17 To be cautious even in the most calmest lake

I held my laughter. Somehow, this whole situation is amusing. I must've gone rusty. No, maybe I was too lax. I wasn't that cautious because I assume Helena's daughter is to be trusted.

It is to be expected though. Helena and Uld is the same. Both shrewd to the bones.

"So what do you expect from me Uld? Pity? Mercy? I am not as altruistic as you thought,"

Uld went down on her knees, bowing her head deeply. "Please please Xenia. Please protect my son, and forget about the spell. We can think of something else,".

I looked down at her pitiful figure. The proud Frigore has reduced to this. I don't know the full backstory of why she is here. In the end, I couldn't investigate why a secretive clan is sent here. There are no benefits, and there's not even a political advantage.

"You tried so hard to protect Vance. Is it related to the reason why you married the emperor?,"

Uld jolted and raised her head. She bit her lower lip, but I can see her anger through her glaring eyes. However, it seems her anger is directed to the subject of the conversation. "I had no choice. The emperor is the only person who can protect me. Because I know that I will be the one to bear the child of prophecy,".

I sighed. Yet, she still bears a child. "Isn't it better to avoid pregnancy altogether?,"

"That's because if Frigore avoid the prophecy then tragedy will befall us. I don't want to risk such a thing,"

I clicked my tongue at the absurdity. The age of alchemy and magic is over yet there is still a few people who believe prophecies and supernatural events. It shows how backwards they are from progression. But because they are backwards, they know a lot about magic, so they are the most advanced in that area.

"Who is Vance real enemy then? If your so called child of prophecy is in danger, who is the one I should be looking out for?," I took her hand and helped herself to stand up.

But before Uld could answer, a calm manly voice interrupted us. "Greetings, Lady Carina of the Aspera family," he greeted.

I turned towards him, slightly annoyed that he ignored the concubine, Uld. A concubine of the emperor is a higher ranking than me, so Uld should be greeted first. It's already a mistake in his etiquette. But more than that, I am more annoyed that there's a visitor. I am sure that Uld is not notified of his arrival judging by her reaction.

He either doesn't have manners or disrespect the concubine. Not surprising if its both.

"I greet the crown prince of the empire, Hern Jhilveid Wyrin von Astling," I bowed.

The rumors of the crown prince is indeed true. No wonder he has a lot of admirers and proposals lining up. He is a beautiful man, one that indeed rivals Vance himself. Other than the signature golden eyes, he has pale green hair, one that completely resembles the emperor. He doesn't have a haughty appearance, rather the air around him is calm and serene. But even a calm lake has crocodiles.

Let's see what the crown prince is planning.