**Chapter 33: The Princess**
The "Art of Seeing Through" used by Naraku wasn't some amazing illusion technique. Compared to abilities like Tsukuyomi or Kotoamatsukami, it fell far short. However, Linton was using the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan as the medium. Although not yet fully mastered, it was still a real deal.
In an instant, the same large wheel appeared in the eyes of the Flame Beast. The next second, it seemed as if the beast had seen something terrifying. It suddenly threw Barry, who was still impaled on its antlers, to the ground and quickly turned to flee. The speed of its escape was no joke. All the spectators saw was a streak of purple light, and the creature had vanished.
"No!" The mage girl suddenly cried out and attempted to chase after the fleeing Flame Beast. But it was obviously impossible to catch up. Her knight companion immediately grabbed her arm.
"Lord Barry!" Gassain couldn't understand what had just happened. He had no idea why the Flame Beast suddenly ran off, but there was no time to ponder. He rushed to Barry's side to check his injuries.
"I'm... fine," Barry said, though his face had turned pale. The Flame Beast's antlers had left a massive hole in his abdomen, almost piercing through his entire body. It was clear that things were far from fine.
With a wave of his hand, Barry produced several potion bottles from seemingly nowhere—perhaps a storage ring of some kind? Regardless, Gassain quickly took the bottles, helping Barry drink them. After consuming the potion, Barry's complexion improved noticeably, suggesting the elixir was quite effective.
"Barry?" At that moment, the two girls from earlier approached. With the immediate danger over, Linton finally had time to observe them closely. The mage girl instantly captivated him. She had long sea-blue hair and eyes, giving off an air of perfection at first glance, as though she was a flawless masterpiece, sculpted with divine precision.
Beside her stood a blonde knight girl, who was also incredibly beautiful. However, standing next to the mage girl, she seemed like a mere backdrop. Based on what Gassain had said earlier about the third princess being the most beautiful girl in the entire empire, Linton deduced that the mage girl must be Princess Yalan, the Empire's third princess, while the knight was likely her friend or guide.
Although they had planned to disguise themselves as adventurers, Gassain had already called Barry by name, making it clear that their cover was blown. Sure enough, Princess Yalan walked over, took a closer look at Barry, and recognized him.
"Your Highness!" Barry greeted immediately. As Linton had suspected, the mage girl was indeed Princess Yalan.
"Are you... alright?" Princess Yalan originally seemed like she wanted to ask Barry why he was there, but seeing his injuries, her concern got the better of her.
"I'm fine, Your Highness," Barry said as he got back to his feet, now somewhat recovered. Linton noted that the wound had mostly stopped bleeding. Clearly, the potion was of a high grade, with remarkable healing properties. The royal guards certainly carried some valuable items.
"Did you come here looking for me?" Princess Yalan asked, after thinking for a moment.
"Your sudden disappearance could cause a lot of trouble, Your Highness," Barry replied. "Please, return with me."
"I can't go back yet," Princess Yalan gritted her teeth. "I have to capture the Flame Beast."
"Wait a minute!" Raina drew her sword and pointed at Linton, saying, "You can't leave!"
"Alright, I won't leave. That works too. After all, it makes no difference whether I go back or not. What matters is whether you return. Even if I don't go back, in a few days, if the Temlin family doesn't produce someone, war will break out all the same," Linton said.
Raina froze for a moment. It seemed like Linton was right; it really didn't matter whether he returned or not.
"So, did you think about your family when you ran away from the marriage?" Linton spread his hands, then suddenly raised his voice. "You selfish person, what right do you have to speak to me like that? Stand down!"
Raina was taken aback and actually stepped back. Her body trembled, and she felt a surge of grievances welling up inside her, almost bringing her to tears.
"Hey, hey, that's going too far," Gassain, who had been watching, couldn't take it anymore and pulled Linton aside.
"Oh, I just wanted to see if the Temlin family sent the person who tried to assassinate your father, so I tested her reaction," Linton said. "At least now we know Raina wasn't involved."
Gassain paused for a moment, reluctantly admitting that Linton's thinking was actually quite sharp. How did he even consider that possibility?
Seeing Raina's state, Princess Yalan also seemed a bit upset and stepped forward. "Mr. Linton…"
"Alright, let's get back to discussing the feasibility of capturing the Fire-Swallowing Beast," Linton suddenly said.
(End of chapter)