Chapter 57

The atmosphere outside the tent was tense and sharp as a blade. Inside, the Emperor and Prince Cain were engaged in an unknown conversation.

Outside, Julian stood firmly as if he had trapped the Emperor and Prince Cain within the tent. Beside him was Prince Aslan, seemingly trying to convince Julian to return to his tent.

The people observing the scene were the first to notice me. They whispered softly, but Julian and Prince Aslan, both sharp-witted, quickly turned to look at me.

“Grand Duchess,” called out Prince Aslan first.

“Greetings, Your Highness. I apologize for not being able to give a proper bow due to my condition.”

“Formalities are of no importance. How are you feeling?”

I glanced at Julian, trying to gauge his reaction. His eyes shone brightly, fixed on me even in the dim torches. I lowered my gaze and replied.

“Resting has helped.“

“It’s remarkable that you say so after being attacked by a monster. My brother is also being treated for injuries from the monster.”

“I see,“ I responded coldly. Injured by a monster? He had cut himself, so it couldn’t have been a fatal wound. Prince Cain was not someone who could endure such things.

What should I do now? All the cards were prepared. I lifted my head and looked at Julian.

“Julian, I heard you’ve been standing here for a long time. Please go inside and rest.”

Julian frowned at my words.

“Why should I?“

“But you need to rest too…“

“Don’t make me angrier, my wife. I’m already furious enough.”

I had no choice but to close my mouth. Despite standing for six hours, he didn’t look tired, nor did his anger seem to have cooled. The chilly evening air only made him appear more composed.

Realizing Prince Aslan’s presence, I glanced at him. He watched us with keen interest and smiled when our eyes met.

“The Grand Duke and Grand Duchess of Zan seem to have a good relationship.”

I was at a loss for words. How could he say that? But I couldn’t confront the Crown Prince.

Just then, the chamberlain emerged from the tent. He hesitated for a moment upon seeing the three of us outside.

“Speak,“ urged Prince Aslan.

The chamberlain bowed and said, “His Majesty has ordered the presence of the Crown Prince and the Grand Duchess of Zan.”

Of course. I nodded and signaled Anna to push my wheelchair inside. But Julian stepped in front of me.

“If she doesn’t go in with me, I won’t let my wife enter.“

“Your Grace, this is a royal command.“

“Did His Majesty explicitly forbid my entrance?“

“Well, no, but…”

I tugged on Julian’s sleeve.

“Julian, I’ll go in alone. There’s no need to anger His Majesty.”

Julian didn’t look at me but spoke to the chamberlain.

“Inform His Majesty that I will also enter.”

The chamberlain sighed dramatically but knew he couldn’t outright deny the Duke. Eventually, he went back inside.

“Julian, I have a plan.”

Julian still didn’t look at me as he responded.

“The same plan that got you hurt?“

“…This time, I won’t get hurt.“

“I’ve decided not to trust you anymore.”

I had no retort; it was my fault. While we bickered softly, the chamberlain returned, bowing deeply.

“Please, come inside.”

Julian took the wheelchair from Anna and pushed it himself. Feeling burdened, I whispered for him to stop, but he ignored me again.

It was clear he was more than just upset. I gave up trying to persuade him and sat quietly in the wheelchair.

Julian, Prince Aslan, and I entered the Emperor’s tent. As per the Emperor’s order, only the three of us were allowed inside without our attendants.

“Come.”

The first person to greet us was the Emperor. He looked tired, sitting in a chair at the tent’s center.

The loathsome Prince Cain stood slightly askew next to the Emperor, his arm wrapped thickly in bandages, appearing like a severely injured patient.

“Greetings to His Majesty, the Sun of the Empire.”

The Emperor waved his hand dismissively as if weary of formalities.

“Enough of that. I’ve just learned about the depth of the Second Prince’s wounds and the tale he told… a tale you both need to hear, especially the Crown Prince and the Grand Duchess.”

With this, Prince Aslan stepped forward and spoke in a formal tone.

“The responsibility for the monster’s intrusion lies heavily on me. I was entrusted with overseeing the hunting event and am ashamed of how it was handled. I ask for your punishment.”

The Emperor eyed Prince Aslan suspiciously, a look clear to anyone observing. However, Prince Aslan remained steadfast, his posture straight and unwavering.

“Crown Prince, is that truly the extent of your fault?“

“I am foolish and unaware of my mistakes. Please, enlighten me.“

“Enlighten you…”

The Emperor drummed his fingers on the arm of his chair. Prince Cain interrupted the Emperor’s contemplation, his voice filled with betrayal as he turned towards Prince Aslan.

“Brother! How could you do this to me? To use the monster to attack me, and through the Grand Duchess of Zan no less!”

Prince Aslan’s expression was one of shocked innocence as if he couldn’t fathom such an accusation. His performance was always impressive, even unnervingly so. Despite recognizing Prince Cain’s attempts to malign him, he appeared genuinely pained by the ‘misunderstanding.‘

“Cain, it was my fault for not properly managing the hunting grounds. But to claim I tried to harm you? And why would the Grand Duchess be involved? She sustained serious injuries in this incident.“

“Perhaps she is simply that loyal to you,”

Prince Cain said, clenching his teeth. His anger towards Prince Aslan and me was genuine, lending credibility to his performance.

“Father! Everything I reported earlier is true. After my previous mistakes, I spent time in the palace reflecting deeply and sought to regain your favor. That is why I ventured deep into the forest during the hunt to accomplish a great feat. I felt a strange tremor there and discovered six beasts wandering as if under a spell.“

Prince Cain’s face reddened with anger as he continued.

“My knights and I realized the hunt was in jeopardy and tried to dispatch the monsters. But then the Grand Duchess appeared. She threw a rare magical stone, causing the beasts to become frenzied. My knights fought valiantly to protect me, but none returned. If not for them, I, too, would have fallen to the beasts!“

Prince Cain extended his bandaged arm dramatically.

“This wound was inflicted then! Brother! Explain yourself! I do not want to believe these suspicions about you!”

Prince Aslan listened calmly before turning to the Emperor and politely asking,

“Father, may I question my brother to clear up this misunderstanding?“

“Proceed.“

“Thank you, Father.”

Prince Aslan looked at Prince Cain.

“Cain, there are several odd points in your story. You entered the deep forest on your own. How could I have led you there?“

“Thinking back, there was something strange. One knight urged me to go deeper into the forest, saying there were more game animals. Did you not instruct him to do so, Brother?“

“But you said he died protecting you.“

“Perhaps you offered him a great reward. He was willing to risk death. Brother, you are capable of such things.”

I interjected at that moment.

“Excuse me, Your Highness. What was the name of that knight?”

Prince Cain frowned, pondering for a moment before answering.

“Hanson.”

I smiled and stepped back.

“Thank you. Please, continue.”

Prince Cain glared at me, clearly thinking my question irrelevant, but Julian’s imposing presence behind me kept him from pressing further.

“There is another puzzling detail. If the beasts were indeed under a magical influence, and if the Grand Duchess did throw a rare magical stone to enrage them, why would she need to do so personally? And why reveal herself at all?“

“That is a question the Grand Duchess must answer,“ Prince Cain replied, his eyes turning towards me.

TL NOTE: A more advanced chapter of this story is already up on the site. Visit dusk blossoms for more advanced chapters and stories.