Episode 141

The Crown Prince did not hide his displeasure at Daina mentioning this matter.

However, she did not want to back down here.

Even though he was the Crown Prince, he couldn’t do anything to her as a princess, so there was no need to be intimidated.

Daina calmly collected herself and began to say what she had been wanting to express all along.

“Please withdraw your proposal to the Duchess of Blighton.”

“Withdraw it?”

“Yes. The Duchess of Blighton is clearly a married woman. I believe it is wrong to make such a proposal to someone like that.”

“Wrong… It seems I’ve been too lenient with the princess. For you to say such things so freely.”

“Your Highness, that’s not what I meant—”

“Enough.”

The Crown Prince raised his hand, cutting off Daina’s words.

“You must be greatly mistaken if you think that I will do as you say simply because you’ve asked.”

“I’m advising you to correct a wrong.”

“Advising… How amusing.”

The Crown Prince scoffed at Daina’s words.

“What?”

“To openly say that what I intend to do is wrong—how terribly rude of you.”

“Your Highness, please listen to—”

“Enough. I don’t want to hear any more.”

With an icy tone, the Crown Prince cut her off once again.

Although he had asked her to speak earlier, it was clear now that he intended to silence her completely.

But she couldn’t stop here.

Their gazes clashed sharply for a moment, both refusing to back down.

In the silence that followed, the tension was palpable as they both stood their ground.

“Did you happen to hear the reason?”

Breaking the silence, the Crown Prince was the first to speak.

“Are you referring to Ian Blighton?”

“So, you did hear.”

“Yes, I did. However, it’s only natural that the Duchess would help Ian Blighton. At that time, the Duke and Duchess were engaged to be married. Of course, it wasn’t right for her to use divine power without the temple’s permission, but still, if Your Highness would overlook this just this once…”

“Why should I simply overlook it?”

The Crown Prince asked, his expression high-handed and arrogant.

“And isn’t that too complacent a stance for someone who has served the gods for so long?”

“I just believe it’s too harsh to accuse both families of treason over this matter. Your Highness knows they have no such intentions.”

“How can you be so sure? It’s possible the two families really did conspire to commit treason.”

“Isn’t that exactly why Your Highness made that proposal to the Duchess, using this incident as leverage?”

“Hmm, yes, that’s true. But even if I might, His Imperial Majesty would not.”

“His Majesty…”

Daina found herself momentarily speechless at the thought of the Emperor.

As the Crown Prince suggested, it was highly likely that the Emperor would take this matter seriously.

Especially since this situation provided an opportunity to tighten his grip on the Blighton family, and potentially exert more control over the Anaïs family as well. For the Emperor, this was a golden opportunity.

“His Majesty might also be inclined to show mercy,” Daina said, though she knew that such words would do little to persuade the Crown Prince.

It was more effective to feign ignorance about the Emperor’s likely response.

“If you truly believe that, it seems you don’t understand His Majesty very well.”

“What do you mean?”

“Well, the Emperor has always been kind to you, so I suppose it makes sense,” the Crown Prince murmured, his tone carrying a hint of sarcasm.

“In any case, I’ll handle this matter. Don’t mention it again.”

“But, Your Highness—”

“Enough. This is your final warning.”

The Crown Prince’s tone was sharper than before, his expression stern as he cautioned Daina.

‘What should I do?’

If the conversation ended here, her visit would have been in vain, and it would be of no help to those she came to defend.

Daina met the Crown Prince’s gaze, deep in thought.

But before she could decide her next move, the Crown Prince shifted the topic and called out to her.

“By the way, Princess.”

“Yes, Your Highness?”

“I also have something to tell you, which is why I called you here.”

“…What is it?”

“Well, you see…”

The Crown Prince didn’t speak immediately, instead stroking his chin, taking his time.

‘What could he possibly want to say to me?’

Daina decided to hear him out before bringing up her concerns again, but she couldn’t quite guess what he was getting at.

As she watched the Crown Prince, an inexplicable sense of unease began to creep in.

And when his words finally reached her ears, that sense of unease proved to be all too accurate.

“The Imperial Family has decided to form an alliance with the royal family of Kailon, and it’s been decided that you will be sent there as the Crown Prince’s bride.”

“What? What are you saying…?”

Even as she heard his words, Daina couldn’t fully grasp their meaning.

So, in other words…

Are they planning to send me off to that kingdom under the guise of marriage?

The shock of his words erased all memory of their earlier conversation from her mind.

Now, only his recent statement echoed in her thoughts.

“What do you mean? Why would I—?”

“You are the only princess of age in the Imperial Family who matches the Crown Prince of Kailon.”

“But—”

“As a member of the royal family, who has enjoyed privileges beyond others, you surely understand the responsibilities and duties that come with it.”

“I do understand. I do, but—”

Daina sighed deeply within her heart.

Just as she had told the Crown Prince, she was fully aware of her responsibilities.

If she didn’t understand that, she wouldn’t have spent more than ten years in the temple.

Because of her status as a princess and the fact that she was chosen by the gods, she had to spend her childhood in the temple.

Even when the temple felt suffocating, she endured it at a young age to fulfill her duties as royalty.

But now, they were forcing her into marriage. The Crown Prince’s actions felt cruel, and she despised how her life was always controlled by others.

However…

As a princess, she had no right to refuse anything.

‘If His Majesty had not fallen ill, would this still have happened?’

She didn’t know.

But it didn’t matter now; dwelling on what could have been was pointless.

“I’ve heard rumors that you’re deeply involved with Jade Anaïs. Is that true?” the Crown Prince asked.

“…No, it’s not.”

Daina barely managed to respond.

No matter how much she struggled, she couldn’t change her fate.

If that was the case, it would be better if she was the one to let go first.

“Not true? Hmm, that’s a relief. I was worried that the two of you might already be too deeply involved.”

The Crown Prince remarked lightly about their relationship.

A surge of emotion welled up inside her at his casual tone, but she didn’t want to show her feelings to the Crown Prince.

Besides, she had already denied her connection with Jade, so there was nothing more she could say.

“We’ll make an official announcement soon, so refrain from leaving the palace until then.”

“You’re telling me not to leave the palace?” she asked.

“That’s correct.”

“Why?”

“It’s just a precaution.”

“I… I won’t run away.”

Preventing her from even leaving the palace was too much.

“I know you’re a responsible person, Princess. But I want to eliminate even the slightest chance of anything happening, so please don’t take it too hard.”

But the Crown Prince showed no intention of relenting. He was resolute and cold, as if he was determined to banish her from the empire at all costs.

“…Understood.”

Daina reluctantly agreed.

Now that she had resigned herself to her fate, pressing for more answers would only prolong this exhausting conversation.

She was tired and worn out.

She just wanted to leave.

“You’re still allowed to meet with outside visitors.”

The Crown Prince knew she met with Ayla every week.

So, he was permitting her to continue seeing Ayla, at least.

“…Thank you. Is there anything else you wish to say?” Daina asked, her face expressionless as she offered empty gratitude.

“No, that’s all.”

“Then I’ll take my leave.”

Ending the conversation with the Crown Prince, Daina returned to her palace.

Though she could have spent days crying and lamenting over her bleak reality, she didn’t.

There would be plenty of time to grieve in the days to come.

For now, she had more important things to do.

Daina fought to overcome the despair and sorrow threatening to consume her, trying to think rationally about her next steps.

‘I need to give the Duchess as much information as possible.’

She had to save that person at all costs.

Even if they couldn’t be together, even if they couldn’t stay by each other’s side, as long as they were alive, there might be a chance to meet again someday.

Even if, by then, they were someone else’s spouse.