Chapter 162: Where is everyone? Are they all dead?
Chapter 162: Where is everyone? Are they all dead?
Everyone at the Ryan Manor was dumbfounded when, out of the blue, a single sentence killed the Princess, who was in the middle of a "competition."
From the freckled Prince, who was knocked to the ground, to the middle-aged noblewoman behind the Princess, who nearly fainted on the spot, everyone who witnessed this scene could only react by uncontrollably widening their eyes and then instinctively opening their mouths...
"Ah???????"
[In the presence of Prince Joshua and half of the Kingdom's nobility, Princess Veronika agreed to your proposal, and you have obtained the Golden Rank Emblem, 'Traveling Dove Prince'.]
[Traveling Dove Prince: Prince of the Traveling Dove Kingdom, husband of Princess Veronika, and although he does not have the qualifications to inherit the throne, your words and actions can now represent the Royal Family's will to a certain extent.]
[Emblem Effect: As the esteemed Prince, within the territory of the Traveling Dove Kingdom, you can demand anyone of lower status to greet you proactively.]
[Advancement Path: If your marriage with Princess Veronika is maintained for an extended period, and even after she ascends to the throne and you remain married, this emblem will automatically advance to the Unique Emblem, 'The Man Behind the Queen (Ivory)'.]
[Hidden Trait (No Need to Wear): As this is purely a political marriage, Princess Veronika only has a favorable impression of you, and the lack of deep emotional foundation between you means she will not overly interfere with your private life.]
"..."
She's actually the Princess?
After turning off the new emblem that had popped up, Lyon looked at the voluptuous beauty approaching him with long strides from outside. He couldn't help but open his mouth, unsure of what to say at that moment.
The Purification Bureau's investigator had just left yesterday, and the suspicion of Ryan Blood Night on him had not been cleared. Logically, he should have been cautious and quickly distanced himself from the identity of the Duke of Lionheart.
But... this is a Golden Rank Emblem! Moreover, it has a clear advancement path, with a high probability of reaching the Unique Rank, and if he were to change his mind immediately, would this emblem not be taken back?
...
"Sorry for the sudden visit and startling everyone."
While Lyon was still indecisive on the stage, the Princess, who had just gained a huge advantage, had already made her way through the crowd and was quickly approaching the stage.
After nodding to the stunned nobles, Princess Veronika gently lifted the hem of her plain long skirt, kneeling to perform a graceful yet dignified lady's bow.
She then straightened her swan-like neck and gracefully turned around, extending her white lotus arm, covered in a veil, towards Lyon on the stage. Her face slightly flushed as she stared at him with her eyes, conveying a determination akin to burning bridges.
He had only come to watch the commotion, but he never expected such a huge opportunity to be waiting for him. This man, several years younger than him, was the final piece of the puzzle to save the kingdom!
If he could borrow this marriage and successfully take over the Lionheart Family's political legacy, even if it meant offending the old nobility and inviting the rebels' crazy assassination attempts, it would be worth it!
"I object!"
Seeing the man on the stage hesitate slightly and then actually reaching out to his sister's hand, the freckled Prince, whose height was significantly shorter, trembled and revealed a deep look of terror in his eyes. He immediately raised his voice in opposition!
As the King's child, political education was naturally the most important aspect. Although Prince Joshua was arrogant and hot-tempered, he wasn't entirely stupid. After the initial shock of this "hand-holding," he quickly understood its implications.
If that damned Duke of Lionheart were to succeed in using the entire Lane Family as a bargaining chip to marry Veronika, it would be like handing half the kingdom over to his sister. In an instant, their positions would be reversed, and he would become the one his father completely abandons!
If Veronika had a heart of stone, not only would he have no chance of inheriting the throne, but he might even be thrown to the sea to feed the monkeys!
No, today, no matter what, he absolutely couldn't let her succeed! Absolutely not!
"Veronika!"
With two loud shouts, everyone's attention was drawn to him. Ignoring the lingering pain from the palm print on his face, the freckled prince reprimanded her harshly:
"Father has already set the range of princes for you, and you must choose from among those people! By accepting the Duke of Lionheart's proposal, you are going against Father's orders!"
"Is that so?"
Looking at the freckled prince who had suddenly jumped in to disrupt things, Veronika raised her eyebrows and continued to maintain her outstretched arm towards Leon, responding calmly:
"I have no choice. His Excellency, the Duke of Lionheart, is brave, kind, young, and handsome. Especially when he slapped someone else, it made me fall in love at first sight. Since love came so suddenly, I can only disappoint Father's painstaking efforts.
Besides, as his most beloved daughter, in matters concerning my own lifelong happiness, if I show a little bit of stubbornness, I'm sure he won't blame me. In fact, he'll probably be happy for my happiness..." She turned to Joshua, "Don't you think so, Joshua?"
Hearing his sister's veiled response, the freckled prince's face darkened. That old man would indeed be happy, but not because of some nonsense about his happiness. It was because the leader of the old nobility had suddenly gone crazy and taken the Road Department and the Ministry of War to side with the royal family!
This was troublesome. It seemed she had made up her mind to seize the opportunity and swallow the Lane Family's inheritance no matter what. This path was likely a dead end!
"Where are the members of the Lane Family?"
Even if he brought up his father, he couldn't stop his sister from marrying the Duke of Lionheart. And that Duke of Lionheart was so audacious that he wouldn't be intimidated by his threats. Joshua, feeling helpless, immediately switched targets and started searching for the actual decision-makers of the Lane Family, hoping to pressure that damned duke through them.
Scanning the crowd with a cold gaze, the freckled prince didn't even bother to pretend. As he searched for someone in charge, he shouted harshly:
"Is there no one from the Lane Family? Are you just going to watch this bastard duke cause trouble? Are you content to let him take over the entire Lane Family?"
However, even after he had torn off his mask, not a single member of the Lane Family came forward. All he received in response was silence, along with whispers and murmurs from the guests.
"Say something!"
Seeing that even at this point, no one from the Lane Family had appeared, the freckled prince grew increasingly anxious. With a frown, he shouted:
"Are you just going to stand there and watch? Is everyone from the Lane Family dead? Not a single person dares to stand up and stop his nonsense?"
"..."
"Don't bother. There really is no one from the Lane Family."
Looking at the young wolf on stage, baring its teeth in a frenzy, trying to find someone to suppress him, Leon remained silent for a moment before speaking up with a strange expression:
"The former duke's steward suffered a heart attack and is currently receiving emergency treatment in the carriage outside. The remaining elders of the family are quite old. When I slapped you just now, the shock was too much for them, and they fainted... Look, the one lying by the door is probably the eldest among them."
"..."
Huh?!
(End of Chapter)
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