Chapter 11
At my words, Young Duke Valentier’s eyes narrowed.
“Lady, is joining the delegation more important than your condition?”
“My condition?”
“It was a life-risking battle. Mentally, you should be shaken… or at least surprised. Even if you were confident in winning, shouldn’t you feel something?”
“Yes.”
I answered quickly without thinking.
He kept worrying, but worry was something I didn’t need.
Honestly, the fight with Baron Bern wasn’t even worth mentioning.
How could something like that cause any problem?
The Young Duke opened and closed his mouth several times, as if he wanted to say something.
Then say it.
Even after waiting, he couldn’t speak, so I finally got impatient and mentioned the Crown Prince first.
“When can I meet the Crown Prince?”
“…It won’t be easy to talk to him. He can be unexpectedly cold. He might hurt you even more.”
“I’m really fine.”
Raiden lowered his gaze silently.
What? Was he expecting some kind of emotional reaction?
But I couldn’t give him that. I wasn’t used to people worrying about me.
In a life where I faced death every day, concern only brought suspicion.
“The Crown Prince is waiting in the reception room. He wishes to meet you alone.”
“Ah! That’s good. I’ll persuade him myself.”
“…Alright. Let’s go together.”
It seemed like the Young Duke wanted to give me time to rest.
But I wanted to settle things quickly.
Whether I get permission to join the delegation or get rejected and find another way—I needed an answer now.
“Just follow me.”
Unlike before, he walked ahead without matching my pace.
The way he walked… it reminded me of Lili when she was upset.
I wanted to ask Lili what she thought of him, but she had disappeared, probably resting.
“Are you ready?”
We arrived at the reception room.
When I nodded, he knocked gently.
“Your Highness, I have brought Lady Soner.”
“Send her in.”
The door slowly opened.
Inside, I saw Crown Prince Ravel, wearing a light gray uniform.
He sat comfortably, legs crossed, and placed his glass down.
“Come in alone.”
The door closed behind me.
Through the gap, I could see the Young Duke’s worried eyes until the very end.
Why is he so worried?
I’m not a child, and this isn’t a dangerous place.
I turned my gaze to the Crown Prince.
In private, he felt much colder than before.
His eyes looked like they could see through everything.
The cheerful image he showed at the party and training ground… felt fake.
Even I was fooled by his acting.
His control over expressions was impressive.
Every time this happens, I feel how this body can’t keep up with my soul.
Even the Four Gentlemen couldn’t hide secrets from me before.
“Someone who couldn’t even lift her head properly defeated a 4th-rank knight.”
“….”
“Did you sell your soul to a demon?”
What kind of rude question is that?
His first words were sharp—and annoying.
But I wouldn’t back down.
“It must have looked like a good deal. Unfortunately, I’ve never met something as imaginary as a demon, so I can’t introduce you.”
“Hm.”
“Believing in something that doesn’t exist is foolish. Of course, I don’t think Your Highness truly believes I met a demon.”
I stared directly at him without backing down.
The corner of his lips lifted slightly.
“Your speaking skills have improved.”
The Crown Prince stood and walked toward me.
His gaze was still cold, but I could feel he was testing me.
I’ve really fallen low… being tested by someone like this.
Still, I must endure.
Until I reach a level no one can touch.
“Why did you request to meet me alone?”
This was the important moment.
I took a breath and spoke.
“I want to join the Eastern Continent delegation as part of the knight order.”
I didn’t like beating around the bush.
The Crown Prince’s expression stiffened.
“You?”
“Yes.”
“…Ridiculous. Are you underestimating my knights?”
“Not at all.”
Silence filled the room.
Then he spoke again.
“So you didn’t make a deal with a demon… you’ve simply gone mad.”
“I won’t deny that.”
He crossed his arms and looked down at me.
“I cannot accept someone I cannot trust into my knight order. So why should I take someone like you?”
I once met someone stronger than me.
I wasn’t born strong.
I lost a duel and stood on the brink of death.
That man gave me a chance.
He told me to convince him why I should live.
That day, I survived with just one sentence.
“My life will one day become the chance that saves yours.”
It sounded ridiculous, but I kept that promise.
“Your Highness. I want to see my mother’s homeland with my own eyes.”
“For such a trivial reason?!”
“Sometimes… that kind of reason becomes the reason people live.”
I looked at him with the same eyes I had back then.
Later, when I asked that man why he spared me, he said—
It was because of my eyes.
After a short silence—
“If you prove that your strength is equal to a 3rd-rank knight, I will report to His Majesty. But if not, you will only become a joke.”
“I can do it. Let me fight right now.”
The Crown Prince shook his head.
“Knights who value honor will not cross swords with a noble lady. No matter how strong you claim to be, they won’t accept it.”
“Then how—”
“This is different from Baron Bern. To fight a knight properly, you must first build your honor. So I will prepare a stage for you.”
Silence returned.
I waited calmly.
“Do you know the Steyn territory?”
Steyn territory?
I didn’t know it.
I wanted to ask Lili, but I couldn’t.
Looking away in front of someone like him could be used against me.
“…I don’t.”
“It’s near the Eastern Continent border. There have been frequent disappearances. The lord claims it’s the Eastern Empire, but I think otherwise.”
He added,
“The lord is close to Marquis Maier. It seems the Marquis dislikes you. Finding a weakness in his side could be useful.”
He narrowed his eyes, watching my reaction.
But I didn’t even know who Marquis Maier was.
“If you solve the disappearance case, it will become an honorable achievement. Even the knights who doubt you will accept you.”
“….”
“Perhaps the Marquis’ side will even create an opportunity for you.”
So I’m bait?
Maybe the Crown Prince and the Marquis don’t get along either.
I’ll figure that out later.
I clenched and unclenched my hand.
“I will personally investigate the disappearance case in the Steyn territory.”
“Good! I will lend you my name. Go and stir things up.”
“I understand.”
I bowed deeply.
As I straightened—
“Lady Rize.”
“….”
“You are different from before. That interests me… but it also displeases me.”
Sharp instincts.
But I know how to deal with people like him.
“Does that make you afraid?”
“…No.”
His voice was low and firm.
“Not yet.”
I smiled slightly and bowed.
“I’ll make sure you fear me someday.”
