Chapter 150

Chapter 150: Shy Princess (Two-in-One)

Until now, although there were some small bumps along the way, the general direction of things was pretty much what Lynn had expected.

Inside the carriage, Lynn gazed out the window at the rapidly retreating cityscape, lost in thought.

After leaving the Royal Extraordinary Academy’s banquet hall, a group of unknown knights had taken him, along with Eunice and Fourth Prince Joshua, onto three separate carriages, driving straight toward the Palace District without uttering a single word.

At this moment, Eleanor was tightly clutching his arm, her petite body pressing against him like a clingy octopus.

Not only that, the little girl had her face pressed firmly against his chest, inhaling his scent like she was trying to make up for the family affection lost over the past year.

But somehow, this affection felt a bit warped?

Whether Eleanor was just overly insecure or something, it was as if she wanted to merge into his body.

She was even rubbing her hands over his chest as if confirming whether her brother was genuinely alive in this world.

After pulling Eleanor’s cold, delicate hand out from under his clothing for what felt like the hundredth time, Lynn sighed, “Eleanor, big brother’s right here, no need to be scared.”

Upon hearing this, Eleanor lifted her small head, her red eyes peering up at him.

“It just feels like… big brother has changed a lot,” she said softly after a long silence. “Do you remember our past?”

Lynn’s heart tightened at her words.

He certainly remembered; after returning, he had swiftly dealt with things without changing the original owner’s persona too much.

Yet, despite that, for some reason, Eleanor had sensed something was off.

But he couldn’t let himself waver because of that. Ruffling her hair, he replied, “What do you mean?”

“Like, that little troublemaker who always peed his pants and then pretended to cry for big brother to help him change?”

Even in the dim carriage, Eleanor’s face turned a shade of red that was practically visible.

She let out a soft, embarrassed squeak and leaned her little face gently against Lynn’s shoulder.

After a while, a soft murmur escaped her lips, which sounded like a mix of shame and relief.

“Big brother… pervert.”

Compared to Orlen City, the Imperial Capital was undoubtedly a million times larger and more bustling.

To summarize, the entire Glosting was divided into three areas: the Palace District, the Upper City, and the Lower City.

Class distinctions were as clear as day; even the division of the city reflected that.

Each area was further divided into four directions, encircling the central Imperial Palace and the sacred spectacle unique to the Saint Roland Empire.

Looking out the window, Lynn saw, in the distant city center, a slender but towering tree, lush and vibrant, standing against the horizon, visible only by craning one’s neck.

It shone in a bronze hue, while its branches and leaves glimmered in the moonlight with a holy, noble golden color.

A soft glow illuminated the otherwise dim night, casting a mysterious aura over the Imperial Capital of Glosting.

The Holy Spirit Tree, also known as the Holy Oak, had an unknown origin, personally planted by the first Saint Roland Emperor, seemingly blessed with powers to protect the capital.

The reason the Saint Roland Empire was called the Land of the Sacred Tree was precisely because of this wonder.

Aside from the Saint Roland Empire, neighboring empires also had their own magnificent spectacles.

For example, the neighboring state of Tutkamon, known as the “Land of Dust,” was famous for its massive triangular tomb, rumored to house the remains of a deity.

Gazing at the towering tree that seemed to pierce the heavens, Lynn’s eyes narrowed slightly.

Having read the original story, he knew full well the value of these national wonders.

If the card of Peanes he held was one fifty-fourth of the path to godhood, then the Holy Spirit Tree represented another.

Though still broken and incomplete, it was far more whole than the card.

He wished he could get a closer look at that tree.

However, it possessed the traits of a large sealed item and didn’t conform to the principles of perception.

Only those chosen by it could approach the tree.

Otherwise, no matter how hard one tried, even if they traversed the whole capital, they would never get near, only seeing it perpetually stand there at the horizon.

Just as Lynn was lost in thought, the carriage came to a gentle stop.

He instinctively looked up to see an ancient and solemn massive building before him.

With a dome, the overall structure was arched, with each side adorned with the totems of various noble families, guarding the central emblem belonging to the Saint Roland royal family, symbolizing the power hierarchy of the nation.

Lynn even spotted the snow eagle totem of the Mosgra Family and the bull totem of the Bartleon Family.

This was the Imperial Hall, with the Imperial Headquarters looming behind it, serving as the nation’s epicenter of power and the headquarters for the administrative council.

Moments later, several armored knights slowly opened the carriage door.

“Get out immediately!”

Their tone was a bit rough.

Clearly, this indicated that what awaited him was not some friendly social gathering but a banquet hidden with daggers.

Lynn narrowed his eyes but didn’t retort, assisting Eleanor as she stepped down from the carriage.

At that moment, the little girl clung to his waist like a piece of plaster, her small face hidden behind him.

Eunice and Fourth Prince Joshua had already entered, likely informing on the others first.

But Lynn was not worried; this was the response he was aiming for.

As the doors swung open, a pale golden light reflected on Lynn’s face.

And numerous gazes were drawn to him.

When the grand doors of the Imperial Hall were pushed open, Ivyst instinctively turned her head.

When her familiar figure came into view, a glimmer of delight flickered in her eyes.

Though it had only been a few hours, to her, it felt like an eternity.

She could hardly wait to jump into Lynn’s embrace, greedily inhaling her adorable little dog’s scent… huh?

In the next moment, her expression froze.

The boy before her was indeed her cute little dog, yet he somehow felt different from usual.

At that moment, a delicate, petite girl was tightly hugging his waist, timidly hiding behind him, exuding an aura of innocent fragility.

Staring at the small figure clinging to Lynn, a sudden rush of anger and jealousy surged up inside her, as though someone had snatched away her exclusive rights.

How long had they been back in the capital?

Clearly, that despicable woman from the future was already making her feel annoyed, and now this little one appeared mere hours later?

So, you prefer this kind of delicate little bird?

It seemed the royal daughter had been neglected.

She hadn’t conformed to his preferences or changed to his liking.

Very well, very well.

Ivyst ground her silver teeth, a flicker of unprecedented gloom passing in her crimson eyes.

In an instant, a tangible murderous intent seemed to descend upon the hall!

Everyone felt the temperature around them plummet, instinctively wrapping their arms around themselves, shivering.

Including the Silver Wing Knights and Xia, powerful experts with sharp instincts, all turned to Ivyst’s direction.

Clearly, there was a palpable wariness in everyone’s heart toward this monstrous princess with overwhelming strength.

Though the sixth-stage half-divine might not dominate in the Saint Roland Empire, annihilating these lowly attendees was a piece of cake.

They couldn’t comprehend what sort of earth-shattering event would stir this monster princess into such terrifying murderous intent.

Sensing the near-explosive tension emanating from Princess Ivyst, Lynn took a deep breath.

Not far behind Ivyst, Greya’s face was tense, casting a helpless glance at him.

Even Afia looked over.

But upon spotting Eleanor, she unconsciously rolled her eyes, huffed, and turned away.

Clearly, these women were manifesting an unprecedented exclusion toward Eleanor, who was close to Lynn.

Eleanor trembled even more visibly.

At that moment, from the distant high platform, Sixth Saint Roland cast a watchful gaze down on them.

His eyes contained authority and scrutiny that could make an ordinary person quake in fear.

Moments later, a court earl responsible for announcements boomed, “His Majesty summons Lynn Bartleon to speak!”

At this, Lynn gently patted Eleanor’s small hand.

However, that intimate gesture drew Ivyst’s sharp gaze.

The temperature around them dropped several degrees once more.

Sensing the anxiety emanating from the girl behind him, Lynn softly reassured her, “Don’t be scared, Eleanor. Remember what big brother told you in the carriage.”

“As long as you can win that lady’s favor, no one will be able to touch you.” He hadn’t mentioned anything about his family issues to the princess.

The reason was simple.

Eleanor was female.

While Lynn believed their blood relation made things safe, Ivyst’s personality would definitely overthink it.

This was indeed Eleanor’s first appearance in Ivyst’s purview.

But Lynn didn’t think it was a big deal; after all, they’d eventually meet.

Feeling Eleanor stubbornly cling to him, he sighed.

“Okay, Your Majesty is calling me. I need to go over now.”

Saying this, he gently extricated himself from Eleanor’s embrace, ignoring the familiar and unfamiliar faces around him, and confidently strode forward.

At that moment, Fourth Prince Joshua had already positioned himself next to Princess Shirina and looked at Lynn with a somewhat amused expression.

Meanwhile, Eunice stood next to an elderly man in military attire, her eyes swollen from crying.

Recognizing the hawk-like sharp gaze of that elderly man, Lynn felt a clear understanding.

That was Fred Mosgra, the current head of the Mosgra Family, temporarily holding the position of Minister of Military and Political Affairs.

Once a close friend of his father, he had stabbed him in the back at a critical moment to seize power.

As a renowned noble in the capital in recent years, he’d also been invited to this honorary ceremony and was now casting a gloomy stare at Lynn.

Clearly, he was aware of everything that had transpired at the Royal Extraordinary Academy.

As for the son of the Bartleon family, who had long since fallen from grace, Marquis Fred had never expected him to suddenly rise and bite down hard on the Mosgra Family.

However, he genuinely saw no hope for this punk to turn things around.

The next moment, a commanding, deep voice echoed from above, the intangible power instantly spreading throughout the hall, instilling a respectful fear in everyone.

“Lynn Bartleon, do you know your crime?”

What to do, what to do, what to do?!!

So scary, so scary, so scary!!!

Left alone in the space, most eyes now turned toward her brother, leaving only a few lingering on her.

Eleanor trembled, staring at the ground to hide her face, making it impossible for anyone to discern her expression.

At this moment, standing still required all her strength.

She feared that the next second, she’d be torn apart by that murderous gaze not far away.

Yet recalling the reassuring words her brother had told her in the carriage, along with the determined look in his eyes as he left, she took a deep breath.

I believe big brother won’t lie to me.

As long as I gain that lady’s favor and affection, perhaps that would fulfill the task big brother assigned me.

But how do I win her favor?

Brother hadn’t mentioned any specifics, and he even appeared somewhat embarrassed when this topic came up, as if recalling some shameful matter he wished to forget.

Eleanor, though puzzled, just saw it as her brother’s little test.

Her heart raced.

However, the girl from the Bartleon family gradually calmed herself.

“Come here.”

Suddenly, a cold command whispered in her ear.

Eleanor shivered, thought for a moment, then ultimately chose not to defy the order.

So she slowly walked in the direction of where the princess stood.

Thinking it over, this scene could almost resemble a secret lover being caught by the legitimate wife, couldn’t it?

Eleanor felt helpless.

But her thoughts were still racing.

Even though it was just their first meeting, for some reason, her initial impression in this princess’s eyes was incredibly low.

Her brother was trusted by the princess, yet she, as his sister, faced disdain?

Why?

Eleanor felt she was figuring something out.

At that moment, she activated her clever little brain, which had absorbed countless stories of love.

If only Lynn knew what the little one was thinking right now, he’d likely break into a cold sweat and lament how the women around him could work themselves up.

In reality, to win the princess’s favor, all she had to do was tell her she was Lynn’s sister.

Knowing this, the princess would naturally feel inclined to treat her as one of her own.

Unfortunately, Eleanor’s thoughts were sprinting away on their own.

The only possibility that could cause a woman to suddenly despise another without reason was misunderstandings caused by a man!

In an instant, Eleanor seemed to have found the crux.

At the same time, a hint of shock flashed in her eyes.

Could it be that this noble princess harbored a secret crush on her brother?!

Unrequited love, combined with their status difference, meant that this royal lady could only bury her love’s bitterness deep within, unable to express it. Just catching a glimpse of him each day would fill her with great joy.

But that was just how it was.

What could be done?

How could brother be so exceptional?

If it weren’t for the blood relation, Eleanor would be uncouth enough to- no, that’s off track!

Quick, think of how she could attract the princess’s acknowledgment.

Aside from her striking resemblance to her brother, there was only one other thing: her status.

Realizing this, Eleanor, who had now slowly approached Ivyst, felt a spark of inspiration.

Sensing the numerous varied gazes from those around the princess, her heart began to race.

But with matters having reached this point, there was no turning back.

In the next second, under the watchful eyes of everyone, Eleanor slowly lifted her head, revealing her appearance to the crowd for the first time.

At the same time, she hesitantly parted her pink lips and shyly whispered, “Sister-in-law?”

This sudden address left Greya and Morris, the two brothers, in a moment of dumbfounded silence.

If Lynn were here, he’d probably be fainting on the spot.

Eleanor, that wasn’t how you win her approval—you weren’t supposed to acknowledge this too!

Originally, the overwhelming affection of the princess had been giving him a headache, but now it was spiraling out of control.

Truly, a Bartleon woman knew how to set her brother up.

Unfortunately, at this point, Eleanor had no idea how her brother would react upon finding out.

She believed she had made the right choice.

From Ivyst’s perspective, it was indeed so.

Observing the sorrowful expression on the girl’s face and her face that closely resembled Lynn’s, for some reason, a wave of turbulence within Ivyst seemed to dissipate.

She… she just called me sister-in-law?!

In that moment, that thought echoed in her mind, refusing to fade away.

Though she had long since referred to Lynn as her future husband in public, everyone understood that didn’t really count.

Even with such thoughts in her heart, Ivyst was acutely aware that Lynn wouldn’t accept this identity.

After all, he still had the Sorceress of the End in his heart.

As long as that wretched woman loomed between them, it would be hard to turn her wish into reality.

Therefore, those claims were merely her ways of asserting her dominance in front of others.

But now that Eleanor had voluntarily offered up this title, it carried a different weight.

As Lynn’s blood-related sister, they shared an unbreakable bond.

With family acknowledgment, the stability of this relationship was solidified.

The atmosphere fell into an inexplicable silence.

Moments later, a faint blush crept upon Ivyst’s fair face.

So beautiful.