope to see you safely at the Coalition Conference Ill take my leave now.

* * *

Thud.

The slowly closing door sealed shut completely.

Louismond stood in his place, staring at the closed door as if he were glued to it even after the prince of Akan had left.

When the outside presence had completely disappeared, he finally spoke.

Princess.

Only then did a woman in the attire of a maid, with her head lowered, raise her head from a corner of the reception room.

It was Janice, Princess of Naithan, wearing a maids head covering to conceal her short hair, with a pale and worried expression on her face.

She immediately rushed towards Louismond.

Are you alright?

Inside the reception room, there were several priests and mages dressed as maids and attendants. They had concealed their magical and divine powers and had been waiting, ready to approach Louismond at his signal.

Your Highness!

Look! Check on His Highnesss condition right away!

The previously frozen reception room suddenly became noisy.

Louismond, with a tired expression, sank onto the sofa and raised his hand, giving a command.

Theres nothing wrong, so all of you, leave. The princess and I have something to discuss.

But, Your Highness!

Dont worry unnecessarily. Im fine.

As if his head was hurting, Louismond lightly rubbed his forehead with his fingers and then looked at the attendants who hadnt left yet.

Why are you still here?

Louismond barely pushed the hesitant attendants out of the room.

Finally, only the princess and Louismond remained.

Come closer.

At his gesture, Janice approached him with a stern expression.

As he spoke, he unfastened the cufflink he was wearing on his wrist, revealing a pristine white skin that was unusually fair for a man.

As he rolled up his sleeve, a spot where the skin had turned pitch black became visible.

!

It was where he had already soaked it in holy water.

She couldnt help but notice the anger in his words.

Regardless of the size of their respective kingdoms, they were both royals who had carried the same weight throughout their lives.

She, the princess who had desperately fled until her tender feet were completely worn out, running all the way here to save her kingdom, couldnt be unaware.

Janice, who was silently gazing at Louismond, reached out and wiped his reddened eyes.

Your Highness, open your eyes clearly.

Although he felt a slight surprise at her unwavering touch, Janice didnt withdraw her hand.

Since we sailed together, we must win.

It was a gentle voice, but there was a chilling power within it.

The cold, soft hand that was cooling Louismonds heated eyes slowly descended.

And right in front of his eyes, there was a pair of violet eyes staring at him as if they were about to engulf him.

They were so close. Too close.

From a distance where rhey would touch with just a slight movement, Janice pursed her lips.

Until your victory becomes my victory, I will definitely protect you.

Her firm violet eyes were piercing Louismonds blue eyes.

I will assist you and dedicate myself to you, so Your Highness must win without fail.

At that moment, Louismond realized that he was being engulfed by a massive wave.

He knew he was being swallowed up, but he couldnt possibly stop it.

Ah, what should I do

Those violet eyes.

Those pupils, that gaze, kept arousing his greed.

It was absurd, really.

* * *

The capital was right in front of them.

Kalia and her party had arrived at a place where they could reach the palace well before noon the next day.

Before their final move, Kalia grabbed Simon and once again asked to go see the fairy tree.

Simon refused, worried that using the power of purification would be too much, but he couldnt break Kalias stubbornness.

In addition, Sasha, who had been sleeping, woke up and clung to Simons head.

And then, Drea, who had been sleeping next to Sasha, also woke up and clung to Kalias shoulder.

Xia!

Haha. Abuu!

It was a torch tied to Simons head without knowing where it was going.

These stubborn kids, seriously

Simon glanced at Kalia, Sasha, and Drea in turn, as if expressing his exhaustion.

Regardless of being adults or children, none of them listened.

But they were not people who could easily be swayed by his displeased gaze.

It turns out that our son takes after his mothers stubbornness, huh? Hmm?

Just like his father, huh?

What did you say?

I didnt say anything. Lets go quickly. We have to meet His Highness in a few hours, so we cant look too tired.

Fine, I wonder if I can beat you.

Well, hes not going to fight, itll be fine if its just a short visit.

As if giving up, Simon reached out and firmly held Kalias hand.

That was the signal.

In an instant, the bodies of the two adults and the bodies hanging from their heads and shoulders, the babies, moved through space.

* * *

She closed her eyes for a moment and opened them, but the air felt different.

Awakening to the cool scent of dawn, Kalia opened her eyes.

She saw a towering and rugged giant tree. The surroundings had also become much cleaner.

Perhaps it was just a feeling, but the tree seemed more vibrant than when she saw it in the daytime.

I was so distracted during the day before.

She took out a small glass bottle from deep in her pocket.

So, I didnt have time to return this to you.

It originally belonged to you, so Ill return it to you.

Kalia whispered in her heart as she removed the cork from the glass bottle.

And she slowly circled it around the tree.

Shha

A dry branch swayed in the windless square.