CHAPTER 169: STUNNINGLY CUNNING TACTICS

Have they really left? Rafine wondered silently, overwhelmed by worry.

They had ridden more than five kilometers in pursuit of Elina and Nolan’s party, yet still hadn’t found even the slightest trace.

Anxiety gnawed at her as cold sweat trickled down her temples.

If they truly had left, the Austin family would face severe punishment from His Majesty—not to mention the ridicule that would surely come from the other three Duke families.

As a member of House Austin, Rafine couldn’t allow that to happen. The consequences could be devastating—such as having their future requests to the palace denied.

Just as she was drowning in fear and uncertainty, a soldier in the front row suddenly shouted.

"Young lady, we see them!" He pointed ahead. "They haven’t left. They’re just setting up tents in the distance!"

Rafine snapped out of her daze and quickly turned her gaze in the direction he indicated.

Sure enough, she saw black dots scattered across the vast, open field.

Though faint and far away, she could tell—it was them.

"Thank goodness," Rafine murmured, pressing a hand to her chest. A long-lost smile finally returned to her lips as she whispered gratefully, "The gods are still kind to me... and to the Austin family."

Without hesitation, they spurred their horses forward, racing toward Elina and Nolan.

***

"Do you think a representative of the Austin family will come to us, Brother?"

Elina glanced at her brother curiously as she placed a slice of apple into her mouth.

Nolan chewed slowly, swallowed, and gave a small nod. "Of course, my sister. They’ll definitely come. Otherwise, they’ll face terrifying consequences."

No matter how high the status of a Duke’s family, they still had to submit and obey the Palace. That was a core principle everyone in the Great Velmora Empire understood.

While the incident in the city of Ostravia wasn’t directly caused by the Austin family, to those who hadn’t witnessed it firsthand, it certainly looked that way.

As a result, the responsibility would fall on House Austin. And naturally, scorn would follow—from the nobles and especially from the other three Duke families.

Never assume the four Duke families were on good terms. In truth, long-standing conflicts had divided them for years.

The conflict was simply so covert that the common people remained unaware of it.

Had news of their blockade in Ostravia spread widely, the other three Duke families would have seized the opportunity to circulate damaging rumors—tarnishing House Austin’s reputation in the public eye.

Such was the world of politics: no true friends, only interests.

Elina fell silent, digesting her brother’s words. Naturally, she trusted him deeply and believed every word he said.

To her surprise, not even a minute had passed when Luvistar approached them with a serious expression.

"Prince Nolan, Princess Elina, we have a guest—Young Lady Rafine, heiress of House Austin."

Startled, Elina turned to her brother, her eyes filled with awe. But Nolan remained composed, even offering a faint smile, as if he had anticipated it all along.

"Very well," Nolan replied casually, rising to his feet. He brushed the dust from his robe and added, "Let’s go see Rafine."

***

"I hope they’re not angry," Rafine muttered, wiping her cold hands.

"Pfft! What’s wrong with you, Lady Rafine? Why the pale face? Did you run a marathon to get here?"

A playful voice suddenly called out from the front, startling her.

Rafine looked up to see Nolan approaching with Elina and Luvistar. The annoying man wore a teasing expression, a mocking smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Her irritation was clear—but she didn’t dare let it show. At this moment, she was the one held accountable for their expulsion from Ostravia.

She had no choice but to remain composed and humble.

Taking a deep breath, Rafine offered a gentle smile and replied with a polite tone, "You misunderstand, Your Highness Nolan. I didn’t run a marathon—I simply rode here with a few soldiers to catch up with you."

She paused briefly, then bowed her head with grace.

"I sincerely apologize for what happened at the city gate earlier. It was entirely the Austin family’s failure to receive you properly. I hope you’ll accept both my personal apology... and that of House Austin."

Elina and Luvistar exchanged surprised glances.

As the heiress of House Austin and future Duchess, Rafine was known for her pride and rarely ever bowed to anyone.

Yet here she was—head lowered before them. It was a sight neither of them had expected.

Elina’s heart began to soften. The lingering anger she had felt slowly faded away.

She knew full well that the incident at the city gate was orchestrated by the Tharvis family—not the Austins.

So she held no grudge against Rafine or her household.

Elina parted her lips to speak, but Nolan raised his left hand, quietly signaling her to stop.

Caught off guard, she paused and closed her mouth without a word.

"Don’t bow like that, Lady Rafine," Nolan said in a weary tone. "There are many soldiers watching. It could spark unwanted gossip about you."

"It’s all right," Rafine replied firmly. "This was the Austin family’s failure, and as the heiress, I must take responsibility."

Nolan couldn’t help but feel a flicker of admiration. He knew Rafine wasn’t acting purely out of guilt—this was a calculated move to gain sympathy.

In his previous world, this kind of tactic was common among politicians seeking public favor.

They would cast themselves as the ones at fault, then display humility before others.

It might not work if the person doing it were someone ordinary.

But what if it came from someone like Rafine—renowned, influential, and of noble blood?

The result was predictable: sympathy and goodwill from anyone who witnessed it.

And on top of that, Rafine possessed a breathtakingly beautiful face. The combination of beauty, status, and humility was a devastating weapon—especially against men.

Nolan glanced at the soldiers—and sure enough, their faces showed pity and surprise, as if they couldn’t bear to see her humbled like that.

She’s sharp, he murmured sincerely, a knowing smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

At first, he had thought Rafine was just a beautiful woman fortunate enough to be born as the heiress of House Austin. But he had been completely wrong.

She wasn’t just beautiful—she was intelligent, cunning, and full of potential. It was no wonder Duke Austin had chosen her as his successor.

But Rafine had made a critical mistake.

Had her opponent been any other prince, he might have been easily swayed by her charm and humility.

Unfortunately for her, she was dealing with him—a prince who believed that men and women were equals in every sense... hehehe.