Chapter 162: Love Triangle

The appearance of the First Princess caused a sudden shift in the atmosphere.

But staying in the midst of the chaos was not appropriate.

Ian had no other option but to take the lead.

“Let’s go inside first and talk.”

“You mean over there?”

The First Princess frowned.

There was no other choice.

In the direction pointed out by Ian, there was a nearly collapsed mansion.

But Ian whispered softly.

“There are many eyes watching us right now, sister.”

“I am aware of that.”

“Do you really intend to show this sight to them?”

“… “

The First Princess surveyed her surroundings.

Spies were already present, not just from King Eloin’s, but also from the Holy Empire, Cantum and other nations.

It was to be expected.

‘I’m not afraid of the gaze of those around me.’

However, if her actions or weaknesses were to be revealed to other countries, it would indeed be troublesome. Particularly if her relationship with Nathan became known, it would not benefit either of them.

Reluctantly, the First Princess nodded, acknowledging the lack of alternatives. But she couldn’t simply leave the situation as it was.

Observing Nathan, who still lay on the ground, the First Princess spoke firmly.

“Don’t you think it’s time to get up, Sir Nathan? You’re causing too much trouble for the saintess.”

“Haha… I am currently a patient…”

“If you prefer lying down, I can make you lie down forever.”

“!”

At those words, Nathan jolted upright.

“I… I’ve gotten up now!”

“Sir Nathan, you still need treatment…”

Elaira assisted Nathan to his feet, but he lost his balance and unintentionally found himself embraced by her.

Poof!

His head hit something soft.

And at that moment,

Whoosh~

A tremendously cold winter storm swept through the Duke of Lavaltor’s mansion.

***

Inside the broken mansion of Duke Lavaltor.

Everyone is gathered in the Duke’s study, which has a clear view of the outside.

However, the atmosphere was not just cold—it was icy.

Just then, tea arrived.

“Your Highness, here is your tea.”

However, the First Princess remained motionless, arms crossed.

She was so cold that it was unimaginable for those who had known her to be kind to her attendants.

Nathan, sensing the air, chuckled and spoke.

“You misunderstand, Miss Elaira was only trying to treat me…”

“Miss… Elaira? Have you been calling her by her first name in private?”

“!”

In that instant, Nathan realized he had made a mistake.

‘So… cold. I feel like an icicle is about to pierce through me.’

But it wasn’t just a simple feeling.

Based on what he knew about the First Princess’s personality, he really might end up dead.

Nathan sent a desperate plea for help to Ian with his eyes.

‘Please help! Why are you just sitting there watching? At least reveal her true identity!’

However, Ian simply sipped his tea calmly. Or rather, he seemed to find the situation quite entertaining.

It was indeed intriguing to see the First Princess, who had always shown a dignified demeanor in this life and the previous one, behaving in such a way.

‘Last time, you were caught secretly playing with the first king’s shoes, right? This is an opportunity for you to face some scolding.’

He even hugged his sister.

Into the chest of my sister he hadn’t known existed for decades, from his previous life until now.

And then it was time.

Bam!

“!”

The First Princess, her teacup seemingly on the verge of shattering, turned to face Nathan.

“All this time, you’ve rejected me, claiming no interest in women, yet you said you’d risk your life with a sword.”

“Well… I mean…”

“But it seems you’ve been playing around with women without my knowledge.”

“Ah… No, it’s not like that…”

Rather than responding, the First Princess shifted her gaze to Elaira.

“You are a saintess, correct?”

“Yes, that’s correct.”

“So, what’s the relationship between you and Nathan?”

“Huh? What are you implying? We have no relationship at all.”

“A man and a woman, in broad daylight, and you’re claiming not to be in a relationship?”

But that was the moment Ian set down his teacup.

“That’s enough, sister.”

“I’m merely asking out of personal curiosity.”

“I’m asking you to be respectful, sister.”

“Kaistein is a country without a state religion. There’s no reason to treat a saintess as a noblewoman. Moreover…”

“It’s not about the Saintess; it’s about showing respect to your sister.”

“Yes, you’re right… What? What?”

The First Princess’s expression changed noticeably as she lifted her teacup. She stared at Ian as if questioning his nonsense.

“What did you just say?”

Ian smiled as if wondering why she was so surprised.

“Please show respect to my younger sister. She is not only my sister but your younger sister.”

“…???”

The First Princess, wearing a rare expression of confusion, shifted her gaze between Elaira and Ian.

“A younger sister? Did you make her your younger sister?”

“No, we share the same blood. We are both of royal lineage, descended from the same King of Kaistein, just like my sister.”

The First Princess almost dropped her teacup.

“What on earth is this?!”

She stood up as if to tell him not to lie, but Ian laughed.

“Do you even think I would make up a story about my sister?”

The First Princess was speechless.

The hidden youngest brother, Ian, alone would have been surprising enough.

But now there was another one?

Even the renowned First Princess couldn’t hide her bewilderment.

Did Father already know about this fact?

What about the nobles? Other siblings? What about the people?

No, the entire country would be shaken.

Ian calmly smiled at her bewildered expression.

“By the way, what happened to Cardinal Cesare? He must have been put on trial by now.”

“If you’re so curious, why don’t you find out for yourself?”

The First Princess responded indifferently, but Ian’s smile grew subtly.

“Sir Nathan, accompany my sister and go to the palace to investigate what happened to Cardinal Cesare.”

“Me? Why me? Why should I?”

Nathan appeared flustered, desperately shaking his hands and face. However, Ian simply shrugged.

“I’m just concerned. Who knows what that man might be plotting? It would be better for you to personally go and check.”

“What?! But why me…”

“I have neither Sir Galon nor Sir Fiosen beside me now; the only one I can trust is you, Sir Nathan.”

“…”

Nathan bowed his head with a grimace, though his true intentions were clear.

“I will… comply with the order.”

However, the First Princess continued to stare at Elaira, as if the shock hadn’t subsided. n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

Her expression questioned whether the girl truly was her younger sister.

However, after handling the pressing matter, Ian’s attention shifted to the next objective.

“Duke, by the way, she asked me to send her regards.”

“Who are you referring to?”

Duke Lavaltor maintained a calm gaze, even appearing displeased that someone else was relaying regards on his behalf. But…

“My mother asked me to convey them.”

“Pardon?”

Thud.

Duke Lavaltor unknowingly used formal speech.

Not only that, he even spilled the tea he was about to drink on his leg.

“What nonsense are you saying? That person is undoubtedly dead…”

“Oh, she is alive. And she is waiting outside. You shouldn’t keep her waiting; you should invite her in…”

That was the moment.

Bang!

With a resounding crash, the Duke of Lavaltor vanished, as if he was headed towards Ian’s mother, who awaited him at the main gate.

***

“Suspicion of treason and assassination of a saintess…”

Locked in the secluded palace with Marquis Adelas, Cesare burst into laughter.

The accusations were truly ludicrous.

How dare they tarnish his name, one of the 24 cardinals of the Holy Empire and the most powerful among them?

‘It seems I must demonstrate my true abilities.’

He immediately made a call.

Despite his seclusion, believers were scattered everywhere, like the sun shining throughout the world.

Thanks to his attendant’s assistance, he managed to establish communication with the Holy Empire.

However, Cesare’s expression turned sour upon establishing the connection.

[I apologize.]

It was the voice on the other end, coldly cutting off his communication. In response, Cesare retorted sharply.

“Do you even know who I am?”

[You are one of the twenty-four holy and virtuous cardinals, Cardinal Cesare.]

“And yet, you dare defy my orders to prepare a rescue force?”

Anger seethed in Cesare’s voice, but the voice on the other side remained unfazed.

[It is the will of His Holiness the Pope.]

“What?

[The Pope told me to tell the Cardinal that he was deeply disappointed.]

Cesare’s head turned sharply to the priest next to him.

‘Could it be that you mentioned Contrave to the Pope?’

‘No, I didn’t.’

Cesare took a deep breath.

He had believed that the Pope was still unaware of Contrave.

So he inquired further.

“What did he say he was disappointed about?”

[He said he cannot forgive the loss of the Saintess.]

“What?”

[And not only that, but there are other issues as well. Therefore, the Pope has commanded me to withdraw all support, including any rescue efforts on your behalf.]

Cesare’s eyes trembled.

It was simply incomprehensible.

“The Saintess is alive. She was kidnapped by the Seventh Prince.”

[Why would the Seventh Prince kidnap the Saintess?]

“At that time, he appeared at an unreasonable hour. How did he arrive without causing any damage to the mansion?”

Cesare couldn’t even contact the ones holding the hostage.

Eventually, they brought down the building, but there had been no news since then.

‘It must have been all done by someone.’

Not only was the Saintess taken, but the hostage was as well.

However, the voice from the other side of the crystal ball remained chillingly cold.

[The Pope has instructed us not to provide any support.]

That was the result of negotiations with King Kaistein.

Cesare felt like he was in the dark.

‘As long as I return to the Holy Empire, I can defy the Pope’s orders. Contrave can be opened right away.’

But he couldn’t do anything now, not when he was stranded like this.

And with his support cut off, he can’t even get out of here.

He had to get out of here somehow.

‘If all else fails, I’ll escape by my own means. There are still plenty of forces in Kaistein…’

It was then…

[By the way, the inquisitors and servants who were protecting Cardinal Cesare have also been ordered to withdraw. I apologize, but this is a message from the Pope, urging you to face the consequences of your sins and return in accordance with the negotiations with the Kaistein royal family.]

“You…!”

Pop!

As Cesare was about to retort, the communication abruptly cut off, leaving him bewildered and unsure of what to do.

“Do you hear me? Respond! Do you hear me!”

The crystal ball didn’t light up again. Cesare tried calling Marquis Adelas, but he didn’t respond. Without him, he wasn’t sure he could even eat right now.

Cesare’s vision went black.

“What is happening…”

The once most powerful figure in the Holy Empire was now reduced to a mere criminal, all because of Ian Kaistein.

“Everything is because of that bastard.”

Aaargh!

Cesare couldn’t contain his anger and let out a scream. Meanwhile, Ian…

Tickle. Tickle.

“Who is talking about me?”

He just cupped his ears as if they were tickling. Then, he embraced his mother and younger sister tightly.

Author's Thoughts

Poor Nathan hahaha