VTP Chapter 2
“Lord Edelred of Terra Petronia…?”
Valentina’s voice grew cold instinctively.
Although little known, Valentina had once been betrothed to a boy named Edelred long ago. However, the engagement was broken within a few years, and the two had never met again. The one most relieved by the annulment was Valentina herself.
Had the author known this fact, he wouldn’t have so carelessly claimed that name. Another name might have been overlooked, but once the title of Petronia’s lord was brought up, there was no choice but to address it.
“His Majesty Emperor Alexios has yet to formally recognize the latest Petronia lord’s oath, so where did you get such information?”
At those words, his face twisted as if pierced by a knife. He tightly closed his mouth, lowering his gaze before responding in a soft voice.
“It is true, I am the sole heir of Terra Petronia, and soon…”
“Claiming future aspirations as fact is what people call impostors or liars. And in Reggio Florida, noble impostors face execution. Now, state your true name once more.”
The man’s face flushed with anger. The knights and attendants standing behind him eyed him strangely, trying to stifle their laughter. He bit his lip tightly, bowing again, this time in an extremely formal manner, exuding fierce stubbornness.
“Edelred of Terra Petronia, humbly greeting Her Highness Valentina of Reggio Florida.”
Still, he insisted. Valentina observed his posture coldly before speaking.
“I heard that Lord Edelred of Petronia is supposed to be a very elegant and handsome man. Is the man I see truly Lord Edelred?”
Surprised by the unexpected questioning, he stood rigid, his mouth clamped shut as he lowered his head. Unable to provide a response, Valentina coldly commanded.
“If you intend to impersonate someone, at least have the decency to wear their clothes. Surely even a real noble cannot detach his own face to prove his identity. Though, of course, the most significant problem is the lack of a chance to deceive again. Sir Ricardo! Send this man to Loro to reveal his true identity.”
“Listen, impostor. You should have shut your mouth by now. Come on! Let’s tie you to the wall and let our Loro show you some affection; I bet you’ll recall your true name and origin in no time.”
Ricardo roughly grabbed his arm and twisted it. Yet, Edelred forcefully freed himself, glaring sharply at Valentina.
“Your Highness! Are you judging people based solely on such flimsy grounds?”
Flames of defiance sparkled in his jet-black eyes.
“In the future, if you intend to kill someone, at least make sure you gather accurate information. Though, I suppose it’s too much to hope for you to possess the wisdom to discern the truth. Of course, the inability to resurrect the dead remains the most significant obstacle.”
The sharp retort came swiftly, delivered in a deeply insulting manner by mirroring Valentina’s words directly.
“This bastard must be mad!”
Ricardo seized his hair and slammed him to the ground. Already swaying and struggling to keep upright, he finally fell flat on his face. However, the harsh beating did not cease.
“I’ve heard that Lady Valentina’s judgments are renowned for being fair, compassionate, and wise, and I’ve always wondered why. Today, I have the honor of witnessing the reason firsthand. After all, dead men speak no words.”
She raised her hand, stopping Ricardo’s assault.
…He speaks differently from the serfs entirely.
He spoke perfect continental common language, and even the northern accent or unique dialect that might slip out in a heated situation sounded refined and imposing. It was clear he was a masterful speaker, adept at embedding sharp claws into each word. His lengthy education was evident.
Valentina helped him rise and, in a softer tone, asked again.
“Your words hold weight. Very well. By the way, how is the Regent of Petronia?”
A flicker of malice crossed his eyes momentarily.
“Do you know the Regent, Your Grace?”
“I’m acquainted with him. Duke Edgar once visited here in his days as a wandering knight, along with his squire, William. Many still remember him here. But why should it be surprising that I know him?”
She watched his expression closely. He examined her as if probing her, then eventually lowered his head and spoke.
“I apologize for my rudeness. My uncle is doing well. Thanks to his compassionate and wise rule, Terra Nebulosa and Terra Petronia are flourishing in peace and prosperity.”
The insincerity was glaringly obvious. Yet, if he truly was Edelred, such behavior would be natural. The current lord of Petronia was not Edelred, but his uncle and guardian, Duke Edgar, who had seized the position after killing Edelred’s father and usurping the title of Duke of Nebulosa.
Of course, Edelred’s father was a tyrant consumed by madness, and Edgar had been the savior who freed the imprisoned nephew Edelred from a life in the tower. However, the fact that he lost control of his vast dukedom to his uncle remained unchanged.
At this point, Valentina found herself increasingly uncertain if this beggar of a young man could genuinely be Edelred. A mere peasant couldn’t gather such information and feign the appropriate demeanor.
Moreover, his manner of speech exuded the gravitas and refinement typical of northern nobles. Even in his tattered state, it remained. Valentina hesitated, poised to speak, but then he abruptly put an end to the uncertainty.
“Here, a letter from Duke Edgar.”
He pulled a letter from his pouch, and an uncomfortable silence fell over the gathered people.
Why is he presenting this now?
“Yes, it bears the rose seal of Nebulosa.”
Master Camillo, the steward, took the letter, inspecting the wax seal, and handed it over with a slightly astonished expression.
“…It is the Duke’s handwriting.”
Duke Edgar, a typical warrior with little skill in writing, often relied on scribes to transcribe his messages. A handwritten letter indicated that the authenticity of this letter had to be preserved at all costs.
The content matched what Edelred had mentioned. Beyond the typical formulaic praises and greetings, it simply read: ‘I will be sending my nephew. Please take him as your squire and provide him with proper education.’
…This changes things.
Suddenly, Valentina felt trapped. The letter’s authenticity meant that this ragged imposter was indeed Edelred. Beyond frustrating, it was perplexing.
“With the Regent, Duke Edgar, still in power, how did you manage to travel here alone? Surely, not a single Blackrock knight from Petronia was willing to accompany you on such a perilous journey?”
“No. My uncle provided five knights and twenty guards. However, we encountered armed bandits in the Black Forest, and in the chaos, we became separated. Fortunately, after a few days, we met a passing farmer who guided us out of the forest after exchanging clothes and food.”
“Indeed, the bandits of the Black Forest are notorious. Still, you didn’t think to return to your escort? They must be worried.”
“I judged that returning would only put us in greater danger. If they cannot find me, they will come to the destination on their own.”
“I’m sorry, but the escort did not arrive here. The attendants who lost their master cannot simply return to the estate or move towards the destination. They are likely still searching for you in the forest. It’s strange that someone who was raised as the heir of a grand duke does not understand such basic matters.”
“Keeping that ‘basic’ rule would have led me to lose my way—and my life.”
He interrupted in a tired tone, sighing openly as he added:
“Now, please. When will you stop questioning my identity as your betrothed?”
“Betrothed…?”
The room fell silent, as if struck by lightning. Valentina’s expression stiffened as she spoke coldly.
“Betrothed? What are you saying? It’s been almost 6 years since we broke off the engagement.”
His face changed instantly. Yet, he bit his lip, calmly asking:
“What do you mean? When did we break off the engagement…?”
What on earth is this?
Valentina was bewildered, and the people around her froze completely. But the one most shaken was Edelred, the speaker himself. His legs wobbled visibly as he struggled to stay upright. His angry voice erupted:
“This engagement was proposed and finalized in Florida! I have never expressed any desire to break it off, nor have I received any notice of a dissolution!”
What insane nonsense!
Valentina had been betrothed to Edelred a decade ago. He was only eight years old at the time, no more than an annoying, noisy little cousin—just like those troublesome younger cousins she despised. The idea that such a boy could become the master of her heart made her blood boil. When the engagement was suddenly dissolved after four years, Valentina had felt nothing but relief and joy.
Now, however, that same troublesome boy had reappeared as a beggar, claiming absurdly that they had never broken off the engagement.
