Translator: Nox

80 - The Crown I Will Take From You

80

Yeah. My expectations were right. My friend wasn't listening to me at all.

While Terrence sighed, Zeta answered.

"No. I understand the Princess has never left Baldina since she was born. The Grand Duke's visit to Baldina is also his first."

Yeah, right……. Cesare's fingers slowly tapped the table.

As his subordinate said, there was no way the two knew each other.

Iason even went so far as to ask Medeia's name. Like a clumsy womanizer who fell in love at first sight.

And the Princess…….

"No, I'm not going back."

When he laid the unconscious Medeia down, he heard a weak murmur.

Her eyes were tightly closed, and she struggled as if trying to escape a nightmare.

"Calm down, Princess. Can you hear me?"

The murmur that leaked out as she moved her lips was too weak. Cesare had to grab the struggling Princess's shoulders and press down on them.

"I won't be fooled again. Iason, never again……!"

Even after putting his ear close to her lips, he was just embarrassed. But he understood one thing for sure.

Iason. The name that flowed from the Princess's mouth was definitely Iason.

"So, she seemed to know him."

The index finger that had been tapping the table stopped and drew a slow circle on the wood grain.

"Well, her reaction was a bit strange? She's someone who wouldn't bat an eye no matter what happened until now."

Gallo also tilted his head. But Terrence still had a lukewarm expression.

"She must have recognized that they were the Kazen delegation. The delegation was supposed to arrive soon, but she might have been surprised to see them swaggering around Baldina like that. There are plenty of possibilities."

"Hmm, is that so. Well, the Princess, who needs support, might have been very worried."

No. It's not such a simple reason.

Cesare recalled the small face that was trembling like an aspen leaf.

After meeting Iason, the desperate plea that flashed through her green eyes, like a cornered little beast.

He was the only one who discovered the shock and anxiety contained within.

Even Iason himself was puzzled, not knowing the reason.

Then, Zeta brought more news.

"And Your Highness. The Fourth Princess's guards are looking for the Princess. It seems like they're trying to retaliate for what happened earlier, what should we do? Your Highness?"

In fact, it wasn't related to Facade, but Zeta was faithful to his master's order to report everything about the Princess.

"Send them back one by one."

Don't kill them, but cut off one of their limbs. So that they can return to the Fourth Princess alive.

"Boss, why are you trying to stir things up for no reason."

"I'm just giving a little lesson as an older brother."

Gallo and Terrence exchanged glances for a moment.

What lesson, if he hadn't said anything, he wouldn't have even cared if the Fourth Princess was alive or not.

"Anyway, he has a bad personality……."

Gallo muttered lowly.

\ \ \

Baldina Royal Palace.

"Your Highness, please wake up."

Medeia opened her eyes to the vibration of being gently shaken on the shoulder.

"You wouldn't wake up."

Neril looked at her with worried eyes.

Last night, the Princess, who was looking at the White Mansion moving away beyond the car window, was silent as if she was absorbed in something.

She wanted to ask what was wrong, but Neril stopped. Because there are days when silence is more comforting.

"Your Highness, are you alright?"

Medeia was relieved by the face full of respect and affection.

"……I had a dream."

Yeah, it's not real.

This is her reality now. The second chance that God gave her has not disappeared yet.

"I had a bit of a restless night last night."

"What kind of dream did you have to be so pale?"

Her back was wet and damp with cold sweat.

The memories of her past life that flashed by.

The clear malice that was clearly aiming for her beneath the surface of the water.

"It was a nightmare."

Never to return, never to repeat,

Just a nightmare in the middle of the night.

"You've been overdoing it lately, so it's understandable. But Your Highness, dreams are just dreams. Don't worry too much."

"That's right. Dreams are just dreams."

Medeia mechanically repeated Neril's words.

"I'll bring you some hot water, please don't come out yet as the air is still cold."

In the place where Neril left, Medeia raised her head. Dawn was breaking outside the window.

The Kazen delegation will arrive soon.

And he's coming.

"It's okay. It won't be repeated."

Medeia repeated.

The small murmur spreading over the cool morning air sounded eerie and desperate.

"It's different this time."

Veins stood out on the back of her hand, which was silently gripping the sheet tightly.

\ \ \

Baldina Royal Palace.

Under the clear sky, the sunlight was shining more intensely than ever.

Blinking their dazzling eyes, the Baldina nobles gathered in small groups at the entrance to the Royal Palace.

It was to welcome the arriving Imperial delegation.

Normally, they wouldn't have waited so diligently, but the Imperial delegation specifically designated this time.

As if the Baldina people had to endure this hardship and wait until they appeared.

"Your Highness. I'm glad you wore a veil. The sunlight is too strong."

"Yeah."

Today, only Medeia was the royal family member to welcome the delegation. Behind her, Ciseo was standing, rubbing his tired eyes.

The Queen Dowager, who hated the Kazen people, had locked the doors of the Queen Dowager's Palace early on. It was a fortunate thing.

If the Queen Dowager had known about this subtle harassment, she would have been furious and simply sent the delegation away.

"They're coming."

The Kazen Imperial Family's carriage was seen passing through the palace gate in the distance.

"Ahem, ahem!"

The Regent Duke quickly stood at the very front of the people.

The splendid gown he was wearing and the embroidery embroidered with gold thread shone brilliantly in the sunlight.

The Baldina officials stirred at the Regent Duke's excessive adornment.

"Your Highness, isn't gold thread a color that only His Majesty can use? The Regent Duke seems to think he's King."

"Shh."

Medeia warned Saya.

'The moon wanes when it is full.'

Even if she didn't say it out loud, the number of people who were dissatisfied with him was increasing.

Soon, the rattling carriage wheels stopped.

The door of the large carriage opened, and Count Kensington was the first to step onto the black carpet.

Escorted by her, the Princess got off.

"This is Angelique Graham Kazen, Fourth Princess of the Kazen Empire."

"Welcome, Your Highness."

The Regent Duke and his wife spread their arms and welcomed the delegation. The shape was quite like imitating the owner of the palace.

However, before even taking a step, the Fourth Princess Angelique first raised her head to look at the sky and said this.

"Eh heh heh……. Is this the Baldina Royal Palace?"

At the Princess's words, the Kazen people snorted in agreement, and scanned the palace with eyes full of contempt.

"It's this small? It's too cramped!"

The Princess's whispering voice was loud enough for anyone here to hear.

'If a mere young Princess is like this, how much are they looking down on our Baldina!'

The Baldina people swallowed their anger inside.

Count Kensington sighed. The immature Princess had ruined the start of the delegation, so it would be difficult to reverse it.

'It's going to be a long road.'

Just as the atmosphere between the two countries was only getting colder, a savior appeared.

"The Baldina Royal Palace has a high level of elegance."

It was Iason who got out of the following carriage.

"Isn't it a product of the high pride and courage of the land protected by the sage?"