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Chapter 53

Leo leaned back slightly and let out a laugh—one that said, How ridiculous.

“Father, do you really think I’d share that kind of information with you? Just know that I have my own weapons. And remember— I won’t just sit here and take blows.”

Turning on his heel, Leo walked out, leaving Duke Marbo staring in surprise.

—Bang!

He slammed the door behind him and smirked, tapping the pocket where the letter was tucked away.

Charlier. The information you gave me was truly useful. You even taught me how to blackmail others.

Whistling, Leo strolled down the corridor.

I’m really looking forward to the day we head to the imperial palace. Very much.

Unaware that he was the only one of the four invited from Shyro who was actually happy about the invitation, Leo returned to his room.

Rumors that Delphine, Frederic, Charlier, and Leo were going to Prince Alexander’s coronation spread quickly.

People were shocked that Delphine and Frederic had been invited, but kept their voices low. The imperial palace was a place of fear—more than a few had lost their heads for speaking carelessly.

Each of the four prepared for the journey in their own way.

• Charlier was the first to have dresses made and acquire new jewelry.
• Leo spent sleepless nights reading books on dark magic.
• Delphine invested the money she had saved into a trade ship bound for the East.
• Frederic spent time helping Delphine with her first investment while having several proper outfits made.

Before long, the week had passed, and the four climbed into carriages bound for the imperial palace.

—Bam-ba-bam! Ba-ba-ba-bam!

“Open the gates!”

The gatekeeper’s trumpet and shout rang through the quiet dawn. Even though it was barely sunrise, a line of carriages was already forming at the palace gates.

—Creak.

Tiago opened his window. The cool early-spring air filled the room.

He rested his hands on the windowsill, leaning forward to watch the procession of carriages.

Then, a voice came from outside the door.

“His Highness the Prince is entering.”

—Creak.

“Your Highness!”

“Tiago! Long time no see!”

Prince Alexander strode into the room with open arms.

The attendant shut the door and waited outside.

Alexander wore a thin nightshirt with a silver silk shawl draped over it. The silver matched his silver hair perfectly, and with his blue eyes, he gave off a distinctly cool impression.

Tiago bowed formally—placing his right hand over his left shoulder and bending one knee to the floor.

“Tiago! Come on, get up—your knees will hurt. Stand up already.”

Alexander waved his arms, beckoning him to rise.

“Ah, seeing you like this makes me so happy. How long has it been, Tiago?”

He approached without hesitation and hugged Tiago tightly. Then, letting go, he held Tiago’s face in both hands.

“Wow, Tiago, you’ve gotten even more handsome! I’ll have to be careful. What if all the ladies in the palace fall for you? Hahaha!”

It was a frivolous joke, and Tiago responded with a small smile before speaking respectfully.

“Your Highness, thank you. I will never forget the help you’ve given me this time.”

Alexander slung an arm over Tiago’s shoulder and led him toward the window.

“That’s right—you’d better not forget. I had to push hard for this. There was a lot of opposition. A lot of people don’t like you staying in the main palace, Tiago. But I forced it through.”

It was true—the “main palace” referred to the space between the left and right towers when looking at the castle from the front. Strictly speaking, only members of the royal family could stay there.

On rare occasions, a grand duke might reside there, but it was extremely rare. For someone without a title like Tiago to live there—it was unprecedented.

“Thank you, Your Highness.”

Tiago didn’t dislike the favor. Even if Alexander was just a prince for now, he would soon be emperor. Having someone like that on his side was not a bad thing.

Alexander removed his arm and pointed out the window toward the carriage line.

“Oh, and those four from Shyro? I arranged that too, so don’t worry. That one also caused a fuss.”

He licked his lips with a long tongue. His features were sharp and handsome, but there was a faint, unsettling edge to him.

“To invite those four, I had to cut the list from other cities drastically. Naturally, the nobles protested. But desk-bound windbags aren’t as important as you, Tiago.”

Alexander grinned.

He had good reason to favor Tiago—Tiago was incredibly useful to him.

Tiago provided the raw materials for the palace’s curse orbs. He was also the only known person to have traveled to and from the mermaid’s island and lived. It was essentially a monopoly.

On top of that, Tiago had solved a long-standing imperial problem: pirates. The route from Pignon to the eastern kingdoms had always been plagued by vicious pirates, too numerous and ruthless for even the imperial navy to handle.

For years now, Tiago had used his own ships to hunt them down. Thanks to him, the empire saved on military expenses and reduced trade losses.

And most importantly, despite his military and financial power, Tiago had no interest in politics or power—a perfect and convenient ally for Alexander.

“I usually don’t get involved in other people’s affairs. But when you came to me with a request after all these years, I was curious. What’s going on?”

Alexander braced one hand on the windowsill and gripped Tiago’s forearm with the other. Tiago smiled coolly.

“It’s about a woman, Your Highness.”

“Knew it!”

Alexander straightened, clapping loudly three times. Shaking his head dramatically, he spoke.

“Knew it! What else could it be? The great Tiago wouldn’t bother with power struggles! You don’t have a household to worry about! Even when I offered you a ducal title, you said it was too much trouble! I asked a foolish question.”

Chuckling, he slapped Tiago’s arm several times. Tiago stood steady, maintaining respectful posture.

“So, if it’s a woman… it must be that Delphine Plerin. No way it’s Charlier—she’s not your type at all. I’ve seen her a few times in the palace.”

Tiago said nothing, only smiled.

“Anyway, if you need help, just say the word. And I’ll make sure not to touch this Delphine woman. Heh heh.”

Alexander clapped him on the back and turned to leave. As he did, the silver shawl on his shoulders caught on the windowsill and slipped off.

“Oh, dropped it. Tiago, take it. Maybe give it to that woman. It’s nothing to you, but dukes are fighting over these shawls. Anyway, I’m off.”

Without looking back, Alexander left.

Tiago picked up the shawl and folded it neatly.

No, Your Highness. She has no interest in things like this.

As he felt the softness of the silk, he looked out the window.

Her heart is not something that can be bought with gifts.

A gentle smile touched his lips.

“His Highness is entering!”

An attendant ran ahead to open an arched doorway, revealing a lavishly decorated office with gold trim and famous paintings.

Alexander strolled in, glancing around.

“Once I’m emperor, I’ll be done with this tiny office.”

The attendant bowed and cast a quick look inside. “Tiny” was hardly accurate—it could easily hold dozens of people.

Alexander wandered over to the desk, idly flicking through the papers with his fingers.

“I finished most of the work yesterday, so I’ve got some free time this morning.”

Throwing himself into a plush armchair, he sank into the feathers.

“By the way… Charlier, right? Blonde hair, blue eyes. Pretty, but looks a bit gloomy. What happened to her?”

The attendant bowed his head slightly.

“Lady Charlier Viold was quite popular in the palace—good family, beautiful appearance…”

“Yeah, yeah, I know all that. I’m asking what happened.”

Cutting him off impatiently, Alexander waited while the attendant hurried forward to explain.

“It seems the crown princess-to-be didn’t like her. I understand there was some harassment.”

“The crown princess? Michaela? Oh, for—again? She really can’t stand other women near me.”

Alexander clicked his tongue and sank deeper into the chair.

“So, did Michaela curse her? Again?”

“Yes. That’s what I’ve heard.”

“Hmmm.”

“And it’s said Lady Charlier herself possesses quite a number of curse orbs.”

“Ha, that’s funny. So why didn’t she use them on Michaela?”

“Well… it appears Lady Charlier was extremely afraid of the crown princess. Likely she feared retaliation.”