75 - The Crown I Will Take From You
75
Everyone in the room froze at his action.
Except for two people: Cesare and Medeia.
Has the Hydra's poison spread to his brain? Gallo wondered, his mouth agape.
Neril's hand flew to his sword hilt, but he lowered his arm, sensing his master's unwavering gaze.
"Do you even realize that I am royalty?"
Medeia slapped away his insolent hand.
"Forgive my vulgarity, but I am not well-versed in matters of social standing."
Cesare replied with a straight face.
"I wondered what you were up to, suddenly badgering Pierre to prepare something from this morning, despite your dislike for sweets… And you even told him to add World Tree Sap, didn't you?"
"Don't make a fuss."
"Don't you think you're the one being fussy?"
The pie on the table was made by the continent's most renowned chef. Cesare, with his particular tastes, didn't keep just anyone by his side.
Moreover, World Tree Sap only grew in the infamous Forest of Darkness.
It was so rare that a palm-sized bottle could fetch thousands of gold coins.
But it was the best tonic for replenishing nutrients and boosting stamina, with no substitute that could match it.
"Princess, it's just three bites. That's enough to have my mercenaries burn the Rasai Tribe's provisions. Even the Kazen Emperor can't be more generous than I am."
"You really aren't in your right mind most of the time, are you?"
Such an absurd demand, considering the military implications.
"Think of the efficiency. Will you pass it up?"
Medeia frowned.
"No matter who you choose, no one can handle it as reliably as we can."
Medeia stared at him. Cesare met her gaze.
His dark eyes, sparkling yet holding a chilling coldness, revealed no falsehood in their gaze, as if they wouldn't tolerate even a speck of filth.
Right, now is not the time to engage in pointless power struggles with Facade.
If she could burn the Rasai Tribe's provisions even a day sooner, then indulging this eccentric arms dealer's whims was nothing.
Medeia sighed and swallowed what was in her mouth.
The sweet, soft custard passed down her throat in an instant. A fleeting softness crossed Cesare's eyes without him even realizing it.
Medeia put down her fork.
"Are you satisfied?"
A smile seemed to bloom between her faintly upturned lips, only to vanish as quickly as it appeared.
"Ten days. I'll deliver the results within that time."
Medeia inhaled silently.
Ten days? Was it even possible in such a short time?
"Don't worry, Princess. It will be done as you wish."
As if sensing her doubt, an arrogant voice, devoid of any hesitation, replied.
"There is no such thing as impossible when I am involved."
"…I'll await your reply."
Medeia rose from her seat.
A reply meant that they would not meet face-to-face again.
Cesare's eyes held a smile that didn't quite reach his lips at her resolute words, which left no room for further contact.
"……."
Silence didn't always mean agreement.
\ \ \
"Are you really going to help the Princess strike the Rasai Tribe?"
Terrence, who had been listening to their conversation from the next room, walked out with a troubled expression after the Princess had left.
"Why not?"
Cesare shrugged.
"I owe her my life, so lending her my reputation is the least I can do."
Terrence raised an eyebrow at his nonchalant reply.
"Have you forgotten that you are the Grand Prince of Kazen, an enemy nation? If Baldina wins the war on the plains because of this, it won't be good for Kazen."
"No, Terrence."
Cesare corrected him.
"It won't be good for my father. I need the Princess and the Baldina Royal Palace."
"You need Baldina? What does that…"
Terrence couldn't understand. Just then, something flew in front of his eyes.
A torn page from an ancient book fluttered down.
"This is… the Sage's Book you found that day, isn't it?"
Terrence's eyes widened as he read the ancient text on the corner of the page.
…I pleaded with the Goddess, and finally, I was granted permission. I hid the Goddess's secret technique to banish the wicked darkness in the house of my descendants. In the most powerful and secret space that no one can easily find.
"The Morning Dewdrop is in the Baldina Royal Palace? But we don't know exactly where in the palace it is?"
"No. This is the only clue from the book."
Only then did Terrence understand why he needed the Princess and the Baldina Royal Palace.
If Facade wants to search for the Morning Dewdrop in the palace, they need their cooperation.
If they could find the Dewdrop and remove Cesare's curse, then briefly becoming the royal family's refuge was no problem at all.
"The Princess might also know about the Dewdrop."
That was why he was helping her. Terrence was about to nod when he paused and asked.
"Is that really all there is to it?"
Cesare looked back at him as if asking what he meant.
"Don't try to deceive me with any excuses. It's not like you. You deliberately let the Hydra bite you, and you let the Princess live even after she found out your identity. Since when has His Highness been so generous?"
Terrence looked down at the pile of desserts on the table mockingly.
"Gallo said you even politely offered it to the Princess's mouth with both hands, didn't you? I hope that's not true."
"……."
Gallo, who had been shifting his gaze between the two, quickly replied.
"Leave me out of this, please!"
Should I kill them both?* Cesare's fist twitched beneath his sleeve.
