Chapter 156: 156 Dianne's Question

Chapter 156: Diane’s Question

After receiving Princess Blanchette in the small courtyard of Wushan Castle, Diane followed her father there.

Her intuition told her that Count Jesu’s arrival might be connected to her father, Orson.

“Father, did you invite Jesu to Wushan Castle?”

Orson looked at his daughter, then slowly nodded. “Diane, your intuition remains as sharp as ever. Yes, Jesu was indeed invited by me.”

“Why?”

Diane asked, puzzled. “You know the Marquis has never gotten along with him—Vikings despises him.”

Years ago, during the division of territories, Rulans and Jesu had clashed;

Thirteen years prior, when the Polant Bandits first rose, they invaded the town of Sari in Wushan’s domain, resulting in the death of Baron Amos Sari.

It was said Amos had sent a distress signal to the Count of Moonlight Valley—but Jesu did nothing.

After Amos’s death, the sorrowful news reached Wushan Castle; his daughter, Fatima—Vikings’ first wife—soon withered away in grief.

Thus, Vikings harbored deep hatred for Jesu—perhaps even loathing.

“To confirm Breton’s status as heir,” Orson said.

Diane shook her head slightly. “I don’t think Breton’s position is unstable, Father. Though Ronin has performed well lately, I believe the Marquis would never change the heir without sufficient cause.”

“Ha! There’s nothing Rulans dares not do.”

Orson smiled. “I know Rulans better than you do. Even if he doesn’t change it in the next three or five years, if Ronin proves capable in governance over time, he may very well alter his decision.”

Diane found this hard to accept. Right now, Wushan Castle needed a powerful heir—Ronin was not it, but Breton was.

Few outsiders knew that with Breton’s pace of cultivation, he could become a Mid-Rank Knight by age fourteen.

By adulthood, he would likely be a High-Rank Knight—such talent was exceedingly rare!

Diane wanted her son to inherit Wushan’s domain—but she wanted a united Wushan, not one fractured by conflict.

She was indeed leveraging her family’s influence, yet she did not wish for them to alienate everyone in Wushan Castle and the nobility.

“What are you planning to do?” she asked.

Orson laughed, gently swirling the crystal goblet in his hand. “You saw it yourself—Jesu already made his intentions clear in the square. Even if Rulans wishes to change things, we—no, Jesu and others—now have grounds to intervene.”

The issue of “naming two heirs simultaneously” in the square would not have changed regardless of Ronin’s answer.

“Diane, Blanchette is to marry Ronin. With royal ties, even if he later tries something, we cannot act too harshly.”

His eyes glinted coldly. “We must make Rulans hesitate before altering the heir—make him consider more than just his own will.”

When Ronin was stripped, Rulans decided alone.

Now, to remove Breton, it won’t be enough for Orson to object—there will be others, especially royal members, raising questions. That is enough.

Thus, one of Orson’s reasons for inviting Jesu was precisely this.

Diane wanted to say more, but she had to admit—it was a sound strategy, beneficial to Breton.

She sighed. “Father, next time something like this happens, please inform me first.”

“I’m sorry, Diane. This happened too hastily—I simply had no time to tell you.”

Orson spoke solemnly. “But I swear, it will never happen again.”

They spoke a while longer, then Diane left the courtyard.

Blanchette’s sudden arrival, followed by Jesu—both exceeded her expectations.

Perhaps she could assist Breton in governing the domain, but to think and plan from Rulans’ and Orson’s perspectives? She lacked both the ability and foundation.

Over the years, she had not cultivated her own power base within Wushan Castle—most still pledged loyalty to Rulans.

And once Rulans died, Vikings might merely preserve the status quo—but how many vassals would truly serve him? She wasn’t certain.

Thus, for Diane, the ideal scenario now was this: Rulans lives peacefully for another ten years, while her son Breton grows steadily as the third heir.

In ten years, Breton’s strength should reach Gold Rank—or higher. Then, the nobles willing to follow Wushan would far outnumber those loyal to Vikings.

Even her own family would think twice before acting—unlike now, where they never bothered to consult her or her son.

“Perhaps I should also seek a suitable marriage alliance for Breton,” Diane mused.

Meanwhile, in Princess Blanchette’s quarters—the designated guest residence, already prepared—Blanchette stood before the mirror, changing her gown, speaking to her guard.

“Misi, what do you think of Ronin?”

“Much better than we expected when we set out.”

Misi recalled Ronin’s reaction when the griffins dove toward him.

“My lady, his courage exceeds mine, his appearance and manners are quite proper. Aside from his weak strength, I’ve found no flaws so far.”

“There is one.”

“Hmm?” Misi tilted her head, confused.

Blanchette slipped on a fur-lined cloak, cinched her waist—and her figure became even more elegant.

“I noticed he’s awkward in private conversation.”

When she returned, she’d asked him several questions about the Forest Town—he spoke of no sturdy castle, then of a population under four thousand, then of knights’ wages nearly unpaid…

In short—nothing good.

Shouldn’t a suitor paint himself in a better light?

Blanchette gazed sorrowfully at her reflection. “I think he dislikes me—that’s why he speaks so poorly.”

Misi laughed. “My lady, you inspire awe—no one could possibly dislike you. Those rumors are just rumors; you needn’t dwell on them.”

Blanchette sighed, raised her hand, and swiftly traced a magical glyph. A wisp of black mist rose from her palm.

It resembled the dry ice fog on a stage—but hers was black.

“Because of those rumors, I dare not even admit I’m a mage.”

Dark affinity.

She shook her hand, dispelling the spell, revealing pale, slender fingers.

“Come, Ronin is waiting outside.”

Blanchette composed herself into a natural posture. “They say there’s a lively match today at Wushan’s arena. Ronin invited us to watch.”

(End of Chapter)