CHAPTER 429: CH 429: WAR IS COMING - PART 3

The news of Kyle’s impending wedding to the Grand Duchess spread through the empire like wildfire. Whispers curled through noble halls and common taverns alike.

Some claimed it was a political marriage to solidify Kyle’s influence in the capital. Others speculated that it was a rushed decision due to an unannounced illness or an impending battle.

A few romantics believed it was simply love, fierce and uncontainable. But no one could decide on a reason, and the silence from Kyle and the Grand Duchess only deepened the mystery.

Melissa, meanwhile, was in a terrible mood. She stormed through the halls of the palace, ignoring the curious glances and sidelong whispers of passing courtiers.

Bruce, ever the calm shadow to her storm, followed behind her with his hands in his pockets.

"You know, you should have taken your chance when you had it."

Bruce said casually.

"Be quiet."

Melissa snapped without turning.

"You used to follow him around like a lost pup. Now look at you."

Bruce muttered.

Melissa stopped walking and glared at him.

"I said shut it."

She resumed walking again, more forcefully this time, her boots clicking angrily against the marble floors.

It was then that she nearly bumped into Silvy, who looked lost, her usual grace replaced by confusion and frustration.

"Silvy? What are you doing here?"

Melissa blinked.

"I’m looking for the crown prince’s office. I need to talk to him. Alone."

Silvy replied quietly.

Melissa crossed her arms.

"Whatever you’re planning, it’s too late. If the news has spread this fast, then it’s already set. Kyle’s wedding with the Grand Duchess won’t be stopped."

Silvy shook her head.

"I know... but I still want to try once. Just once."

Melissa stared at her for a moment, then sighed.

"Fine. Come with me."

They walked in silence until they reached the crown prince’s office. Melissa knocked twice before entering without waiting for a reply.

Crown Prince Mikalius sat behind his desk, poring over paperwork. He looked up, frowning when he saw them.

"What are you doing here? This is not a time for visitors."

He asked sharply.

Silvy stepped forward.

"I came to propose a deal."

The prince raised an eyebrow.

"A deal?"

Silvy took a deep breath.

"Instead of the Grand Duchess, I want to marry Kyle. If that happens, I’ll hand over the elf lands to the empire. All of it. The trees, the mana springs, everything."

The prince blinked.

"You... what?"

"It would be a huge boost to the empire. With that much mana-rich territory, your rule will be stronger than ever. You wouldn’t even need Kyle."

Silvy said, voice trembling slightly.

Mikalius leaned back in his chair, hands folded beneath his chin.

"That’s a tempting offer. Anyone else would probably take it without thinking."

He admitted.

"So?"

Silvy asked, hopeful.

"But, I like my life too much. And getting in the way of Kyle right now... that’s not something I plan on doing. So I’m going to decline."

Mikalius said slowly,

Silvy’s face fell, and Melissa looked at her with something between pity and frustration.

"I figured you’d say that. So... what happens if the crown prince dies before the wedding?"

Silvy whispered. Then she looked up, her eyes dark.

The air in the room turned cold. Mikalius straightened up sharply, his eyes narrowing.

"Silvy, are you threatening me?"

He said cautiously.

Silvy didn’t answer. Instead, she reached into her cloak and pulled out a slender dagger. With a sudden burst of speed, she lunged at the prince.

But Mikalius wasn’t caught off guard. A thin barrier of wind magic shimmered in front of him, deflecting the dagger just in time. He rose from his chair, hand glowing with mana.

"You think I look fragile, don’t you? But I’m not."

He said, voice colder than ever.

Silvy stepped back, staring at him with wide eyes. Her breath was heavy, shoulders trembling. Melissa moved between them, one hand on her weapon just in case.

"You’ve lost it. This isn’t love. It’s obsession. Is that what you want?"

Mikalius said, disgusted.

Silvy lowered her dagger slowly. Her lips quivered, and for a moment, it looked like she might break down. But she held herself together.

"I thought I could make him mine. Even if I had to use everything I had, I had to try. As for obsession, it’s just another form of love. You won’t understand it even if I tried to tell you about it."

She murmured.

"You don’t get to decide that. Kyle chooses. If it is you, he will let you know."

Mikalius said.

Melissa glanced at Silvy, then back at Mikalius.

"Do you want me to take her away?"

"Do what you want. But keep her out of my sight.’

the prince replied, already sitting back down.

Melissa sighed and gently tugged Silvy’s arm.

"Let’s go."

Silvy didn’t resist. As they stepped out of the office, Melissa glanced at her again.

"You really were willing to go that far?"

Silvy gave a hollow laugh.

"Wouldn’t you?"

Melissa looked away.

"Maybe once. But not anymore."

They walked in silence, the weight of their unspoken feelings heavy in the air.

The moment Silvy and Melissa exited the room, two of the crown prince’s guards rushed in, expressions tense.

One knelt beside the desk, eyes flickering to the bloodied sleeve of Mikalius’ robe where Silvy’s blade had grazed him.

"Your Highness, shall we pursue and capture the elf? She dared to draw blood—"

The guard said with alarm,

"No. Don’t be foolish."

Mikalius interrupted firmly, lifting his arm slightly to inspect the wound.

The guards exchanged glances.

"But she attacked the imperial heir—"

"And I’m still breathing. This empire’s peace is hanging by a thread, and you want me to snap it over a scratch?"

Mikalius cut him off again, sharper this time.

He stood from his seat and crossed to the window, watching the quiet courtyard below. His voice dropped, cool and thoughtful.

"One wrong move, and we’ll lose more than just dignity. The elves may be weaker now, but Silvy still holds influence. And the one she tried to kill happens to be about to marry the Grand Duchess herself. No... this isn’t a matter I should involve myself in any further."

The guards bowed slightly and backed away, though unease lingered in their posture.

"Instead, I want this delivered immediately to the Grand Duchess. She needs to know what’s happening. After all, she’s the one marrying Kyle. Let her deal with this mess."

Mikalius added, reaching for a fresh scroll,

A few hours later, a messenger knelt before the Grand Duchess, presenting the sealed scroll from the crown prince.

As she read through the contents, her expression darkened, then softened with visible guilt.

"I should have seen this coming. I knew there were unresolved feelings, yet I thought time would be enough to quiet them."

She murmured, voice tight.

She gently folded the letter, eyes narrowing with resolve.

"This isn’t just Kyle’s burden. I’m the one marrying him, and if things are going wrong, then I’m to blame for allowing it to fester."

Standing up, she turned toward her maid.

"Prepare the carriage. I’ll handle this personally. It’s time to clear everything up—once and for all."

This was what she owed to Kyle and the other.