“Although always denied by the Imperial Family, the story has been widely circulated. The Second Prince of the Empire, whether in ability or personality, perfectly fits the identity of an heir, yet he is the most unlikely candidate.”
While Idledra was not particularly interested in such matters and held no desire for schadenfreude, she was quite satisfied to see the man across from her fly into such a shameful rage.
“When all the royal offspring have dazzling golden hair, the most promising Second Prince has… sigh, what a pity.”
There was no need for Idledra to continue. Hailey was already staring at the man’s head.
His deep blue hair formed a sharp contrast with his brother’s gold. What else needed to be said?
In the world Hailey lived in before her reincarnation, there were things like recessive genes, natural selection, and family bloodlines formed over generations.
However, in a place like the Imperial Family, where bloodline was valued above all else, suspicion was inevitable.
Even in this world filled with magic, even if there truly was magic that could verify one’s bloodline, the color of one’s hair alone was enough to become an indelible stain for a ruler.
“Furthermore, the Second Prince’s birth mother did not have blue hair either. Thus, rumors began to spread among the folk that the Second Prince is the illegitimate son of the Second Princess Consort…”
“Enough! You insolent woman! As expected, your Holy See is a den of vipers; every one of you is so vulgar and unbearable.”
The Second Prince’s expression no longer held the calm and composed look from a moment ago.
He was clearly infuriated by the shameless girl before him. Even the Third Prince was shocked.
Because of the disgraceful “illegitimate son” label, the Second Prince’s competitiveness for the throne among the brothers was negligible.
This was also why the Third Prince dared to come here with him.
If it had been his mysterious, smiling-tiger eldest brother… he feared that, just like the two girls opposite him, he wouldn’t be able to walk out of this alley.
“Second Brother, shouldn’t we follow Father’s orders…”
Before they came, the ruler sitting on the high throne—that man who shared only a sparse blood connection with them—was fuming because of the Third Prince’s self-defeating actions from this morning.
They could not afford to cause trouble now.
Hearing the Third Prince’s cautious dissuasion, Second Prince Moriah glanced disdainfully at his foolish half-brother.
Short-sighted, reckless, and stupid—he truly taints this bloodline…
But the reminder was not without reason.
If he were truly provoked by the woman in front of him, especially now when tensions between them and the Holy See were at a breaking point, he couldn’t afford to be brainless like this fool.
He forced down his anger and put on his signature fake smile once more.
He tried his best to maintain a humble and polite attitude, just as he did in the palace to avoid drawing attention or causing offense.
However, his trembling hands still betrayed the fury in his heart. It was only because he had a mission that he temporarily suppressed his restless and irritable mind.
“My apologies, Respected Saintess Idledra, and the maid beside you. How should I address this young lady?”
“I—”
Hailey instinctively went to speak, but Idledra blocked her with a cold face.
Her eyes, filled with contempt and disdain, shifted coldly toward the two men. It didn’t take a genius to figure out why they were here.
“Her name is irrelevant. You are not worthy of knowing it.”
An excess of politeness often masks a hidden motive. The reason this man stayed calm despite looking like he wanted to beat her up was simple.
It was because that idiot’s behavior this morning was too flashy.
It had poked a hole in the decent harmony the Holy See and the Imperial Family had always maintained, which was highly disadvantageous for an Imperial Family that lacked confidence.
“So they sent you, the lobbyist best at talking, along with the culprit beside you to find me. You want a peace talk, don’t you?”
“The Saintess is indeed as wise as they say. Truly worthy of being the Messenger of the Goddess, to have such foresight.”
Moriah was naturally eager for her to state their purpose herself. It would allow him to go with the flow and bring this matter to a close.
He grabbed the still-grumbling Third Prince and pulled him over.
“My foolish brother is young and ignorant. I apologize for him offending the Saintess and this young lady during the day. The Imperial Family has already issued a punishment for this fellow. Please, do not take it to heart…”
‘Heh, they’re clearly here to sue for peace, so why does his tone sound more like he’s telling me not to be ungrateful? How ridiculous. Can you still not let go of your self-righteous sense of nobility?’
Idledra let out a cold laugh. She gently took Hailey’s hand and walked straight past them, not even bothering to acknowledge the Second Prince, who had been maintaining a smiling face.
Just before leaving, she spoke contemptuously into his ear.
“If you want to obtain forgiveness, have that Emperor of yours personally deliver the invitation to my door. As for you two who don’t know your place, I don’t even spare you a glance…”
Of course, she wasn’t actually bold enough to provoke the ruler sitting on the throne.
However, giving these two a reality check could be considered compensation for her disappointment at not being able to go shopping today.
***
Things had officially turned sour with those two from the Imperial Family. She hoped it wouldn’t affect Hailey’s mood…
“It looks like I’ve provoked some people I shouldn’t mess with. What should we do, Hailey?”
Idledra turned to look at Hailey, who had been silent, but she saw a hint of excitement and admiration in her eyes…
Seeing Idledra’s curious gaze, Hailey cleared her throat. She was a bit shy and didn’t dare look the other way, finally stammering out her thoughts.
“It’s just… well, I actually thought what you did just now was pretty cool… especially when you said, ‘Her name is irrelevant. You are not worthy of knowing it!'”
‘Even though from a soul’s perspective, I should be the one protecting Idledra, when she actually shielded me, I instinctively felt a sense of security.’
‘It’s hard to admit, but I have to say, the way she looked just now was a little bit… cool.’
‘No, no. How can I have these kinds of thoughts? I shouldn’t have such a weak, girlish way of thinking. How can I keep relying on a girl to protect me?’
“Hailey, can you say it again… the part about me being cool?”
Even though Hailey’s voice had dropped to a tiny whisper, as if she intentionally didn’t want the other to hear, Idledra had still keenly caught the praise.
Her eyes grew increasingly fervent.
After all, even a princess can have the dream of becoming a knight and saving the beauty.
Moreover, her original wish was simply to live together with her beloved princess.
“No way. If you didn’t hear it, then forget it. Just act like I didn’t say anything…”
“Just once, say it one more time—”