Chapter 118
1176 Words
ELAYNE
“If I’m hearing this correctly, you want us to help you take over half of Casella and join it with Zerramond?”
“Yes, that’s what I’m saying.”
“Princess Ariana, that makes no sense. You’re at disadvantage.”
“Technically, I’m still married to Kalvin. It won’t be too bad.”
“What if you wanted your kingdom back? There would most likely be a lot of conflict.”
“Please rest your mind, your majesty. Casella would still be Casella. The only difference it would have is being closely joined to Zerramond. It would be like living beside your best friend. We would build our relationship on mutualism and trust, taking our trade beyond this continent.”
“Princess Ariana, I want you to understand this is a very risky idea…”
“My dear, I think she understands that. The fact she has come to us with it means she trusts us enough to be able to enforce this idea and is willing to bet her all on it. I know you are worried about her but just listen to her first” The King intervened.
“Fine. you can continue.”
“We would break away half of Casella which includes the northern and western part of Casella. We would reinforce borders against Perimas and Uramuth. Since Perimas is on the side of King Mival, we would try to extend some of the hospitality to them. If not, we would leave them alone. I am not trying to fight King Mival’s war for him”
“That is an excellent idea. What makes you think the Northern and western parts would be willing to cooperate?”
“In Casella, the four major territories are mostly ruled by Generals who have powers equal to dukes. If they wish to side with any ruler, the nobility in their territories would have no choice but to join them or be considered traitors and executed by martial law. I have the key to convincing them to join me.”
“And what would that be?”
“The Casellan seal of authority.”
“If you have had that for this long, why haven’t you used it yet?”
“I was waiting for the right moment. Any reckless move from my part would cost me my life.”
“This is understandable. We have heard you out and would consider your proposal. Till then, you can still retain your knighthood and nobility title.”
“Thank you, your majesty.” I bowed deeply.
“Honestly, I never knew you had it in you. You always looked so distant and delicate that I thought you were a snob. Then you started walking around with my sister-in-law then I thought you were crazy.”
“I’ll try talking to you frequently, your majesty.”
“... No, you don’t have to do that.”
“I feel I would learn a lot from you on how to be a better Zerramond wife.”
“No, you’re doing perfectly well. Keep it up.”
“I would still like to learn something from you, your highness.”
“Ah... maybe…”
The King and Kalvin covered their mouths to mask their amusement. It was refreshing to see her struggle for words but I stopped pestering her.
“When does this insane plan of yours start?”
“We’ll leave for Casella next week. We’ve already sent word to Princess Kanna and Duchess Miriam.”
“The Duchess my daughter has been pestering for the past few weeks? I have yet to offer my sincerest apologies to her.”
“Don’t worry, I’m sure she won’t be angered. She cannot speak but she holds a lot of power and has allies that would stand up for her. I’m sure someone would’ve opposed Princess Kanna’s wilful behavior by now.”
“She cannot speak? That is surprising for a noble. It is also very brave. I think I would like this Duchess.”
Oh no. I just got the mother as interested as the daughter in the duchess.
“I’m sure she would find you a bit much, mother. You go on rampages often and you have no regard for personal space.”
“Shut up! Just because I haven’t gotten to you yet doesn’t mean you can talk to me however you like. I am still rightfully upset with you.”
“I love you too, mother.”
Thankfully, the meeting with the king and queen went well. I kew with Kalvin on their case, they were going to agree and make it official soon. When we stepped out, everyone was waiting with baited breaths.
“What did her majesty say?”
“She said she hated her son.”
“Oi! Ariana!”
“She said something similar but for the most part, she was accepting of the situation. I’m grateful she listened to me.”
“Please don’t scare us like that anymore, your highness?”
I gave Tyler a strange look.
“Your highness?”
“Since I know who you are now, I can’t keep calling you my lady.”
“I told you not to call me that in the first place but I’m not a princess anymore.”
“Well technically, you are. You are still married to Prince Kalvin.”
“I wish I wasn’t,” I mumbled.
“Ariana!”
“I would love to hear this argument continue but there is someone waiting for you outside, Princess Ariana. She said to tell you her name is Noelle,” Susanne cut in.
“I’m actually impressed she came here to see me without any fear.”
“She is a princess too after all. We can’t exactly capture her,” Kalvin replies.
“Kalvin, darling, you don’t actually have to comment, okay?”
“Why are you so mean to me?”
Ignoring his cries of alleged injustice, I follow Susanne to the gate. Noelle, who is seated there regaly, stands to regard me. She is not in her saintess robes again, opting to wear something only worn by Zerramond high nobility.
“As impressive as it is to see you alive, your dedication impresses me more.”
“I couldn’t let you win or take my life.”
“Now that I see your potential, I don’t want to kill you anymore. Join me, Elayne,” she extends her hand. I look down at it and back at her.
“What if I refuse?”
“I’ll tell my father you’re alive and are planning to take over his kingdom.”
“How far does the web of your information spread? Besides that, he already knows I’m alive and planning to take back the kingdom.”
“How do you know that?”
“Our Master, Andrella, told me.”
“Andrella hates both of us. Why would she help you?”
“She’s the reason I’m here in the first place. You tell me, Noelle.”
- Writer
