89 - The Crown I Will Take From You
Chapter 89
The Princess, who could shake even Kensington's mind, which was adept at discerning people, was still setting traps to ensnare the Kazen delegation.
A tension arose, as if walking a tightrope through the eye of a storm that could erupt at any moment.
It was hard to believe she was younger than Princess Angelique.
Especially when looking at the immature Princess standing before her now, the comparison was even greater.
“Can a relationship between lord and subject be maintained with unilateral loyalty? Kensington, you need to find a better master.”
A shred of resentment left in her heart dissolved into the pain remaining on her cheek, freezing Kensington's heart.
‘Whatever will be, will be. I'm washing my hands of this.’
Kensington gave up trying to persuade the Fourth Princess or the delegation members. It was unlike her.
Perhaps what the Princess had told her before wasn't just a rumor.
Even if she were loyal to the Emperor of Kazen, she would be cast aside if things went wrong, just like with the Fourth Princess—it was like a premonition.
Seeds of anxiety and doubt were planted in Kensington's noble heart.
Only she was unaware of it yet.
\ \ \
“Done? Can you believe me now? If you back out now, I won't let you off.”
The Fourth Princess, who had stamped the Seal with a flourish, lifted her chin triumphantly.
Medeia turned her head instead of answering.
Her green gaze turned to Iason, who was standing beyond the Princess's shoulder.
“Grand Duke Iason Castulo.”
Iason, who had been watching Kensington's reaction, was startled when his name was suddenly called and turned his head.
“I hope that Your Grace, a noble of the Kazen Imperial Family, will guarantee the results as the judge of this duel.”
The Princess of Baldina was looking at him.
“Your Grace's fair and just reputation is well known here in Baldina, so I trust that you will preside over this duel fairly and without wavering.”
A soft voice. Eyes that seemed to admire him.
The cold demeanor that had ignored him until now was gone, and her changed attitude was like a soft spring breeze caressing his cheeks.
It was as if he had a sweet candy in his mouth, and a sweet taste lingered in his mouth.
Iason couldn't come to his senses from the sudden change.
“May I ask this of Your Grace?”
A small, soft face, like a fawn cornered, looked at him as if begging for salvation.
A joy that Iason didn't even know he had welled up in his heart.
Besides, didn't the Princess defend Iason, who had been unfairly deprived of the throne, and criticize his uncle?
Even now, she praised him as the legitimate heir of the noble Imperial Family.
‘The Princess had feelings for me too. That's why she's asking me for help. Among the Kazen people, I'm the most friendly to Baldina, so as a Princess, she has no choice but to rely on me.’
In any case, the outcome of this bet was clear.
If Medeia lost, he could step in and pretend to be flexible with the relief efforts, which would earn him points with the Baldina side.
Originally, this role was supposed to be given to the Regent Duke, but since the situation had changed, it was right for him to take on the role.
“How can I refuse the Princess's request? I, Iason Landel Castulo, guarantee in my name that this bet will be conducted fairly.”
Iason puffed out his chest and said proudly.
Then, as if swearing an oath, he voluntarily brought the Castulo Seal and stamped it on the guarantee.
“I know it was a difficult decision. Thank you, Your Grace.”
“It is to fulfill my duty as a member of the Kazen Imperial Family without shame, so I hope the Princess will refrain from excessive courtesy.”
When the Princess expressed her gratitude in a low voice, he was intoxicated with the feeling of being a hero saving a damsel in distress.
That's why he didn't see it. The Princess's eyes, which flashed coldly the moment Iason agreed.
“Hmph. Since we have the fair and just Iason oppa, I can rest assured as well. I don't have to worry about being subjected to cowardly tactics on Baldina's soil.”
Unlike her words, the Fourth Princess snorted.
She found it amusing that he was trying to act like an elder, puffed up with pride because the Princess of Baldina was taking his side.
‘What does it matter if he's the Late King's son? My Imperial Father is the master of the Empire now.’
Even so, the Fourth Princess, who did not forget to disparage Baldina until the end, looked at Medeia with confidence.
“Okay, then let's prepare right away. Princess?”
“I'll change my clothes and see you then.”
Medeia answered calmly.
\ \ \
The Queen Dowager was shocked.
“Medeia, why on earth did you agree to the bet! You reckless thing! No matter how much you wanted to repay them for insulting your father, you shouldn't have rushed in so recklessly!”
During the short time she had to prepare for the duel, she personally visited Medeia and scolded her sharply.
“Now that relief supplies are at stake, this duel is no longer just your own affair! How can you bear the resentment and hatred of the starving people!”
However, this time, rather than just anger, there was a deep concern for Medeia.
Moreover, the Queen Dowager was not only worried about not receiving Kazen's aid because of Medeia.
Her eldest granddaughter's safety was at risk.
“I'll meet the Princess right now and have her cancel the duel. There's no way that cunning thing will send you back unharmed.”
“Grandmother. Both she and I have already stamped our Seals on the pledge, so the duel cannot be avoided.”
Medeia supported her and covered her wrinkled hands.
“Kazen's arrogance has gone too far. Since no one stops them, they are now even insulting the Late King of a country. Someone has to correct that flow.”
“It doesn't have to be you, a child! Even older and more experienced vassals are being cautious, so what are you doing, jumping into the fire without fear!”
The Queen Dowager sighed. Disappointed in her second son, who was just rolling his eyes next to her.
‘But Joaquin, that child didn't even think about stepping up even though his brother was insulted.’
Medeia replied calmly.
“What you're worried about won't happen.”
“……Do you even have the confidence to win?”
“My father and Peleus are among the best swordsmen on the continent, so wouldn't I have their blood?”
It was an uncharacteristic, playful tone that reminded her of the young Medeia from a long time ago.
“Medeia!”
The Queen Dowager, who had paused, grabbed her granddaughter, who was about to change into armor and return to the banquet hall.
“It's okay if you lose, just don't get hurt. This grandmother will protect you no matter what, so don't risk trying to win. Do you understand?”
“…….”
Medeia looked down at the wrinkled hand holding her arm. A fleeting regret flashed in her green eyes.
Instead of answering, she gave a faint smile and turned away.
“God…….”
Please don't take even that child away from this old woman.
The Queen Dowager murmured silently.
\ \ *
Baldina Royal Palace.
A space for the duel was created in the very center of the spacious banquet hall.
Soon, Medeia appeared, wearing armor.
The Princess's unfamiliar appearance, having thrown off her dress, was a first even for the Baldina people.
The Fourth Princess, standing opposite her, deliberately swung her sword around as if checking it.
Each movement was threatening, as if the rumors of her being an excellent swordsman were not false.
Finally, Medeia and the Fourth Princess stood facing each other at opposite ends of the space.
“Today, under the light of Saint Algera, we hold the contest between the two, may the venerable God watch over us.”
Iason also took his place as a judge.
A neat tone, a refined voice. A fair attitude that did not seem to lean to either side.
In the eyes of the Baldina people, Iason seemed like the best option among the biased Kazen people.
Iason's shoulders rose as he felt their gaze. Among the audience watching him were the leader of Facade and a mercenary.
‘I made eye contact with the leader earlier, but he just passed me by.’
At least the Fourth Princess was willing to deal with him, but Iason was treated like an invisible man.
Since arriving in Baldina, he had sent messages to his subordinates to try to establish connections with them, but Facade remained silent.
‘Facade, when I become Emperor, you won't be able to hold your heads up like that.’
A vile emotion stirred deep within Iason's heart.
“Boss, who do you think will win?”
Meanwhile, Gallo, who was sitting on the railing of the banquet hall and watching their duel, had an interested look in his eyes.
“Judging by the way the Princess knocked away the Dagger back then, it seems like she's hiding her skills, but the Fourth Princess is no pushover either, so it's hard to pick a side.”
His eyes sparkled.
“Anyway, watching the Princess of Baldina will never be boring. Did you see her provoke the Princess earlier and make her write a guarantee?”
Gallo thought that Angelique was no match for Medeia in terms of strategy, even if he didn't know about her martial arts.
“Besides, that idiot over there doesn't even know that the Princess is deliberately dragging him in, and he's so excited.”
Iason did not hide his presence more than ever.
He seemed very satisfied with the situation, taking the spotlight as the main character of this event.
“Yeah.”
An answer flew back for the first time from under the white half-mask. Gallo was startled and turned around, and could catch a glimpse of Golden eyes tinged with displeasure.
What he was looking at was not the Princess, but…… Iason?
“Wow, what's wrong with the Boss, he's even answering my words.”
At that time, Alpha, who was watching Medeia, murmured softly.
“My Lord, it seems the Princess is being pushed back.”