A nimble figure dodged the numerous guards at the entrance of the Kravina mansion, completely concealing herself in the night.
She skillfully climbed to the second floor and opened the bedroom window.
In her own bedroom, Lia was quietly reading a book on the bed.
The figure entered through the window, closed it, and came before Lia.
The pointed ears exposed on both sides of the newcomer revealed her identity.
Lia didn't even look up, asking indifferently.
"Did you bring the person?"
Leon nodded.
"There were too many guards outside, so I put Chur in the basement of the prop shop."
She tilted her head, looking at Lia, feeling a bit strange.
How come Miss Lia started reading books?
"I somewhat understand why Viktor loves reading so much now."
Lia slowly closed the book in her hand, put it on the bedside table, and explained calmly:
"Books can help me calm down and relax temporarily, which is very helpful for thinking about things."
Leon stared at Lia admiringly, praising in her heart:
As expected of Miss Lia, able to remain calm even at a time like this.
As if casually bringing it up, Lia asked the elf in front of her.
"Leon, if the Crown Prince really comes to propose to me, what do you think are the benefits for us?"
"Feel free to speak your mind."
Leon was slightly stunned, cupping her chin in thought.
She naturally knew about Jesrether wanting the Crown Prince to propose to Miss Lia.
Soon, Leon gave her answer.
She frankly told Lia: "I don't like it."
Hearing Leon's answer, Lia was taken aback.
"What do you mean?"
Leon answered Lia's confusion straightforwardly:
"I don't know what benefits a political marriage can bring, but I just don't want Miss Lia to marry into the royal family."
Hearing Leon's answer, Lia smiled lightly.
"The royal family is so noble, there are quite a few girls who would love to marry a prince."
Of course, she was definitely not among those people.
If Lia wanted to get married so badly, she would have left the Kravina family long ago.
Lia smiled helplessly.
"Jesrether is really laying the trap right in front of my face."
This was an open conspiracy.
Jesrether vainly wanted her to marry the Crown Prince, binding the Clayverna family to the Crown Prince's chariot.
Everyone knew that this would not be allowed by the Second Prince.
Moreover, Viktor had already become the princess's teacher. Under Emperor Aubrey's manipulation, Kravina should not support either of the two princes.
Jesrether used this matter to attract the Second Prince's hatred towards Viktor, and incidentally make the emperor disappointed in Viktor.
Although Lia understood all these things, what made her feel somewhat suffocated was that.
On the surface, Lia could not defy the Crown Prince's proposal.
She was just a family member without even a title, forced to depend on the Kravina family.
It would be her good fortune if the Crown Prince took a liking to her, so if the Crown Prince really came to propose, and Viktor didn't react, Lia would have no choice but to agree.
At first, Lia believed that if Viktor was smart, he would definitely refuse.
But she later realized.
If so, it would mean Viktor actively declaring that he would never support the Crown Prince.
Then the wind of support would quickly shift to the Second Prince.
The Kravina family would be forced to oppose the Crown Prince, and because Viktor was the princess's private tutor, he couldn't possibly support the Second Prince either.
Although they hadn't supported either side, Kravina would directly become the target of everyone's arrows.
If it weren't for the Duke's visit today reminding her, she wouldn't have even noticed this point.
So, whether agreeing or not, it would ultimately lead to one result, which was that Viktor would inevitably have conflicts and opposition with these two princes.
Then which side would the previous Viktor choose?
Lia circled and drew on the book, finally circling the pen on 'Crown Prince'.
Benefits.
If he had to oppose one side, he would definitely oppose the Second Prince.
Because now it seems that the Crown Prince is the most beneficial, as he is the one actively seeking marriage.
"But that was before."
Lia tore up the book page, the red gem on the Mage's Hand glowed slightly with magic, burning the paper in her hand to ashes.
She would not hand over her life to anyone.
......
In the morning, the dawn finally broke through the night, shining upon the capital.
At this time in the capital, all the citizens were beginning to prepare to open shops and work.
And inside the palace, everyone was also waiting, waiting for the court session to begin.
Emperor Aubrey slowly sat on the throne, looking at the officials below.
Jesrether led a group of ministers, standing on one side.
On the other side stood the Second Prince.
He also led a group of officials supporting him.
Standing beside the emperor was Duke Rivi.
Emperor Aubrey nodded to the officials below, indicating that the court session could begin.
After receiving permission, Jesrether spoke first:
"Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has returned this time with great achievements."
"His Highness slew a dragon that had been troubling the empire for a long time at the border, making a great contribution, and is bringing back the dragon's head to proclaim the pacification."
The Second Prince just stood quietly on the side watching Jesrether's praise, smiling without speaking.
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Emperor Aubrey didn't speak either, only listening as Jesrether continued:
"The Crown Prince has not yet been married, but now, His Highness has already entered his thirties, it's time to consider the matter of starting a family."
"Regarding a spouse, I have a recommended candidate."
"That is, Viktor Count's sister....."
Before he could finish speaking, Gwen walked in from outside the court, wearing armor, with a long sword at her waist, striding in briskly.
"Lady Gwen! We haven't reported to His Majesty yet!"
Closely following behind Gwen were two eunuchs, stumbling and rolling as they followed behind Gwen, anxiously admonishing.
But now Gwen had already come before the emperor.
She was leading a disheveled man in her hand, and threw him towards the center of the hall.
Everyone looked at the man thrown onto the hall floor, looking at each other in bewilderment.
Someone couldn't help but ask.
"Who is this man?"
"This man's name is Chur, he's a soldier from the Kingdom of Kant, who changed his identity to infiltrate the empire, became a grain merchant, and mixed into the Kravina family."
"His target was to assassinate Viktor and his sister Lia."
"But he failed, and was instead captured by Viktor's sister."
The ministers in the court gasped when they heard this.
Previously, Viktor was a viscount, and moreover, a viscount with actual power over territory.
However, such a nobleman, had a soldier from the Kingdom of Kant mixed into his inner circle?
The severity of this matter made it hard not to suspect whether there were people within the empire communicating with the Kingdom of Kant.
And the assassination attempt happened right when Viktor became a count and his strength reached the ranks of fourth-tier mages.
Many people couldn't help but look towards Jesrether.
Why?
Before this, no matter how dissatisfied the nobles present were with Viktor, they wouldn't say to hire someone to assassinate Viktor.
Because Viktor was a person of the empire, the grudges of empire people should be resolved by empire people themselves.
What did it mean for a person from another kingdom to sneak in?
Then recently, who held a grudge against Viktor, and who had this motive?
These nobles who looked towards Jesrether didn't say a word.
But they had already made clear their current attitude towards Jesrether.
Jesrether felt many malicious gazes directed at him, like dozens of sharp needles piercing him.
The emperor raised his eyes, looked towards Gwen, and spoke his first words:
"Where is that child now."
"Your Majesty, Lia is waiting outside the palace."
Emperor Aubrey nodded, saying:
"Let her come in."
Under the emperor's summons, several guards brought Lia into the hall.
She stood before the emperor, and under everyone's gaze, she slightly bowed to the emperor on the throne.
"Greetings to Your Majesty."
Emperor Aubrey waved his hand,
"No need for formalities."
After saying this, he stared at Lia, smiling slightly.
"Good, it's good that you're alright."
"Otherwise, this old man couldn't handle Viktor coming to make trouble for me."
Everyone present heard the emperor's intimate tone, his appreciation for Viktor even affecting his sister.
Love extends to the whole house.
Lia slowly stood up, glancing at Jesrether.
There seemed to be intense mockery in her eyes.
But this mockery disappeared in an instant, and in this sudden situation, no one noticed Lia's expression.
Following the emperor's eye signal, a magus slowly walked forward, using the crystal ball in his hand to guide the unconscious Chur.
A mark slowly appeared on the crystal ball, then turned red and dissipated.
The magus turned around and said to the emperor:
"Your Majesty, he is indeed not a person of the empire, and moreover, he has obvious thick blood energy."
Thick blood energy indicated that the person was a warrior, and not weak in strength.
This basically confirmed the truthfulness of Lia's words.
Let alone whether this warrior intended to assassinate Viktor's family, just such a powerful warrior from outside the empire mixing into the empire was worth investigating.
Duke Rivi appropriately spoke beside the emperor at this time:
"Your Majesty, this matter should be thoroughly investigated."
The emperor nodded, made an "Mm" sound, and smiled at Lia.
"Child, come to my side."
Lia bowed to the emperor again, slowly walking to the emperor's vicinity.
Looking at Lia coming forward, the emperor smiled and said:
"Your brother is Aurelian's teacher, by my side, you don't need to be so formal."
"I will investigate this matter, capturing such a kingdom warrior, you also have made a great contribution."
Everyone present noticed the emperor's words.
He emphasized the relationship between the princess and Viktor, which was a warning to everyone present.
Don't bring your little tricks here to me.
Kravina will not support either side.
No one noticed that Jesrether slightly clenched his fist.
Why?
Why could the emperor be so good to these two?
We are the royal relatives, Devon and I are your nephews!
A seed named jealousy was inadvertently buried in the bottom of his heart, slowly taking root and sprouting in Jesrether's heart.
Suddenly, the emperor looked towards Jesrether and asked:
"Speaking of which, you had something you wanted to say earlier."
"Continue."
Jesrether was stunned, at this moment, he became the one being roasted on the fire.
Viktor's sister had just experienced an assassination attempt, and he was going to bring up the matter of the Crown Prince marrying her...
Wouldn't that be asking for a scolding?
"Your Majesty, I..."
Jesrether opened and closed his mouth, the words were like a huge stone blocking his throat, he couldn't say anything.
The old emperor sighed, saying indifferently:
"Come out, Viktor."
"If you have anything to say, tell him yourself."
Viktor?
Everyone present fell into utter confusion.
Where was Viktor's figure here?
Along with their rising doubts, a green vitality suddenly rose in the palace, full of life.
Wild flowers and grass gradually covered the entire floor, winding vines gradually climbed to the top of the palace, the surrounding golden pillars were covered with tendrils.
A cluster of flowers that appeared behind everyone gradually made unusual movements, as those flowers gradually retreated.
Viktor gradually revealed his figure.
He just appeared out of thin air in front of everyone, flicking his coat behind him.
Viktor at this moment was completely different from last time.
If Viktor last time was spreading terror and majesty, then Viktor at this moment was filled with coldness and elegance.
But still giving people a sense of mysterious distance.
His figure instantly disappeared, appearing ghostly behind Jesrether.
Viktor leaned close to Jesrether's ear, his eyes cold, slowly saying:
"Some things I didn't explain in advance, perhaps making you think there was some opportunity to take advantage."
"But now, I want you to remember forever."
As Viktor spoke, several vines suddenly wrapped around Jesrether's neck, getting tighter and tighter.
Jesrether immediately struggled, desperately tearing at the thick vines on his neck.
His face gradually turned red, his hand movements becoming more frantic.
But he could only hear Viktor's cold voice indifferently:
"Stay away from the people around me."
Everyone was shocked to see this scene before them.
Viktor's sudden appearance, and his warning-like words.
Even Gwen and Lia had looks of confusion and bewilderment.
Why did Viktor suddenly appear?
As if realizing something, several nobles standing behind Jesrether hurriedly shouted.
"Viktor! Are you crazy?"
"Are you going to kill someone in the palace?"
Viktor's eyes coldly glanced at that person, and the other person, like a little chick suddenly drowning in water, was choked and dared not say a second word.
But he indeed didn't commit murder, the vines gradually retreated from Jesrether's body.
He touched his own neck, gasping for breath.
The long time unable to breathe caused his eyes to be full of bloodshot, extremely red and particularly frightening.
"Viktor!"
Jesrether's voice was somewhat hoarse, but he wasn't afraid.
At this moment, the jealousy in his heart turned into intense anger, he wished he could tear apart the person in front of him with his own hands.
But he couldn't do it, he could only suppress his anger, pretending to be calm as he looked at Viktor.
"What grudge do you have against me?"
But Viktor seemed to have vented all his resentment, elegantly tugging at his collar.
"Mr. Jesrether, before discussing your grudges with me, I hope you first face the status difference between you and me."
Jesrether felt a sense of confusion and bewilderment, correspondingly, this confusion spread to everyone in the palace except the emperor.
As if unintentionally, a round silver insignia was revealed on Viktor's collar.
The three broken human heads on it seemed to be displaying some kind of mysterious identity.
Under Jesrether's angry gaze, Viktor, as if mocking, or as if despising him, said indifferently.
"Please call me, Councilor Kravina."