Chapter 158

Posted by Kuze, ? Views, Released on March 1, 2025

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Lily appeared in the banquet hall.

Though no one directly mentioned it, all the high-ranking officials and their associates present could tell at a glance.

The beauty with blue hair who opened the door and walked in.

Her wall-like eyes, reminiscent of the blue sea, sparkled like precious jewels, and her stunning appearance was enough to freeze everyone here, regardless of gender.

Especially her attire.

It was the usual saintess-like outfit, but the added fabrics and accessories blended perfectly with her aura.

Everyone realized.

No matter who had come first or who might come next.

This banquet’s star was undoubtedly that woman.

“Ah.”

After bowing her head, Lily found an empty seat.

In that moment, a silent battle of wits began among the kingdom’s recruiters present.

Who would be the first to approach?

This banquet was a gathering sponsored by the kingdoms.

No one had priority, nor had any order been established.

Bir, the diplomatic head of the Talikal Kingdom, hesitated unusually and held back.

‘Can I really ask the right question with Lily right in front of me?’

It wasn’t that he was intimidated by her appearance or couldn’t find the words.

Of course, there was that reason, especially as a man, but Lily was distinctly different from the immortals he had seen.

She felt more like a human of this place than a true outsider.

Yet, she was still an unmistakable “outsider” immortal.

That made her even harder to approach.

He figured it might be better to wait and see someone else take a chance and then respond accordingly.

Tap. Tap.

“Lady Lily?”

“Yes?”

Someone spoke up.

With light blue hair and red eyes, he had the appearance of nobility.

His clothes were luxurious, symbolizing gold, and confidence radiated from his face.

‘The Second Prince of the Biapon Kingdom!’

The Biapon Kingdom was quite distant from the Talikal Kingdom, having no significant ties, but it was nevertheless one of the longstanding kingdoms.

It survived the “Conquest Wars” that the Empire waged for centuries.

In particular, the royal family of Biapon was renowned for its special bloodline.

‘The royal bloodlines are known to possess strength comparable to elite knights. But… why is he here?’

This was a banquet to celebrate the tournament and the recruitment of immortals, not a place for the scions of royalty to roam.

In that moment, Bir realized the flaw in his thinking.

Recruitment…?

“I am Prince Ryu Drek Biapon of the Biapon Kingdom. I found Lady Lily Elbrite’s accomplishments fascinating. Truly remarkable.”

“It was amazing.”

“Thank you.”

“Especially that beauty like the sea, I couldn’t take my eyes off it. You won’t be able to find such a thing even if you scour the entire continent beyond Viapon. Not even in that vast empire.”

The fact that the Second Prince himself came means it’s not just a simple recruitment offer.

Things like that are sufficient from the lower ones.

If he came, there must be a solid reason to do so ‘in person.’

The Second Prince slowly bowed his head and extended his hand.

Glinting red eyes.

“Would you perhaps consider marrying me?”

At that moment, the banquet hall froze.

“I don’t want to.”

■

I rejected the unexpected marriage proposal without hesitation.

What the hell is he talking about?

[What is he saying?]

[Is he crazy? Hahaha]

[?]

[Did he come here to get hit by a hammer?]

[Crazy guy.]

[Hahahahahaha?]

[Crossing the line.]

[To think of tarnishing purity, that deserves a death sentence.]

[Does Unicorn certified pure Lily look like Zos?]

[Let’s kill him.]

And it seems the audience’s thoughts aren’t much different from mine.

The Saintess, by nature, is someone whose love with someone else is impossible.

In the past, due to this trait, marriage proposals didn’t come, but that doesn’t mean there were none.

Often, impossible targets lend a greater sense of conquest.

Moreover, if that target is an unattainable beauty found nowhere else, particularly one that isn’t of the Celestial Race, then all the more so.

After giving up being a Saintess, it had almost poured in.

‘Not that I would consider it.’

Was he unable to fathom rejection, or was he just shocked that his proposal was turned down by someone daring enough to refuse the Second Prince of the Viapon Kingdom? He couldn’t close his mouth.

Ahem.

Gathering his composure, the Second Prince cleared his throat.

“I understand. Receiving a sudden marriage proposal can be bewildering, even for an outsider like you, an immortal.”

“You’re well aware of this yet you make such a proposal?”

“……But the Viapon Kingdom is not just a mere small kingdom.”

The Second Prince’s expression changed slightly unpleasant.

With a flick of his hand, a servant behind him presented something.

A shimmering blue jewel necklace.

It doesn’t appear to be an ordinary necklace; the gems emit a kaleidoscope of colors.

“This necklace was made from the heart of the Blue Dragon that settled on the highest mountain of the northern continent, Bidrexion. It’s a great medium for amplifying magical power.”

Such things are commonly found in the kingdom’s treasury.

“You definitely won’t regret it. You won’t find a kingdom of this caliber if you leave out the empire—”

“So, you’re saying it’s just an ordinary necklace?”

“Isn’t it commonly said that a necklace is just something ordinary?”

“Too common, found overflowing even in a kingdom, not an ’empire’.”

“A mere ornamental trinket.”

“Right?”

“…That’s not it. It’s just that the Baiphon is so great, it overflows with rare items.”

“That means it’s common. It’s not exactly a unique holy artifact of the kingdom.”

“If you were trying to convince me even a little, you should have shown me a better offering.”

“It’s not an heirloom passed down through the royal family; it’s just an ornament rolling around in the report.”

“Of course, the necklace shown by the Second Prince isn’t bad enough to just be rolling around.”

“It looks like it was made by a somewhat famous blacksmith, probably a legendary hidden piece, but still just a product.”

“Comparing it to the mythical masterpiece, the Blue Guardian obtained through a mock siege war is out of the question.”

“‘Of course, I wouldn’t take ten mythical ones anyway.'”

[Hahahaha]

[What are they trying to bring up with legends?]

[This is absurd.]

[LOL for real.]

[Does Lily look like a fool? Seriously, haha.]

[Are they really trying to marry with that?]

[Bring out the myths.]

[Seriously, show us some hammer action?]

[A worthless kingdom trying to overstep their bounds for real.]

[Let’s just kill them.]

[Can we not kill them?]

[Once we smash the head, won’t the conversation progress from there?]

[Let’s go for the kingdom’s destruction!]

[Fact: The Empire’s knight order wears mythical artifacts as a basic standard.]

[Lily should just go to the empire and get a title.]

“Is it because my response was a bit sharp regarding the ridiculous suggestion?”

“The face of the Second Prince turned red.”

“He looked like he was about to shout at any moment.”

“He spoke as calmly as he could while holding back his anger.”

“…It seems Lady Lily doesn’t know well, but the kingdom’s holy artifacts can only be used by the royal bloodline. Outsiders can never use them. This necklace alone is a truly rare treasure.”

“It does look that way.”

“I am the Second Prince, but I am almost assuredly the prince in line for the throne. If you become my wife, you will become the owner of the kingdom.”

“The owner of the kingdom, huh.”

“Heh.”

“…What’s funny?”

“It’s nothing much.”

“I’ve received such offers before, more than once.”

“After actually resigning as the Saintess, I received many proposals based on engagement.”

“They said they would grant me royalty if I would just marry them.”

“If I marry and have a child, they would give me anything they can provide.”

“So please, just marry me.”

“But what I want is something they can’t provide.”

“How could they grant me what neither the Celestial Race nor the Demon Race can?”

“I smiled bitterly.”

“Thank you for the proposal, but I must decline.”

“Moreover, I have been a king once before.

It wasn’t my calling, so I left it to the rightful heir and departed.

“This…!”

“Hahaha! You seem a bit too stirred up. How about calming down a bit, considering this is a festival?”

“You…”

A man squeezed between the furious Second Prince and me.

A resident of this place, dressed in modern attire and styled hair that was far from the typical ‘NPC’ vibe, smiled gracefully and bowed.

“Hello. I am Bir, the head of the Foreign Affairs Department of Talikal Kingdom. This is also the homeland of the Blue Guardian that Lady Lily holds.”

His polished manner of speaking and medieval noble-like ambiance felt almost like a ‘user.’

The Second Prince grabbed Bir’s shoulder.

“How dare a diplomat from another kingdom stop a prince?! Are you out of your mind?”

“Haha. Your Highness the Second Prince of Viapon Kingdom. This is not a stage just for kingdoms. Look around.”

The Second Prince turned his head.

All eyes in the banquet hall were already on us.

Especially the gaze of the outsiders was unusual.

With a tug, Bir shook off the Second Prince’s hand and adjusted his clothes.

“Aren’t there too many people here who do not belong to any kingdom for you to only uphold the kingdom’s logic?”

I can’t help but worry that a third force might turn against the Viapon Kingdom.

“…….”

[What is this guy?]