Two-Faced Princess

New Embers (7)

‘Where did your calculating appearance go?’ With a kind smile, Adrian told Seta that the Emperor had no choice but to love her. “His Majesty’s goodwill was enough to provide weapons to the Crown Prince during the war, so just use the bracelet comfortably. It’s His Highness’ will.” She finished speaking, put down her cup, and got up from her seat. “His Highness likes Seta.” That was Adrian’s last word after saying hello. Seta remained in silent contemplation. Adrian was smart to say that. She did it to curry favor with her. Nevertheless, the statement rang true. Excluding Adrian’s attitude, her actions revealed that Apollonia consistently respected and trusted Seta. Did she ever have such a person in her life? Seta alternately looked at the two bracelets. One was big and colorful while the other was small but too precious in this world. The two jewels clearly revealed how Petra and Apollonia viewed her differently. Seta sipped her tea and smiled. Money. Jewels. Honor. Power. They were the things that she wanted in life and right now, all of them were within her grasp. However, someone was more precious than these things in Seta’s mind. Apollonia. Whatever she planned, Seta intended to help her through and through.

* * *

“So did you meet him?” Evangeline asked. They were all gathered in Evangeline’s room inside the palace even if no one would really venture out there on their own. Thanks to the monsters, she was able to avoid other people’s attention.

“I heard Paris brought several knights. There were several Bellas. Among them——-”

“There isn’t,” Apollonia said flatly.

“What do you mean there isn’t? Evangeline’s information is wrong?” Caelion asked with a quizzical look. Evangeline was a burden but he couldn’t believe her information was wrong. Evangeline grinned at him.

“No. She was right but none of the Bellas were there.” Apollonia told them about Amoretta from their first meeting to their reunion at the banquet.

“That’s ridiculous.” Evangeline’s jaw went slack. Like a savage, she couldn’t even care less about what others think.

“So it’s just a smoke screen.” Uriel said.

“That’s right. They’re pretty meticulous even though it’s hard to think that she was the sorcerer of Luwan Company.”

Evangeline nodded as if she found it interesting.

“I’d like to suggest something once again, princess.” Apollonia told Evangeline and she cast her a glance. “I won’t ask for ‘Milon’s Eye’ because I know I can’t control it.” She spoke frankly and Evangeline flashed her a mysterious smile. “But, I need a lot of information about the three nobles we saw at the banquet, Amoretta, Petra Ripper, and the Emperor. I’d like to plant spies and know everything about them beyond them gathering somewhere. I want to know their personal thoughts and everyday conversations.”

‘Like how you know all that about me.’ Apollonia thought.

Lost in thought, Evangeline rested her chin in her hand and didn’t speak for a while.

“That’s not going to be easy.”

“Are you saying it’s impossible?”

“Not really.” Evangeline took a deep breath and said.

“I’ll just be honest with you. Your Highness.” She looked Apollonia in the eye and said. “My sources can gather accurate and more specific information than anyone else in the world but they’re limited in numbers, so to speak.” She explained carefully as if she didn’t want to give too much information. “What I mean is, to explore the Queen of Ramant, the King of Panath may have to be left alone for a while. This isn’t because my sources have limits, but because I can’t process too much information all at once.”

Apollonia nodded in agreement.

Milon’s Eye was able to rob a person of information she didn’t even know, from public to private.

However, as long as the information network could concentrate on one person, it only made sense that her sources couldn’t watch everyone in the world in such detail every single moment.

Evangeline continued.

“If I do everything you ask me to do, Your Highness, I must withdraw those who have been sent elsewhere. I have to move the entire Milon’s eye as a whole.” She spoke with a slightly troubled look on to her face. “Unfortunately, what you’re asking for doesn’t appear to be just a day or two of investigation. In the end, I might as well hand ‘Milon’s Eye’ over for a certain period of time. In addition——-” Her reddish-brown eyes glanced at Caelion.”I don’t sell information unless I get the price I want. No exceptions .” Evangeline spoke softly, but her intentions were clear. She would take chances on it even if it’s a no. She still had no idea if Apollonia would give Caelion in exchange. Because of their last negotiation, Evangeline stared into Apollonia’s eyes fearfully.

“I see.”

Apollonia stood up with a slight smile. No complaints were expressed.

“It’s not easy to listen to such a request. If you help me as before, I’ll take care of the rest.”

“Is that so?”

Evangeline’s expression brightened. Uriel also stood up after Apollonia.

“I want to get along with you, princess.” Apollonia said sincerely. Evangeline was still a woman even if she was quite selfish and seemed to be bothering Caelion but Apollonia didn’t hate her at all. Rather, she respected her crazy academic zeal. She wanted to help her if the situation allowed. More active cooperation will be available over time.

“By the way, speaking of the master—–”

As if recalling something, Apollonia said before leaving the door. “Soon, the business proposal will go from Count Restin to the King of Rajan. I’m referring to the steel business, which is also related to the royal family. Count Restin has been in charge of it for a long time but Idena’s top will give a little help.”

Evangeline nodded dimly.

“It’s in Rajan’s favor, so it has to be done. If you’re in contact with them, tell them to accept it without question. There’s no such thing as a trap. If you do that—–” Apollonia paused before continuing, “Since an important business is at stake, the royal family will not dare to treat you badly. You and Priya can be safe.”

Evangeline’s face brightened. She was cheering from the bottom of her heart.

“Are you sure?”

“Of course. You wouldn’t repeat what you asked for earlier, will you?”

Apollonia left the door with Uriel at the forefront. Caelion followed suit. Evangeline was still staring blankly at their backs with sparkling eyes.

“She’s funny, isn’t she?” She said to herself aa she stood there in a daze.

How many minutes had passed since the three of them left?

Suddenly, she heard a squeak from somewhere in response.

“I’m curious. What about her empire?”

She cut a small biscuit from the table and lifted it into the air. A toenail snatched it in the blink of an eye before it gobbled it up.

“If I help her, will she really become the empress?” She murmured, sticking out a second biscuit. The animal snatched it from her fingers. “Hey! Eat slowly. Even if you don’t understand, can you at least pretend to listen?”

Evangeline grumbled as the biscuit disappeared in an instant, scattering powder everywhere. The toenail’s owner squeaked once again as if it was uttering an excuse.

“Let’s wait and see for a while.”

She grinned and said. She didn’t forget to stroke someone in the air with her hands.