NOVPUBThe princess' visit was outside their expectations, but House Silversword was quick to make the necessary adjustments to the security.
They couldn't allow anything to happen to her. Otherwise, they would have to face the wrath of the imperial family!
In the next few days, more visitors arrived in the town. Some had even come from other regions, but everyone was aware of these people's intentions.
The sudden surge of foreigners brought pressure on the security personnel of the town. To lessen their burden, Lucas asked for military support from their allies.
At this moment, Alaric was playing chess with the princess together with a group of young heirs from various noble, martial, and merchant households.
The atmosphere was harmonious and it seemed like everyone was on good terms on the surface, but Alaric knew that there were some people present who were part of the second prince's and crown prince's factions.
"You lost again, Lord Alaric!" The princess giggled after making Alaric fall into her trap.
Alaric smiled wryly while shaking his head. "You should play with someone else, Your Highness. I am really not good at this."
He had no talent for playing chess or even any kind of board game. He wasn't bad at them, but he wasn't good either.
Princess Irish shook her head and sent him a teasing glance. "No. I like playing with you."
"You are just bullying me since I am a newbie." Alaric didn't want to play with her anymore. He had already lost five times in a row against her.
"Fine. I will not force you." The princess no longer insisted.
She then stood up and said. "I still have some matters to discuss with Lord Lucas so I will take my leave first."
"Do you want me to send you to his study?" Alaric asked.
Princess Irish shook her head and replied. "There is no need. I can go there by myself."
"Alright. Just let me know if you need anything, Your Highness." Alaric cupped his fists while secretly using appraisal on her.
Irish Astania [Knight] EXP: 80/500
Potential: B
Talent: Swordsmanship (D), Hunting (E), Archery (D), Horseback Riding (D), Calligraphy (B), Painting (B), Dancing (C), Beast Whisperer (D), Chess (B), Go (C), Business Management (C), Fast Learner (B)
Strength: 27
Stamina: 32
Agility: 31
Vitality: 29
Endurance: 28
Mana: 31
Her attributes are mediocre, but she has a wide array of traits.
I wonder what she would like to discuss with Dad.
The princess didn't sense his scrutiny and left with her bodyguards.
"My lord, how about you play with us? I can help you train your chess skills. I'm not trying to boast, but I won against Her Highness yesterday."
"Don't listen to him, my lord! You should play with me instead."
The excited heirs eagerly invited Alaric to play with them, but Alaric was in no mood to play after losing five times consecutively against the princess.
"I am sorry, everyone, but I am feeling tired. I will play you another day. Please excuse me." Alaric left right away.
Meanwhile, the princess had already arrived inside the baron's study.
"For what reason did you come to visit me, Your Highness?" Lucas asked while looking at the princess.
In the past few days, the princess was giving him weird looks and it gave him the feeling that she knew something about him which made him uncomfortable.
The princess adjusted her sitting posture as she stared deeply at the baron.
"There is no need for you to feel guarded against me, Lord Lucas. I am not your enemy. I also came here to deliver a letter sent by my aunt."
While saying those words, she took out a sealed letter from her leather bag and handed it to him.
Lucas raised an eyebrow upon hearing her words, but when his eyes fell on the sealed letter, his expression changed.
After he removed the seal, a familiar scent drifted into his nose. It was the scent of someone he had been longing for.
"Jade…" His voice trembled as he uttered that name.
He silently read the letter and struggled not to show his emotions.
"Aunt said that you should not come to the imperial palace for the time being," Irish muttered.
Lucas put down the letter and looked at her with an inquisitive gaze. "Why? Is it because the imperial family thinks that I am unworthy of her?"
He was already aware that Jade was about to be married to the crown prince of Harune. He had come to learn of this after the old Marquis, Tyrone Agalsitar, visited North Pine Town.
The princess frowned as she replied. "Lord Lucas, you may be powerful, but you cannot take on the imperial family by yourself. Besides, there is a monster guarding the imperial castle. As long as that man is there, my aunt could never leave the castle."
Lucas became silent. He knew who she was talking about.
Other than the emperor, there was another Mythical Knight in the empire. He was a man who had helped the emperor solidify his position as the ruler of Astania. It was also because of his presence that no noble household dared to even think about rebelling.
However, there had been no news about him for decades and many had already forgotten about him.
Dominic, the Vanquisher!
It was a name once feared by many. Even Lucas was afraid of him. However, things were different now.
I now stand in the same realm as you!
"Your Highness, you need not worry. I know what I am doing." Lucas responded indifferently.
It wasn't the right time to reveal himself yet so he didn't explain it to the princess. Letting her know might only make things more complicated so he decided not to tell her about his recent advancement.
"Is Lord Alaric already aware of his true identity?" The princess suddenly asked.
Hearing this, Lucas let out a deep sigh. "No. I have not told him yet. I am afraid that he might do something foolish if I told him the truth…"
