Chapter 143: What is the Price?

Chapter 143: What is the Price?

Do you truly intend to make it happen for me?

Leonic flinched without realizing it.

Hes going to set me free? Is he really planning to do it?

No, it was more than just a glimmer of hope.

He may have lost his position as the Crown Prince to the Second Prince, but he believed that if he returned now, he could regain that position.

Excitement tinged his voice as he eagerly asked Ian, Will you truly allow me to go back?

His heart raced with anticipation, and his eyes bore an impatient gaze, silently urging Ian to grant his request.

Ian chuckled at the sight before him.

No, am I foolish enough to release the fish Ive caught?

!

For a moment, Leonic was speechless.

He quickly grasped the situation. Then, seeing Ians eyes as if he was making fun of him, he abruptly rose from his seat.

So, you were just playing with me!

Bang!

He was so agitated that the chair toppled over.

But it was that moment.

Slam!

Before Leonic could fully stand up, a sword swiftly flew towards him.

In an instant, the sharp blade was positioned inches away from his neck and chest.

Why dont you remain seated, former crown prince?

I will not tolerate any disrespectful behavior towards Prince Ian.

They were knights.

And to some, it would have seemed as if the knights momentum stopped the crown prince in his tracks.

However, Leonic was frozen for a different reason.

This guy. When did he

Clang.

Before he knew it, a sword was vibrating before his eyes.

The problem was Ian, the swords owner.

His intimidating gaze, which seemed to overwhelm him, was also a problem.

When did he draw the sword?

He didnt even hear the sound of the sword being drawn.

No, he didnt even see the motion of grabbing the sword right in front of him.

Ians skill surpassed Leonics exceptional swordsmanship, evading his keen senses.

Ians sword was so stealthy and swift.

But for the other knights, it was a natural sight.

Our prince never misses a day of training. His growth rate is astonishing.

Lately, hes been able to graze my body with a sword. If hes my disciple, he should naturally be able to do this much.

Ian seemed to consider Patience as an additional strength.

He continued to train without change.

His efforts, passion, and talent were acknowledged by Galon and Nathan.

It was only natural for him to surpass Leonic, whose body had grown stiff due to his imprisonment.

But regardless.

Ian casually sheathed his sword and took a seat.

Leonic flinched slightly as Ians gaze made him feel like a mere subject.

He was still in an awkward position.

Seeing this, Ian spoke in a cool voice.

Why dont you sit down? Your legs look sore.

My legs are only

Return to your seat, Ian ordered, his voice sounding like a low growl.

Under his pressure, Leonic unknowingly had to return to his original seat. Seeing this, the knights put away their swords and returned to their positions.

But Leonic shouted as if he would not lose.

I am the former crown prince of the Cantum Empire. If you think you can intimidate me into submission, youre mistaken. I wont lie down like a dog.

Threats? I have no such intentions.

Then what do you mean by toying with me like this?

I thought I could help you.

If this is some kind of joke, Im tired of it. Get to the point.

Ian smiled like a bad boy.

Ill give you what you need right now.

What I need right now is your neck, though.

Well, that poses a bit of a problem. This neck is quite valuable. How about something else? Ian suggested as he moved closer to Leonic.

The reason the Second Prince was able to take your place is because of Leonic Kahn. Its because you were absent.Ne/w novel chapters are published on no/vel(/bin(.)co/m

And youre telling me this now?

Im serious. Without you, Cantum began to crumble.

?

Leonic looked at Ian as if asking what he was talking about.

But he was serious.

Hes not someone to be underestimated just because hes caught by me.

Leonic had overwhelmingly suppressed dozens of nobles and taken the position of Crown Prince.

He possessed exceptional swordsmanship skills, a keen political sense, and even led factions. If he hadnt been captured, he would have easily ascended to the throne and waged wars across the continent.

But hes too talented, which is a problem.

Cantum is a great empire.

In such an empire, the crown princes supporters were bound to be numerous.

And Leonic skillfully balanced the power, ensuring that only he could stand above them all.

Thats where the problem arose.

When the Crown Prince was captured by Kaistein, the lower ranks started fighting among themselves, oblivious to their own interests.

Ian said, calmly sipping his tea.

He cautiously called the priest behind him.

Did you send the letter I told you to send?

Yes, of course. It should have arrived by now.

There shouldnt be any issues, right?

The Second Prince of Cantum, or should I say the Crown Prince, has taken all the necessary measures to act as soon as he receives the letter.

Well done.

The Second Prince of Cantum was receiving support from the organization.

Moreover, by becoming the Crown Prince after the downfall of the former Crown Prince, he gained control over the military power.

He will be compelled to launch an attack on Bahara.

If Bahara was under attack, King Ian would have no choice but to return.

Failure to do so would pose a significant problem.

A king who neglects his people can never be forgiven.

Even Bahara, a country of warriors, would never forgive a king who disregards his homeland for the throne of Kaistein.

This was especially true considering Baharas history of beheading kings who fled from enemy attacks with an axe.

However, Cesares expression was not good.

This alone is not enough.

Currently, the Seventh Prince Ian is receiving overwhelming support from the knights and the people.

All of that support needed to be severed.

The great power of Kaistein, Garcia, cannot move at the moment. Lavaltor is on his side.

If that was the case, it was time for him to use the influence he had built up for a long time.

Being a descendant of the Adria Dukedom.

Cesare asked the Marquis of Adelas.

Marquis. Do you remember that I was once a member of the Adria Dukedom?

Huh I am well aware.

Marquis Adelas suddenly frowned, wondering why he was bringing up this topic.

Discussing such matters within the royal family carried some risk.

Nonetheless, Cesare smiled.

As you know, Adria Dukes family was wiped out due to false accusations. How do you feel about reinstating that family now?

Hmmm.

Under the gaze of the Marquis Adelas, Cesare whispered quietly.

If the Adria dukedom were to be revived I would be the only surviving member of that bloodline, wouldnt I? Perhaps it would be better for me, as a noble of the Adria lineage, to marry the First Princess rather than a mere commoner.

But that is

The Marquis cant handle Cesare.

Marquis Adelas kept his mouth shut, as if he could never allow that.

But Cesares words were like the whispers of a snake.

Dont worry. Even if I were to become a duke, would I ever forget Marquis Adelas, who has supported me?

Hmm

In that case, how about I accept the Marquiss child as my adopted son?

!

Marquis Adelas eyes widened, and for the first time, a smile graced his lips.

You cant possibly mean to make my child the next duke

I simply seek the rightful position as the husband of the First Princess. Everything else shall be returned to you, Marquis.

The Marquis of Adelas was in deep thought.

Even though it would be Adria Dukes family name instead of Adelas.

One of my descendants will become a duke?

For Marquis Adelas, who had always dreamed of being a duke, it was an irresistible deal.

At the very least, with the revival of the Adria dukedom, he would have the pretext to reign in other dukes, perhaps even toppling them if necessary.

The Marquis of Adelas could become a duke.

His eldest son would be the Duke of Adelas.

The other son is the Duke of Adria.

Both dukes could fall into the hands of Marquis Adelas.

So, his eyes began to fill with greed.

Today, I will subtly test the waters with His Majesty.

Well thought out.

That was when Cesare smiled sinisterly.

It was that moment.

His Majesty has refused an audience.

What? Why?

Marquis Adelas was genuinely perplexed.

He needed to discuss the betrothal of the First Princess and Cardinal Cesare, as well as the Adria Dukedom.

Seeking clarification, he turned to the chamberlain for answers.

However, just as he was about to voice his concerns

The audience is not of immediate importance! Theres a civil war! A civil war has erupted in Cantum.

What?

There was a civil war in the neighboring empire of Kaistein.

But that was not the only issue.

The Crown Prince of Cantum has requested support from Kaistein. This is an order for all ministers to gather together for this matter.

The betrothal was no longer important.

It was time to prioritize ending the civil war in Cantum.

But a problem arose.

Prince Ian is currently in an audience with His Majesty.

What

He is requesting His Majestys approval for the betrothal between the First Princess and the former Crown Prince of Cantum.

What?

The situation was becoming increasingly bizarre.