Chapter 1717: The Lady’s Ploy
Chapter 1717: The Lady’s Ploy
It has been more than a few hours, and they haven’t arrived at their destination yet.
On top of the powerful beasts pulling the carriage with a speed beyond normal, the carriage also seemed to travel through a small pocket dimension that tunneled through the Black Rift and rendered the terrain useless as the carriage could phase through anything in its way.
No Voidal Monsters could sense them.
And the stronger Voidal Monsters couldn’t react fast enough to catch them.
It was truly a means of travel reserved for the high-ranking nobles.
“Where are we going, anyway?” Rex asked, finding it odd to be going so far away from Rontera.
“County of Dara,” Princess Davina replied. “I have matters to deal with there. It won’t take long, and it’s also near the place where I want to bring you. Do you mind?”
“No, it’s fine. I’m focusing on healing anyway, and a change of sight is good.” Rex shrugged.
In order to prepare for the future problems that he’s going to tackle, he needs to recover quickly. At the moment, he has the medicine from Princess Davina, the Parasitic Regeneration, his freedom from the Gradual Penalty, and also the remaining voidal monster carcasses inside his inventory for him to eat and heal.
His healing process is monstrously fast.
Even now, the traces of world energy that were inhibiting his regeneration were being dispersed steadily.
Rex only needs to focus on that, but there’s nothing mending his mental.
Maybe a change of scenery would help.
“Though I need to warn you,” Princess Davina turned to look at him. “Some might not welcome you.”
“I assumed this is not because people are heartbroken now that you have a fiancé.”
“I am the second princess, so that cannot be helped. But yes, it’s not only about that.”
“In that case, answer this,” Rex’s lips curled a little as he looked out the window. “Are you on my side?”
“Don’t insult me by asking,” Princess Davina sighed. “Don’t be too rough on them, and be mindful of your condition.”
She knew how strong Rex was as she had seen it with her own two eyes—none in his realm would be a match for him, even now that he’s broken through to the Eternal Spirit rank. But his breakthrough was recent, and he hadn’t had the time to consolidate his newfound power.
It would be really easy for him to accidentally hurt himself, especially in his weakened state.
“Also, don’t take their words to heart.” She added.
“Please…” Rex chuckled; not worried at all. “I’ve been shunned by my own race; this is nothing.”
…
County of Dara, inside the Pavilion of Onar.
“Lady Raveyn, is it true that the second princess is coming to meet with your father?”
“Really? Princess Davina is coming? That’s wonderful news.”
Seated in the open air of the pavillon surrounding a long table was a group of at least eight people.
Judging by their regal poise and lavish attire, everyone seated there was clearly of noble birth—but the attention of all was drawn to the woman—at the center, her long black hair elegantly bound into a bun, and her pale golden eyes gleaming with a sharp, commanding light.
Even at such a noble gathering, she was draped in light armor with the blooming flower crest.
It was the official House of Dara’s crest.
“Yes, it’s true,” Lady Ravyn sipped her drink. “She’s arriving soon.”
“In that case, are you going to welcome her? I remembered Princess Davina complimenting you for being a model for noblewomen; she must’ve taken a liking to you.”
“Of course! Nobody in the entire county could even match her talent! It’s natural for Princess Davina to take notice of her.”
“Heh, I’m sure Lady Ravyn is troubled right now. Look at her. She’s sweating something awful.”
All of them turned to another woman with short blonde hair sitting across the table.
She was staring at Lady Ravyn as if she could see through the sharp and cold mask.
“Lady Isabella, why must you always pick a fight with Lady Ravyn?”
“Can’t you get along at least for a day? Stop this nonsense.”
“Nonsense?” Lady Isabella sneered, crossing her arms above the table. “I can do it clearly in your face… Tell us what you know, Lady Ravyn. Normally, whenever Princess Davina came, you’d be in a good mood. But seeing you now, I’m sure there’s more to this. What is it?”
“Her fiancé, the nobody…” Lady Ravyn finally said, still trying to act calm. “He’s coming with her.”
Hearing the news sent ripples of shock across the entire group.
One that even Lady Isabella was surprised.
“I can’t believe it… I thought Princess Davina was only using that man to get Duke Lorcan off her back, but she’s now bringing him around?”
“No… the princess I know would never settle for a man before she became the strongest!”
“I agree. Even if she decided to pick a companion, he should certainly come from an incredible background.”
In the midst of the chaos, Lady Isabelle stared straight at Lady Ravyn.
She then connected their minds through a mental link to communicate privately.
’Tell me the truth. If the second princess chose this man, then he must be the one from the prophecy.’
’He should be.’
’Then why are you not happy for the second princess?’
’He’s from the Mortal Realm.’
’Mortal Realm…? Are you sure? That’s… not possible.’
’It’s the truth, my father is close with Marquess Raka. He was there during the mission.’
’Someone who is perfect for the second princess should be from the God Realm, not the Mortal Realm. But never mind that. If he’s from the Mortal Realm, then he’s certainly someone dangerous. Why is the princess with him? He might be a monster.’
’He’s indeed a monster. Marquess Raka didn’t say much—but confirmed that he’s incredibly powerful. But even so, people from the Mortal Realm will find it hard to transfer their full power to our realm, so I’ve heard he’s only a Master Immortal Spirit. I’m sure he somehow got to know about the prophecy and used it to trick the second princess to choose him.”
’In that case, why don’t we take him out?’
’Take him out?’
Lady Ravyn’s brows dipped into a frown, finding it incredulous for Lady Isabella to suggest that.
No matter what they thought, killing the fiancé would force Princess Davina to act.
And that would put them in the crossfire.
’I know what you’re thinking, Lady Ravyn—but it’s not that hard. After all, he’s from the Mortal Realm. Not everyone from the Mortal Realm is bad, but due to that man, people view those from the Mortal Realm as parasites or troublemakers. If we play it right, killing him would not be a trouble for the second princess at all.’
’You mean…?’
’Yes… He’s from the Mortal Realm, so he must be as bad as Cardoc Mirza.’
Upon hearing this, Lady Ravyn’s eyes widened.
It made sense.
Even if the fiancé was killed in their territory, nobody would give them too much trouble, as his blatant display of transformation basically told everyone that he’s from the Mortal Realm. And thus, if he dies, more people would be inclined to let it go, remembering what Cardoc Mirza did.
’Let’s do it. But first, we need to see the fiancé with our own eyes. See if he’d be trouble or not.’
’I agree. Let’s visit him tonight to pay our respects.’
Once the two came to an agreement, they broke their mental link and joined in the conversation again.
Soon, the group separated, leaving only Lady Ravyn alone in the pavillon.
She gazed up at the miniature sun above—a crafted magical artifact meant to mimic the world as it was before the Black Rift descended that covered the entire bubble. In silence, she sipped her tea, letting the warmth settle as her eyes softened at the tranquil view.
A thought slipped through her mind, quiet yet heavy with guilt.
“I feel guilty for plotting behind your back like this, second princess. I should have spoken to you first… but he’s from the Mortal Realm,” Lady Ravyn shook her head, already determined to see it through. “There is no way he could be the one.
Just then, a servant approached.
“Lady Ravyn,” She bowed respectfully. “Count Dara called. The Second Princess is arriving soon.”
“I understand.” Lady Ravyn stood up and headed back home.
Moments later.
Lady Ravyn, along with four of her other siblings, waited in front of their manor along with Count Dara and Countess Dara. All of them are going to be welcoming Princess Davina as she arrives; the common courtesy is to respect the duke.
“Don’t cause trouble, Ravyn,” Her brother, Lucen, warned. “Behave yourself.”
Knowing who would be coming, Lucen was concerned about her sister.
“Just mind yourself, brother,”
“You’ve been close to Isabella, and I’m afraid she’s a bad influence for you.”
“Stop talking. Here they come.”
Lady Ravyn and her siblings immediately straightened their backs as a regal, resplendent carriage rolled to a halt—before their manor. Its lacquered panels gleamed beneath the light, and the winged star crest emblazoned on either side left no doubt—Princess Davina had arrived.
Soon, the carriage door opened.
’Let’s see what kind of man you are, Lord Rex.’ Lady Ravyn’s eyes narrowed sharply.
She wanted to see the so-called fiancé of the second princess.
In reflex, Count Dara, an older man with a trimmed beard, stepped forward.
But all of them, Count Dara, Countess Dara, and the others present, were surprised the moment Princess Davina stepped out of the carriage. None of them could believe what they were seeing, taken aback by her appearance.
Unlike normal, she looked extremely different—no armor, only a lavish gown.
Princess Davina scanned the crowd and raised a brow.
“What’s the matter?” She asked.
“It’s nothing, princess,” Count Dara snapped out of his daze. “You looked more dashing than normal.”
“I have no time for flattery. Let’s start immediately.”
“Yes, let me lead the way.”
Princess Davina and Count Dara headed into the manor, immediately went to business.
She didn’t even spare a glance at the others.
“I’m not going to stay for long,” She said to Count Dara as her voice drifted away. “I’ve had plans with my fiancé, so maybe I’ll stay a day. Arrange it accordingly. I want to finish as much as I can in a day.”
“Yes, princess. I understand.”
Soon, Princess Davina, along with Count and Countess Dara, disappeared into the manor.
But the siblings didn’t move from their spots.
All of them stared at the carriage, expecting another person to step out and greet them.
Lady Ravyn was the one who was the most impatient.
’Why is he not coming out?’ She thought inside, staring at the carriage’s window—as if she could see through the person inside. ’I can’t sense any aura due to the carriage’s enchantment, but that man should be inside. Why isn’t he coming out?’
Just as she thought of that, the eldest brother, Edras, walked towards the carriage.
“Go back, all of you,” He said and waved his hand. “It seems the Second Princess is busy—and has no time for pleasantries with us. Don’t disturb them.”
Lady Ravyn frowned, ’Is the fiancé not with her? Did she leave him somewhere safe?’
Under the watchful eyes of the others, Edras climbed onto the driver’s seat.
He talked with the driver about something before the carriage began to roll forward again to leave.
At that moment, Lady Ravyn realized Rex was inside.
Edras must be escorting the carriage to his temporary lodging until Princess Davina’s business is done.
’Did the second princess expect our inhospitality?’ Lady Ravyn clenched her fists as she saw this happening. ’Is she protecting her fiancé, and he lets her? That can only mean he’s either spineless or he’s wounded. Pathetic… But it’s alright. I’ll see you tonight, Lord Rex.’
Snorting, Lady Ravyn headed back to her own room to communicate with Lady Isabella.
On the other hand, Lucen stared at her back and rubbed his forehead.
’I hope she’s not going to be reckless.’ He thought in worry.
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