Chapter 31

31. Similar Faces

“Ah!”

The carriage jerked as if it had caught a rock. causing Adelaide to stumble and hit the door.

Callion quickly snatched her wrist. Both his hand and her wrist were cold.

“I apologize, Your Grace; I didn’t see the puddle up ahead.”

The coachman shouted from beyond the middle window.

Prince Klaus’s eyes flickered to the coachman’s seat, then back to Callion. His eyes narrowed as if he were wondering how long he could keep his mouth shut.

“Are you going to deny it?”

When there was no answer, the second prince repeated the question. Adelaide bit her lip in silence.

She never thought he would immediately strike.

Although she had intended to explain the situation first from their side, doing so would only reveal their guilt in trying to cover it up.

She wished Callion had said something, anything, but he maintained his silence.

She sucked in a breath, wishing he could do something, and he turned his head. His jet-black eyes were peaceful, without the slightest flicker.

The anxiety that had clouded her faint smile dissipated. Adelaide decided to trust him.

“What you’ve said is all true.”

Callion pulled out a ledger from under the carriage seat. It was the record obtained from the slave auction.

“I am truly sorry that this happened on my estate.”

“Do you admit to it?”

“I can’t deny what clearly happened, even if I wasn’t aware.”

Callion calmly responded to Klaus’s skeptical question. The prince glanced at the ledger but then tossed it into the corner of the seat without looking further.

“If the ledger is manipulated, there’s no need to examine it—.”

“…….”

“The Duke didn’t know?”

“Engaging in such activities between people is unacceptable. If I had known, I would never have condoned it.”

“Why did you keep silent until I spoke?”

Prince Klaus twisted his mouth into a sneer.

Even if the fault is on this side, how can a prince of a kingdom be so rude to the royal family of an empire?

Adelaide, who was furious, glared at the man.

“I knew you must be tired after your long journey, and I intended to speak to you slowly once we reached the castle. If I had known it was a matter of such urgency, we should have stayed at an inn before climbing into the carriage.”

“It sounds to me like if I hadn’t brought it up, you might have overlooked it.”

“Would it make you feel better to think so?”

His polite voice visibly sank.

Callion’s patience was wearing thin as he tried to remain polite no matter what the other man said.

Prince Klaus glanced out of the corner of his eye and checked Callion’s right hip. He was not wearing a sword.

“I believe His Grace had no intention of jeopardizing the diplomatic relations between our countries.”

The Second Prince’s tone softened, as if he realized he was facing the best swordsman on the continent in the middle of enemy territory.

However, before they could relax, the offensive as an envoy continued.

“Even so, it’s hard to look the other way when there’s a clear victim and a clear perpetrator.”

“If there’s something to be accountable for, I’ll take responsibility.”

“How do you propose to take responsibility?”

“I apologize formally to the kingdom on behalf of the Empire, and if you wish to make restitution, I will do that as well.”

Adelaide’s brow furrowed at the solution they hadn’t discussed beforehand.

An apology sent in the name of Duke Tiflis and a hefty restitution.

A promise that would not only tarnish Callion’s honor but also drain their hard-earned funds.

Despite the proposal being full of losses and nothing to gain, Prince Klaus was not satisfied.

“His Majesty wishes to personally meet the Duke and receive the apology.”

“……!”

Adelaide looked up sharply. It was a demand that went beyond Callion’s promise.

No, absolutely not.

She opened her mouth hastily.

“I apologize for interrupting, but wouldn’t it be sufficient to send the apology through a letter?”

“Letters do not contain emotion, and there is a great chance of misunderstanding.”

“Perhaps the Second Prince could convey his sincerity in person so that His Majesty does not misunderstand.”

“His Majesty is not one to be trifled with; is there any reason why you should not go?”

Prince Klaus shot back with a slow laugh.

‘We shouldn’t send Callion into the kingdom. In this atmosphere, he would be a prisoner the moment he set foot in the kingdom.’

The king, weakened by a fruitless war, will seek to take Callion’s life as a show of authority, and Elkius will stand by and watch.

“His Grace is innocent. If he were involved, he wouldn’t have engaged in activities in Tiflis at such a time.”

“Are you suggesting someone frames the Duke?”

“If His Grace were in your position, would you handle it so carelessly?”

She tried to remain calm, but her voice cracked at the edges.

Prince Klaus glanced at the ledger he had casually flipped through. Having skimmed through the ledger without sincerity, he finally silenced Adelaide’s voice with his words.

“I’m afraid my father will not believe that explanation.”

“Tiflis is a region bordering the kingdom. If you antagonize Tiflis, the kingdom will suffer equally.”

“His Majesty is willing to go to war.”

“……!”

“Did you say war, now?”

“I mean, in the worst case scenario, yes. This has left an irreparable wound in the hearts of everyone in the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Helenia and it cannot be resolved any other way.”

With a clunk, the carriage shook again. Adelaide didn’t even feel her body shake.

It’s a threat. War couldn’t possibly be an option.

It hadn’t been long since the war ended, and both countries hadn’t yet recovered from the aftermath.

But… What if they really intend to resume the war?

The Emperor is inexperienced, and the situation in the court is chaotic. Auctioning off slaves could tie Callion’s hands and feet, making it a perfect opportunity for him not to return.

But Adelaide can’t trust this man.

“Is war truly His Majesty’s intention, or is it yours, Second Prince?”

“Why does it matter whose intention it is? My intention is my father’s, and my father’s is mine.”

No, something is wrong. Why would someone representing the king act so hostile?

The Second Prince is already embroiled in a fierce struggle for the throne within the royal family. Why would he push for war…?

“Prince Klaus.”

“Speak.”

“Bringing up war in a meeting arranged for diplomatic exchange seems inappropriate.”

“…….”

“I will ponder your proposed apology over time, but perhaps we should call it a day.”

Prince Klaus shook his head in response.

And just like that, the breathless conversation was cut short.

⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜ ⚜

It was definitely spring. The warm spring breeze carried the scent of flowers, tickling the tip of Adelaide’s nose. Even in the bustling market she had just arrived in, she could feel the arrival of spring, from the children playing in the streets to the garments they wore.

Only inside the carriage did it feel like winter.

Adelaide glanced at the second prince, whose eyes were closed as if he were asleep.

Why?’

There were so many things that didn’t add up.

She had never met Prince Klaus before, but she knew everything about him.

He’s in the midst of a fierce battle for the throne with the crown prince, and soon he’ll push him aside and take his place.

If he intends to be the next King of Helenia, he would be foolish to threaten the empire with war.

There must be a reason for this, but I wonder what it is.

Adelaide pondered over his words carefully.

“This has left an irreparable wound in the hearts of everyone in the Royal Family of the Kingdom of Helenia and it cannot be resolved any other way.”

Everyone in the Royal Family…… everyone?

The people from Helenia at the slave auction are all commoners.

Their own people were kidnapped and sold into slavery, so it’s not something to be taken lightly, but it’s not a sacrifice that the entire royal family would mourn.

Except for one.

Adelaide’s eyes widened, and she studied the Second Prince’s face closely.

Light brown hair as if drained of water, a curved nose, sharp lips, and a pointed chin. And…

“Why are you staring at me like that?”

…Gray eyes.

“Oh, you looked very tired, and I wasn’t sure if I should show you to your room or get you something to eat first.”

“You’re quite considerate. Either is fine with me.”

His lips, which had been pursed, formed a smile. Adelaide returned it with a genuine smile, not a mocking one.

“In that case, I’ll have the meal prepared, and in the meantime, would you like to meet some of the kingdom’s residents staying in the castle?”

“Adele, but let’s do it slowly…”

“I want them to know how well we treat them.”

“Very well, I will do that.”

Prince Klaus graciously accepted. Adelaide returned the favor with a wide smile.

As soon as the carriage pulled into the castle grounds, Adelaide jumped out.

“Where is Sir Lucid?

Looking around, she spotted Lucid standing in front of the carriage and hurried to him.

“Lucid, I want you to find Zeke and bring him to me at once.”

“Zeke, you mean the little boy?”

“Yes, hurry. It’s urgent.”

Lucid did as he was told without question. Adelaide watched him run off, then returned to Callion’s side.

He wondered why she would make such a suggestion to the Second Prince. She wasn’t naive enough to try to change his mind with such shallow tricks, so he suspected she had an ulterior motive, but he didn’t know what it was.

“Here.”

Callion led the second prince into the knight’s hall, guessing at Adelaide’s intentions. On either side of the wide corridor stood the people he’d rescued from the auction house.

“I see they are not treated badly.”

Prince Klaus said it dryly, looking around. His demeanor was indifferent for a man who had spoken of war.

“I think we’ve seen enough.”

The second prince circled the hall, bored.

“Is Lucid not back yet?”

He should be here soon.

Just as she anxiously waited for news, a commotion broke out behind the knights’ quarters.

[Let go of me! I said, Let go! ]

The familiar voice in the kingdom’s language made the prince stop in his tracks.

“What’s the commotion all of a sudden?”

“I apologize, Your Highness. Sir Lucid must be having an argument with that boy.”

“The boy?”

Before Callion could respond, Prince Klaus headed toward the source of the commotion.

[No! I’m not coming! ]

“Be quiet, you annoying little brat.”

Zeke was struggling with having his back grabbed by Lucid. Prince Klaus’ eyes widened when he spotted Zeke.

[You ignorant imperial bastard, let go of me now! ]

[Siegfried, you-! ]

At the sound of his name, Siegfried stopped struggling and turned his head. His mouth opened in confusion.

[B-brother…….]