Two-Faced Princess

“If I can cure my mother’s illness and raise her fief, I will leave all my things to the Duchess.” There was a long, long silence. Neither of them moved. Knox’s eyes were serious and direct. Soon, a smile began to spread around Petra’s mouth. The reputable loyalist, Sid Byan. The hero’s suspicious death was still rumored to be an assassination, undermining the emperor’s reputation. The son of such a man was now kneeling at Petra’s feet and pledging allegiance. It was shocking, but not false. If he wanted to take revenge on Duke Lipper, he wouldn’t have kidnapped the princess at the risk of his life. If his son tried to hurt the princess that the father tried to protect so much, it meant that his way of thinking was completely different from Sid Byan’s. He had a sick mother and a fallen family who only suffered from her father’s poor judgment. It was natural for the son, who had to watch this all, to make the opposite choice.

“It’s the loyalty of Count Bayan’s family———-”

“I have nothing, but at least my name is alive.”

Petra nodded her head at Knox’s heartfelt words.

“Sometimes nothing is worth as much.” She reached for Knox and raised him. “I’ll give your mother the best doctor.” She spoke softly. Countess Byan would be a good hostage in case he made up his mind about anything else. Of course, holding onto the fact that he tried to kidnap the princess was enough for weakness. She looked into Knox’s gray eyes——eyes that once looked perfectly similar to Sid Byan, who felt like an unshakable rock. Now, it was shining with hope at every word she said. The fact gave her a sense of satisfaction that even Petra couldn’t hide. So this was what victory tasted like.

“The Byan family will finally restore the glory of the past.” She spoke sweetly to the thrilled young man. In an instant, one corner of the young man’s mouth rose secretly, but it wasn’t visible to her eyes. “You will succeed your father in leading the Imperial Knights.”

* * *

“Your Highness, have you heard the news?”

“What is it?”

Paris picked up the irritating document in bed and pushed it away again. The mere sight of the paper bothered him, especially in the morning.

“Never mind, just say it.”

“Under the leadership of the newly appointed Royal Knight Commander, Knox Byan, the knights are more disciplined than ever.”

“The dogs must be laughing. That man has no guts to discipline.” Paris laughed.

“Some fearless men challenged him, but no one had beaten him either with a spear or sword. Of course, he is nothing compared to you, His Highness.” The servant added the last word, looking at Paris.

“There must be a part of him that resembles Abby.”

“That’s good news. Your Highness. You can draw allegiance from those who admire the predecessor, Count Byan.”

“I know. I know.”

Paris waved his hand and tried to dismiss his servant. “Your Highness. Well, it’s been a few days since the Imperial Knight Commander took office, so you have to go and watch the training yourself. That way, you can check the situation——-”

“Stop nagging!” aris shouted at the servant who did not retreat in silence. He was been out of the Union Army for a while. Caelion’s participation in the bet, which started with Evangeline, was the cause of the trouble. Many people who watched the duel between the two until the end spread rumors that the prince’s ability was insignificant compared to that of the Grand Duke. This also mingled with the rumors that he had been defeated by Evangeline in Rajan and was laying down his honor.

“Sir, this is beyond procrastination. Traditionally, Your Highness must conduct training or duel with the captain of the Knights——-”

The attendant had worked in the royal family for a long time but had only arrived at the crown prince’s palace not long ago. He didn’t give up and tried to persuade Paris, perhaps because he hadn’t experienced who he was in person. However, Paris’ expression went cold when he heard the servant’s last words.

“So you want me to go to the arena and duel him too?”

Only then did the attendant realize the situation and cowered before him?

“Well, that’s——-”

“Do I have to prove to myself that I am superior to such a man? Aren’t I the commander-in-chief who led the war to victory?”His voice rose higher and higher.

“Well, Your Highness, please calm down!”

“Somebody pull this guy out.”

The servant waved his hand, but it was too late. Paris’ servants entered and pulled the servant by the arms.

“Send him to the mine to work. I don’t want to lay my eyes on that bastard ever again!” The servant’s plea rang through the palace, but Paris still puffed with an indignant expression.

“Your Highness.” Behind him, staring coolly in the direction where the servant had left, a soft voice came.

“Amoretta.”

Amoretta, who opened the other door to help him change, stood there with a frightened look.

“He did something wrong, so you don’t have to worry about it,” said Paris. It was a rare soft and thoughtful remark for him, but Amoretta still looked frightened.