An Unexpected Proposal

July 16, 2020

"…Your Highness?"

"…"

"Your Highness."

Only after being called a second time did Cabelenus shift his gaze. Across from him, Veloa sat with a dissatisfied expression.

"What did you just say?"

"It seems Your Highness was lost in thought while sitting right in front of me."

Veloa smiled as she lifted her teacup. The delicate aroma of the tea lingered softly at the tip of her nose, but her mood was anything but serene. Cabelenus showed no interest in her, and Jerpeneus, who once acted as though he would hand everything over to her, was slowly pulling back. If things continued like this, she would be in trouble.

Going back empty-handed would be disastrous—everyone would look down on her. Especially her older sister, who had always warned her that arrogance would be her downfall. It wasn’t just about how others saw her; she couldn’t stand the thought of her sister looking down on her. That woman, who had nothing better than her, always tried to lecture her—it was utterly insufferable.

"It’s simple, really. I’m offering you exactly what you want."

"What I want?"

"Of course, under the condition that Your Highness gives me what I want in return."

She had considered withdrawing if necessary, but that was no longer an option. Cabelenus’s position was too good. A better deal was unlikely to come along. No matter what it took, she had to secure him.

"Speak."

"Propose to me. Make it grand, extravagant—so that everyone knows about it."

"That’s all?"

"And until we marry, send me flowers and gifts every week. Visit me often—make it clear to everyone that you are utterly captivated by me, that you are the one chasing after me. That’s all I ask for."@@novelbin@@

Veloa smiled innocently. Of course, that wasn’t all she wanted, but for now, it was enough. Her connection to Cabelenus alone would give her power.

"And in return, what will you offer me?"

"I’ll give you my mages."

"Mages?"

"Schwarhan has magic stones, but I hear you lack the proper techniques to utilize them fully. If Your Highness accepts my offer, I will send my mages to teach Schwarhan’s magicians how to use them."

"Are you capable of that?"

Cabelenus narrowed his eyes.

"I have fifteen mages under my command. They are all highly skilled, and they will be of great benefit to you."

"…"

"It’s not a bad offer."

Indeed, it was an appealing deal. Mages were rare, as one had to be born with the innate ability to control mana. Not only were their numbers small, but their power varied drastically depending on talent. Finding mages skilled enough to use magic stones effectively was nearly impossible. Even if he counted every mage in Schwarhan, they wouldn’t amount to ten.

"Your father will never approve of this."

Because mages were so rare, magical knowledge was fiercely protected. Despite numerous attempts, the Blanche Empire had never managed to steal Christi Kingdom’s magical secrets. Honestly, Cabelenus was more surprised that Jerpeneus had managed to bring Veloa here at all.

"I don’t need his approval. My father is no longer capable of ruling."

"What do you mean?"

"His health has declined significantly. He can barely manage his affairs anymore."

"So you're saying…"

"The Christi Kingdom is in the middle of a succession crisis. My eldest brother is the most likely candidate to take the throne."

"And you don’t mind telling me this?"

"Because I know Your Highness won’t let such an opportunity slip away. If not now, when things are in turmoil, you won’t get what you want. Surely, you know that better than anyone."

Veloa tilted her head smugly. A victorious smile already graced her lips.

Schwarhan’s desperation for magical expertise was well known.

"I dislike roundabout talk, so I’ll be direct."

Love me.

Veloa placed a hand over her chest and smiled sweetly.

"I never expected to hear such words from a princess."

"Love is simple. It’s about giving the other person what they desire."

The diamond bracelet on her wrist glimmered under the light. The large, meticulously crafted diamonds shimmered, exuding an almost hypnotic allure.

"I have no interest in empty words or flowery promises. I want love that can be seen."

She slowly traced her fingers over the gemstones. As a child, when her nanny read her fairy tales about pure love, she had felt nothing. No amount of sweet words or poetic confessions had ever moved her. The world had far more beautiful and desirable things.

Veloa had never forgotten the feeling of wearing her first diamond necklace. It was so heavy she had worried her neck might give out, but the way everyone’s eyes fixated on her—the jealousy, the admiration—that was what she lived for. That day, she had learned that beauty and power were essentially the same.

The larger the gemstones, the more prestigious the designer of the dress, the more lavish her attire—the more power she wielded.

"I don’t care how you truly feel about me, but everyone else must believe that you love me."

"You must think quite highly of yourself."

"And why shouldn’t I?"

Veloa glared at him with displeasure.

"As far as I know, you don’t have the best relationship with your siblings."

"What does that have to do with anything?"

"From my understanding, there are two common ways to deal with an unwanted blood relative. You either kill them, or you use them."

"…"

"And since you are young and beautiful, with no shortage of suitors, it seems your brother has chosen to use you rather than dispose of you."

Isn’t that right?

Cabelenus slowly ran his thumb along his jawline. He already knew about the power struggles within Christi Kingdom through his investigations.

"When the first prince takes the throne, his first priority will be arranging your marriage. He’ll sell you to the highest bidder—someone wealthy enough to pay your price but too weak to ever threaten his rule. That’s why you came to me, isn’t it? To escape that fate."

"And what of it?"

"You’re saying the princess’s situation isn’t very favorable. And typically, those in desperate situations suffer the most losses in a deal."

Cabelenus cast a brief glance at Gajev, who stood behind Veloa. Judging by the timing, he had assumed it was Jerpeneus who had approached Veloa first. However, according to his trusted lieutenant’s intelligence, it was Veloa who had attempted to make contact first.

It wasn’t hard to deduce that her situation was far more precarious than she let on.

"So, you want something more than what I’ve already offered?"

"You’re mistaken if you think you’re my savior, Your Highness. It’s quite the opposite."

"That depends on just how valuable your mages really are."

By now, her position had been exposed—she should have felt pressured. Yet, Veloa showed no sign of backing down.

"If you’re speaking so highly of them, they must be quite impressive."

"Of course they are. One of them is a Fifth Circle Mage."

For a brief moment, Cabelenus’s gaze shifted.

Mages were ranked by circles—the higher the number, the greater the power. Even a Third Circle Mage was considered formidable. A Fifth Circle Mage, on the other hand, was on an entirely different level.

"I doubt someone like Your Highness, who has studied magic so extensively, would be unaware of what that means."

"A Fifth Circle Mage would be even harder to extract, wouldn’t they?"

"Not at all. And if Your Highness agrees, I won’t just offer magical techniques—I’ll give you that mage entirely."

"…"

"Of course, that depends on how well Your Highness meets my demands."

Cabelenus’s brow furrowed slightly.

It was undoubtedly a far more tempting proposal than before. He had already learned from experience that bringing in a handful of mediocre mages was pointless. Having one truly capable mage was much more valuable.

Even within Schwarhan, the few mages they had worked in groups—a single Third Circle Mage leading, with the others merely assisting.

"Don’t think too hard about it. Unlike Your Highness, I don’t have much time. Meanwhile, there are plenty of others who want me. Even if I don’t secure this position, I can easily claim another. Schwarhan isn’t the only one starving for magic."

"…"

"If you need time, I’ll give you three days. And in the meantime, I’ll teach you a new magical artifact crafting technique every day."

"You’re willing to hand over such knowledge so easily?"

Veloa’s offer had no downside for him. But Cabelenus remained skeptical.

Veloa had openly exposed her vulnerabilities, yet she still hadn’t revealed everything. The fact that she could hold her head high and speak so confidently meant she still had an escape route.

She had something hidden.

And he needed to find out what.

"It doesn’t matter. Those techniques are common knowledge in Christi Kingdom anyway. Besides, I’m certain of one thing."

"And what’s that?"

"Your Highness isn’t the type to take just a small bite and stop."

"…"

"If you get a taste, you’ll swallow it whole. And if you can’t, then I have no reason to pursue you, do I?"

Veloa’s eyes curved gently.

Jerpeneus, lost in his role of playing the affectionate older brother, might not have realized it. But from what she had seen, Cabelenus was no one’s loyal servant.

If he were merely a well-trained hound, he wouldn’t have that look in his eyes when it came to Schwarhan.

"I’m greedy, Your Highness. And I like people who are just as greedy as I am."

"…"

"I will feed your ambition. In return, you will do the same for me."

She didn’t know what Schwarhan meant to Cabelenus. But one thing was certain—he was obsessed with it.

And where there was obsession, there was greed.

That was why she liked him.

And Veloa had never once failed to obtain something she set her sights on.

***

"You seem particularly focused today."

"Since Your Highness agreed to be my model, I want to practice as much as I can before then."

Alicia’s pen glided smoothly over the canvas, sketching delicate lines. The scratch of graphite against the surface was a familiar sound, and the process of bringing an image to life had long since ceased to be difficult.

She simply needed to draw what she wanted, to fill each stroke with care and devotion.

"I know he’s busy now, but soon—"

As Alicia chattered excitedly about Cabelenus, she suddenly fell silent. She could feel James watching her.

Despite what she had told him before, he still misunderstood.

"James."

"Yes, my lady?"

Alicia met his gaze. She wanted to dismiss it as nothing, but the way he looked at her was filled with sorrow.

Yet, it wasn’t for her.

It was for the sister he had lost.

That realization pricked at her heart. She knew that look all too well—she had worn the same one when she failed to protect her mother.

In the end, she couldn’t hold back and set down her pen.

"Lady Morco."

"Yes, my lady?"

"I’d like some fruit. Could you bring me some?"

"Of course! I’ll get some right away."

Lady Morco beamed. Seeing Alicia finally express a desire for something—anything—was a rare joy for her.

"Now we can talk freely. Right?"

"…"

"I told you before, but I wanted to make it clear. It’s not what you think. His Highness has agreed to make me his wife, officially."

"The Princess of Christi Kingdom is currently staying at Schwarhan Castle."

James’s voice cut through Alicia’s words.

He had hoped he was wrong.

He had hoped that, despite knowing the way nobles operated, Alicia wouldn’t have to experience that cruelty.

He didn’t want to see her faith, her trust, be shattered before his eyes.

"Even so, that doesn’t mean anything."

Alicia shook her head firmly.

Cabelenus had told her there was no other woman.

And she believed him.

Not because of words alone, but because his actions had shown her the truth.

"Even if His Highness is purchasing countless jewels, dresses, and luxury goods for the princess?"

"There must be some misunderstanding."

"It’s not a misunderstanding."

"Rumors can be twisted however people want."

"It’s not a rumor. It’s a fact."

"A fact?"

Alicia’s eyes sharpened.

But James didn’t back down.

He held her gaze and spoke the truth.

"Yesterday, an official announcement was made—His Highness and the princess are to be engaged."