novelzi Chapter 136 Conspiracy
Chapter 136 Conspiracy
"All alliances are fake; only military strength is real. If the Dressrosa family has the power to sweep across the kingdom, then the rightful ruler of Royal City should change," Earl Evan said with a sigh.
"That's why I said my father was an idiot. Sending us to Silver Moon City is a waste of time. It would be better to go straight to Royal City."
"But the Half-Elf Kingdom hasn't fallen to the Dressrosa family yet. How can we convince the Azov family to intervene?" Anna asked.
"A wise person doesn't wait for a crisis to explode before acting. He foresees the risks while the danger is still small and makes preparations," Earl Evan replied, gesturing to the umbrella beside him. "It wasn't raining when I left, but I brought an umbrella anyway."
He pointed to the window. "Look, it's raining now."
The sound of heavy rain filled the air. Outside, passers-by were caught in the downpour, their clothes quickly soaked.
Anna pouted, feeling as though her brother's comment had been aimed at her. She hadn't brought an umbrella either.
"Then let's write a letter to Father and ask him to send someone to Royal City," Anna suggested.
"Do you really think he'll listen to me?" Earl Evan scoffed.
"Then I'll write it!" Anna said stubbornly.
"It's pointless." Earl Evan shook his head with a bitter smile. "Do you know what the hardest thing in the world is?" Experience exclusive tales on empire
"What?" Anna asked.
"Convincing a proud man to admit he's wrong," he said with disdain. "Father will never lower himself to ask the Azov family for help—unless he has no other choice."
Anna pressed her lips together, her face filled with determination. "So, what do we do? Sit around, eat, drink, and enjoy ourselves in Silver Moon City?"
Earl Evan gave her a lazy smile. "We'll do just enough to file a report to the emperor."
Anna glared at her brother's nonchalant attitude, her frustration bubbling over. "Evan! Don't forget your surname is Pros! If the Dressrosa army invades, where will you hide?"
Evan didn't reply, but a shadow of pain flickered across his face.
Anna turned away, no longer in the mood to argue. She stared at the rain falling outside the window, her thoughts drifting far away.
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The rainstorm that swept across Silver moon City arrived with a fury but departed just as swiftly.
By evening, the dark clouds had vanished, revealing a fiery red sunset.
In the open-air garden of the Half-Elf Palace, maids worked quickly to remove the rain awnings, letting the flowers and plants bask in the rays of the setting sun.
Unfortunately, while the precious blood roses in the garden had survived the storm, they were now falling victim to a much more deliberate attacker.
"Hey! Ha!"
A boy of about ten years wielded a sharp sword, mercilessly hacking at Queen Elsa's beloved blood roses.
None of the nearby maids dared to intervene.
The boy was Charles Modiwen, son of Prince William and grandson of the old king.
Leaning on his cane, the old king watched his grandson's destruction with a smile, showing no intention of stopping him.
"Your Highness."
"Your Highness."
At that moment, Prince William appeared at the garden gate. His face darkened as he saw the scene before him.
Prince William hesitated, realizing the guests were already aware of his approach. Masking his unease, he stepped into the room with a practiced, polite smile.
"Dear Earl Evan, Miss Anna, please forgive this unannounced visit—"
Earl Evan remained seated, gesturing casually to the chair opposite him. "Sit."
Prince William obeyed without hesitation, taking the seat as though he were a student summoned before a strict tutor.
He placed a bottle of champagne on the table and said eagerly, "My lord, this is the finest wine from the Modiwen family winery. I hope it meets your standards."
Earl Evan's eyes sparkled with interest. He grinned. "You can't judge wine by its label. Let's taste it!" He reached for the glasses on the table.
Prince William hurriedly uncorked the bottle and poured three glasses, careful not to spill a drop.
Earl Evan lifted his glass, swirling the liquid with precision before taking a long sniff. His face lit up with approval. "Now this—this is excellent wine!"
Prince William beamed. "It is an honor to receive such praise from you, my lord."
Earl Evan took a sip, savoring the taste as if lost in thought.
The room fell into silence.
Prince William sat stiffly, afraid to interrupt. On the other side, Anna quickly downed her glass, her eyes now fixed on the prince with a curious, probing gaze.
Prince William squirmed under her scrutiny, relief washing over him only when Earl Evan finally set his glass down with a satisfied smile.
"Prince William," Earl Evan began, his tone light but pointed, "what brings you here today?"
The prince blinked, startled. Shouldn't you be the ones coming to us? he thought. But he dared not voice his frustration.
He composed himself and replied smoothly, "My guards informed me that two distinguished guests had arrived from afar. As the host of Silver Moon City, it is my duty to ensure your stay is most comfortable."
"Oh?" Earl Evan raised an eyebrow, his expression sharp with amusement. "Just hospitality, then? Nothing to do with the upcoming wedding of the Dressrosa family's daughter?"
Prince William froze, caught off guard by the blunt question. His face flushed, and he stammered, "I—well..."
Seeing Prince William's reaction, Earl Evan smirked. This man really is as straightforward as they come. Deciding not to toy with him any longer, he shifted to a more serious tone.
"Prince William," Earl Evan began, leaning forward slightly, "Prince Tupe's proposal to marry Miss Vera—surely that wasn't orchestrated by your father, was it?"
"Of course not!" Prince William replied hastily. "That was entirely Tupe's doing. He's young, impulsive, and acted without consulting anyone. I hope you can understand and not hold the Modiwen family accountable for this!"
He paused, his expression earnest but strained. "But... now that the matter has escalated, it's difficult for my father to intervene directly. Rejecting the marriage outright could risk offending Duke Dressrosa."
Earl Evan shook his head with an exaggerated sigh. "This incident has made my father very angry!"
Prince William's anxiety deepened. "Your Excellency, please! Could you help us explain this to Duke Dressrosa? Perhaps smooth things over?"
Earl Evan's expression hardened, and his tone turned icy. "I'm angry too!"
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "Your Modiwen family has always prided itself on neutrality. And now, you're marrying into the Northern side? Marrying the Duke's daughter, no less?"
He let out a humorless laugh. "Holding onto the chips tightly, are we? No, this isn't neutrality—you're placing your bets outright!"
"I... I..." Prince William stammered, at a loss for words.
Earl Evan's eyes narrowed as he delivered his next words like a knife. "You wouldn't want to see your brother marry Vera and gain the Dressrosa support, would you?"
Prince William hesitated, then admitted quietly, "Of course not. I don't want that."
"Well then. I might have a way to help you put an end to this marriage."