“If the Grand Prince of Resinia refuses that request, then what will you do?”
“In that case, feel free to wipe out Resinia as you please, Your Highness. I won’t stop you then.”
Though, that would never happen.
Swallowing those words, Daniela spoke with confidence.
‘Because this method is the one Adrian nearly succeeded with in the original novel.’
According to the novel’s depiction, when Ashid resolved to take revenge, he first sent a letter to the emperor requesting permission for war. However, without waiting for a reply, he immediately launched an attack on Resinia.
Unaware of this, the Emperor of Ashilard convened a noble council as soon as he received the letter.
Adrian, who attended the meeting, insisted that the situation needed to be resolved through peaceful means. The solution he proposed was that the Grand Principality of Resinia should cede Aina and the Levant region to Ashid.
The emperor and the nobles immediately agreed to Adrian’s suggestion and urgently conveyed their decision to the Grand Prince of Resinia. Willing to do anything to save his country, the Grand Prince wrote back, accepting the proposal.
‘But before his reply could reach the imperial palace, the Grand Prince of Resinia and his entire family were slaughtered at Ashid’s hands, rendering everything meaningless.’
This is the only chance to prevent that from happening.
Daniela looked up at Ashid with desperate eyes. Ashid let out a short scoff.
“What nonsense. Why would I—”
“I believe the Grand Duchess has a point, Your Highness.”
At that moment, someone abruptly interrupted Ashid.
All eyes in the room, including those of Ashid and Daniela, turned toward the entrance, where the voice had come from.
A young man with long silver hair and green eyes, dressed in uniform, approached Ashid with a bright smile. Ashid frowned and spoke in a low voice.
“That’s all you have to say after joining us so late, Lord Dare?”
“My apologies, Your Highness. But wasn’t it Your Highness who first gave an unreasonable order? Frankly, I think your decision this time was a mistake.”
The man, Dare, shrugged and countered Ashid’s words before continuing.
“The Grand Principality of Resinia is certainly responsible for this situation. However, that doesn’t mean we should crush them with sheer violence. Violence only breeds more violence, and revenge only invites more revenge.”
“I, too, agree with the Grand Duchess and Lord Dare. We can attempt negotiations first—there is no harm in waging war afterward if necessary.”
“That’s right. Resinia has formed marriage alliances with multiple nations, including noble families from our own Ashilard Empire. If we suppress them too ruthlessly, those nobles who are connected to Resinia may hold a grudge against Your Highness.”
“I also believe it would be better to present a negotiation proposal before taking military action.”
Following this, Lord Lowell and several other knights expressed their own views on the matter, supporting Daniela and Dare’s stance. Even the attendants began voicing their agreement.
Just moments ago, the main hall had been silent. Now, it buzzed with the voices of those who sided with Daniela and Dare.
Ashid’s frown deepened as he observed the growing opposition.
Daniela grinned at him and said, “It seems many of the knights share my opinion, Your Highness.”
Ashid clicked his tongue in irritation. He could ignore Daniela, but he couldn’t disregard the opinions of Lowell, Dare, and the other knights.
They were his comrades, those who had fought by his side through life and death. They would never act against him. If they all thought this was the right course of action, he had to trust them.
Damn it.
This was all because of that audacious woman, Daniela Enchanto.
Ashid let out a long sigh to suppress his growing frustration. Then, he shot Daniela a sharp look and spoke.
“If this goes wrong, you will bear responsibility as well.”
“Don’t worry. Everything will turn out fine.”
Daniela responded with confidence, flashing him a smile.
Ashid let out a short laugh in disbelief.
“Lord Lowell, send word to Lord Wellard in Greenhorn immediately. Tell him to halt the operation for now. Lord Dare, you will be responsible for drafting the letter to the Grand Prince of Resinia.”
“Yes, Your Highness.”
“Leave it to me, Your Highness.”
The two knights promptly answered his orders.
Running a hand through his blood-soaked hair, Ashid ascended the staircase to his chambers.
He wanted nothing more than to shed his uniform and soak in hot water, washing away the blood clinging to his skin.
Perhaps then, he could cleanse himself of the lingering thirst for revenge… and those piercing blue eyes of the woman who had dared to stand in his way.
Everything. All of it.
As Ashid climbed the stairs, the butler and attendants hurriedly followed behind him.
The knights gathered in the front courtyard also began dispersing under Lowell’s command.
Only then did Daniela finally release the tension in her body. The moment she relaxed, her legs nearly gave out beneath her.
‘I thought I was going to die of fear!’
He truly was the fearsome archduke the rumors spoke of. The sheer pressure he exuded was overwhelming.
Had this not been a matter of life and death for her, she would have long since apologized for her ‘nonsense’ and fled to her room.
Daniela glanced down at her trembling hands.
Just then, Mella, looking dazed, grabbed Daniela’s arm and gasped.
“Oh, my lady… my goodness…”
“Did I scare you? I’m sorry.”
Daniela apologized, but Mella shook her head fiercely. Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at Daniela with admiration.
“No, you have nothing to apologize for, my lady. You did so well.”
“R-Really?”
“Absolutely. Our prince… No, His Highness was completely blinded by rage. I was terrified he would make another reckless decision. But you… you were so brave.”
“I don’t know about that… I wasn’t the only one who stopped him. And we still don’t know if the Grand Prince of Resinia will accept the proposal.”
Flustered by Mella’s praise, Daniela tried to downplay her actions.
“No, my lady. If it weren’t for you, the rest of us—including the knights—wouldn’t have dared to speak up.”
“…!”
Just then, Dare approached her.
Seeing Daniela’s wide-eyed surprise, he chuckled and winked playfully before pressing a brief kiss to the back of her hand. Then, he gracefully knelt in a formal greeting.
“This is the first time we are officially meeting, Grand Duchess Alberic. I am Dare, first advisor to the Archduke and vice commander of the Seventh Order of Knights.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, Lord Dare.”
Daniela instinctively bowed slightly in return.
Dare’s smile deepened at her polite response.
“You’re much lovelier than the rumors suggest. I heard from my sources that you were ‘a foolish, stubborn, extravagant, and even cruel witch.’ It seems I’ve been misinformed. I must fire my informant at once.”
“…Ha, haha. Well, rumors tend to exaggerate. Isn’t it the same for His Highness? What kind of ‘devil’ would care so much for the people of his own domain?”
At Daniela’s words, Dare’s smile widened.
He nodded in agreement before exclaiming suddenly, “Ah, come to think of it. I heard you were looking for an administrative officer to assist you.”
“Yes? Oh, yes, that’s right.”
“I happen to know someone who fits your criteria perfectly. Would you like to meet them?”
“That would be wonderful!”
Daniela’s face lit up.
Since Dare was one of Ashid’s closest aides, whoever he recommended was sure to be highly capable and trustworthy. There was no reason to refuse.
“Very well. I’ll send word right away so they can come to the capital as soon as possible.”
“Thank you.”
“Now then, I’ll take my leave. Have a good night, Grand Duchess.”
Dare exchanged a glance with Mella before kissing Daniela’s hand one last time. Then, he led the remaining knights out of the hall.
Now, only Daniela, Mella, and a few attendants remained.
Letting out a weary sigh, Daniela turned to Mella.
“Shall we go? I’m exhausted.”
“Yes, my lady. I’ll prepare your bed for you.”
