Chapter 59

“First, let’s look for information about this area.”

“Well, I’ll try to figure out what Epist’s writing means in the meantime.”

Then again, a tedious battle with related materials continued… Until I meet someone I never want to see again.

“It was a pity that we couldn’t talk much last time, though I’m very happy to be able to see you again like this.”

Seeing Jennifer smiling wildly, as if thrilled, gave me a headache.

‘She has no reason to come here…!’

There were no national events or diplomatic agendas. I wonder if she is here because Stella was here? Nonetheless, it was really dizzying to think about it.

‘But then, I had to save Stella.’

Feeling frustrated, I stared at Jennifer.

“You’re glaring again.”

When I glanced up at the muttering sound next to me, I could see that Declan was looking at me with interest.

“Don’t worry. I will only look at you.”

What did he mean, don’t worry?

At that moment, I suddenly remembered the time when he was asked what he thought of Stella.

‘Because I was worried that Declan might fall for Jennifer…?’

…No, it was quite unpleasant that she was trying to seduce him with a smile. She was pretty!

‘It’s for your safety. She’s the one who will hurt you!’

Still, I couldn’t even talk about the future, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated.

‘Wait. Won’t it be okay if I use this well?’

What if I tell him not to get close to Jennifer because I was worried? Wouldn’t Declan naturally be wary and keep a distance from her? Of course, if he liked me that much.

It was possible, but…

“I will only look at you.”

When he said those words, Declan’s eyes contained sincerity.

Although I didn’t know exactly what kind of feeling it was, could I be a little expectant…? Until now, even though he was dissatisfied, he often followed my wishes. The problem was, how do I act like I was wary of Jennifer?

‘It’s embarrassing just thinking about it.’

I could feel my face heating up already.

‘How many times do I have to kick up the blanket, huh?’

To be honest, it was true that I was worried that he would really fall for her. After admitting it, I felt much more at ease.

“You really have to look at me. Never, never to that woman”

The corners of his lips rose softly as I made a serious expression with my arms crossed.

“I promise in the name of the Emperor.”

Declan turned to me with a satisfied look and clasped his chin. At that, I glanced at Jennifer. There was no disturbance in her expression.

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty’s love for the Princess still remains.”

With a small smile, she leaned her body towards the doll.

“Your Highness, it’s an honor to see you again. I made a mistake last time, will you forgive me?”

Jennifer lowered her eyebrows and tilted her head.

‘…Why was she acting more foxy than the last time?’

I frowned and bit my tongue when I heard a small giggle next to me.

“Seeing Your Majesty smiling, it seems that the Princess has shown me generosity.”

Jennifer smiled pretty and bowed her knees slightly to greet. I gazed at Jennifer who was putting on a one-man show with cold eyes.

“Can’t you tell her to go back? I’m very uncomfortable.”

Saying so, I hurriedly made a face as sullen as possible.

‘…Ah, do I really have to go this far?’

I felt weird, but thinking of Jennifer, I felt like I could do anything.

“If you wish.”

His green eyes gleamed as if this was funny.

“What’s going on in Tierra? I never invited you.”

“Even after I return to my home country, I keep thinking of Your Majesty…”

Jennifer blushed shyly, blurring her words.

“Ugh, she’s lying!”

I was stunned and the words came out without me knowing.

“Hahaha.”

Declan shook his head and began to laugh. I was bewildered since I had never seen him laugh so loudly. Everyone in the audience room seemed to be perplexed, too.

“Your Majesty, why are you laughing at this timing? That woman will misunderstand.”

As I inflated my cheeks, dissatisfied, he laughed even louder.

“Your Majesty!”

“This is not bad either.”

He muttered something inexplicable and looked at Jennifer.

“I didn’t laugh because of you. I laughed because Chloe said what you said was a lie.”

He gestured at me, asking if he could do this.

…Did he call that a fixing? My head was pounding. On the other hand, Jennifer’s face hardened slightly as if in embarrassment at his words.

“I am not trying to take your brother away from Your Highness. I want to be part of Your Highness’ family. So, please take a look at me.”

Jennifer uttered soothingly, curling the corners of her eyes towards the doll. Even though she didn’t hide her feelings for Declan last time, it wasn’t as blatant as it was now.

‘What was the thing you’re holding on to?’

I slowly became anxious.

“What an absurd dream.”

Declan crossed his legs and twisted his lips.

“I learned from father to dream big. And, I have a feeling that I can make my dream come true, is this my own misunderstanding?”

Jennifer, who had a seductive smile, sent an alluring look toward him.

‘…She’s trying everything.’

I glanced at Declan, and his expression was as cold as a field of ice. Seeing that was reassuring again, I was worried that his heart might be shaken.

“Excessive delusion. Does the King of Tierra even know that his child is sick?”

Jennifer bit her lip slightly at the sarcastic remark.

“Your Majesty, we are visiting the Empire again because we want to form an alliance.”

A middle-aged man who had been standing quietly behind Jennifer came forward. He was a man named Duke Hawke. It was the same pattern as Ielro.

“Alliance…? I have no intention of doing that.”

Even though he just cut it off, Duke Hawke had a calm face.

“Your Majesty wants a continent, right?”

“I don’t need an alliance with Tierra to have a continent.”

“Of course, though with our help, you can get it a lot faster.”

With a tired face, Duke Hawke sputtered his words, “We are not going to provide military or material support.”

What were they talking about then…?

Declan raised his eyebrows as he continued.

“It’s about authenticity. The blood of the Tierra royal family, the right to the throne.”

At that, he frowned at the words he didn’t understand Duke Hawke’s words.

In the original story, the Kingdom of Tierra voluntarily offered Jennifer as a hostage as Gemina and Ielro were conquered one after another. Of course, that was what she wanted because she was ambitious.

Now that the situation was different from the original story, what they are proposing would not be a hostage.

“We would like to propose a marriage union to Your Majesty. The future Princes and Princesses of the Empire who will be born in the future will have the succession right to the throne of Tierra.”

Unsurprisingly, the words I expected came out.

“Ha.”

Declan let out a sharp smirk.

“What a masterpiece. Was that what you were aiming for in the end?”

“Please, don’t get me wrong. I don’t even dare to imagine the position of the Empress.”

Although his temper was not good, Duke Hawke was calm.

“It is enough for us to be the second wife.”

I was taken aback by their unfounded confidence.

“How about it? Isn’t it the easiest and most perfect way to have Tierra?” Saying so, Duke Hawke was reminded as if he had been over-confident.

“Tierra needs to learn how to bow their heads again.”

When his eyes were filled with murderous energy, all of the Tierra’s delegation trembled.

“Your Majesty, please, think carefully.”

Duke Hawke opened his mouth as if he had to say something even though he was sweating in a cold sweat.

“Are you going to teach me now?”

He groaned and contorted his face at Declan’s words.

“Wouldn’t it be more beneficial to have Tierra as a partner than Ielro?”

While exhaling heavily, the Duke continued to speak until the end, “Moreover, the Princess has the right of heir to the throne.”

Why did he mention Ielro?

“You are seriously mistaken. The Princess of Ielro is here as a hostage.”

Jennifer’s eyes, as well as Duke Hawke’s eyes widened.

“…A partner with Ielro? It’s not even funny. I’m holding on to what I want to wipe out right now.”

The delegation was perplexed by the cold tone of voice.

“I guess I have been too soft these days, seeing all the little things crawling up.”

Declan’s eyes dilated as if he was really in a bad mood.

‘Even if he doesn’t like them, it’s a big deal if he explodes here.’

With the heart of a time bomb dismantler, I spoke carefully, “Your Majesty, if you refuse and let them go, it will be over. Don’t give them an excuse for nothing.”

If any of them died, Tierra would try to grab him by the ankle, saying it was the right thing to do.

Eventually, Declan let out a long breath. He was probably trying to control his emotions.

“The Kingdom of Tierra grants succession rights to both princes and princesses, though there is a difference in reality.”

What he was trying to say now was an implicit rule that only the Tierra royal family and high-ranking nobles knew in the original story.

“The right of succession to the Princess can only be used when there are no surviving men among the heirs of the royal family.”

Consequently, it was just an imaginary right of succession.

Perhaps, Declan didn’t know, but his expression hardened as he continued.

“And, one more thing.”

────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like