When You Turned Your Back On Me, We Became Strangers [EN]: Chapter 76

“Turning Around, It’s Someone Else (75)”

“Your Majesty, I have an agenda to discuss, so I would like to request an immediate audience at the meeting.”

At Kaver’s words, the Emperor’s gaze shifted to Leyla.

He was never one to rush matters. Nor would he typically interrupt official meetings.

Attendance was nominally voluntary, but in reality, his demanding schedule often resulted in poor attendance.

The Emperor stroked his chin as he observed Leyla kneeling before him.

“I am intrigued as to what matter compels you to such haste.”

At the Emperor’s question, the nobles’ eyes sharpened.

They had their prey within reach, yet the Crown Prince’s timely arrival had thwarted their plans.

‘At this rate, I’ll be ruined again today,’ one thought.

‘It’s obvious why the Crown Prince is here,’ another mused.

Every eye in the room darted towards Leyla, each harboring the same thought.

“I believe I have a solution to revitalize trade relations with the Pelleponcian Kingdom.”

Kaver’s words caused a stir, drawing gasps of surprise.

From the Crown Prince, whom they believed had come solely for Leyla’s sake, emerged a proposition involving Princess Viviana Adel.

“Are you suggesting an engagement with Princess Adel?” the Emperor asked, his tone laced with disbelief.

“Frankly, I harbor reservations about trusting the Pelleponcian Kingdom.”

“And what is the basis for your distrust?”

“Does their past conduct towards the Empire not provide sufficient answer?” Kaver retorted.

The Emperor found their blatant demands and the doubling of tariffs—under the flimsy pretext of denying them—offensive. Moreover, their consistently antagonistic stance towards the Empire was a constant irritant.

‘Princess Adel must have maintained a certain decorum because of her feelings for the Crown Prince,’ the Emperor surmised.

From the Empire’s perspective, the Kingdom’s behavior was far from agreeable.

“Then enlighten me. I am curious to hear your proposal,” the Emperor said, slowly stroking the armrest of his chair as he listened intently.

‘Even now, he won’t offer her a reprieve,’ Kaver thought, sighing inwardly as he glanced at Leyla, who remained kneeling, her gaze wandering about as if she didn’t fully grasp the situation.

“Princess Adel’s continued stay at the Serhin Duke’s residence is creating an unfavorable impression among the other nobles and within the Pelleponcian Kingdom itself.”

“That is a direct consequence of your refusal to accept the Princess,” the Emperor countered.

Kaver acknowledged the Emperor’s point with a nod. He had provided the opportunity, but upon being rejected, she should have returned to her own country.

“I propose to travel to the Pelleponcian Kingdom, accompanied by Princess Adel.”

“And what would be the purpose of such a journey?”

“To serve the interests of both the Empire and the Kingdom. The people are suffering under the weight of these tariffs, and the Imperial Family cannot stand idly by.”

“You suggest taking the long route when a more direct path is available,” the Emperor observed.

“Your Majesty is well aware that such a direct approach would be most challenging for me personally,” Kaver replied, meeting his father’s gaze directly.

“May I speak freely here?”

This was a thinly veiled threat. For the Crown Prince to publicly discuss sensitive rumors before the assembled nobles—all of whom held voting rights—could trigger significant repercussions.

Moreover, Duke Serhin, present at the meeting, was closely monitoring the unfolding situation. As the Princess’s host, he found himself in a delicate position, unable to intervene.

‘Roanna [Duke Serhin’s daughter] warned me not to involve myself in anything concerning Princess Adel,’ he recalled.

His daughter, who had been spending less time at the Duke’s residence recently, had cautioned him, suggesting that the Princess’s actions were suspect and that it would be prudent to distance himself to some extent.

Above all, having pledged his support to Leyla and the Crown Prince, he could no longer afford to harbor Princess Adel.

“…Do you fully comprehend the implications of such a personal intervention?” the Emperor asked.

“I intend to uncover certain truths,” Kaver stated.

The Emperor paused, taking a deep breath. He glanced at Leyla, who seemed oblivious to the gravity of the situation. The Emperor himself had been investigating Princess Adel, but reliable information remained elusive.

“Specifically, I seek to understand the nature of Princess Adel’s unique abilities.”

At Kaver’s revelation, a palpable unease rippled through the assembly.

He was proposing to journey to Pelleponcia to delve into the secrets surrounding her powers.

“Furthermore, I request that Princess Adel, currently residing at the Serhin Duke’s residence, be relocated to the Imperial Palace annex.”

At Kaver’s words, the Emperor immediately sought the Duke’s opinion.

“Duke Serhin, what are your thoughts on this matter?”

“We, too, have experienced certain discomforts during her stay. If it aligns with His Highness the Crown Prince’s wishes, we shall arrange for her transfer to the Imperial Palace according to the proposed schedule,” the Duke replied with remarkable composure.

Thanks to his daughter’s timely warning, he was able to relinquish Princess Adel without appearing flustered by the sudden turn of events.

While she had initially been a source of potential influence, she had increasingly become a liability.

‘Now that I have aligned myself with the Crown Prince, I no longer require any other power,’ he reasoned.

He was a shrewd individual, adept at navigating complex situations, perhaps honed by his extensive involvement in various business ventures.

At Duke Serhin’s acquiescence, the Crown Prince smiled and turned his gaze towards the Emperor.

“Then let us extend an invitation to Princess Adel to reside at the Imperial Palace at the earliest opportunity.”

The Emperor struggled to decipher Kaver’s true intentions. However, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this entire affair was a carefully orchestrated performance, with Leyla at its heart.

Some of the more astute nobles might have sensed it, but fortunately, most of those present in the conference room seemed unaware of the underlying dynamics.

“Princess Adel might very well become the Crown Princess at this rate,” one noble whispered.

“Is that not a matter best left to time?” another replied.

The nobles lowered their voices, exchanging hushed opinions on the unfolding situation.

“Oh, and I also intend to bring Sir Leyla with me on this journey to the Pelleponcian Kingdom,” Kaver added, his eyes fixed on the Emperor.

The expressions of the nobles, previously composed, hardened visibly, and the murmuring grew louder.

“That is unacceptable. Sir Leyla is a vital asset to the Empire. We must understand your reasons for taking her to a foreign kingdom,” a noble finally exclaimed, voicing his opposition and demanding an explanation from the Crown Prince.

Leyla served as the Crown Prince’s escort knight, but she was also recognized as a significant figure within the Empire’s military structure.

“Given her current state of diminished awareness, what if the Pelleponcian Kingdom were to exploit her!”

“Indeed. Your Highness possesses the ability to wield Aura [a form of energy manipulation], surely you can leave Sir Leyla safely within the Empire?”

Kaver had anticipated some resistance, but the level of opposition exceeded his expectations.

“Hmm, I share similar concerns,” the Emperor remarked, his gaze settling on Leyla.

“Is there a compelling reason why you deem it necessary to bring Sir Leyla with you?” he inquired, tapping his fingers rhythmically as he observed Kaver’s reaction.

Kaver responded without hesitation.

“The details are still uncertain, but there is a specific reason why Sir Leyla’s presence in the Pelleponcian Kingdom is essential.”

“And that reason is?”

“Because Princess Adel has already used her abilities on her.”

Duke Serhin, who had been listening attentively, clasped his hands together and spoke in a measured tone.

“If that is indeed the case, it constitutes an act of aggression against the Empire.”

He had initially perceived her as a lovestruck, immature princess, but it appeared he had been harboring a viper in his own home.

“Are you prepared to substantiate that claim?” the Emperor asked, his voice taking on a sharper edge.

If Kaver could not provide concrete evidence, his accusation would be tantamount to provoking a conflict with a powerful kingdom.

It was clear that such a revelation, if leaked, could have dire consequences.

“That is precisely why I intend to bring her along, to uncover the necessary evidence. Did everyone not witness the events during the contract signing?”

The nobles nodded, recalling the memory of that day. Not only blue light but also red and black light had been absorbed into Leyla’s body.

“This is a blatant challenge to the Empire’s authority.”

“So, you are suggesting that we bring Princess Adel into the Imperial Palace?”

“To facilitate our journey to Pelleponcia, it would be prudent to gain her favor,” Kaver replied.

The Emperor chuckled softly at the phrase ‘gain her favor’.

Kaver was merely playing a role, carefully positioning the actors to complete the elaborate stage he had constructed to achieve his desired outcome.

‘I wonder how you intend to keep Leyla, in her current state of diminished awareness, by your side,’ the Emperor mused.

Had Kaver ever been so driven to obtain something he desired?

The Emperor resolved to participate in Kaver’s scheme, if only to a small extent. He felt a pang of sympathy for his son and decided that a little assistance would not be amiss.

“It is not feasible for the Crown Prince of the Empire to be absent for an extended period. Therefore, you must conclude this matter within half a month of Princess Adel’s arrival at the Imperial Palace.”

“Your Majesty!” the nobles exclaimed, startled by the Emperor’s unexpected acquiescence, and rose from their seats.

If Princess Adel was indeed implicated in the contract incident, it would undoubtedly benefit the Empire. However, it also entailed a significant risk in sending the Crown Prince into potentially hostile territory.

“Do you question the resolve of the Empire’s sword?” the Emperor thundered, his voice echoing through the conference room.

“Sir Leyla, I hereby command you to accompany the Crown Prince to Pelleponcia, serving as both the sword of the Empire and his personal escort knight.”

“Yes, Your Majesty. I shall obey,” Leyla responded.

“Protect the Crown Prince at all costs, even at the risk of your own life.”

Leyla rose from her seat, placed her hand on the hilt of her sword, drew it, and bowed her head in solemn acknowledgment.

“The Crown Prince shall bear full responsibility for the consequences of this undertaking,” the Emperor declared.

At the Emperor’s pronouncement, the nobles could no longer voice their objections.

The Crown Prince was the sole legitimate heir to the throne, and his potential demise would trigger a succession crisis, granting the powerful noble families an opportunity to seize power.

This prospect, however, also presented a significant risk for them as well.

“If you insist…” the nobles muttered, their defiance waning as they exchanged uneasy glances.

Kaver glanced at his watch and addressed the Emperor.

“As the allotted meeting time has concluded, I shall take Sir Leyla with me.”

Kaver strode purposefully towards Leyla and extended his hand to her.

With a subtle smile that only Leyla could perceive, he grasped her hesitant hand and led her out of the conference room.