Chapter 456: 456

"What are you saying?"

"What’s up with a sudden decision?" Saying this, Kael started to remember his interaction with Martina. His brows pulled together as he replayed everything in his head.

’I don’t remember sending any wrong signals to her...’

’Fuck... And she is going to be Empress on top of it...’

For a moment, Kael felt his stomach twist. A cold shiver ran down his spine because the thought dug deeper than he liked to admit. His expression distorted as if he was about to lose his mind.

Seeing that look, Ramos already understood what Kael was thinking. He let out a quiet sigh, then spoke calmly.

"She isn’t going to be Empress."

"....."

Kael slowly looked at him, irritation rising. "Old man... Talking to you is injurious for the health of a heart patient. Now what the fuck is this? Can you explain first?"

Ramos grinned when he saw Kael’s expression. He was clearly enjoying this more than he should. His tired face even brightened for a second.

"She rejected it."

He then began to explain everything in detail. Kael listened quietly, rubbing his chin and narrowing his eyes from time to time.

"I see..." Kael finally nodded. "I felt she wasn’t that eager for the throne. And clearly that’s a good decision. Being an Emperor is a pain in the ass."

"Yea... You are right. Only arrogant, conceited fools like to sit there."

Kael blinked. "Aren’t you insulting your dear friend?"

"Did you have to point that..."

"..."

Kael exhaled. "Okay, so what’s with the engagement?"

Ramos got up slowly, holding his back for support, and spoke while pacing a little. "The main reason behind the engagement is to secure Royal stability. You might not know but Heinz right now is nearly in a mess."

Kael leaned back, the atmosphere turning heavier. His expression sharpened.

"Many of the small nobles who are from outer territory seem to have defected. Edward stepping down is a very suitable opportunity for them to act," Ramos explained. His voice was low, slightly strained because of the tension in his chest.

Kael closed his eyes and thought for a moment before speaking. "They might have thought of a period of brief chaos from the royal struggle. Cause honestly no one gives a fuck for crown games. And everyone would surely make a move."

"Hmm. Good. Good you understand all this."

"So about the engagement?"

"It’s totally to create a reason for Martina to step down," Ramos spoke firmly.

Kael watched him closely as he continued.

"Since Princess Martina and Prince Kael harbour love and relationships, Princess Martina can’t become Empress if she wants to marry. But the Princess chose her love over the throne, showcasing her character nobility."

Kael felt goosebumps rising on his arms. He stared at Ramos in disbelief.

"Wait... Wait... Now why am I the scapegoat?"

Hearing this, Ramos raised his already weak body and slammed his hand on Kael’s shoulder. "Why the hell are you screaming so much?"

"Aren’t you a man? A beautiful lady is falling into your lap and you are throwing it away."

Kael glared at him. "Did you think of me as yourself who can’t keep his third leg in check?"

Ramos froze, then growled. "I will kill you."

He jumped at Kael in frustration, but this time Kael grabbed him easily and slammed him onto the bed with one hand, making the old man groan.

"Just tell me the benefits. I am sure you fought for me. If I don’t get anything substantial in return then I won’t agree to this."

Ramos grumbled, rubbing his back that now throbbed with pain.

"You are already getting beauty... What more do you want?"

Kael did not respond or move. He only stared, completely still.

Ramos finally sighed in defeat. "I have brought you a chance to train in the Royal Secret place..."

Kael’s eyes lit up. His smile widened slowly. "Now we are talking."

The tension in the room dissolved a little, though the atmosphere outside was anything but calm.

........

What followed next was another round of chaos.

And this chaos was not due to war alone.

It was because of two hammering declarations that shook all of Heinz.

The first was Princess Cassandra Luther stepping back from inheriting the throne and agreeing to be engaged with Kael Veydrin.

The second was Roosevelt De Luther taking up the throne.

A month from now, the ceremony of him taking over as Crown Prince would take place.

News spread fast, carried through whispers, shocked gasps and stiffened backs among the common people.

In the markets, a group of women huddled together, their hands covering their mouths.

"Did you hear? Princess Cassandra is stepping down."

"Why now of all times?"

"And she’s getting engaged? With Kael Veydrin no less..."

"Isn’t he the one who—"

"Shhh... Not so loud. You want to lose your tongue?"

Children in the streets ran around shouting the names they had overheard from their parents, not understanding the weight but feeling the tension in the air.

At the local taverns, men looked pale as they discussed the news.

"This isn’t normal. Two royal announcements in one day?"

"Something is wrong. Something is very wrong..."

"I heard outer territories are in rebellion already."

"I heard Emperor Edward is letting them. Can you believe it? The Emperor turning a blind eye?"

"Blind eye or trap... Who knows."

Their voices shook with uncertainty. Even the tavern owner, who usually yelled at anyone disturbing the peace, remained silent and uneasy.

Merchants in the streets whispered to one another near their stalls.

"Nobles are moving along with their troops."

"Just pray the capital doesn’t fall into madness."

The soldiers and warriors were already being moved toward the borders, their armor clanking loudly in the early mornings as they marched through the streets. Families stood by the side, watching them pass with worry and respect.

Political maneuverings were stirring, and other Nations were already poking at Heinz’s unstable situation. Border skirmishes rose like sparks waiting to ignite a large fire.

As for internal conflict, no one understood why Emperor Edward had chosen silence. Even though parts of the outer territory had fallen, he turned a blind eye as if he was waiting for something.

All of this created a sudden wave of panic and unrest in the kingdom. Rumors grew like weeds in every corner, and no one knew which direction the world was tilting toward.

Yet in the middle of all this chaos, the engagement and the shift of power continued to push the kingdom toward a future no one could predict.