Chapter 162

From the freckled prince who was knocked to the ground, to the middle-aged noblewoman behind the princess who almost fainted on the spot, every single person who witnessed the scene could only manage one expression: eyes widening uncontrollably, followed by instinctively opening their mouths…

“HUH???????”

[In the presence of Prince Joshua and half the kingdom’s nobility, First Princess Veronica has personally accepted your marriage proposal. You have obtained the Gold-Rank Identity Badge “Travel Thrush Prince (dong)”]

[Travel Thrush Prince: A prince of the Travel Thrush Kingdom and husband of First Princess Veronica. Though you lack the qualification to inherit the throne, your words and actions can now somewhat represent the royal family’s will]

[Equipping Effect: As a highly esteemed prince, within the territory of the Travel Thrush Kingdom, you may request any person of lower status to bow to you]

[Advancement Path: If the marital relationship with Princess Veronica continues long-term and no divorce occurs after she ascends the throne, this badge will automatically upgrade into the rare-colored badge “The Man Behind the Queen (Off-White)”]

[Hidden Trait (No Need to Equip): Due to this being purely a political marriage, Princess Veronica merely holds some affection for you, lacking a deep emotional foundation. Therefore, she won’t overly interfere in your personal life]

“…”

Seriously, she’s actually the princess? After dismissing the automatically popped-up new badge, Leon couldn’t help but open his mouth as he watched the ample beauty striding towards him from outside the door, momentarily at a loss for words.

The investigators from the Clearing Bureau had just left yesterday, and the suspicion of him being involved in the Lane Blood Night hadn’t been cleared yet. At this point, he should be cautious and quickly distance himself from the identity of the Lionheart Duke.

But… it’s a gold badge! And one with a clear advancement path that has a high probability of reaching the rare-colored level! If I take it back right now, would this badge be revoked?

…

“Sorry, this visit is rather sudden and has disturbed everyone.”

While Leon on the stage was still wavering between gain and loss, hesitating whether to advance or retreat, a certain princess who got an unexpected windfall had already passed through the crowd and quickly arrived below the main platform.

After nodding in acknowledgment to the stunned nobles due to her sudden appearance, Princess Veronica lightly pinched the hem of her plain long dress and gracefully bowed her head in a refined and dignified ladylike curtsy.

Then, she straightened her swan-like neck once more, lightly turned around, and extended her white arm covered with thin gauze toward Leon on the platform, her blushed cheeks gazing deeply into his eyes, directly conveying a determined resolve akin to burning all bridges.

Initially, she just wanted to come watch the commotion, but unexpectedly, such a huge opportunity awaited her. This man several years younger than herself was the final piece needed to save the kingdom! If she could use their marriage to successfully inherit the Lionheart family’s political legacy, even if it meant completely offending the old noble class and inviting mad assassinations from rebels today, it would be worth it!

“No way! I disagree!”

Seeing the man on the stage hesitate slightly before actually reaching out to grab his sister’s extended hand, a certain prince whose left cheek was swollen up couldn’t help but tremble all over, his eyes revealing deep fear, and immediately loudly voiced his objection!

As children of the king, political acumen is naturally the most important required course. Although Joshua is arrogant and irritable, he isn’t utterly stupid. After recovering from the initial shock, he immediately realized the significance of this “handshake.”

If that damned Lionheart Duke truly marries Veronica at the cost of the entire Lane family, it would mean nearly half the kingdom falling into his sister’s hands. Their statuses would instantly reverse, making him the one thoroughly abandoned by their father! If Veronica were ruthless enough, not only would he lose the chance to inherit the throne, but he might even be thrown across the sea to feed monkeys!

No way! Today, absolutely no matter what, she mustn’t succeed! Absolutely not!

Two consecutive shouts drew everyone’s attention. Ignoring the lingering pain of the slap on his face, the freckled prince loudly rebuked:

“Father has already set the range of princes for you to choose from beforehand! You must pick among those people! By agreeing to Lionheart Duke’s proposal now, you’re defying father’s orders!”

“Is that so?”

Looking at the suddenly jumped-in troublemaker freckled prince, Veronica curled her lips slightly, continuing to maintain the pose of extending her arm toward Leon, calmly replying: “There’s nothing I can do; Lord Lionheart is brave, kind, young, and handsome. Especially when slapping others, his figure made me fall in love at first sight. Since love came so suddenly, I have no choice but to disappoint father’s well-meaning intentions.

Besides, as his most beloved daughter, having a little bit of caprice in my lifelong matters, I believe he wouldn’t blame me. He might even be happy for my happiness… don’t you think, Joshua?”

Upon hearing his sister’s cryptic response, the freckled prince’s face darkened involuntarily.

Damn it! That old man really would be happy, but not because of your fake happiness, but because the leader of the old nobility went crazy and led the Road Administration Department and the Military Department to side with the royal family! Trouble, it seems she has made up her mind to seize this opportunity at all costs and swallow the Lane family’s heritage whole. This road appears to be blocked!

“Where are the people of the Lane family?”

Seeing his sister determined to marry the Lionheart Duke, even bringing up their father couldn’t suppress her, and that audacious Lionheart Duke showed no fear of his threats, the reluctant Joshua immediately shifted targets, starting to look for the actual controllers of the Lane family, hoping to pressure that damned duke through them.

Coldly scanning the group of small golden puppies around, the freckled prince dropped all pretense, harshly questioning while trying hard to find someone in charge: “Are there no people left in the Lane family? Are you just watching this bastard duke make a fool of himself? Are you okay with him handing over the entire Lane family?”

However, despite his tearing off the mask, none of the Lane family members stepped forward. His only responses were silence, and the guests whispering and gossiping amongst themselves.

“Speak up!”

Seeing that at this critical moment, no one from the Lane family came out, the anxious freckled prince couldn’t help but furrow his brows and angrily shout:

“Are you really just standing there? Are all the Lanes dead? Is there not even one person willing to step forward to stop his nonsense?”

“…”

“Stop looking. The Lane family indeed has no one left.”

Watching this young wolf wildly baring its teeth, trying to find someone to suppress him, Leon on the stage paused for a moment, then couldn’t help but reply with a strange expression: “The previous duke’s steward had a heart attack and is being treated on the carriage outside; the remaining clan elders are older and didn’t withstand the shock when I slapped you earlier, passing out directly; as for the newly appointed head of the family, when your sister agreed to my proposal, I think I saw him clutching his chest and lying down… Look, the one lying by the door should be him.”

“…”

HUH???????(End of Chapter)