15 Chapter 84

Sovieshu briefly stumbled, but instead of falling, he used the momentum to strike back at Grand Duke Kaufmen. The Grand Duke blocked Sovieshu's fist with his hand, but he flinched as two of his fingers bent backwards.

"Stop it!" I tried to step between the two. Sovieshu was adept at sword fighting and basic martial arts, but since he was in the Emperor's office, he had neglected his training. Kaufmen, however, was a mage who could inevitably spend more time on training. When it came to a fight, it was obvious who would win. No matter who would claim a victory here, it would only cause problems in the future.

Fortunately, Sovieshu and Grand Duke Kaufmen separated, but they continued to stare down at each other.

"Your Majesty!"

"Seize him!"

The tension had eased only for a second, and then commotion flared again. Servants retreated from the scene and Knights arrived at the same time. Some of the knights came to Sovieshu's side. Other Knights surrounded Grand Duke Kaufmen, and drew their swords. Grand Duke Kaufmen stared casually at Sovieshu, despite the wall of swords surrounding him.

"Stand down!" I gave orders to the knights, but they did not listen. "I order you all to stand down!" I shouted again, then turned towards Sovieshu. The Knights' first priority was the Emperor's safety.

"Stand down." Only after Sovieshu's order did the knights lower their swords, but they did not sheath their blades. They warily watched the Grand Duke's movements, ready to stab him the moment he posed a threat.

"You don't have to worry." Grand Duke Kaufmen held up his hands. "My specialty is magic, so I can attack you from here."

The Knights were surprised, then narrowed their distance to the Grand Duke. Suddenly, under one of the men's feet, there was a flash white light and the crackling of electricity. The man was startled, and he backed away and fell to the ground, while the other Knights put up their swords once more.

Grand Duke Kaufmen clenched his fist, white sparks flying and crackling from his hand as he glared at the Knights threateningly. His specialty must be in electricity. The Knights glanced uncertainly at each other, as they knew a fight could mean death.

"I said stand down." Sovieshu clicked his tongue and waved his hand, and the knights finally lowered their swords again. Sovieshu, however, seemed wholly unintimidated by Grand Duke Kaufmen, and looked at him with a sneer.

"Well, it looks like Grand Duke Kaufmen has a heart for the Empress, doesn't he?"

"Only because I have a human heart."

"What?"

"Is it common sense to ask your partner to be joyous over a baby born from an affair with your mistress?"

"An affair." Sovieshu's expression darkened.

"Do you not know that Rashta is an official mistress?"

"The Empress did not give her official approval."

"Aha. Is the only woman that the Luipt Emperor loves is his political partner? If that's the case, then I can understand that cultural difference."

Little was known about the Hwa continent, but there have been several rumors that stimulated people's interest. Among them were stories of harems among the royalty and upper aristocracy, and how they collected beautiful women to fit their tastes. The stories may have been greatly exaggerated, but it was true that harems existed. Sovieshu knew of this, and Grand Duke Kaufmen's brow furrowed deeply.

Sovieshu had a smug smile on his face, as he had succeeded in pointing out Kaufmen's hypocrisy.

"I don't know what you're planning, but I don't trust a man that seems to be driven by emotion. To spare your reputation, I won't imprison you." He turned away coldly.

"But I'll have to rethink my deal with Luipt." Sovieshu left with the Knights, leaving behind Grand Duke Kaufmen, Lady Artina and I.

I turned towards Grand Duke Kaufmen in pity. Although he had been carried away because of the potion, it had involved me. "Grand Duke, I—" I tried to apologize, but he firmly cut in.

"You don't have to apologize. It's my fault that I was unable to overcome my emotions at that moment."

☆In Prince Heinrey's Guest Chamber☆

"What happened?"

Prince Heinley pressed Sir McKenna as soon as they arrived at the prince's quarters. He had hurried, feeling uneasy about the situation.

"There is an urgent message." McKenna hurriedly closed the door and approached Prince Heinrey standing near the table, then handed him a letter.

"Is it from my brother?" Prince Heinrey pulled the letter out of the envelope and unfolded it. His expression grew increasingly worried as he scanned the contents. McKenna stood beside Prince Heinrey and carefully watched him. There was another letter sent to McKenna himself, and so he already knew the news the Prince received.

Wharton III, King of the Western Kingdom, was in failing health. Prince Heinrey was asked to return immediately. After reading the letter, Prince Heinrey placed the letter on the table and gave a heavy sigh.

"Are you alright?" McKenna scanned the Prince's face, and Heinrey shook his head and stared at the table.

"The kingdom is stable and there is a wide gap between the Prince and the second heir to the throne...but you should go home soon."

"I know. I have to listen to his will." Prince Heinley and Wharton III were not close as brothers, but they didn't have a terrible relationship, nor did they have a blood shed over the throne. Though their personalities were different and Heinrey liked to stray, they got along in moderation. Heinrey wasn't happy to hear that his own brother was dying. It was the same with McKenna as well. Though he was a bastard cousin and could not officially be counted as the King's family, he too was visibly concerned.

"Your Highness..."

"I have a headache." Prince Heinrey pulled out a chair to sit on it, then laid his head on the table.

"Shall I go to Emperor Sovieshu and inform him you'll be going back?"

"I'll do it."

"I..." McKenna attempted to protest, but was interupted.

"I said, I will do it," Heinrey sighed.

"And as for your letter friend..."

"...McKenna."

"Yes?."

Prince Heinrey slightly raised his head and stared vacantly into space. Then he turned to McKenna. Sensing that Heinrey's mind was in turmoil, the knight called to him carefully, "Prince?"

"What are the odds I'll marry her?"

"What?"

"Nothing." The Prince sighed and buried his head on the desk again.