The Empress sent people to receive Princess Vivian of Southlyn. Prince Nolan’s men had known about it well in advance. Though they resented the Empress’s move, they privately admired Princess Vivian’s cunning.
To have managed, under their watch, to connect herself to both the Empress and Prince Rowan—clearly, Princess Vivian was no fool. Yet the ones sent to fetch her were far too stupid, daring to insult Prince Nolan’s men right on his turf.
Ahem… Prince Nolan’s men forgot: this was the border, not their own territory. The border commander wasn’t one of Prince Nolan’s people, but the Emperor’s.
The border commander had cooperated so far only because the man who died was Master Wenyuan—he wanted no part in the fallout. Even so, Prince Nolan’s subordinates were still deeply dissatisfied with the men sent by Prince Rowan.
“Your Highness, we really can’t swallow this insult. No matter what, those capital brats need to be taught their place.”
“Your Highness, we admit it was our failure that led to Master Wenyuan’s death. But to have those capital bastards point at our noses and call us useless—we just can’t take it. We may be lacking, but we’re still better than those city troops.”
......
Advisers, the guard captains, and even the Si Clan’s Eighteen Riders all voiced their displeasure to Prince Nolan, eager to teach Prince Rowan’s personal guards a lesson.
After hearing the whole story, Prince Nolan looked coldly at the indignant crowd and said, “Did they say anything wrong? Master Wenyuan really did die under your protection.”
“Your Highness, we…” The guards’ faces darkened, lost for words. It was true—they’d blamed themselves for a long time. But to be called useless right to their faces by Prince Rowan’s men, they still couldn’t accept it. No matter what, they were better than those capital troops.
“If that’s the truth, what right do you have to be angry?” Prince Nolan swept a cold gaze over the complaining men, forcing them to bow their heads in guilt before he looked away.
Knowing their resentment, Prince Nolan didn’t say more. He simply ordered, “Since Prince Rowan’s guards are so capable, let them escort Princess Vivian ahead. Go, inform Princess Vivian—she is to depart with Prince Rowan’s men in one hour.”
“O-one hour?” The adviser looked up in shock, unable to believe what he’d just heard.
Did Prince Nolan misspeak?
Prince Rowan’s troops had just arrived, covered in dust from the road. Surely they needed at least three to five days to rest and resupply, to gather grain and fodder—otherwise, how would they have the energy to travel, let alone feed their men and horses?
“What’s wrong? Is one hour too generous? Fine—half an hour, then. Move all of Princess Vivian’s belongings outside the relay station and send them on their way.” Prince Nolan tossed out the words and walked off, leaving his guards staring at each other in disbelief.
Prince Nolan was vicious. They’d only wanted to rough up those arrogant brats a little, but he swept them out the door—without even a hot meal.
Still, they liked it.
The adviser led a bunch of grinning guards off to deliver Prince Nolan’s orders, and sent a few to help Princess Vivian pack—so she wouldn’t struggle to get ready in just half an hour.
“Aren’t you worried that using such a nasty trick will push Princess Vivian and the Empress to retaliate against you?” This was basically throwing them out on the street—anyone would find it hard to swallow, let alone Princess Vivian.
“The capital’s people have trampled right over me. If I don’t strike back, they’ll really think I’ve been broken by all this.” Prince Nolan’s voice was cold.
For Prince Rowan’s guards to dare such arrogance, someone must be backing them, testing him. If he didn’t hit back hard, everyone would assume he was crippled by Master Wenyuan’s death and in deep trouble.
Serena understood, and mocked, “People in officialdom are so pragmatic.”
“Who isn’t pragmatic? Power struggles are life and death. Their probing is normal, and so is my counterattack. Right now, I can’t retreat even half a step—if I do, neither the Emperor nor my nephews will ever let me go.” With the succession battles in Lyndaria and Southlyn settled, Prince Rowan and Prince Chase were getting even more anxious.
“And if you get the chance, you won’t let them off either.” Serena finished what Prince Nolan hadn’t said. He didn’t mind, nodding in agreement.
There may be affection in imperial families, but not in the Eastlyn imperial family.
Serena shook her head and sighed, then asked, “How did Princess Vivian end up in cahoots with the Empress?”
“Cahoots? That’s a good word for it.” Prince Nolan still had the mood to joke, showing things weren’t too dire.
“If my guess is right, Prince Damien of Southlyn must have given Princess Vivian something. Whatever it is, it’s enough to tempt both the Empress and Prince Rowan—after all, royals never do anything that doesn’t benefit them.”
“Tempted the Empress and Prince Rowan? What could it be?” Serena looked intrigued. This time, Prince Nolan could only shake his head. “I don’t know either. Prince Damien has run wild in Southlyn for years—he’s bound to have a trump card or two. Now that he’s lost all hope of a comeback, handing it to Princess Vivian makes sense.”
Serena nodded, dropping the subject. Just then, the servants brought up hot water. The two went off to bathe separately—Serena took longer, and by the time she finished, Prince Nolan was already in the front hall.
Serena made her way over with her maid. Just as she stepped out of the courtyard, she saw Princess Vivian approaching with a crowd.
“Serena, wait—I have something to say to you.” Princess Vivian called out from afar.
Serena raised an eyebrow and paused, waiting where she stood. She was curious—what did Princess Vivian want to say? And she was so forceful, even using the royal 'I'—something she’d never dare in Southlyn.
Princess Vivian quickened her pace, sweat beading on her brow, hair in disarray and sticking to her forehead. She looked a mess—breathless from hurrying, but her presence was still fierce as she confronted Serena.
So she gets arrogant once she finds backing?
Serena looked at Princess Vivian with amusement. When Vivian just stared at her in silence, Serena helpfully reminded her, “Princess Vivian, Prince Nolan gave you half an hour to leave. You don’t have much time—if you have something to say, say it quickly.”
“Serena, don’t get too pleased with yourself!” Princess Vivian’s face twisted, as if she were suppressing something. Serena almost laughed out loud.
Could she say that this girl was still too green?
Did Vivian really think that with the Empress and Prince Rowan behind her, Serena would be afraid?
No matter how valuable whatever Princess Vivian had was, it would end up in Prince Rowan’s hands sooner or later. Once Vivian lost her value, would Prince Rowan still protect her?
Naive!
“If you forgot to say something, think it over—tell me next time. We’ll have plenty of chances to meet.” Serena stepped back, ready to walk around her, but Princess Vivian blocked her way.
Princess Vivian dropped her aggressive stance. Tears welled in her eyes, and she said painfully, “Serena, I have no choice in this.”
Princess Vivian swayed. If her maid hadn’t caught her, she might have collapsed right there…