My Slain Dragon Bride

Chapter 54: Chapter 54

Chapter 54 - The Butterfly and the Jewel

After the Grand Ducal Council came to an end, the after-party began.

The atmosphere felt even more desolate than it had before the council.

Before the meeting, everyone had relaxed and probed one another for information. Now, they had formed their own factions and were displaying their solidarity.

’Just like children.’

It was no different from taking sides after an argument.

The only difference was that each of them wielded swords capable of commanding countless people.

The Empire was no different.

As befitted such a vast empire, there were over thirty people of ducal rank or higher.

Instead of mingling as one Empire, the various factions within it clustered together.

Alexander, who had shown endless interest in Ferda earlier, spotted him and approached with a friendly smile.

"Did something happen?"

"I simply had a brief discussion regarding Valdrova’s proposal."

"Ah, right. I never expected you to boldly declare that you intended to conquer the Far East. If you ever need anything, don’t hesitate to tell me. I’ll gladly lend a hand!"

"Thank you."

That was the end of their conversation, and Alexander returned to his own group, once again acting like its leader.

Zed, who was quick to read noble society, noticed Alexander’s attitude.

"Did something happen between you and the First Prince? You seemed to be getting along just fine before entering the Grand Ducal Council..."

"He thinks I’m no longer useful, so he’s ignoring me."

Ferda left that group without the slightest hesitation.

He had never intended to associate with them in the first place.

Soon, another man approached and bowed respectfully.

"Headmaster of Escolleia, Bernard Wayne. It is an honor to meet the future consort of the great Aspect of Strength."

"The overseer of humanity’s greatest repository of knowledge. It is an honor to meet you."

This was the man who had raised the issue of the Demon Race Followers’ appearance.

Ferda unconsciously frowned.

"Is something troubling you? Your expression..."

"No..."

The chandelier’s light reflected brilliantly off Bernard’s smooth, bald head.

"Your head is simply too dazzling."

"Ahem... I’ll let that one slide. In any case, thank you for what you did today."

"Thank me?"

"Wasn’t there a moment when the agenda was about to be derailed because of the Imperial Prince? Thanks to you stepping in, I was able to finish what I wanted to say."

Ah, that.

"You don’t need to thank me. I simply despise those who turn monsters into political tools. I prefer people with ability."

"It isn’t easy to judge people based on conviction. That’s why I believe I’ll be able to get along well with Regent Valdrova."

Headmaster Bernard smiled awkwardly.

It made him look like someone plotting a scheme.

Yet Bernard was, from the very beginning, a man far removed from intrigue.

He was simply an unnecessarily diligent and highly responsible person.

"Please, go on."

"I had originally planned to unveil one of my technologies after today’s presentation. But after seeing how today’s events unfolded, I found it difficult to decide."

"A technology?"

"It is something I’ve devoted my entire life to researching—the mechanism behind a Monster Appearance Prediction Device."

"A Monster Appearance Prediction Device... That sounds strangely familiar."

"That can’t be. Escolleia has been developing it in complete secrecy."

It had indeed been developed in secret.

However, Ferda, who possessed knowledge of the future, had heard of it before.

From whom?

At last, he remembered.

’Teshalos Wolcher.’

He had once said...

A Monster Appearance Prediction Device had almost been completed, but in the end, it disappeared.

If it had existed, it would have reduced the duration of their work by more than half.

Back then, Ferda had thought Teshalos’s obsession with it was pathetic.

But now...

The pathetic one had been Ferda himself.

"Headmaster."

"Yes?"

"When do you plan to reveal this technology?"

"Very soon. Do you know Halim? I’ve rented an exhibition hall there and plan to gather merchants from all over to hold an exhibition and presentation. And of course..."

The headmaster glanced around before leaning in with a sly whisper.

"We’ll unwind together and enjoy a little entertainment as well."

"Then I suppose I’ll have to stay alive until then."

"Of course! If you die before enjoying life’s pleasures, wouldn’t you regret it so much you couldn’t even rest? If it’s possible, Regent..."

"If you invite me, I’ll attend."

"Haha, just as expected of a man."

The headmaster gave him a knowing, conspiratorial look.

"Very well. I’ll prepare an invitation for you. I should greet the others now, so I’ll be on my way."

"Travel safely."

The conversation with the Headmaster of Escolleia had yielded tremendous gains for Ferda.

The fact that merchants would gather in Halim for an exhibition.

The fact that the Monster Appearance Prediction Device had originally existed.

’And the fact that I can place the Headmaster in my debt.’

Ferda disliked politics.

But if there was something he needed, he would obtain it by whatever means necessary.

That was why he had attended the Grand Ducal Council.

"Zed. Arwen."

"Yes?"

"Yes!"

The words were identical, but the enthusiasm behind them was entirely different.

"From this moment on, secretly keep the Headmaster of Escolleia under surveillance."

"You mean that bald guy? What did he do to deserve that?"

"He’s a man who may not have much time left. Watch to make sure he doesn’t do anything reckless, and keep an eye out for anything suspicious around him. This takes top priority."

"Understood."

Unlike Arwen, Zed did not answer immediately.

"I’ll do it if you order me to, but why?"

"A knight certainly talks too much."

"That’s because I’m only a knight by title. The person I swore loyalty to didn’t even hold an investiture banquet."

"Enough complaints. You’ll receive proper compensation."

"Tch... Fine."

The moment he heard the word compensation, all of Zed’s dissatisfaction disappeared.

That had probably been what he wanted to hear from the beginning.

After sending the two of them away, Ferda surveyed the room once more.

As he roughly assessed how the various factions had formed, he noticed Olivia.

She was standing together with priests dressed in white vestments trimmed with gold.

’The Holy Kingdom of Orosagrado?’

It was rather strange.

The Holy Kingdom of Orosagrado and the Arken Empire were bitter rivals who believed that two suns could never coexist.

On top of that, a woman wearing a dress with a boldly exposed neckline was chatting comfortably with priests.

Just then, as if sensing his gaze, she looked directly at him.

She smiled with her eyes and subtly beckoned him over.

How troublesome.

Still, if he had to socialize with someone, Olivia was probably the safest choice.

Thinking that, Ferda walked toward her.

Olivia maintained intense eye contact the entire time.

As always, she wore a bright, flawless smile.

She placed a hand on Ferda’s shoulder.

"Allow me to introduce you."

Two men stood there.

One was an elderly man of small stature wearing a crown.

The other was a middle-aged man with scars across his face, standing as straight as a soldier.

"This is Regent Ferda Valdrova, the future husband of the Evil Red Dragon, Lady Valdrova. You’ve already met him, haven’t you?"

"Haha, of course I have. It would have been impossible not to."

The old man stroked his snow-white beard as he chuckled.

His sleeve shifted, revealing his forearm.

It was so thin that the phrase skin and bones fit him perfectly.

Even though he wore high-heeled shoes, he was still much shorter than Olivia.

His frail body looked so fragile that one worried the heavy robes he wore might cause him to collapse.

Yet the moment one met his face, all such impressions disappeared.

Golden radiance seemed to pour from his wide-open eyes.

Even Ferda, who had long since burned away the last remnants of faith within himself, could sense divinity dwelling in those eyes.

He offered his respect willingly.

"It is an honor to meet Your Holiness Gregorio—the Son of Miracles and Father of the Holy Kingdom."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Regent Ferda. I hear today was your first Grand Ducal Council."

"That is correct."

"For someone’s first meeting, you made quite the bold statement."

"Yes. I assumed it would not have pleased you."

Gregorio shook his head.

"Not at all. The thought you expressed is one this old man has occasionally pondered himself. Perhaps the despised Evil Red Dragon Valdrova is actually the guardian of the East."

"Is that so?"

"I came here as the representative of Lord Orosagrado’s will. Therefore, I must act with the utmost caution. I cannot openly support your opinion just yet."

He sighed regretfully and lightly tapped Ferda’s arm.

"However, if you truly demonstrate your resolve to clear away that misunderstanding, then in the name of the Golden Scales, I could hardly refuse to support you."

In the name of the Golden Scales.

It was the absolute oath sworn by the followers of Orosagrado.

For the Holy Pope himself to invoke such an oath meant that he genuinely intended to do so.

At least on the surface.

But Ferda did not take those words at face value.

Even the Holy Pope ultimately placed interests before ideals.

"I am honored that you think so highly of me."

"Walk the path you believe in. If you trust the god within your heart and take a single step forward, He will surely answer you."

Once the greetings ended, Olivia, who had been silently watching, stepped in.

"Then we’ll be leaving now, Your Holiness. Please continue taking good care of your health."

"May the blessings of the Golden Light be with the Flower of the Empire."

After the formal farewell, Olivia naturally wrapped herself around Ferda’s arm.

She moved so smoothly that he had no opportunity to refuse.

"Come."

With subtle movements, she guided him as though she were leading him.

Once they had put some distance between themselves and the others, Olivia finally spoke.

"I heard what happened during the council."

Her gaze displeased him.

"Was that proposal entirely your own idea, Lord Ferda?"

"Yes."

"That was a truly foolish thing to do."

Despite the coldness of her words, Olivia continued smiling sweetly.

Looking only at her face, no one would have guessed the nature of their conversation.

"It was something that had to be said."

"It certainly wasn’t something you should have said during your debut at the Grand Ducal Council. If anything, it could only backfire. The Far East’s image hasn’t been firmly established yet, and you were on the verge of giving it an even worse reputation."

Her tone carried a blade sharp enough to belie her appearance as a sheltered flower.

"So the Imperial Princess lectures me after chatting with the Holy Pope of another nation?"

"Oh? Please don’t compare yourself to me. This is simply who I am. I’m like a butterfly."

"A butterfly?"

Ferda asked, and Olivia smiled brightly.

She gently released his arm and drifted away.

No...

She floated gracefully, her dress fluttering like wings.

"I flutter from place to place, circling those around me. Close enough to seem within reach, yet never truly caught, always making others chase after me. I carry just enough weight not to appear frivolous, yet never so much that I seem cold or distant."

She truly was like a butterfly.

Every movement was a delicate balancing act upon a tightrope.

Then she gracefully returned, landing once more beside the hand Ferda held.

"Still, it wasn’t entirely bad. Your declaration that you’d conquer the Land of Demons didn’t leave only a negative impression."

"Is that so?"

"Look over there. At those old, timid faces. It’s proof that they now clearly remember the face of someone who had once been nothing more than a minor extra in their little play."

Ferda had sensed the same thing.

"You have no allies right now. But once you demonstrate your ability, before long they’ll all bow their heads before you."

"If they see even a one percent chance that you can succeed, they absolutely will."

"And why are you so certain of that?"

"Because Grand Duchess Valdrova possesses an authority unlike anyone else’s."

"Territorial expansion."

There was only one place left to expand.

The Far East.

The Land of Demons.

A land that no one else dared to covet.

Yet if he told anyone that, they would simply laugh it off as a joke.

In reality, the Grand Duchy’s territory wasn’t expanding at all.

It was steadily shrinking.

"If you can purify that wasteland and reclaim it as our land once more, it will become the Empire’s second capital."

"A second capital..."

"The Empire is already overcrowded. Young people abandon orchards and rice fields alike, all chasing success in the capital."

"They call it the Empire Dream."

"There’s nothing wrong with pursuing a dream."

"That’s right. There’s nothing wrong with that. But in today’s Empire, they’re no different from worn-out rags. Do you know how many people come into the Empire only to die here?"

"That isn’t something I concern myself with."

"Anyway, if you can prove the value of that land, then the Far East will no longer be just a remote frontier. It will become a new land of opportunity. As the territory expands, the population will grow, and so will your political influence."

The East would grow.

At those words, Ferda asked Olivia,

"And do you think the Empire will simply sit back and watch?"

Olivia answered,

"Of course not. They’ll try to keep Grand Duchess Valdrova in check as though they couldn’t care less what happens to her."

The Arken Empire would never relinquish the overwhelming power concentrated in its capital.

Even if it meant someone had to die.

"That’s why I need your help."

Her voice carried a newfound weight.

As though what she was about to say mattered most, even Ferda focused intently on her next words.

"With what?"

"I’m both a butterfly... and a jewel displayed at an auction."

"A jewel that will one day be sold off to one of the central nobles."

The title of Imperial Princess that had elevated her was both a stepping stone and a pair of shackles.

It wasn’t a surprising story.

Nor was it a tragedy unique to Olivia.

Most daughters of prestigious families who were raised under strict expectations lived the same fate.

The better their education and the more beautiful they became, the greater their chances of marrying into an even more distinguished family.

Men sought higher status in their own way.

Women sought it in theirs.

An Imperial Princess was the Emperor’s ultimate trump card.

Hearing that, Ferda suddenly realized why she had been cultivating ties with the Holy Kingdom of Orosagrado.

"I have to become a Saint."

Olivia smiled brightly.

"If I become a Saint, I’ll finally be free from the price tag attached to the title of Imperial Princess."

"Because no one would dare claim a devout Saint and incur the wrath of both God and His faithful."

"Exactly."

Olivia possessed the Oath Stigmata, unwavering devotion, and widespread admiration.

Yet the one decisive flaw she carried was her status as an Imperial Princess.

’If she sheds the title of Imperial Princess and becomes a Saint...’

Olivia would no longer be merely a tool of the Emperor.

She would become his daughter in the truest sense—and a power in her own right.

No longer just a beautiful flower to be admired, but a savior capable of rescuing the weak.

She would earn the wholehearted support of the clergy, and with that, she would escape the fate of being a jewel placed on the auction block.

In an unstable political landscape, she would gain a stable base of supporters.

It sounded like a wonderful plan.

But Ferda already knew the truth.

’Olivia never becomes a Saint.’

That was why she eventually abandoned her oath and wielded her beauty instead.

She seduced her own blood relative into her bed, became the temptress who brought a nation to ruin, and in the end, took her own life.

Ferda remembered it all vividly.

"Can you help me?"

Her eyes conveyed an unspoken message.

For me.

Her delicate voice instinctively stirred the desire to protect her.

Looking directly into her eyes, Ferda answered,

"Of course I will."

But not for your sake.

"If you cooperate fully."

For my fiancée.

This was nothing more than work carried out according to a contract.

"Of course."

The moment Olivia looked into Ferda’s eyes, she froze in surprise.

Her voice trembled ever so slightly.

Embarrassment threatened to redden her face, but Ferda failed to notice.

Releasing her arm, he said,

"Then I’ll be going now."

"Where are you going?"

"I have a feeling it’s about time I went looking for a lost little girl."

"A lost little girl?"

Ferda let go of Olivia’s hand and walked away.

Every man who had ever held Olivia’s hand had always been the same.

The moment they met her eyes, they revealed the possessiveness hidden within them.

None of them wanted to let go, and in the end, she always had to be the one to release their hand.

But Ferda was different.

He walked away without looking back, without the slightest hesitation.

Though she was praised as the greatest beauty in the Empire, she held no special place in his mind.

Instead, Olivia found herself unable to take her eyes off him until he disappeared from sight.

’An ally who isn’t ruled by emotion.’

Someone who didn’t waste time on unnecessary distractions and could eliminate variables through rational judgment alone.

Olivia had always believed that such a person would be her greatest ally.

’I was the one who said that...’

And yet...

Being ignored by the very man she wanted to notice her was far less pleasant than she had imagined.

A wave of disappointment washed over her, but she had no time to dwell on it.

The nobles were already gathering around her.

"It is an honor to meet Her Highness Princess Olivia of the Arken Empire."

"My name is Ken. I am the heir to the Duchy of Hus..."

No sooner had Ferda disappeared than flowers gathered around the butterfly.

No...

They were beasts carrying filthy money, hoping to purchase her body.

Olivia smiled at them.

Like a priceless jewel.